Disney has officially pulled back the curtain on its next Annual Passholder magnet, and it’s one many fans were hoping to see. Beginning in February, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to pick up an all-new magnet themed to Zootopia, featuring none other than Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
The reveal puts an end to weeks of speculation among Passholders, who had been watching Disney’s hints closely. While some expected deeper cut characters from the film, Disney opted to spotlight the franchise’s leading duo, tying the collectible directly to the growing Zootopia presence at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
When and Where Disney Passholders Can Get the Magnet
The Zootopia magnet will be available from February 5 through March 15, 2026. Passholders can pick it up at Discovery Trading Company, located on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Distribution will take place during regular park operating hours, and a valid Annual Pass will be required to receive the magnet.
Unlike many past magnet releases tied to EPCOT festivals, this one is firmly rooted in Animal Kingdom. That shift is notable and appears intentional, reinforcing the park’s recent embrace of Zootopia as a permanent part of its lineup.
Why Judy and Nick Were the Obvious Choice
The magnet features Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, the central characters of Zootopia. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, some fans speculated that Disney might highlight secondary characters like Clawhauser, Flash, or even Gazelle. Instead, Disney leaned into the film's most recognizable faces.
From a branding standpoint, the choice makes sense. Judy and Nick are already front and center in Animal Kingdom’s newest Zootopia experiences, making them the most logical representatives for a Passholder-exclusive collectible tied to the park.
A Clear Link to Animal Kingdom’s New Zootopia Experience
The magnet’s release follows the November 2025 debut of Zootopia: Better Zoogether at the Tree of Life Theater. The attraction replaced the previous show and introduced guests to a 3D adventure centered on the animals of Zootopia coming together for a special celebration.
In the story, a livestreamed event hosted by Heidi Howler begins to unravel when something goes wrong, prompting Judy and Nick to investigate. The attraction emphasizes the film's themes of cooperation and unity, making it a natural fit for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Nearby, guests can also meet Judy and Nick in person, further anchoring Zootopia within the park. Featuring the pair on the Annual Passholder magnet ties the collectible directly to what guests are experiencing on the ground.
How Disney Teased the Reveal
Rather than issuing a straightforward announcement, Disney rolled out the magnet reveal through a teaser video in the Passholder Buzz section of the My Disney Experience app. The short clip featured animated animal silhouettes dancing to upbeat music, strongly suggesting a Zootopia connection without explicitly stating it.
That approach sparked online speculation and kept Passholders checking back for updates, turning a simple magnet announcement into a small event of its own.
A Shift in How Disney Passholder Perks Are Rolled Out
Traditionally, many Annual Passholder magnets have been distributed at EPCOT, often timed with seasonal festivals. Moving this release to Animal Kingdom reflects a broader shift in how Disney is aligning Passholder perks with specific park offerings rather than defaulting to EPCOT.
It also encourages Passholders to make a dedicated trip to Animal Kingdom, potentially pairing magnet pickup with the new Zootopia attraction and character experiences.
Why These Disney Magnets Still Matter
Annual Passholder magnets may be small, but they’ve become meaningful keepsakes for many fans. Each one marks a specific period of Passholder history, often tied to major park changes or new offerings.
For collectors, the Zootopia magnet represents more than just a design. It captures a moment when Zootopia officially established a lasting footprint at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As Disney continues expanding the franchise across its parks worldwide, this magnet feels like a signal that Zootopia’s role at Walt Disney World is only just beginning.
