Something sneaky is happening over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Here at DFB, we keep in the loop with all the scheduled happenings in the Disney World parks, and we’ve already got quite a bit of information about what’s going on this holiday season. But a surprising schedule change has us wondering if Disney is keeping something under wraps!
One of the best perks of working in Disney World is that you get free admission to the parks. However, Cast Members’ tickets are subject to blockout dates just like some of the levels of Disney World Annual Passes. Typically, there are more blockout dates during busier times of year, but this year, something is off in Animal Kingdom.
We LOVE Cast Members!
In past years, Animal Kingdom has been the easiest park for Cast Members to visit during the holiday season, but in 2026, the blockout dates are STRICT. Cast Members are blocked from the parks on the following dates:
- Magic Kingdom: November 10th, 11th, 23rd, 26th, December 18th-31st, January 1st-2nd
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: December 20th-31st, January 1st-2nd
- EPCOT: December 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 23rd, 31st
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: December 28th-30th
Expedition Everest
The blockout dates for Animal Kingdom last for two weeks straight, which has us wondering — is there something special happening at Animal Kingdom this holiday season that Disney hasn’t announced yet? Something that Disney expects will be very popular and draw large crowds?! So far, only the typical holiday celebrations for that park have been announced, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Pandora
Celebrations that we already know are happening at Animal Kingdom include the return of the Merry Menagerie, adorable animal-themed puppets that roam Discovery Island with live music. These are a big hit with the kiddos each year! And if you’re in Discovery Island at night, don’t forget to check out the holiday-themed Tree of Life Awakenings — the projections are simply stunning.
Polar Bear Merry Menagerie puppets
Also, you’ll be able not only to meet Mickey and Minnie in their holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost, but Santa Claus is coming back to town! He’ll be meeting across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! inside Santa’s Holiday Grove. It’s going to be a “magical trail with intermittent snow flurries.” They’ll even have specialty food and beverage available!
Santa Claus at Animal Kingdom in 2024
Of course, we’ll be on the lookout for any more news about offerings coming for the holidays. We’re just a few weeks away from the season starting in Disney World, which means we’ll be seeing decorations, special snacks, and holly jolly vibes EVERYWHERE.
Animal Kingdom Christmas tree
Heading to Animal kingdom soon? Check out our breakdown of the rides and attractions in this park on YouTube!
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Are you going to Animal Kingdom this holiday season? Tell us in the comments!
