Credit: DisneyThe Walt Disney World Resort is moving on quickly as it bids farewell to the iconic Tree of Life attraction in Animal Kingdom.
Despite not always being as flashy as its sister parks–Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios–Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a beloved part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Central Florida. While the park may not have nighttime spectaculars and often–but not always–has an earlier closing time, this year Animal Kingdom has been the center of quite a bit of attention.
It began at the top of the year with the removal of DinoLand U.S.A. when attractions like TriceraTop Spin and Fossil Fun Games shuttered permanently. While DINOSAUR remains open, Disney has confirmed it will go “extinct” after this year and is urging guests to experience the ride before it closes.
These widespread changes in the DinoLand U.S.A. area of the theme park come as Disney Experiences looks to launch a new Tropical Americas-themed location called the Pueblo Esperanza. This new destination will include two signature attractions based on the Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises, as well as a woodcarver’s carousel featuring fan-favorite Disney animals.
Attention isn’t all focused on DinoLand, though, as the Animal Kingdom park icon–the Tree of Life–has also suffered a loss.
It’s Tough to be a Bug! which has been part of the Animal Kingdom lineup for over two decades was closed permanently on March 16, and Disney quickly moved on with the refurbishment of the Tree of Life’s attraction. The Zootopia: Better Zoogether show is expected to open to Walt Disney World Resort guests later this year, just ahead of the November release of Zootopia 2 (2025).
“In addition to all this great news, I have another gift for you … “OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! TRY EVERYTHIIIIIING!” And now, you have Gazelle’s top hit from Zootopia stuck in your head,” Disney Parks Blog wrote in late 2024.
The attraction will bring back the vocal talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices the heroic and courageous Judy Hopps in the Academy Award-winning Disney movie.
“But seriously, hold onto your hats (and your tails, feathers, or ears!) because I want to remind you about the all-new 4D production coming to the Tree of Life Theater in winter 2025 – ‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!'” the post added. “You’ll want to herd the whole family together to join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more for a new wild adventure that will make you want to clap your hands.”
With work to strip the bugs from the Tree of Life Theater already underway, Disney has now filed new permits related to the highly anticipated new attraction. According to reports, “Walt Disney Imagineering has filed two new Notices of Commencement today for work at the Tree of Life Theater in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether! [4D] attraction,” per WDWMagic.
The report states that the permit includes work by Elite A/V Systems Inc. to “install set elements” and Solotech for “electrical work.”
There is currently no confirmed opening date for Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Animal Kingdom, but with work underway so quickly, it seems the Mouse House is intent on bringing the new experience to guests as soon as possible.
How do you feel about this theme park staple being refreshed? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!