Walt Disney Imagineer Bashes Latest Attraction for “Woke” Themes “Aimed at Children”
A former Walt Disney Imagineer is under fire after sharing critical comments about Walt Disney World Resort’s newest show, accusing it of promoting “woke” themes and targeting young audiences.
Controversy Surrounding Animal Kingdom’s New Show
After nearly three decades inside the Tree of Life Theater, It’s Tough To Be a Bug! officially closed earlier this year, making way for “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”. The new 4-D attraction will officially open on November 7, 2025, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Designed as a fully immersive experience, it uses special effects, digital technology, and advanced animatronics to transport guests into the animal-filled city of Zootopia (2016).
The show’s story centers around “Zoogether Day,” a celebration of unity among the citizens of Zootopia. While many Disney fans are eager to see this new addition to the park, one retired Imagineer had a much different reaction.
Jim Shull’s Viral Critique of “Woke” Disney Attraction
Jim Shull, a retired Imagineer who worked at Walt Disney Imagineering for 33 years, took to X (formerly Twitter) after viewing footage of the new show. In a now-deleted post, Shull expressed disappointment and accused the production of embracing “woke” ideas that he felt were meant for children.
“The videos of the #Zootopia show in the #TreeofLife give off a ‘woke’ vibe and a show aimed squarely at children. Am I wrong? More on YouTube.com/jimhshull,” he wrote.
He also shared a link to his YouTube channel, though any related content about the show has since been made private or removed entirely.
Fan Reactions Online
Disney Parks fans were quick to respond to Shull. Many social media users disagreed with Shull’s interpretation of the attraction’s themes, arguing that “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” promotes positive messages of acceptance and cooperation.
“I’m sorry, a what vibe… Look, I’m avoiding spoilers till I can see the show next week. But I haven’t seen that word used in any way other than incredibly offensive ones for years, so I’m taken aback,” @AliciaStella wrote. “Am I to infer messages of togetherness are ‘woke,’ and also bad for children? Or is there more to this?”
Look, I’m avoiding spoilers till I can see the show next week. But I haven’t seen that word used in any way other than incredibly offensive ones for years, so I’m taken aback.
Am I to infer messages of togetherness are ‘woke,’ and also bad for children? Or is there more to this?
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) November 1, 2025
the moment i see people use woke in any other way then to make fun of the word or just being sarcastic i just get annoyed and can’t really take the person seriously. Its a show under a giant tree not sure how talking animals can be woke but whatever.
the moment i see people use woke in any other way then to make fun of the word or just being sarcastic i just get annoyed and can't really take the person seriously. Its a show under a giant tree not sure how talking animals can be woke but whatever.
— Trevor Norman (@MrReadman01) November 1, 2025
Shull Walks Back His Statement
After deleting his initial post, Shull followed up with a more tempered statement. He clarified that he had not yet experienced “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” firsthand and acknowledged the work of the teams involved in its creation.
I haven’t seen in person the Zootopia show and I congratulate the Imagineering and Disney Feature Animation team who worked to create the attraction. I miss the conservation message and the educational message about the insect world.
I haven’t seen in person the Zootopia show and I congratulate the Imagineering and Disney Feature Animation team who worked to create the attraction. I miss the conservation message and the educational message about the insect world.
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) November 2, 2025
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, Coming Soon
Despite the backlash and online debate, Walt Disney World Resort’s plans for the show continue unchanged. “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will open to all guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on November 7, 2025. Those curious about the show can watch footage from fellow fans online, like Reddit user u/Accomplished-Dog1259:
Here is the Full show of Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Here is the Full show of Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
byu/Accomplished-Dog1259 inDisneyWorld
Have you seen “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” yet? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!
I think it’s a disgrace to put in something other two in doctor it on our children.And that’s what’s been happening with disney over the last few years.Well, maybe a little more than that.And that’s why we don’t go to disney anymore.But that’s the way they want to play it.And they keep going up on the prices over and over and over.If we hadn’t bought in early on disney vacation stuff with our children, our oldest children, which are forty two at bay lakes.We probably would never go to Disney again. But why don’t they just make a whole part for the alphabet? People and call it the alphabet park. I mean, I think that would be the better thing to do.
First, learn how to spell correctly for meaning before you spout about something you have not even seen yet. Stop following. Have you ever seen Zootopia? Also, nice to know you don’t go to Disney anymore, but at the same time you go to Disney? Which is it? And for being negative and derogatory towards, really using a demeaning term of “Alphabet” to describe people shows your prejudice and bias. Time to grow up, learn to adapt, or it will leave you behind. Believe me, I doubt the “Alphabet” people want you in their club! You’re too full of hatred, bias, and all you do is recite what you’ve been told. Hope you have a magical day!
I’m rather confused. I commented on this story earlier. This very story, and my comment is now gone. I mentioned how good the show was and how there’s nothing woke about it.
There was nothing that should have been censored unless people’s feelings got hurt. Perhaps it showed up someplace else? I just can’t find it.
First Amendment and all folks…