End of an Era for ‘It’s Tough to Be a Bug’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom



Its Tough to be a Bug Sign

Disney has announced the closure of the long-standing attraction, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, located in the heart of Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life. This decision marks a significant change in the park as the theater is being prepared to host a new Zootopia-themed show later this year. Here’s an overview of the closure, the legacy of the attraction, and what visitors can expect in its place.

Closure Details

The final day to experience It’s Tough to Be a Bug will be March 16th, 2025. Starting March 17th, 2025, the attraction will close permanently to make way for a new show titled Zootopia: Better Zoogether. This update is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to refresh and expand its offerings across the parks, aiming to bring in fresh concepts.

A Look Back at Its History

It’s Tough to Be a Bug has been in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the park’s opening day in 1998. Hidden inside the iconic Tree of Life, the 450-seat theater offered guests a humorous, educational, and immersive experience about the insect world. The show featured advanced 3D effects, Animatronics, and even 4D surprises like water sprays and seat vibrations, making it a memorable stop for many park-goers.

The attraction also made an appearance at Disney California Adventure, opening on February 8th, 2001. However, the California version closed in March 2018 to accommodate the Avengers Campus project. With the Florida location now set to host Zootopia, this marks the end of the It’s Tough to Be a Bug experience in all parks.

What’s Next?

zootopia better together poster

The upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether show brings characters from the much-loved 2016 animated film, Zootopia, to life in a new adventure set to debut in winter 2025. While specifics about the content are still under wraps, guests can expect state-of-the-art effects and storytelling that continue Disney’s tradition of innovation and immersive entertainment.

The introduction of a Zootopia-themed experience aligns with the park’s evolving focus on conservation and the animal kingdom, blending beloved Disney stories with broader messages about our natural world.

Conclusion

The closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug represents both the end of a nostalgic chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests who grew up enjoying the attraction will have one last chance to revisit it before its March closing date. Meanwhile, the upcoming Zootopia show is poised to bring new energy and storytelling opportunities to the Tree of Life theater.

For visitors old and new, these changes highlight Disney’s ongoing efforts to create experiences that combine entertainment, education, and a touch of magic. Whether you’re looking forward to seeing what’s next or cherishing a final visit, Animal Kingdom continues to evolve in ways worth exploring.

For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.

Written by

Rachel Van Norman


Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.

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