The first signs of Christmas are officially appearing in Disney World!
We recently spotted the iconic gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian being constructed, which is a good sign that Disney World is getting ready to haul out the holiday decor! But when we headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to try out the brand new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, we spotted some of our all-time favorite winter decorations.
A lot of Disney World’s holiday decorations arrive every year around the beginning of November since it takes a LONG time to get everything up. There are a few things that we have come to expect to see that continuously bring us joy. For example, the massive Christmas trees at each of the parks and hotels are a marvelous sight to be seen.
Some of our favorite holiday decorations can be spotted at Animal Kingdom, and while the Christmas tree isn’t up yet, a few of the smaller but beautiful details are shown up!
The animal lanterns are back up on the roof of Discover Trading Company, and their glow is simply breathtaking.
Since we were there bright and early in the morning, we got to see their pretty glow lighting up their faces. These are simple yet beautiful, which is why they are some of our favorite decorations.
If the lanterns and the Merry Menagerie (life-sized animal puppets that come out for the holidays) are some of your favorite holiday decorations at Disney World, you’re definitely not alone!
We happen to love them so much that we designed an entire merchandise collection after them! If you head over to the DFB Store, you’ll find a set of adorable tumblers, shirts, blankets, and more themed to the Merry Menagerie. There are lots of sizes of clothes, including infant, children, and adult.
The tumblers are especially adorable and perfect for a winter beverage.
Or, if you want to hang the cute design on your tree, add an ornament near a light to watch it glow like the lanterns!
Celebrate the holidays with the Merry Menagerie right from your home.
We’re keeping our eyes out for more holiday decorations to pop up around Disney World, so keep following DFB for more updates!
Why You Should Start Planning Your 2025 Disney World Christmas Trip Now
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC
Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:
- The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
- How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
- ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
- And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat!
Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.
MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!
Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights
Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Do you love the Animal Kingdom holiday lanterns? Let us know in the comments!










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