
Another chapter of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is coming to a close. The beloved 4D attraction It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is set to permanently close on March 17, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the park’s most unique and immersive experiences.
While closures are nothing new at Walt Disney World, this one is particularly significant. Housed inside the iconic Tree of Life, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! has been a fixture of Animal Kingdom since the park’s grand opening in 1998. However, Disney is making way for an all-new experience, and the attraction will soon be replaced by Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a brand-new 4D adventure inspired by the hit 2016 film.
The Legacy of It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
For nearly three decades, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! has given guests a bug’s-eye view of the world, featuring Flik and his insect friends from Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. The show combined 3D visuals, animatronics, and interactive elements—including puffs of air, water sprays, and the infamous crawling bug effect under the seats.
The attraction was equal parts entertaining and terrifying, with Hopper, the menacing grasshopper, making a dramatic entrance to show humans how tough life can be for insects. Over the years, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! became one of Disney’s most notorious attractions for catching unsuspecting children (and adults) off guard.
Despite its cult following, the attraction was long rumored to be on the chopping block, especially as Disney has focused on integrating newer franchises into the parks. The upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will bring a fresh storyline and updated technology, featuring Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps, and other characters as they take guests on a fun, engaging adventure.
A Wave of Closures and Transformations at Animal Kingdom
While It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is the next attraction set to close, it’s just one piece of a larger transformation happening at Animal Kingdom. The park is undergoing a massive overhaul, with multiple attractions shutting down to make way for brand-new experiences.
The most dramatic change? The closure of DinoLand, U.S.A., which is being replaced by Tropical Americas, an all-new land inspired by Central and South America.
Here’s a look at what’s already closed and what’s next:
- Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama: The carnival-style area of DinoLand, featuring games and rides, closed permanently in early 2025.
- The Boneyard: The dinosaur-themed play area will also be removed to make space for new experiences in the Tropical Americas expansion.
Tropical Americas: A Bold New Era for Animal Kingdom
With the removal of DinoLand, Disney is preparing to introduce a brand-new themed land—one of the largest expansions in Animal Kingdom’s history.
The Tropical Americas land will transport guests to a lush, immersive environment, inspired by the biodiversity of South and Central America. Key additions will include:
- Encanto-Themed Attraction: Guests will finally be able to step inside Casita and experience the magic of Mirabel’s world.
- Indiana Jones Adventure: The former Dinosaur ride will be completely reimagined, offering guests a thrilling expedition alongside the legendary archaeologist.
- Pueblo Esperanza: This sprawling, vibrant town will serve as the heart of Tropical Americas, featuring dining, shopping, and cultural influences from the region.
- Themed Quick-Service Restaurant: Restaurantosaurus will be transformed into Esperanza Market, a large-scale dining location with new food offerings.
- A Family-Friendly Carousel: A new carousel attraction will replace The Boneyard, giving younger guests an interactive, whimsical experience.
With major construction already underway, the Tropical Americas expansion is expected to open in phases through 2027.
A New Vision for Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom has always been a park defined by its storytelling, nature, and conservation efforts, but it has also struggled to maintain a strong lineup of attractions. These upcoming changes—while bittersweet for longtime fans—mark a bold new era for the park, aligning it with modern Disney storytelling and guest expectations.
For those who want to experience the original Animal Kingdom one last time, the window is quickly closing. It’s Tough to Be a Bug! will officially take its final bow on March 17, 2025, and DinoLand is rapidly disappearing as construction for Tropical Americas ramps up.
While saying goodbye to classic attractions is never easy, the future of Animal Kingdom is looking more exciting than ever.