Disney Announces Santa Replacement at Animal Kingdom Theme Park

On Tuesday, Walt Disney World Resort revealed its plans for the 2026 holiday season at the Central Florida theme parks, beyond the after-hours Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights events. Between brand-new ride overlays and returning limited-time entertainment, the Most Magical Place on Earth also revealed an updated Santa Claus meet-and-greet coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Updated Santa Claus Encounter at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Last year, Santa Claus met guests at Restaurantosaurus, the Quick-Service dining location in DinoLand U.S.A. However, the restaurant permanently closed alongside the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. in February to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land with three attractions: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, and El Carrusel de los Animalitos. The new area is expected to open in 2027.

With Restaurantosaurus closed, Walt Disney World Resort has announced a new home for Santa Claus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during the 2026 holiday season: Santa’s Holiday Grove. The limited-time experience will come to life across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond! at Theater in the Wild.

Guests will ” find a magical trail with intermittent snow flurries and Santa himself, ready to hear your holiday wish list.” Santa’s Holiday Grove will also feature specialty food and beverage offerings and a festive soundtrack to bring everyone into the spirit of the season.

The holiday season takes over Walt Disney World Resort from November 13, 2026, to January 6, 2027. Disney hasn’t announced when Santa’s Holiday Grove will open.

Santa Claus typically leaves his meet-and-greet locations at the Central Florida Disney parks by Christmas Day. He is usually replaced by a fan-favorite character in festive attire, such as Santa Goofy. It’s unclear if another character will take over for Saint Nick at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park after Christmas Eve.

Did you visit Santa Claus at Restaurantosaurus last year? Share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic in the comments! 

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