Disney’s Animal Kingdom is stepping into a new era, and the latest update has fans buzzing around Discovery Island. For years, guests visiting this corner of the park could count on seeing Dug and Russell from Up (2009) in a cozy meet-and-greet spot near the Tree of Life. Their Wilderness Explorers charm and that “Adventure is out there!” spirit always brought a smile to families passing by. Today, though, that space looks different, because Disney has officially rolled out a new character experience featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia (2016).
The meet-and-greet now carries the name Zoogether Day Gathering Spot, and if you’ve been following the park’s evolution, you knew something was coming. With the brand-new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug inside the Tree of Life theater, the timing couldn’t be better. Judy and Nick are ready to leap straight into action, greeting guests right outside the theater where they star in a lively new show that celebrates teamwork, community, and a little bit of mischief.
Of course, this switch-up raises a big question that Up fans haven’t let go of yet: where are Dug and Russell going now? So far, Disney hasn’t announced a new home for them. It doesn’t mean they’re gone forever—Disney tends to rotate characters, especially ones beloved by families—but for the moment, our favorite Wilderness Explorers are without a confirmed landing spot. Consider it a chapter break, not the end of the story.
What makes this shift especially exciting is the timing. The Zootopia show officially opens on November 7, but Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Cast Members already get to peek inside during preview windows. That means guests exploring Animal Kingdom right now have the chance to not only try out the new show early, but also meet Judy and Nick in person. It’s a smart move—give fans a taste of what’s coming, let word spread, and build momentum for opening week.
Animal Kingdom has been evolving piece by piece, and this makeover fits into a bigger picture. The park is moving forward with new storytelling, new character energy, and soon, entirely reimagined areas, including a transformation of the former Dinoland space into new lands inspired by Encanto (2021) and Indiana Jones. With all that change, seeing the Zootopia experience roll out feels like a signal: the future of Animal Kingdom is vibrant, animated, and character-forward.
As we welcome Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to their new stomping ground, fans will naturally keep an eye out for Dug and Russell. Here’s hoping their next adventure is right around the corner. In the meantime, if you’re visiting during previews or planning to be there for the opening, it’s a great opportunity to hop over—pun intended—and say hello to Zootopia’s finest.
