A retired Walt Disney Imagineer is stirring up conversation online after sharing a sharp critique of Walt Disney World Resort’s newest attraction, describing it as “woke” and “aimed squarely at children.”
A New Era at Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is preparing to debut its second-ever show inside the Tree of Life Theater on November 7, 2025. The new experience, titled “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, replaces the long-running It’s Tough To Be a Bug!, which closed permanently earlier this year after 27 years of operation. The upcoming 4-D attraction will use advanced audio-animatronics, digital effects, and physical sensations to immerse Disney Park guests in a story celebrating “Zoogether Day,” a holiday set within the world of Zootopia (2016).
In the days leading up to its official opening, Walt Disney World Resort invited select cast members and special guests to preview the show. As is often the case with major updates to beloved park spaces, reactions quickly spread across social media — but one in particular stood out.
Former Walt Disney Imagineer’s “Woke” Critique
Jim Shull, a former Walt Disney Imagineer who spent more than three decades with the company, shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) after seeing footage of “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” The retired creative did not mince words, writing that the new show gave off “woke” energy and seemed designed “squarely at children.”
“The videos of the #Zootopia show in the #TreeofLife give off a ‘woke’ vibe and a show aimed squarely at children. Am I wrong? More on YouTube.com/jimhshull” Shull posted.
Shull also linked to his YouTube channel, but any videos related to the Tree of Life attraction have since been removed or set to private. His original post was later deleted as the conversation gained momentum.
Fans Push Back
Disney Parks fans didn’t hesitate to respond to the post, with many expressing confusion and disagreement about his assessment.
“I’m sorry, a what vibe…,” @AliciaStella replied. “Look, I’m avoiding spoilers till I can see the show next week. But I haven’t seen that word used in any way other than incredibly offensive ones for years, so I’m taken aback. Am I to infer messages of togetherness are ‘woke,’ and also bad for children? Or is there more to this?”
Look, I’m avoiding spoilers till I can see the show next week. But I haven’t seen that word used in any way other than incredibly offensive ones for years, so I’m taken aback.
Am I to infer messages of togetherness are ‘woke,’ and also bad for children? Or is there more to this?
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) November 1, 2025
@DoctorEmpyrean added:
It is a very strange interpretation of the show. It’s about acceptance and cooperation. Great overall message and I’m happy the kids won’t be scared to death anymore…though I did always laugh at that part because I’m lawful evil. LoL.
It is a very strange interpretation of the show. It's about acceptance and cooperation. Great overall message and I'm happy the kids won't be scared to death anymore…though I did always laugh at that part because I'm lawful evil. LoL
— DoctorEmpyrean (@DoctorEmpyrean) November 1, 2025
Shull Clarifies His Statement
Following the backlash, Shull deleted his initial post and offered clarification. In a follow-up message, he praised the teams behind the attraction and noted that he hadn’t actually seen the show in person.
I haven’t seen in person the Zootopia show and I congratulate the Imagineering and Disney Feature Animation team who worked to create the attraction. I miss the conservation message and the educational message about the insect world.
I haven’t seen in person the Zootopia show and I congratulate the Imagineering and Disney Feature Animation team who worked to create the attraction. I miss the conservation message and the educational message about the insect world.
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) November 2, 2025
A New Chapter for the Tree of Life
Despite the controversy, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will officially open to all guests on November 7 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Those who can’t visit in person can already experience the attraction through a full video recorded by Reddit user u/Accomplished-Dog1259:
Here is the Full show of Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Here is the Full show of Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
byu/Accomplished-Dog1259 inDisneyWorld
Do you think “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” is “woke?” Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
