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The Holidays Have Arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

animal-kingdom-sign
Credit: Disney Tips

Today I had a chance to stop by Disney’s Animal Kingdom to check out the holiday decorations. The holiday season does not officially begin at the Park until November 12, but you couldn’t tell by looking around. There are plenty of decorations, and unlike when I stopped by the Magic Kingdom the other day there was Christmas music playing. The temperature while I was there wasn’t overly hot, which made it feel more like Christmas in Florida.

Credit: Paula K

The decorations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom start well before you enter the Park. The giant Christmas tree is located outside of the entrance. There was a PhotoPass Photographer on hand to snap pictures. The tree is as beautiful as always, and celebrates animals and Disney stories that are based on animals. There are some extra gold decorations and bows to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. There are extra garlands over the ticket booths and other buildings outside of the entrance.

Credit: Paula K

Once inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the majority of the decorations are on Discovery Island. Luminaries of winter animals line the buildings, and there are extra animal statues throughout the area. All of the buildings in the front are decorated. I look forward to November 12 when Merry Menagerie returns to the land.

Credit: Paula K

There are other holiday touches in the other lands, but none as lavish as Discovery Island. Near Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar you’ll find the decorations that the Expats decided to put up.

Credit: Paula K

I also love the dinosaur that is at the entrance to the land next to The Boneyard. He is dressed up for the holidays. (He’s even better after dark.) Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” played in the land, making it really feel like Christmas!

Credit: Paula K

I look forward to even more holiday cheer arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Two years ago was the first time that the Park really felt Christmas-y, and then last year things were scaled back. The 2021 holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom should be merry and bright!

Credit: Paula K

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About Paula K

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.