Disney World’s Tree of Life Schedule Changed Amid Zootopia Controversy
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is stepping into November with two major updates centered around its iconic Tree of Life–and both have sparked plenty of conversation among fans.
The park’s newest 4D attraction, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, will officially debut on November 7, replacing the long-running It’s Tough to Be a Bug! inside the Tree of Life Theater. Early previews for Annual Passholders were announced for November 5–6, but in a rare occurrence, registration spots have not completely filled. For Walt Disney World, where new experiences usually book up within minutes, this slower response has raised some eyebrows.
Designed to immerse guests in the colorful world of Zootopia, the show blends humor, heart, and vibrant visual effects. Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and Officer Clawhauser all return, with Clawhauser appearing as a new Audio-Animatronic figure. The presentation leans toward a more family-friendly tone, offering catchy music and bright animation in contrast to the mischievous charm of its predecessor.
On Halloween, Disney shared the first look inside the updated theater, and fan reactions were divided. Some guests expressed excitement at the high-energy atmosphere, while others lamented the loss of It’s Tough to Be a Bug!. One viewer on X described the change as a “fiasco” and remarked that Animal Kingdom “deserved better,” while others dismissed the show as “woke.” With its official opening approaching, discussion around the attraction continues to grow.
Amidst the debate, Disney has also reintroduced a beloved after-dark favorite. The Tree of Life Awakenings projection show returned on November 1, transforming the park’s central icon into a vivid storytelling canvas each night through November 8. According to WDWMagic, the show begins at 6:15 p.m. starting November 2, after debuting at 7:15 p.m. on opening night to accommodate shorter daylight hours.
The projection experience weaves music and motion across the Tree’s carved surface, creating a brief but moving tribute to nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. As the days grow shorter, this limited-time return offers guests a serene and memorable finale to their Animal Kingdom adventure before the park’s nightly close.
Beyond these updates, the park is in the midst of exciting evolution, with the future Tropical Americas reimagining set to transform DinoLand U.S.A. into an all-new experience.
How do you feel about the changes at the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World? Let us know in the comments down below!
As usual throwing the word “woke” around for a movie from 2016 that is centered around an animal enforcing the law. What the actual heck is wrong with some people??? Disney will forever be changing due to characters no longer being pertinent to their new audiences. Just get a grip, and pull up your big girl panties. Go watch it or don’t, but nobody is making you. Some people really need a life.