Avoid This Very Specific Spot in Disney World on March 16th

Disney World is home to some pretty intense crowd surges, but March 16th at Animal Kingdom could be a whole different level of chaos.

Animal Kingdom

If you’re planning to visit Animal Kingdom on March 16th, you might want to steer clear of one very specific spot: the area around the Tree of Life, where It’s Tough to be a Bug! is located. That’s because March 16th marks the last day of showtimes for the long-running attraction before it permanently closes to make way for a brand-new Zootopia show. Let’s talk about why this is happening and what you can do to navigate the chaos.

Since opening with Animal Kingdom in 1998, It’s Tough to be a Bug! has been a staple for guests looking for a mix of nostalgia, jump scares, and 3D fun (or terror, depending on your feelings about Hopper suddenly appearing right in your face). However, all good things must come to an end, and Disney has officially announced that the attraction’s final show will be on March 16th, 2025.

It’s Tough to be a Bug

Starting March 17th, construction will begin on its replacement: Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a brand-new show inspired by the hit Disney animated film. The new attraction is set to open in winter 2025, but until then, Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to one of its original opening-day attractions.

What to Expect on March 16th

If you think this final day will be just another normal park day, think again. Whenever a Disney attraction closes for good, fans tend to come out in droves to get one last ride (or show) in. March 16th will possibly bring:

Long wait times – Even though It’s Tough to be a Bug! is usually a walk-on or a short wait, expect lines stretching out of the theater as fans try to say their goodbyes.
Congested walkways – The area around the Tree of Life is already a high-traffic zone, but with people waiting for the show, taking photos, and just lingering for the nostalgia factor, it’s going to be packed.
Merchandise rush – If Disney releases any limited-time farewell merchandise (which they have a tendency to do for closing attractions), expect stores to be filled with guests trying to snag a final souvenir.

It’s Tough to be a Bug 25th Anniversary pin

How to Avoid the Madness

If you’re visiting Animal Kingdom on March 16th but don’t want to deal with the crowds surrounding It’s Tough to be a Bug!, here are some survival tips:

Hit Pandora early – While everyone is rushing to the Tree of Life, use that time to rope-drop Avatar Flight of Passage or Na’vi River Journey with potentially shorter-than-usual waits.
Take the scenic route – Try to avoid the main Discovery Island pathways near the Tree of Life. Instead, use the back pathways through Africa and Asia to get around.
Time your visit wisely – The biggest crowds will likely be midday and into the evening as guests try to catch the final showings. If you can, visit the park early in the morning or later in the evening when the frenzy may have died down a bit.
Plan for an alternative break spot – Normally, the shaded area near the Tree of Life is a great place to rest, but not on this day. Consider taking the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for a quieter escape.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

What’s Next?

Once It’s Tough to be a Bug! officially closes, the transformation process will begin for Zootopia: Better Zoogether. While Disney hasn’t given an exact opening date, we do know the new attraction will debut sometime in winter 2025.

A new show inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Zootopia” will debut next winter in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the show, so we can feel the excitement definitely building!

Officer Hopps reporting for duty! ?️? Join Ginnifer Goodwin for a behind-the-scenes making of – singing of? ? – the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opening Winter 2025 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/3ppylPs5Nh

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) February 3, 2025

Whether you’re a longtime fan of It’s Tough to be a Bug! or just someone trying to navigate the parks without getting caught in a crowd of emotional Disney fans, March 16th is going to be a day to plan around.

As always, keep it right here at DFB for all the latest Disney news, updates, and more!

NEW Permit Filed for Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Will you be heading to Animal Kingdom for the last day of It’s Tough to be a Bug!? Or are you skipping the madness? Let us know in the comments!