Is Merry Menagerie the Most Charming Disney Tradition?

There’s no denying Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in a transitional period, and could easily be a park you skip. But even if Merry Menagerie was the only thing happening in the park, I would not miss it. This charming collection of puppets, musicians, and the puppeteers that bring them to life is absolutely worth making time for.

This tradition, which began in 2019, continues throughout the day, with breaks for Winged Encounters. The cast of animals rotates, with a mix of small and large animals, such as polar bears and reindeer.

We love that this show is inclusive. The animals love to be petted. Photos, videos and selfies are encouraged.

This tradition is very popular, and the cast is absolutely adorable- they inspired their own merch!

Yes, Animal Kingdom still has Pandora, Expedition Everest, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, and the Kilamanjaro Safari, but really, Merry Menagerie is the reason of the season to run to Animal Kingdom!