Disney fans, get ready for another big change at Animal Kingdom.
Disney has now filed a permit to demolish the Tree of Life Theater, confirming what many had already expected—the space is being completely reimagined for a new experience.
The Tree of Life Theater has been a key part of Animal Kingdom since the park first opened in 1998. Over the years, it has provided guests with a unique 3D experience, blending special effects and live show elements. But all good things must come to an end, and Disney has decided it’s time for a fresh start.
The permit filed by Walt Disney Imagineering outlines plans for demolition and reconstruction, with work expected to begin as soon as the current attraction officially closes on March 17, 2025. The contract has been awarded to Whiting-Turner, a company already handling other major projects at Disney World.
Disney has already announced that the Tree of Life Theater will soon be home to a Zootopia-themed attraction called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Set to open in late 2025, the new show will feature characters from the Zootopia film series, including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and Gazelle.
This new experience is designed to be a high-energy, music-driven show that will immerse guests in the world of Zootopia. Disney has even teased a brand-new original song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps, as part of the attraction.
This demolition is just one of many major changes happening at Animal Kingdom. The park is already undergoing a large-scale transformation, with the former DinoLand U.S.A. being replaced by a Tropical Americas land. Over at Magic Kingdom, Cars Land has been confirmed to take over Frontierland, marking another significant shift in Disney World’s landscape.
For long-time visitors, it’s bittersweet to see another piece of Disney history being replaced. However, given the success of Zootopia and its popularity worldwide, the new show is expected to be a major draw for guests once it debuts.
With more construction walls going up at Animal Kingdom, it’s important to plan accordingly if you’re visiting in the next couple of years. Guests should expect some disruption in this area of the park as work begins on the transformation.
If you want to experience the Tree of Life Theater one last time, you’ll need to visit before March 16, 2025. After that, the space will officially be closed as Disney moves forward with its newest vision for Animal Kingdom.
Change is never easy, but with a new Zootopia attraction on the horizon, it’s safe to say Disney has big plans for the future.
The tree of life is the symbol of animal kingdom. The last time i’ve been there was 2010 and i still have my wdw park shirt with the image of that tree which stands for animal kingdom. So sad to hear that it will be replaced by a zoo. It is so not pro animal. There’s still time to think about it peeps. Remember beautiful memories are made in Walt Disney World.
GO AHEAD REMOVE ALL ICONS AT EACH PARK LIKE THE SORCERER HAT AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
JUST CLOSE THE PARKS AND BE DONE WITH THE DESTRUCTION OF WALT DISNEY’S DREAM
@Rafiriki It doesn’t say they are tearing the tree down. They are demoing the inside to make room for the replacement attraction. Also, apparently you’ve never seen Zootopia because its a movie. They aren’t replacing the Tree of Life with a zoo.
Disney really doesn’t care what fans want in this country, just other places. It really isn’t Disney anymore.Alot of Walts dream are being destroyed, not for progress, but for high returns. After 65+ years of going to the parks, I really don’t care if I go again. It’s just not the same .