With the exceptions of Candace Cameron Bure and Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, the entire family cast from Full House (1987) had speaking roles in this movie.
Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson appeared in Kong: Skull Island (2017), Unicorn Store (2017), and Captain Marvel (2019).
Bob Saget states in his commentary that he wanted to use the "Oompa Loompa Song" from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and the "March Of The Winkies" from The Wizard of Oz (1939), for scenes of the penguins marching. The budget would not allow it, which led to the whistling march tune, as well as the penguins chanting "Ooga-chaka" like "Hooked On A Feeling" by Blue Swede.
The cast features three Oscar winners (Brie Larson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mo'Nique) and one Oscar nominee (Samuel L. Jackson).