First Look: Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

We had a chance to preview the new Tree of Life Theater show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This new show replaces It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, a sentimental favorite that closed in March of this year. The new show is a cute addition to the park, featuring all of the most popular characters from the 2016 film, Zootopia.

Better Zoogether is located in the theater at the base of the Tree of Life. The entrance path and the inner twists of the tree remain the same as you approach the theater doors, with the exception of some construction netting. The old punny posters have been replaced with new art, but it’s essentially the same feel.

The premise of Better Zoogether! is that all citizens of Zootopia are planning to celebrate Zoogether Day!, a musical, lively party that features Clawhauser as an animatronic DJ. Just like in the original movie, our favorite police officer from Bunnyburrow, Judy Hopps, senses dastardly forces at play as things start to fall apart.

With the help of Nick Wilde and other biome residents, they are able to save the day and celebrate Zoogether Day! … together. We won’t list all of the spoilers, but it’s safe to say you won’t be shocked by the villain reveal if you’re a fan of the original movie. If you’re sharp-eyed, you should be able to spot a hint at the identity of this fleece-festooned felon in the theater lobby.

Since the new movie is 3-D, you’ll need to grab glasses on the way into the show.

The Clawhauser animatronic is on the right of the theater – where Hopper used to appear in It’s Tough to Be a Bug – so aim for a seat in the center or right of center if you want a good view of his DJ skills.

The new movie is about 7 minutes of loud, windy, wet fun. There are no scary elements in Better Zoogether, which should mean far fewer crying pre-school kids bolting out of the doors early like we saw during It’s Tough to Be a Bug.

A few of the seat effects, like the crawling on your backside, are still in place. And the wind element in this new movie is strong! One member of our party had her hat blown off during the show, so keep your mouse ears secure. It’s also important to note that the water effect left us a bit soggier than we expected. It’s all part of the silly fun, and we predict that this will be a big hit with the younger viewers on your team.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! officially opens on Friday, November 7, 2025. Lightning Lanes will be available for this attraction, although you likely won’t need one. Lightning Lane Multi Pass for opening day is $22.00 plus tax ($23.43 after tax) per person. Since all Animal Kingdom attractions except Flight of Passage are in one tier, Better Zoogether! will be listed with Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and Na’vi River Journey – three attractions that might be a better use of your money.

Overall, we think the new show will be a friendlier place for families to get out of the heat. Cute, short, loud, and good fun.

Are you excited to see Better Zoogether! on your next visit to Animal Kingdom?