‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!’ to Reuse Existing Theater Effects from ‘It’s Tough to Be a Bug’

Lauren Shahan

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!’ to Reuse Existing Theater Effects from ‘It’s Tough to Be a Bug’

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!,” the new show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this winter, will reuse some existing theater effects from “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.”

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”

Illustrated poster for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s "Zootopia: Better Zoo Together!" attraction's opening, featuring Judy Hopps, Clawhauser, and Nick Wilde against a lively background with a large tree. Text reads "Discovery Island.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” is a new show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this winter. It replaces the former show, “It’s Tough to Be a Bug,” which was housed within the Tree of Life.

Amidst colorful lighting, the audience is enchanted by an animated scene featuring vibrant characters perched on a tree in a cave-like setting. Reminiscent of "It's Tough to be a Bug," this captivating spectacle breathes life into the cavern's enchanting atmosphere.

During a media event this week, Disney confirmed to WDWNT that “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will use some of the theater’s existing effects left over from “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” Recent permits filed by Disney for work on the Tree of Life Theater may suggest which of these existing theater effects will be kept.

One permit to modify the infrastructure may relate to the fog system used during certain scenes. The company contracted, Incryo Systems Inc., is a “well-qualified manufacturer of all types of cryogenic vaporizers and industrial gas equipment. Other permits have been filed to install set elements and another for electrical work.

Disney did not specify which of the effects will be reused, so we can only speculate for now.

A glowing spider-like figure hangs upside down, illuminated with purple and yellow lights on a textured surface, with butterfly patterns projected below—a scene right out of "It's Tough to be a Bug.

The final performance of “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” was on March 16, 2025. The show debuted as an opening day attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and was inspired by the Pixar film “A Bug’s Life.”

In a vibrant animated concept art, anthropomorphic animals like a fox and rabbit energetically greet viewers in a colorful forest, reminiscent of the enchanting magic one might experience at Disney Parks. Could this be a hint at new attractions unveiling in 2025?.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will include a new original song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps from the films. The show will feature characters from the film, such as Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more. An Audio-Animatronic Clawhauser is also pictured in the concept art and may be similar to the one that debuted in the Zootopia expansion at Shanghai Disneyland.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” does not yet have an opening date but is set to debut this winter, which coincides with the release of “Zootopia 2.”

Are you looking forward to “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”? Let us know on social media.

Watch our video of the final show of “It’s Tough to Be a Bug”:

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