We've known for a few years now that Zootopia is coming to Animal Kingdom. In 2023, Disney announced that the story will be brought to life in the park as a new 4D production, replacing It's Tough to be a Bug! in the Tree of Life.
The new show, officially called Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, will "take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film." Disney had previously announced that Zootopia: Better Zoogether! would open in Winter 2025 and in the latest blog post highlighting the exciting additions to Walt Disney World next year, the company reaffirmed this date window:
"I want to remind you about the all-new 4D production coming to the Tree of Life Theater in winter 2025 – “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” You’ll want to herd the whole family together to join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more for a new wild adventure that will make you want to clap your hands," the post reads.
Zootopia: “Better Zoogether” opens NEXT WINTER at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! 🦊🐰 #D23 #Horizons #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/RMNOkFNjh5
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 11, 2024
Aside from a poster and some brief details shared during D23 conventions, not much is known about the upcoming 4D show. It's based on the 2016 animated buddy cop action comedy film from Walt Disney Animation Studios which grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
Zootopia was a critical and commercial hit for Disney when it was released eight years ago and in 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that a sequel was in development. The sequel will once again follow Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they go undercover in Marsh Market to crack the case of a mysterious reptile.
Although Zootopia features anthropomorphic animals, the film's underlying message is more about combating prejudice and racism than conservation, which makes it somewhat of an odd fit for Animal Kingdom and the Tree of Life. But these days, Disney is about promotion its IPs more than sticking to the original intended theme of its parks.