Honest Review- Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Animal Kingdom. A new show opens this week inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom! Zootopia: Better Zoogether! The previous show, “It’s Tough to be a Bug” was there for years and Disney apparently felt that it was time for something new. Zootopia: Better Zoogether was announced in September of 2023, so guests had plenty of time to go and see It’s Tough to be a Bug one more time. Disney fans are sentimental, and any time a long running attraction closes, there are always strong feelings for and against it. Is the new show better than its predecessor? Let’s talk show facts then I’ll give you my opinion on everything!
As you walk down the path around the Tree of Life, you’ll start to see signage for the new show as you get closer to the entrance. Inside, there are plenty of fun things to look at while you wait for the doors of the theater to open. The show says it’s sponsored by “Pawdora” jewelry, so there are cases of the pretend merch line for you to see. It’s cute because they look just like real Pandora jewelry cases! Be sure to walk around the room and check out the posters and other things on the walls.
Here’s a rundown of what the show is about-
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” is a 4D experience at that invites guests to join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they host a live-stream celebration of “Zoogether Day” — a citywide event honoring unity across Zootopia. But when chaos breaks out on air, the duo discovers that the host, Heidi Howler, is actually the disguised, trouble making Assistant Mayor Bellwether! With help from Gazelle and the citizens of Zootopia, Judy and Nick rally together to restore harmony in a spectacular, music-filled grand finale. The music is catchy and overall the show leaves guests feeling upbeat as they leave the theater. The animatronic of Clawhauser to the right of the stage is so well done as well! (Full video of the show linked at the bottom of the article).
As a special treat for the media event, two voice actors from the film and show came out to greet us: Ginnifer Goodwin – Judy Hopps and Nate Torrence – Clawhauser. They both are so excited for not just this show, but for Zootopia 2, which will be out in theaters later this month.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether has a very positive message of bringing people together. So why are there some mixed reviews already about this brand new show? I personally didn’t understand what the fuss was so I went looking for answers online. From what I’m reading, the biggest issue seems to be that this show is different from what Animal Kingdom was originally made for. When the park opened in 1998 (and years afterwards), the foundation was that of learning about animals plus talk about the importance of conservation. Taking a safari ride was and still is a great option. It wasn’t as much about IP’s as it was about seeing animals (even a Yeti), meeting characters and basically having an adventure for the day with your family. Sure, IP’s were there, like A Bugs Life and Festival of the Lion King. However, it was nothing like what Disney is turning the park into today. People feel that having a show based off of a fictional place with upright animals living and working like humans just doesn’t have the same feel. My argument there was that A Bugs Life has fictional and talking bugs and such as well. The difference, they say, is that the previous show showed insects in their natural habitat instead of something far fetched and much more fictional. Ok then, I get their point.
Let’s go back to my earlier statement about Disney fans not loving change when it comes to the parks. From what I have seen over the years, when an attraction is closing, that is when everyone rushes to it and wants to save it. It’s been a reoccurring theme with so many attractions, most recently, Muppets Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. I understand that one too. With Animal Kingdom though, I think the argument is that it was more about trying to salvage the original vision of the park. With all the construction happening, you are seeing less and less of the original Animal Kingdom. Tropical America’s will have more IP content. Different areas and attractions themed with Encanto and Indiana Jones. So yes, change is coming full steam ahead.
For me, I thought Zootopia: Better Zoogether was a cute show. I think we need to take it for what it is and also who it will appeal to the most, kids. We still get fun effects like water squirting, wind, plus the rumbling under our seats like before. No bugs though! It has some really funny parts, I did find myself laughing like a kid a few times. While it indeed is a big indicator of the future of Animal Kingdom and attractions to come, it’s still a good time. In certain cases, we just have to go with the flow, even when change isn’t what we want. I suggest that you go see Zootopia: Better Zoogether, & just enjoy it for what it is. Will I go to the show every time I’m at the park? No. But then again, I hadn’t seen It’s Tough to be a Bug for probably 7 years, but I went for one last time on the day it closed. Kids today are more familiar with Zootopia than A Bug’s Life as well. It’s all about perspective I suppose. You can see the show on the link below and judge for yourself! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Change is never easy for Disney fans, but sometimes it brings new magic worth experiencing. Zootopia: Better Zoogetheradds a fresh, funny, and heartfelt touch to Animal Kingdom that families—especially little ones—will enjoy. Whether you’re team nostalgia or team new adventures, it’s worth checking out and seeing for yourself! Stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for more honest Disney reviews, updates, and magical news from around the parks!
You May Also Enjoy: New Zootopia 2 Merch: Take a Peek!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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