Something new is happening on Discovery Island, and longtime Animal Kingdom guests will spot the change right away. The character spot once home to Dug and Russell from Up (2009) has officially transformed into a Zootopia-themed meet-and-greet, bringing Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde into the spotlight. The location has been renamed the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot, and it sits just steps from the Tree of Life theater—perfect placement since the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show is taking over there too.
For fans of the Wilderness Explorers duo, this update comes with mixed emotions. Dug and Russell brought a wholesome, nature-loving energy that fit beautifully with Animal Kingdom, so it’s natural that guests are wondering where they’ll pop up next. Right now, Disney hasn’t shared a plan for them. They didn’t get a relocation announcement; they simply stepped aside for Judy and Nick to take over. It doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t see them again, but at the moment, Zootopia has taken center stage.
Disney rolling out this meet-and-greet now isn’t random timing. The Zootopia: Better Zoogether show officially opens on November 7, but if you’re an Annual Passholder, Cast Member, or Disney Vacation Club Member, you may already be getting a sneak peek. Preview periods have kicked off, giving fans an early chance to experience the show and meet the characters outside. It’s a fun two-for-one experience that gives guests a taste of what's ahead, especially with Disney hyping this addition as an exciting new chapter for the park.
Animal Kingdom has been slowly shifting into a new identity. With construction and future expansions ahead—including the massive Dinoland replacement—Disney is clearly working to modernize offerings and lean into storytelling that resonates with today’s audiences. Judy and Nick are perfect ambassadors for that direction. Their film’s themes about community, optimism, and embracing differences fit the heart of Animal Kingdom, even if they come from a bustling metropolis instead of the wilderness.
So what’s next? Fans are eager to see how guests react when the show officially opens and whether Dug and Russell will find a fresh location. For now, it’s a great time to swing by the new character spot, snap a photo with ZPD’s finest, and celebrate the start of Animal Kingdom’s next chapter. This is just the beginning of the park’s transformation, and if the early buzz is any clue, Zootopia’s presence is going to bring plenty of energy.
