DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Could Zootopia (2016) actually be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Fans have been speculating that the film could have a presence at this Walt Disney World since its release, and the questions have only continued since the concept was briefly mentioned during the 2022 D23 Expo.
The Walt Disney Company also revealed big news regarding the 2016 animated film during its Q1 earnings call on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, which has only further added to our question of whether or not we could see the film in a new immersive way at the theme parks.
Credit: Matthew Cooper – www.thetimethespace.com
RELATED: ‘Zootopia’ in Animal Kingdom? Joe Rohde Previously Dismissed the Idea
At the last D23 Expo, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro shared “blue sky” ideas for how Zootopia and Moana (2016) could eventually replace DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The ideas presented at the D23 Expo were not set in stone, and may never come to be at all, and while concept art was shown that appeared to feature a Moana-style re-do of Triceratops Spin, we still do not know what the future holds for DinoLand U.S.A.
More recently, Bob Iger took a moment during the recent Q1 company earnings call to share the news that sequels are in the works for several Disney films, Zootopia included.
Credit: Disney
RELATED: Restoring Creativity to Be the Focus of Bob Iger’s Restructuring Plans
Along with news of a sequel for Zootopia, Iger shared some details about his plans for restructuring the company while shifting the focus back to creativity. As part of this process, the company plans to focus on its core IPs that continue to perform well with audiences, and of course, these properties would include the films chosen to have sequels created.
The focus on creativity will be seen throughout all areas of the company. Streaming is likely a top priority for the immediate future, as Disney+ subscribership was down substantially this quarter, but this focus will impact theme parks and other destinations as well.
Credit: Disney
RELATED: Iger Responds to Whether He Regrets Appointing Chapek as Disney CEO
Of course, we cannot confirm that any specific Zootopia plans are in the works for Disney’s Animal Kingdom until we hear something official from the company. But in connecting the dots that it was already briefly shared at least as an early concept (along with the need to do something with DinoLand) during D23, and we now know that a sequel is coming, plus the new focus on properties that are proven successful…it would not be surprising to see it happen one day.
We will continue to monitor hints that Zootopia could be coming to this Disney Park, and will share any additional updates as we have them here on Disney Tips.
