Walt Disney World Resort has filed a new permit for what seems to be a mystery project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The filing, submitted on July 30, reveals that construction is planned for a location at 745 W Savannah Circle, which happens to be the address of the Tree of Life on Discovery Island.
In March 2025, It’s Tough To Be A Bug! performed its final show after 27 years, making the Tree of Life Theater empty for the first time since Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened in 1998. Walt Disney World Resort previously announced that a new Zootopia (2016) show, titled “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, would replace it, suggesting that this mysterious permit is related to preparations for the new 3-D show set to debut in late 2025.
This Notice of Commencement doesn’t directly reference the Zootopia show, but its timing—combined with the project’s location at the Tree of Life Theater—makes it likely that it’s connected to the upcoming show. The filing mentions work related to “install signage,” which seems to suggest preparations for a new display tied to “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”.
The construction permit lists Jon Richards Company as the contractor. This firm has worked on several notable Disney Park projects, including Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Magic Kingdom Park.
Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce a grand opening date for “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The 3-D show is set to feature a new song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps. Early concept art also suggests that the attraction will include an audio-animatronic of Clawhauser, like the one in Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia: Hot Pursuit ride.
What characters do you hope to see in “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”? Share your ideas with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
