Disney ParksSyndication
Disney World Confirms Demolition of 27-Year-Old Attraction—Here’s What’s Replacing It
There are major changes coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney World is making major changes at Animal Kingdom, and the latest development confirms that the Tree of Life Theater is set for demolition. A recently filed permit signals the official end of the space’s current use as Imagineering moves forward with a brand-new attraction.
A Wave of Closures at Disney World
Over the past few years, Disney has been rolling out significant updates across its theme parks, with Animal Kingdom being a major focus. The park has already seen major transformations, including the closure of DinoLand U.S.A. to make way for a new Tropical Americas land. Now, the Tree of Life Theater is the latest spot undergoing a big change.
The space has been home to an immersive 3D attraction since the park’s opening in 1998, but Disney is officially moving forward with its replacement. Fans have known for a while that a new Zootopia-themed experience was in the works, but the newly filed permit confirms that the existing structure will be demolished as part of the transition.
What’s Next for the Tree of Life Theater?
Disney Imagineering’s permit outlines demolition, general construction, electrical work, and area development, marking a major overhaul of the space. The contract has been awarded to Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., the same firm working on the Tropical Americas transformation at Animal Kingdom.
The replacement attraction, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, is set to open in winter 2025 and will feature characters from the Zootopia film franchise. The show will include an original song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps, as well as appearances from fan-favorite characters like Nick Wilde, Chief Bogo, and Officer Clawhauser.
Too Much Change Too Fast?
The pace of Disney World’s changes has left some fans feeling overwhelmed. Between closures at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and now Animal Kingdom, there are a lot of walls going up across the parks. The upcoming overhaul of Frontierland, along with the closure of Test Track at EPCOT, means guests are dealing with more limited attractions during their visits.
Still, while the loss of another long-standing attraction may sting, the addition of a modern, high-tech show themed to a popular Disney film is likely to be a hit. The real question is whether Disney is moving too fast, leaving guests feeling like the parks are always under construction.
If you want to experience the Tree of Life Theater one last time before its transformation, you’ll have until March 16, 2025, when the final shows will take place. After that, construction crews will begin work on what’s next.
Seems as if all parks have major closures, when 3 or 4 ride are down seems like ticket prices should reflect it .like a $20 discount for every ride not operating that day .