Skip to Content

Animal Kingdom characters in Christmas attire and a farewell to Camp Minnie Mickey

Animal Kingdom characters in Christmas attire and a farewell to Camp Minnie Mickey


For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.


We began our day about 9:11 am on a Satruday morning.  We had Fastpass+ reservations for the Mickey and Minnie meet, Expedition Everest and Finding Nemo the Musical.  We started out day with some photos of the Animal Kingdom Christmas tree.

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Tigger
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Kanga, Roo

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Piglet

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Chip n Dale

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Stitch

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Lion King

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Eeyore

As it’s listed in the Character Locator app, Rafiki was meeting outside the gates in the Oasis area.  You’ll find him on the right hand side before the ticket booths between 9:00 and 10:00 am. each day, unless Animal Kingdom makes changes.  “All entertainment is subject to change without notice!”
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Christmas Tree, Rafiki

Gratuitous tourist photo op.

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom,

Since the Kilimanjaro Safari had a bit of an unexpected line due to large crowds, we chose to move our Fastpass+ reservations around and grabbed an immediate load on the Safari ride.  I’ll save you the torture of looking at elephant buttocks and try to just post a couple of decent photos.  Like the new Jingle Cruise, the animals don’t wear any type of Christmas costumes.

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Kilimajaro Safaris

What’s the most dangerous animal in Africa?Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, White Rhino

If you guessed the Hippopotamus, you were correct.  Watch for them wiggling those teeth.  Did I fool you into guessing the White Rhino?

Watusi
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Kilimajaro Safaris

Roll Tide!Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Kilimajaro Safaris

I call him Charles Johnson
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Kilimajaro Safaris

After a leisurely ride on the Safari that was cut back from 2 weeks down to about 30 minutes, we hustled down to Camp Minnie Mickey to meet the characters.  I always recommend being in Camp early.  If you arrive as a Festival of the Lion King Show is ending, you’ll find 4 really long lines.

As we arrived we saw this line of people.  Disney always encourages people to “fill in all available space,” so we walked up the right side of the path all the way to the front where there was empty space.  We didn’t leave the path and didn’t push, shove or need to excuse ourselves.  The young lady behind us said, “They just beat us at our own game.”  The young man with her encouraged her to “choke em out.”  Lol.   A really nice lady recognized my girls from the blog.  It was the first time that they were recognized.  I asked them how celebrity feels.
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

We headed for Chip n Dale first because we liked their costuming.  They came out to meet at the head of the queue for several minutes because many people wouldn’t know they were all the way in the back, and tourists love to join lines for things for which they can’t see end of the line.

Kewt huh?  And the chipmunks aren’t bad either.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Chip n Dale

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Chip n Dale

There’s all kinds of lovely Christmas (Holiday if you’re politically correct) decorations in camp.  Many are themed to the character that meets on the trail.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Donnie Duck dressed for the occasion.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Donald Duck Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Donald Duck Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Donald Duck

After meeting Chip n Dale and Donald, I noticed Pocahontas would be out in about 5 minutes and went to join the short line before the “See a character, meet a character” crowd arrived.  Know when and where characters appear and you’ll be far ahead of the game.  Here’s Pocahontas’ Christmas Tree.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Row, row, row your boat…Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their Nikes.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Spirally Christmas wrap thingy complete with lights for those who get to stay in Camp after dark during the later closing Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.  I’ll go back some time and snap some after dark photos at Animal Kingdom.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Pocahontas is celebrating Christmas with a special hair twig complete with dessert berries.  I hear they are sponsored by Sunsweet.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Pocahontas

Wingapo!
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Pocahontas Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Pocahontas, Kenny the Pirate

We saved Baloo and King Louie for last, not because we don’t love them, but because they have the shortest line.
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

This tree is bananas.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Baloo and Louie were sad that they haven’t gotten to celebrate in years past, so they pulled out some special scarfs.  Nothing says, “Merry Christmas” like a Bear and an Ape in a scarf.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Baloo, King Louie

Debbie came up with a new interaction tip.  She asked Louie if he would share his bananas with her because she loves bananas.  King Louie didn’t seem very excited, but offered her a hug instead.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Baloo, King Louie

You wouldn’t believe I was there unless there was photo evidence.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey, Baloo, King Louie, Kenny the Pirate

We did it. We met all four sets of characters before going in to see the Festival of the Lion King Show.  This show is expected to close along with all of Camp Minnie Mickey on January 5, 2014.  This will be the FINAL Christmas season.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

After viewing the show, we took in some more Christmas decorations and trees.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

My oldest plays violin, so she liked this little ornament.
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

That’s Minnie’s tree, but she moved out long before the other forest animals can sense the danger of future bulldozers coming.  Am I the only one that sees the humor in Avatar coming and they have to destroy an existing land to build it?
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Awww, how sweet.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

Daisy already said goodbye to Camp Minnie Mickey.  She and Donald will be taking over for Tigger and Pooh pretty soon.  I’ve heard after the new year.  More evidence of that coming later in the post, so don’t close the window yet!Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Camp Minnie Mickey

We used Fastpass+ to meet Mickey and Minnie in their snowflake sweaters.  They meet all day, every day at the Adventurers Outpost.  If you choose not to use Fastpass+, the best times to meet them are rope drop, immediately after the parade and before closing.   Waits are typically 20 minutes or more depending on crowds.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Mickey and Minnie, Meet and Greet Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Mickey and Minnie, Meet and Greet Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Mickey and Minnie, Meet and Greet

Okay, so I promised you EVIDENCE that Daisy and Donald would move into the Character Landing that is currently occupied by Tigger and Pooh.  Take a look at the packages in each meet and greet area.  The Tigger side has blue writing on them and the Pooh side has pink writing on them.  They are clearly marked with Donald’s nephew’s names, which has NOTHING to do with Pooh and Tigger.  Once Daisy and Donald move into the area, it will become a Fastpass+ exclusive meet.  There won’t be a regular standby line.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Tigger, Meet and Greet

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Winnie the Pooh

Isn’t Pooh Bear adearable in his top hat and scarf?Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Winnie the Pooh Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Winnie the Pooh Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Winnie the PoohTigger was already prepared for today’s cold snap in Orlando.  What will he do when it returns to highs in the 80’s later in the week?  Tourists…bring a coat and shorts when travelling in November-February because it could be 85 or 45 on a given day.
Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Tigger

Tigger got all up in my face.  Bring it tiger!  Bring it! Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Tigger Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Tigger Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Tigger

Nothing says Christmas like Dinosaur, so we grabbed a free paper FP and went to do other stuff.  The wait time was 60 minutes.  The only place I ever wait 60 minutes is the DMV.  I’ll take that free FP and return later.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinosaur Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, T shirt

Snowman!Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinoland Snowman

Santa Goofy is with Pluto all day long in Animal Kingdom beginning at 11:00 am.  There is always a line of at least 25 minutes and could reach much higher.  Arrive early.  Santa Goofy also meets at the Osborne Lights.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Goofy and Pluto

We returned later to meet Goofy and Pluto, but I had killed the battery videotaping Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo, so all I got was this phone pic.  Always need reasons to return later :)

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Meet and Greet, Goofy and Pluto

Gas Station is decked out.

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinoland Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinoland Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinoland

Why is it that Triceratop almost never has a line?  It’s the same ride as Dumbo and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.  Both of those rides offer Fastpass+, but Triceratop doesn’t.  If you’re travelling during a really busy time and don’t want to wait, ride early or late.Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinoland

Dinosaurs enjoy candy canes too!

Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Christmas 2013, Dinoland

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

mom2littlebugz

Friday 24th of October 2014

aarrghh - sorry one more question. During December Tusker House character breakfast - will they characters wear safari or Christmas attire? Thanks KTP!

kennythepirate

Sunday 26th of October 2014

Safari

mom2littlebugz

Friday 24th of October 2014

Hi Kenny,

Do they usually bring out the same characters at both Dinoland Dance parties?

And with the closure of Camp Minnie-Mickey - do you think all of the holiday-dress characters will be at their usual spots in the park? And where will the trees be now - like the minnie tree, Goofy Tree etc?

Sure wish Pooh was still at AK. We'll have to try to meet him at MVMCP.

Thanks Kelly

kennythepirate

Sunday 26th of October 2014

Same or very similar. Don't know the answers to the AK questions, we'll have to wait and see.

Emilie

Wednesday 20th of November 2013

You missed Thumper and Miss Bunny! They were out later in the day. I think Radcliffe might have been there that day as well.

kennythepirate

Wednesday 20th of November 2013

We were gone before they arrived that day.

Kaylene

Thursday 14th of November 2013

Regular opening. We will be there the 26th and I think it's a regular opening.

kennythepirate

Thursday 14th of November 2013

With regular 8:00 opening, Camp usually opens at 9:00. We'll know for sure the Saturday before

Amy

Thursday 14th of November 2013

Are Dug and Russell no more at Animal Kingdom? We love UP!

kennythepirate

Thursday 14th of November 2013

Still there, but not in Christmas attire. Posted some photos of them recently on my Facebook

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.