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
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.

“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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