Big changes are underway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the iconic Tree of Life prepares to welcome a brand-new 4D adventure: Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
This year has seen a whirlwind of developments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the park may not always stay open as late as Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or have the big firework shows, it has certainly been in the spotlight. Earlier this year, DinoLand U.S.A. attractions such as TriceraTop Spin and Fossil Fun Games permanently closed their doors.
Additionally, Disney confirmed that the beloved DINOSAUR attraction will “go extinct” at the end of 2025, encouraging guests to visit before its final day, which will likely be after the Christmas and New Year rush in January 2026.
Disney Experiences is hard at work transforming the area into a stunning new Tropical Americas-themed space called Pueblo Esperanza. This exciting expansion will include two signature attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, alongside a crafted woodcarver’s carousel featuring Disney animal favorites.
In addition to those updates, the Tree of Life is also evolving. After more than 20 years as a beloved part of Animal Kingdom, It’s Tough to be a Bug!–based on A Bug’s Life (1998) closed permanently on March 16. Now, Disney has shifted focus to preparing the Tree of Life Theater for its new experience: Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, which is slated to debut later this year, just in time for the upcoming 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 teased in late 2024.
The new show will welcome back Ginnifer Goodwin as the voice of Judy Hopps, the determined and brave protagonist from the Oscar-winning Zootopia (2016).
“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!” Disney Parks Blog announced. “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.”
Construction for Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is moving forward at a steady pace. According to WDWMagic, “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.” The permits specify that Elite A/V Systems Inc. will “install set elements,” while Solotech has been brought on for “electrical work.”
While an official opening date has yet to be announced, with progress moving swiftly, it’s clear that Disney is eager to debut this exciting new adventure for guests soon.
Are you looking forward to this new chapter for the Tree of Life? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
