New Zootopia show is coming to Tree of Life theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Sep 09, 2023 in "The Tree of Life"

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Zootopia show concept art

Posted: Saturday September 9, 2023 10:21am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

A new show based on "Zootopia" is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The current concept for the new "Zootopia" experience has guests visiting the different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters.

Disney says that Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept, and more details will be coming in the future.

The new show will replace "It's Tough to Be a Bug," although no closures dates have yet been announced.

'It's Tough to be a Bug' theater

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EagleScout610Mar 24, 2024

The most recent YouTube videos of the show have him back in action. Although he does seem to be having issues moving.

SamusAranXMar 24, 2024

He was working when I went in February.

For some time on and off. The last two showings I saw back in January he was out of action. And Flik had a non- working mouth. Reminded me of how far standards have slipped… I am probably showing my age, but in the days of yore not that long ago if a figure had a non-working mouth the Attraction was closed until addressed. -

KDM31091Mar 23, 2024

I think Hopper was working at some point in the past few months, I could swear I did the attraction and he was working. But is it extremely inconsistent I do assume they aren't bothering to fix it at this point if it's broken. Even if the Bug's Life is a dated IP, you don't really need knowledge of the IP to enjoy the attraction, and it fits perfectly in the tree trunk. It was quite literally made for it with theming/Imagineering/planning. While I think Zootopia (if done well) will be a fun attraction, I wish it didn't have to come at the expense of the Bugs.

mickEbluMar 23, 2024

That’s too bad. How long has he been gone?

EagleScout610Mar 23, 2024

WDl's new slogan: "Pfft, they're tourists. Whatta they know?"

"El Gran Magnifico"Mar 23, 2024

Wormhole. Also. Be careful. Some of them (wormholes) lead directly to a Starbucks. Which IMO is worse.

Eric GrahamMar 23, 2024

My wife loved Tough To Be A Bug, but I do really enjoy Zootopia. We are definitely a house divided on this issue :p

Bill CipherMar 23, 2024

This is one of the most eloquent descriptions of the messages and artistic themes at play in Dinoland USA I've ever read. So criminally overlooked, even if the budgetary issues show the seams and compromises. Bravo!

Figments FriendMar 23, 2024

The current operating show is sadly lacking due to the impressive Hopper animatronic missing. For me, that element missing really brings the experience down several notches. Some of the in house effects have also been toned down / pulled back. The audience however still reacts as they always have…especially at the end when the ‘bugs leave the theatre first’. -

BocabearMar 23, 2024

the other parks just need to have the same amount of physical rides and shows...and then it would not be as much about people only wanting to go to the Magic Kingdom... DHS was a good start but it was short on attractions... Animal kingdom is beautiful...but short on rides...Same with EPCOT... the parks just need more.... Crowd levels are way higher now...

Tom P.Mar 23, 2024

In fairness to Disney, what do people want? Which of those four parks are the one that Disney always has to work to draw people *away* from? Magic Kingdom. When people think of Walt Disney World, they think of Magic Kingdom. That's where they want to go. That's what attracts them. While I don't want to see every other park turn into Magic Kingdom Lite, I can understand why Disney would be tempted to add more MK-esque elements to the other parks.