Change is on the horizon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and another longtime fan-favorite attraction is preparing for its final curtain call. It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, the 4D show housed inside the Tree of Life, will officially close permanently on March 17, 2025, making way for its replacement, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
This closure is part of a larger evolution taking place at Animal Kingdom, as Disney works to modernize the park’s experiences while saying farewell to attractions that have been part of the park since its opening. From the closure of DinoLand, U.S.A. to the upcoming Tropical Americas expansion, the Animal Kingdom that guests have known for years is about to look very different.
The Final Days of It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
For nearly 27 years, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! has welcomed guests into the underground world of insects, inspired by Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. The attraction blended 3D visuals, animatronics, and physical effects to create an immersive show that delighted (and startled) audiences with surprise air puffs, water sprays, and the eerie sensation of bugs crawling beneath their seats.
The show, which featured Flik and his fellow bugs trying to prove their worth to humans, quickly took a turn when Hopper, the menacing grasshopper, stormed the stage, frightening guests with his booming voice and dramatic special effects. Over the years, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! became notorious for catching young children off guard, leading to more than a few mid-show exits.
Despite its polarizing reputation, the attraction has remained a cornerstone of Animal Kingdom since the park’s opening in 1998. However, with Disney shifting its focus to more recent franchises, the time has come to say goodbye.
In its place, Disney will introduce Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a brand-new 4D experience featuring the beloved characters from Zootopia. Guests can expect to see Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other fan-favorite characters in an adventure that celebrates Animal Kingdom’s core themes of nature and conservation.
A Wave of Closures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While the departure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is a major change, it’s far from the only one at Animal Kingdom. The park is currently undergoing a massive transformation, with several attractions already shuttered and more closures on the way.
One of the most significant changes is the complete removal of DinoLand, U.S.A., a land that has been a part of Animal Kingdom since its earliest days.
- Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama – This section of the park, known for its carnival-style games and attractions, permanently closed in early 2025.
- Dinosaur Ride Reimagining – The thrilling Dinosaur attraction, which has sent guests on prehistoric time-travel adventures for decades, will soon be transformed into an Indiana Jones-themed ride.
- The Boneyard – The park’s beloved dinosaur-themed playground is also set to close, making room for new additions to the Tropical Americas expansion.
What’s Coming: The Birth of Tropical Americas
With the closure of DinoLand, U.S.A., Disney is preparing to introduce an all-new land inspired by the biodiversity of South and Central America. The new Tropical Americas land will bring multiple new attractions, dining locations, and immersive environments:
- Encanto-Themed Ride – Guests will have the chance to step inside Casita and experience the magic of Mirabel’s world, making it the first-ever Encanto attraction at a Disney park.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – The former Dinosaur ride will be reimagined with Indiana Jones, adding action and adventure to the park’s lineup.
- New Dining and Theming – Restaurantosaurus will be redesigned into Esperanza Market, one of the largest quick-service locations at Walt Disney World.
- A Family-Friendly Carousel – A new carousel attraction will be built where The Boneyard currently stands, offering a fun, interactive experience for younger visitors.
The new land will be anchored by Pueblo Esperanza, a lush, vibrant town designed to capture the beauty and culture of the region. Once completed, Tropical Americas will be the largest expansion at Animal Kingdom in years.
The Future of Animal Kingdom
With It’s Tough to Be a Bug! closing in just a matter of weeks, Animal Kingdom’s transformation is happening faster than ever. While it’s always difficult to see beloved attractions disappear, Disney is clearly investing in the park’s future, bringing modern, highly themed experiences to new generations of guests.
For those wanting to experience the original charm of Animal Kingdom one last time, there’s still a limited window to visit before the changes become permanent. Guests should take the opportunity to say farewell to Flik, Hopper, and the rest of the A Bug’s Life crew before March 17, 2025, when their time at Animal Kingdom officially comes to an end.
