26-Year-Old Attraction Nearing Its Death at Disney World

In a flurry of excitement and anticipation, Walt Disney World Resort enthusiasts are abuzz with the news of changes coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

As the park prepares for its next big transformation, the spotlight shines on the closure of the iconic attraction It’s Tough to be a Bug! and the eagerly awaited reopening of Kali River Rapids. This strategic move signals Disney’s commitment to evolving its park experiences while delighting guests with new adventures and immersive storytelling.

The recent completion of planned maintenance on Kali River Rapids, scheduled to reopen on March 15, marks a significant milestone for Disney World. As one of the park’s most beloved water attractions, Kali River Rapids offers guests a thrilling journey through the heart of the rainforest, complete with roaring rapids, cascading waterfalls, and encounters with exotic wildlife. Its temporary closure for maintenance has been met with eager anticipation for its return.

With Kali River Rapids set to resume its place as a cornerstone attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, attention now turns to the future of It’s Tough to be a Bug! The decision to retire this opening-day favorite paves the way for a new era of entertainment as Disney previously unveiled plans for a reimagined experience inspired by the beloved animated film Zootopia (2016).

Related: “The Magic Kingdom No More”: Disney Officially Changes Name

As construction wraps up on Kali River Rapids, Disney’s focus can now shift fully to the retheme of It’s Tough to be a Bug! The decision to replace this cherished attraction with a new show based on Zootopia underscores Disney’s commitment to innovation and storytelling excellence. While bidding farewell to Flik and his insect friends may stir nostalgic sentiments among longtime fans, the promise of stepping into the vibrant world of Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other beloved characters from Zootopia has ignited excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.

The concept for the new Zootopia experience has not been announced as of yet. Disney World guests can expect to embark on a multisensory journey through the diverse world of Zootopia, but nothing else has been disclosed.

This, of course, isn’t the only major happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it will be the next, as we already mentioned. Disney has already teased the future of Dinoland, U.S.A., which is likely to be demolished to make way for new attractions. The exact theming has not been announced, but Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro did previously tease that the land could feature Encanto and Indiana Jones. Of course, these are just Blue Sky ideas and have not been confirmed by the company.

As more information is passed along, Inside the Magic will continue to share.

What do you think of the changes coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!