UPDATED November 14, 2025

BIG CHANGES are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! In addition to an entirely new land — Pueblo Esperanza — on the way, there are transformations that have come to other areas of the park, as well. One of these changes has happened to the park’s icon: the Tree of Life, which has welcomed an all-new show. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opened on November 7th, 2025!

Guests will see Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more characters from Disney Animation’s Zootopia in a production that Disney shares “will take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film.” 

You see, not only does the Tree of Life serve as Animal Kingdom’s focal point from its location on Discovery Island, it was also home to one of the park’s original attractions. It’s Tough to be a Bug! opened along with the park on April 22, 1998, housed in a theater underneath the Tree of Life.

Disney officially announced that a Zootopia retheme was in the works in September 2023, and It’s Tough to be a Bug officially closed in March 2025 to make way for the new Zootopia show.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Access

There are THREE ways to get a spot to see the new show: 

ONE: Zootopia: Better Zoogether! uses a traditional Standby line.

TWO: Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is also an option as part of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. You can learn more about how to access Zootopia: Better Zoogether! using Lightning Lane Multi-Pass HERE.

THREE: Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is included with Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Lightning Lane Premier Pass is an inclusive option grants one-time entry into EVERY Lightning Lane entry in a given park for one price. You can learn more about this option here. 

The runtime of Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is about 9 minutes. 

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! The Story

The all-new 4D show (involving Sight, Sound, Smell, and Touch) is viewed through your Carrot Vision 3D Glasses!

Senses are engaged through effects including air, water, smoke, and bubble effects.*

*Parents who might want to know ahead of time what the 4D effects include can click here to learn further details, though please be aware that the post contains spoilers for the show.

Things begin when you arrive at the main stage just in time for Zoogether Day festivities!

Here, you’ll spot some new and familiar faces, including new character Heidi Howler, a wolf who hosts the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast to celebrate the animals’ “right to party.”  As visitors, we are invited to tune in to the party via a “livestream” inside the theater.

Disney further describes the attraction: “Zoogether Day, a celebration of unity amongst the diverse biomes across the city, will be recognized with special performances such as ice-skating spectaculars from the heart of Tundratown!”

“Synchronized swimming direct from Marsh Market!”

“Tiny mouse drone shows soaring over Little Rodentia!”

And of course, a musical finale by superstar Gazelle – all of which we’ll see from the livestream watch party.”

Joining the gang for Zoogether Day is an audio-animatronic of none other than Benjamin Clawhauser, who is decked out in glow necklaces, bracelets, and his favorite glittery Gazelle tee shirt for the celebration!

He really wants to become the V.I.Z. (Very Important Zootopian – the lucky mammal who will get special access to the Zoogether Day performers). But when things don’t go as planned, he takes things into his own hands…

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Behind the Scenes

Of course, you can expect to see and hear some familiar voices behind the faces of the beloved characters. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman returned as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, and filmmakers Jared Bush and Byron Howard worked closely with Disney Imagineering to bring this new attraction to life. And yes, Shakira is back as Gazelle for the big finale!

MORE Zootopia Fun at Animal Kingdom

Along with seeing Zootopia: Better Zoogether, you can meet two of its stars, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps! They’re wearing looks from Zootopia 2. 

You’ll find them near the Tree of Life on Discovery Island at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot.

Click HERE to learn more about EVERYTHING in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!