Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing its biggest transformation since opening in 1998, with major changes coming to its infrastructure and attractions.
After 27 years, the park is embracing a new era of storytelling, including the addition of a Zootopia show and the much-anticipated Tropical Americas expansion. Now, a newly filed permit suggests even bigger changes are on the horizon—ones that could impact one of the park’s most iconic features.
The Future of Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas and Zootopia
For years, Animal Kingdom has been a unique park focused on nature and conservation, but Disney has now confirmed plans to introduce more intellectual properties into the park. The most significant change involves the upcoming Tropical Americas land, replacing DinoLand U.S.A. This new land is set to feature attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, bringing fresh excitement to the park while maintaining its core theme of adventure.
In addition to the new land, It’s Tough to Be a Bug!—one of Animal Kingdom’s opening-day attractions—is closing to make way for a Zootopia show inside the Tree of Life. The replacement, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, will bring the vibrant world of the animated film to life, featuring characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The show will incorporate different biomes seen in Zootopia and will introduce a brand-new song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps.
A Major Change for the Tree of Life
While the shift from It’s Tough to Be a Bug! to Zootopia: Better Zoogether was already known, Disney has now filed a permit to modify the infrastructure of the Tree of Life Theater. This permit, labeled as “Modify Infrastructure,” indicates that the changes could be more extensive than fans initially expected.
The contractor listed for the project is Incryo Systems Inc., a company specializing in cryogenic vaporizers and industrial gas equipment. This detail has sparked speculation that the modifications could involve the fog effects used in the current theater. The existing show includes moments featuring black widow spiders and hornets, which rely on fog-based effects, and it’s possible Disney is looking to reuse or upgrade these elements for the Zootopia production.
Additionally, a separate permit was recently filed for demolition and construction at the Tree of Life Theater, reinforcing the idea that the transformation will be significant. Disney has not yet announced how these changes might impact the park’s centerpiece, but guests should expect temporary construction walls and possible pathway closures near the Tree of Life while the work is completed.
What This Means for Animal Kingdom Fans
With It’s Tough to Be a Bug! closing permanently on March 17, 2025, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether scheduled to open in winter 2025, Animal Kingdom is in for a major shake-up. The introduction of the Zootopia show, combined with the Tropical Americas expansion, marks a clear shift in the park’s identity—one that blends its traditional focus on nature with more Disney-branded storytelling.
For longtime Animal Kingdom fans, these changes may be bittersweet. The Tree of Life is one of the most beloved icons in all of Walt Disney World, and any modifications to its infrastructure will be closely watched. While Disney hasn’t confirmed whether the Tree of Life itself will undergo significant exterior changes, the permit suggests that the theater inside will see a major overhaul.
As the park continues its transformation, Disney is signaling that it’s ready to breathe new life into Animal Kingdom, ensuring it remains a must-visit destination for years to come.
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