Disney's Animal Kingdom has officially opened its new show, Zootopia Better Zoogether, inside the Tree of Life Theater. This 3D experience replaces the long-running It's Tough To Be A Bug, offering guests a fresh narrative set in the vibrant city of Zootopia.
Key Takeaways
- Zootopia Better Zoogether is now open at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
- The show is located in the Tree of Life Theater, replacing It's Tough To Be A Bug.
- It features Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps in a 3D celebration of unity.
- Officer Clawhauser appears as an Audio-Animatronic character.
- Some queue areas still have construction walls and scrims.
A New Era for the Tree of Life Theater
The Tree of Life Theater, a central attraction at Animal Kingdom, now hosts Zootopia Better Zoogether. This new show immerses visitors in the world of Zootopia, focusing on a special event called Zoogether Day. The narrative celebrates unity among different animal species.
During the show, guests witness various animal performances that encounter unexpected issues. This leads to the intervention of the beloved characters, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, who work to resolve the mishaps.
Quick Fact
The new Zootopia show utilizes many special effects previously featured in It's Tough To Be A Bug. This includes various sensory elements designed to enhance the 3D viewing experience.
Characters and Technology
A notable addition to the show is an Audio-Animatronic figure of Officer Clawhauser. This character interacts with the audience and plays a role in the unfolding story. The integration of animatronics with 3D projection helps create an engaging experience for guests.
The show's theme of unity aligns with the broader messages often found in Disney's storytelling. It aims to deliver both entertainment and a positive message to its audience.
“The transition to Zootopia Better Zoogether brings a fresh story and beloved characters to a classic Animal Kingdom venue, offering a new reason for guests to visit,” stated a park representative.
Queue Experience and Ongoing Work
Guests entering the attraction pass a themed tree adorned with signs for Zootopia Better Zoogether. Both stand-by and Lightning Lane entrances are clearly marked. On its opening day, the wait time was approximately 15 minutes, indicating moderate early interest.
Despite the official opening, some areas within the queue still show signs of ongoing construction. Guests may notice construction walls and scrims, which are largely covered by nets. An additional construction wall is present in the exit queue, and a sign there remains covered by a tarp.
Background Information
For the past week leading up to its official debut, Zootopia Better Zoogether hosted previews. This allowed park operations to test the show and queue procedures with real guests before the full public opening.
Character Meet and Greet Relocation
In conjunction with the new show's opening, the adjacent Nick and Judy meet and greet area opened earlier than the show itself. This offers visitors an immediate opportunity to interact with the film's main characters.
The introduction of Nick and Judy in this location led to the relocation of other popular characters. Russell and Dug from Disney-Pixar's Up, who previously met guests in this space, have now moved to the Discovery Island Trails. This new spot is on the opposite side of the Tree of Life, ensuring their continued presence in the park.
- New Attraction: Zootopia Better Zoogether
- Location: Tree of Life Theater, Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Replaces: It's Tough To Be A Bug
- Key Characters: Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps, Officer Clawhauser
- Theme: Zoogether Day, a celebration of unity
Future Enhancements
While the show is fully operational, the presence of construction elements in the queue suggests that further enhancements to the guest experience are still underway. The expectation is that these temporary walls and covers will be removed soon, completing the aesthetic integration of the new attraction.
The new show is part of Disney's ongoing efforts to refresh its park offerings and introduce popular intellectual properties into existing spaces. This strategy aims to keep attractions current and appeal to new generations of visitors.
