Discovery Island Holiday Magic At Disney's Animal Kingdom

Each year Disney's Animal Kingdom continues to grown in its holiday decor bringing naturally inspired decorations and uncommon entertainment that reaches throughout every land. In 2019 Discovery Island welcomes a Merry Menagerie of winter animals, serenading musicians, and winter awakenings to spread the seasonal magic and create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.


Discovery Island Holiday Magic At Disney's Animal Kingdom


Cross the bridge onto Discovery Island to find yourself in the midst of a wintery celebration. The "eclectic community of artists" who make the island their home have hand-crafted decor for all the shops. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. 148 animal-inspired luminaries that glow from within line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout.


Discover Island Holiday Decor
Wintery Lanterns Adorn Rooftops


Each restaurant and retail location has been the village artisans (aka Disney's amazing Holiday Services Team) with touches unique to each and every specific venue. Large wreaths and festive swags create the canvas for the fun personalities to shine through.


Wreaths and Swag Spread Holiday Cheer
Rooftops Adorned By Animal Lanterns


During the day a holiday gathering of winter animals gathering (life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets) range in the walkways greeting guests. The merry menagerie includes 10 puppets of winter friends such as reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more each designed and hand-crafted using natural materials and fabrics.


A Friendly Polar Bear
Merry Menagerie Members


This little seal pup wit rosy cheeks made us want to take him home.


Give This Little Guy A Skritch
Soft and Adorable Seal Pup


While we were there the arctic fox seemed to be very popular with guests. Her performer was a true artist that imbuing every movement of the little friend full of life-like wonder.


This Arctic Fox Puppeteer Was Phenomenal
The Popular and Proud Arctic Fox


Check out this behind the scenes video from the Disney Parks Blog at the creation of these beautiful creatures.





As day turns to night the rooftop luminaries and lanterns glow all around the Island. At the center of it all the Tree of Life awakens with a series of wintry tales, that shimmer and sparkle. The projections are complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. While awakenings is always a favorite experience at Animal Kingdom after dark the seasonal stirrings tug at your heartstrings in a special way.





It's easy to get caught up in the race for your place in line on the rides, but Discovery Island is a worthwhile spot to spend some time this holiday season to lift your spirit and believe in the magic all month long.

Leave a comment below and share you experiences with these beautiful new additions to the festivities.