If you’ve been to Disney World recently, you’ve probably noticed a growing number of construction walls popping up all over the parks.
It feels like every time we blink, another beloved attraction is either closed, closing soon, or being transformed into something new. While change is part of Disney’s magic, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic as we say goodbye to some of the classics.
Over at Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain made waves when it closed down to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. That transformation has been met with both excitement and a fair share of delays and technical hiccups. Then there’s Frontierland, which is will be undergoing a massive overhaul, bringing in a Cars-themed area.
Over in EPCOT, just when we thought we were in the clear from all the construction, Test Track shut down for a major refurbishment. And let’s not forget DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom, which is being reimagined into a new Tropical Americas area, leaving long-time fans wondering what’s next.
Now, the latest attraction facing the chopping block is none other than It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, a staple of Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the park’s grand opening in 1998.
The End of an Era: It’s Tough to Be a Bug Bids Farewell
Located inside the iconic Tree of Life, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! has entertained guests for over two decades with its 3D film and live show experience inspired by Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. Hosted by Flik, the show invited guests to become “honorary bugs” and offered a fun, interactive way to learn about the insect world. But come March 17, 2025, this attraction will close its doors forever.
While many Disney fans are sad to see it go, the signs of its closure have been slowly creeping in. Just recently, guests noticed that the attraction had swapped its signature bug-themed 3D glasses for the purple ones typically used at MuppetVision 3D — which, by the way, is also set to close permanently soon. It was a subtle but clear indication that change was on the horizon.
The Permit That Seals the Deal
Now, it’s official. Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a permit for the demolition and construction at the Tree of Life Theater, confirming the permanent closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug. The permit covers “Facility Demo, General Construction, Electrical, and Area Development,” and Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. has been brought on board to handle the project. This is the same company involved in other major Disney projects, including the demolition of DinoLand U.S.A. and the construction of World Celebration at EPCOT.
So, what’s replacing our beloved bug-themed show? Enter Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, set to debut in the winter of 2025. This new attraction will feature an original song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps, and will include Audio-Animatronic versions of fan-favorite characters like Nick Wilde, Chief Bogo, and Officer Clawhauser. The timing couldn’t be better, as the show’s opening will coincide with the release of Zootopia 2, hitting U.S. theaters on November 26, 2025.
Too Much Change Too Fast?
While it’s exciting to see new attractions coming to life, some Disney fans are starting to feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of these changes. With multiple lands across different parks undergoing renovations simultaneously, it can feel like there are more construction walls than attractions. Dirk Libbey from CinemaBlend voiced concerns that Disney might be going too far, too fast with all these closures. He pointed out that the closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug, combined with the ongoing transformations in Frontierland and DinoLand U.S.A., could make the parks feel incomplete for guests in the coming years.
Sure, the end goal is to create new, exciting experiences for visitors, but there’s no denying that losing so many classic attractions all at once leaves a hole in the hearts of long-time Disney fans.
Looking Ahead
Change is inevitable at Disney, and while it’s tough (no pun intended) to say goodbye to attractions like It’s Tough to Be a Bug, it’s also thrilling to think about what’s coming next. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! promises to bring fresh energy to Animal Kingdom, and the addition of beloved characters from the Zootopia franchise is sure to be a hit with families.
But as we look forward to the future, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the memories made with Flik and his bug friends inside the Tree of Life. For many, It’s Tough to Be a Bug wasn’t just a show—it was a rite of passage for Animal Kingdom visitors, filled with laughter, a few surprises, and, of course, those unexpected pokes in the back during the “stinger” scene.
So, if you haven’t had a chance to say your goodbyes, there’s still time. The final showings will take place on March 16, 2025. After that, it’s time to embrace the new adventures Disney has in store.
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