The Tree of Life is about to welcome a new resident in just a few months
Disney has officially announced the closure date for It’s Tough to be a Bug at Animal Kingdom.
The attraction will close permanently on March 17, 2025, making the Tree of Life slightly less bug-infested. In its place, Zootopia: Better Zoogether is set to debut sometime this winter, bringing a whole new animal-themed experience to the park.
The replacement of It’s Tough to be a Bug has been expected for some time, as part of Animal Kingdom’s major updates, which include new attractions based on Indiana Jones, Encanto, and the adventures of Judy Hopps and friends.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether coming to Animal Kingdom this Winter
While details about the Zootopia attraction remain scarce, it’s likely that Disney will repurpose the existing indoor theater. Hopefully, they’ll introduce new effects and mechanics to modernize the experience, incorporating plenty of practical effects to make it feel immersive and exciting.
When Animal Kingdom first opened in 1998, 3D theaters were a big deal, and It’s Tough to be a Bug was one of its standout attractions. Now, as the show prepares to close, it marks the end of an era, especially with MuppetVision 3D also set to shut down at Hollywood Studios.
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I’m excited to see what Zootopia: Better Zoogether will bring. 3D effects aren’t as groundbreaking as they once were, but there’s still potential for innovation.
A few months ago, I shared an idea here on Famvia: What if Disney took things to the next level by incorporating full virtual reality headsets? Imagine putting one on and seeing the entire theater transform into the world of Zootopia, with guests around you appearing as randomly generated animals, all seated and reacting in real-time. That would be a game-changer, bringing fresh life to the world of immersive 3D simulators.
