Zootopia Better Zoogether at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Teaches Kids (and Parents) the Power of Teamwork
At Walt Disney World, imagination and teamwork go hand in hand, and the newest attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings that spirit to life in the most colorful way possible. Zootopia Better Zoogether, opening this week inside the park’s iconic Tree of Life, is not just another dazzling display of Disney storytelling. It is a celebration of community, creativity, and connection; lessons that resonate far beyond the park.
It’s the first of the new rides and shows coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During a media preview we talked with a talented group, including 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).
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For parents, this new attraction is fast-paced, slightly overstimulating, and in the end, an example of teamwork. Read onward for an inside look at how this attraction came together, plus awesome advice for kids interested in Imagineering and Animation.
Teamwork and Imagination Shine in Zootopia: Better Zoogether
Chris Beatty, Creative Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, said the attraction’s concept was guided by Animal Kingdom’s long-standing values.
“Animal Kingdom is unique,” Beatty explained. “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.’ That’s what Together Day celebrates: how every animal depends on another, and how they’re stronger together.”
That same sense of unity shaped how the attraction came to life. Artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering worked side by side to merge storytelling, technology, and emotion, bringing new depth to the world of Zootopia.
How Disney Animation and Imagineering Worked Hand in Hand
One standout example of this collaboration is the lively Marsh Market scene, created for Zootopia 2. It was not part of the attraction’s first concept, but the animation team encouraged Imagineering to include it once they realized the Tree of Life Theater’s special effects could make the sequence unforgettable.
“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.”
Because the theater previously housed a show featuring in-seat and water effects, Imagineers were able to turn that animated moment into a playful, multisensory surprise (the perfect example of how creativity grows stronger when ideas are shared).
PRO-TIP: Zootopia Better Zoogether is LOUD and fast-paced. Sit towards the back and near the exit doors if possible. Bring hearing protection. My son and I are both sensitive to sound, and hearing protection makes a big difference.
What Judy Hopps and Clawhauser Teach About Teamwork
Even the actors behind the film’s beloved characters reflected that same spirit of teamwork. Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps) and Nate Torrence (Benjamin Clawhauser) recorded their parts separately, yet both spoke about the joy of comparing their experiences later and discovering how much their creative approaches complemented each other. Their mutual respect and cooperation echoed the very themes at the heart of Zootopia: Better Together.
“Our differences make us stronger; they should not only be respected but celebrated,” Goodwin said.
Torrence added,
“What’s so special about Zootopia is that you’re laughing through what you’re learning. It’s about community, who we are, where we’re from, and how we all fit together.”
Creative Advice for Kids from the Zootopia Team
The lessons of Zootopia Better Zoogether extend beyond its story and special effects. For parents raising creative or curious kids, the project’s leaders offered words of encouragement that feel just as meaningful as the attraction itself.
Jared Bush shared that he often tells young people interested in animation or storytelling to stay true to who they are.
“If your child loves to draw, write, or create, remind them that what makes their work special is who they are,” Bush said. “The best stories come from people who bring their own unique point of view into the work.”
Danny Handke, part of the Imagineering team, echoed that sentiment with advice that fits any age.
“Stay imaginative and stay curious,” he said. “Follow your passions wherever they lead, because creativity thrives when you keep exploring.”
Both pieces of advice remind families that individuality and imagination are worth nurturing, whether a child is sketching in a notebook, editing a school video, or dreaming about their own world of talking animals.
By the way, there are a variety of classes for kids in Orlando to help nurture that creativity!
Why Families Will Love This New Disney Experience
For families visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Zootopia: Better Zoogether is more than an attraction; it is a reminder that teamwork makes every adventure a little brighter. Whether you are navigating a busy day, tackling a school project, or planning your next family vacation, this joyful new experience proves that everything (and everyone) truly is better together.
