If you and your partner have done every Disney date imaginable, Zootopia: Better Together at Disney’s Animal Kingdom might surprise you. This new short show inside the Tree of Life Theater is a sweet, lighthearted addition that blends clever animation, family-friendly humor, and the kind of Disney detail longtime fans will appreciate.
It’s not a headliner attraction, but it is a fun part of your next Animal Kingdom date day, offering a few minutes of laughter and a chance to sit back and enjoy something new together. My husband and I just got back from an awesome media preview of this new attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and I am so glad I got to share it with him.
And guess what? We media folks talked with Ginnifer Goodwin (voice of Judy Hopps), Nate Torrence (voice of Benjamin Clawhauser), Jared Bush (co-writer and director of Zootopia and Zootopia 2), Chris Beatty (Creative Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering), and Danny Handke (Senior Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering)! So get ready to hear what this talented group has to say about Zootopia Better Zoogether, so you can make the most of your next Disney date.
Inside the New Zootopia Show – Laughs and Little Details
Before you head to Animal Kingdom for this new attraction, give a quick read to our inside look. You'll gain some helpful knowledge so you can enjoy the 3D show to the fullest!
A Lighthearted Story to Share
The show invites guests to celebrate Zoogether Day, a citywide holiday in Zootopia. When the lovable desk sergeant Benjamin Clawhauser accidentally goofs up the broadcast, he jumps in to co-host, turning his mistake into a charming, feel-good moment.
Voiced once again by Nate Torrence, Clawhauser is the heart of the show. His enthusiasm and optimism make him easy to love, and his ability to turn chaos into confidence fits the playful tone perfectly.
“What’s so special about Zootopia is that you’re laughing through what you’re learning,” Torrence said. “It’s about community, who we are, where we’re from, and how we all fit together.”
Couples will also spot familiar faces like fashion-forward Frufru from Rodentia and the glamorous Gazelle, who helps bring the festivities to life with her signature flair.
Hidden Details to Notice Together
Even if you’ve been to Animal Kingdom a hundred times, this queue is worth slowing down for. Disney Imagineers packed the waiting area with clever Easter eggs and design details that longtime fans will love.
Once inside the pre-show area you’ll spot a full map of Zootopia’s districts, a community board filled with hilarious references like “Justice Fur All” and Lapines Misérables, and even a nod to the Hopps Family Farm through a playful “Carrot Vision” poster that pairs perfectly with your 3D glasses.
A Collaboration Worth Celebrating
The attraction is a rare collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, combining storytelling and show technology in creative new ways. The new movie Zootopia 2 and the new attraction shared project teams and were created at the same time. In fact, the same animators who worked on the film worked on the attraction's film too!
“Collaborating with Imagineering has been one of the true joys,” said Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios. “To see ideas we’ve worked on for years come to life and become something guests can actually experience is absolutely spectacular.”
Chris Beatty, Creative Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, added that the story ties closely to the park’s core values.
“Animal Kingdom is unique,” Beatty said. “Its core values are nature, adventure, transformation, and the interconnectedness of all living things. We focused on that last one, interconnectedness, and said, ‘That’s what this show needs to be about.’”
Make It a Cute Midday Break
After the show, grab a themed treat or drink nearby. The Clawhauser donut macaron and Judy Hopps iced coffee are fun, colorful picks that make an easy Instagram moment or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Both are heavily on the sweet side, so prepare to share! You can find these treats at Isle of Java Food Cart just before the entrance to what remains of Dinoland U.S.A.
Before heading out, take a look at the Zootopia: Better Zoogether merchandise at Discovery Island. From matching tees to collectible pins, there are plenty of subtle ways to mark your shared Disney memory.
A Sweet Little Disney Moment
Zootopia: Better Zoogether won’t change your Animal Kingdom routine, but it’s a delightful detour that adds something new to the day. Once the initial opening hype dies down, it most likely will be a spot where you can avoid the long lines elsewhere. For couples who’ve seen it all, this lighthearted show is another reminder that Disney magic often hides in the smallest surprises — and that it’s always more fun to experience them together.
