WINTER Is the Best Time of Year to Visit This Disney World Park. CHANGE MY MIND.

Okay, we need to talk about a Disney World park that gets even better in the winter.

Christmas Tree in Animal Kingdom

We know, we know, the ONLY reason to visit Disney World during winter is generally for the holiday season. And when you think holiday season, you probably think of Magic Kingdom and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or EPCOT and the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. You may even think of Santa Gertie at Hollywood Studios, as well as Jollywood Nights. But where’s the Animal Kingdom love? Well, we’re going to tell you why Animal Kingdom is even BETTER in the winter and if you’re not spending time there in the colder months, you’re TOTALLY missing out.

Surprise! If you’ve been watching DFB videos (if not, where you at?!) then you may have heard that her favorite Disney World park is Animal Kingdom. So, inspired by that fact, here’s why Animal Kingdom is even better in the winter.

You can see it after dark

Animal Kingdom is great in the spring and summer — don’t get us wrong, but the park generally closes before the sun sets, so you don’t get to see it at night. That means you miss out on Pandora turning into a glowing bioluminescent world, which happens after dark (and it’s really the BEST version of Pandora).

P:andora was MEANT to be seen at night

It also means you’ll miss the Tree of Light Awakenings projection show, which starts at sunset and happens every ten minutes leading up to park closing. Throughout the holiday season, the projections are holiday-themed and show winter-inspired scenes.

Tree of Life Awakenings — Winter Edition

In the winter, the sun sets earlier and you get to experience both of these things.

3 Souvenirs Every Animal Kingdom Lover Is Buying for Christmas This Year

A New Show will premiere

You’ll also want to visit winter 2025 because the new Zootopia show is set to premiere inside the Tree of Life (replacing It’s Tough To Be A Bug. The show is called “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” and will bring some of your favorite Zootopia characters to Animal Kingdom, including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more.

©Disney

Disney has promised the production “will take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film.” It’s set to open in late 2025, unless Disney delays it (which does occasionally happen, but we can hope it stays on schedule).

Everything we know about Zootopia: Better Zoogether

Merry Menagerie

If you visit Animal Kingdom during the holiday season, you’ll also get to see The Merry Menagerie, wandering winter animal puppets that stroll along Discovery Island. You can interact with the puppets while nearby musicians help set the scene.

The Merry Menagerie

Even if you’re not a holiday person, The Merry Menagerie could change your mind. Also, if you’re already a fan of The Merry Menagerie, be sure to visit the DFB Store to find Merry Menagerie ornaments, sweatshirts, blankets, glass sippers, and more!

Grab Merry Menagerie Merchandise Here!

Get that dino one last time

In case you missed it, DinoLand U.S.A. is going to be closing in phases to be replaced by Pueblo Esperanza, a new Tropical Americas-themed land. You’re going to want to visit Animal Kingdom ASAP so you can ride the attraction one more time and say goodbye to Dr. Grant Seeker and his dino friends.

Dr. Grant Seeker will be unemployed soon

Disney has recently revealed that Dinosaur would remain through 2025, but we don’t have an exact closing date, so you’ll want to ride it before the year ends. We’ll keep an eye out for more details, though, and let you know what we learn!

Everything we know about the new land coming to Animal Kingdom

So, yes, the absolute best time to visit Animal Kingdom is in the winter and you’ll miss out if you don’t experience it at least once during the cooler months (yes, it can get cooler in Florida in the winter, believe it or not).

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