Walt Disney World Resort is preparing to make sweeping changes to some of its most recognisable park attractions, with new construction plans filed for Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life and the closure of long-standing favourites in Magic Kingdom.
According to records filed Wednesday, Disney submitted a permit for work on the Tree of Life, the 145-foot artificial landmark that has dominated Discovery Island since 1998. The filing does not specify details, but park watchers believe it may be tied to the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show slated to replace the now-closed It’s Tough to Be a Bug! 3D attraction inside the tree.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug! closed in March after a 27-year run.
The replacement, announced earlier this year, will feature a song performed by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps, and is rumoured to include an advanced Officer Clawhauser animatronic similar to technology seen at Shanghai Disneyland.
Construction walls have been in place since spring, but Disney has not announced an opening date.
In a separate shake-up, Magic Kingdom guests this week witnessed the Rivers of America being drained, signalling the permanent closure of the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island.
The move clears the way for Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars-themed land that will feature a high-speed off-road rally ride and a family-friendly indoor adventure.
Disney describes the upcoming area as “an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers, and impressive geysers.”
However, the removal of the Liberty Belle Riverboat, an original 1971 attraction, and the secluded Tom Sawyer Island has sparked disappointment among longtime parkgoers.
The changes come as Disney accelerates its push toward high-profile intellectual properties and immersive environments, even as it retires some of the resort’s most tranquil and nostalgic experiences.
The company has not commented on the new Tree of Life permit or provided a timeline for either project’s completion.
