Disney Files Permit for ‘It’s Tough To Be a Bug’ Demolition at Animal Kingdom

Shannen Ace

A theme park attraction with colorful lights, an intricately carved interior, and rows of empty wooden seats, reminiscent of "It's Tough to be a Bug," might soon close permanently.

Disney Files Permit for ‘It’s Tough To Be a Bug’ Demolition at Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for demolition and construction at the Tree of Life Theater in Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of preparation for a new “Zootopia” show.

Tree of Life Theater Construction

A theme park attraction with colorful lights, an intricately carved interior, and rows of empty wooden seats, reminiscent of "It's Tough to be a Bug," might soon close permanently.

The Notice of Commencement is for “Facility Demo, General Construction, Electrical, and Area Development.” Imagineering contracted Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., who was also hired for DinoLand U.S.A. demolition, World Celebration construction, and more Disney projects.

“It’s Tough To Be a Bug” will permanently close this March. The “A Bug Life”-inspired show has performed at the Tree of Life Theater since Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998 — seven months before the release of the Pixar film.

Animated characters, including a fox, rabbit, and others, are enthusiastically performing on a stage with an audience watching. The scene is vibrant and lively.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will replace “It’s Tough To Be a Bug” in the winter of 2025. It will feature a new original song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps. Other returning characters include Nick Wilde, Gazelle, Chief Bogo, Flash, Priscilla, and Officer Clawhauser in the form of an Audio-Animatronic.

The opening will coincide with the release of “Zootopia 2,” which will be in U.S. theaters on November 26, 2025.

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