A retired Disney Imagineer, Jim Shull, sparked conversation online this weekend by wondering if the preview video for the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a “woke” message. The show, which takes place in the Tree of Life theater, recently began previews for Disney employees, and videos of it quickly spread online.
So, Shull, a real company veteran – she’d been there over thirty years! – put some clips from the show up on X (formerly Twitter, you know) and was curious what people thought. She basically asked her followers for their honest opinions, which is cool.
The recent videos of the Zootopia show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life seem to have a progressive message, and it’s clearly designed for kids. I’m wondering if others see it the same way. Here’s a closer look…
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) November 1, 2025
He felt the videos of the Zootopia show at the Tree of Life seemed to promote a progressive agenda and were clearly intended for kids, and he questioned whether he was off base in thinking so.
The preview of the Zootopia attraction became popular quickly, sparking a lot of discussion among Disney fans and park visitors. People debated not only how the ride felt, but also what it said about the future of Disney’s creativity.
After the initial reaction, Shull followed up, noting that the topic struck a chord.
It seems like some readers misunderstood my question. I simply wanted to know what people who have seen the show thought about whether its story felt “Woke.” I wasn’t sharing my own opinion, just asking for others’ perspectives.
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) November 2, 2025
“Oops, I think I upset someone,” he said. He quickly explained that he hadn’t actually seen the show himself and meant his previous comments as a question for people who had.
It seems like people misinterpreted my question. I was simply curious to know what others thought about the show’s storyline – specifically, if they considered it to be ‘woke.’ I hadn’t seen the show myself and was just asking for opinions, not sharing my own.
Online Reactions Were Split
People had different reactions to the show. Some agreed that Disney’s park content now seems focused on current social issues, while others felt it was just a harmless show for kids. A common point of discussion was Disney’s reliance on popular movies for park attractions, with some wondering if the company should focus more on creating original stories within the parks themselves.
Honestly, watching this show felt less like experiencing a story and more like being strapped into a theme park ride – all spectacle, no heart. And you know what? It didn’t really surprise me, coming from Disney. It definitely feels geared towards a younger audience, and not necessarily in a good way.
A Familiar Flashpoint
This situation shows a common conflict when people talk about Disney. For several years, Disney has been the main example used by critics discussing how entertainment companies are including contemporary ideas in their movies, shows, and theme park attractions. Some fans appreciate this change as positive representation, while others see it as a cynical marketing tactic pushing a particular viewpoint on children. Either way, Disney is at the heart of this national conversation more than almost any other company.
The debate sparked by Shull’s question highlights a shift in how we talk about experiences at theme parks. It’s no longer just about the technical aspects like animatronics and music; these discussions now often involve bigger issues like the park’s overall vision, who it’s trying to attract, and how to balance traditional fantasy with modern themes.
The Show Itself
The new Zootopia show, ‘Better Zoogether,’ has replaced ‘It’s Tough to Be a Bug’ at the park. This change reflects Disney’s ongoing effort to base park attractions on popular movies and shows. The new show is designed to be a fun and family-friendly experience featuring characters from the world of Zootopia.
As of now, Shull hasn’t made any additional statements, and people are still responding to the initial post.
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2025-11-02 15:57