We FINALLY have more Zootopia news!
There’s been lots of talk around the future of attractions and lands in Disney’s Animal Kingdom since last year’s D23 announcements, and now it seems like Disney’s finally ready to shed even more light on what’s to come!
Last year, during the 2022 D23 event Disney spoke about the possibility of bringing Zootopia to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This year, we’re getting a definitive answer to exactly what we can expect from that! Disney announced during the morning panel of Destination D23 on Saturday, September 9th, that Zootopia will, in fact, be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom; however, it sounds like it will be offered as a new show attraction instead of a full land.
Zootopia is coming to Animal Kingdom…BUT as a new show for the Tree of Life! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/3dAxbnKTfE
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 9, 2023
Disney told us to expect the show to be filled with humor and action, and we’re also led to believe that this may mean that It’s Tough To Be A Bug will be closing its doors to make way for the upcoming show under the Tree of Life. We also learned that Disney’s current concept for the new Zootopia experience will take guests through the different biomes you only glimpse in the movie, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters.
Here’s a peek at some NEW concept art. It looks like Officer Clawhauser may replace the Hopper animatronic off to the side of the screen.
We’ll be sure to continue to keep you updated as more details are released about this exciting change. As always, be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in the upcoming announcements and changes to the Disney parks!
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Are you a fan of Zootopia coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend the Destination D23 event. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ
RandyC says
I understand the need to keep things fresh. And I admit that I have not seen Zootopia. Its Tough To Be A Bug is one of the most clever and entertaining attractions Disney has never created. It is a shame that they have to repurpose it to make room for a new Zootopia attraction. Aren’t there other venues in Animal Kingdom that are in greater need of updating than Its Tough To Be A Bug?
Rocky Starr says
It’s Tough to be a Bug is one of the best attractions in Disney from the underground within-the-tree entrance with its clever theater posters to the great special effects and humor.
It is built around an entertaining movie. I saw the Zootopia movie and thought it was boring (except for the sloths at the DMV). Why take a way a great attraction built around a good movie and replace it with one built around a so-so movie? It doesn’t promise to turn out well.
I have been waiting for a child in the family to be old enough to experience It’s Tough to be a Bug. Hopefully, it doesn’t disappear before she can experience it. This seems like another bad decision in a parade of bad decisions lately for Disney.
Tracy Schrems says
What is Disney thinking? Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug is not only entertaining for everyone, but it provides an education to everyone who don’t know enough about the bug world. It’s by far our favorite ride at Animal Kingdom. Yes, Zootopia was a fair movie and the biomes do deserve some focus for the diversity alone, but leave It’s Tough to Be a Bug alone!!!
I’m so sad and disappointed to hear this. With all the negative changes happening, we may need to rethink our DVC and try-yearly vacations.
Twilliam says
Any older fans of AK, think “Not a Zoo” topia !
Phill says
While I like Tough to Be a Bug! and it’s a good educational “ride” about bugs, I LOVED Zootropolis and think there’s a good educational message, also, about how different types of animals can live together and how adjustments can be made for those different types to live in harmony together. Especially in the current climate where everyone seems to be so intolerant of differences rather than embracing them.
Paula says
It’s Tough To Be A Bug is a family favorite. From ages 8 to 58, we all love it. Disappointed they are getting rid of it. I hope they change their minds. We will all miss it.
J. Fox says
Agreeing with others who are terribly disappointed with the possibility of closing ‘It’s Tough To Be A Bug’!
Does not seem it would be perceived as a popular move for a very large number of AK fans.
Dottyanna says
Oh dear. Like The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios, we will be sad to see Its Tough to be a Bug leave. I am so glad we saw it the last time we went to AK!