It’s Tough to be a Bug! is a 3D film attraction underneath the base of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Fans of the original animated Pixar film A Bug’s Life will likely enjoy this interactive film. It’s also not the worst place to take a break during the heat of the day. However, some children might find it scary.
Below, we’ll discuss It’s Tough to be a Bug! in detail. We’ll go over what to expect and whether or not you’ll need a Lightning Lane for this attraction. It’s important to note that a new show was announced to replace this attraction. The new Zootopia show is expected to feature Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Here are a few quick reference details for this attraction.
| It’s Tough to be a Bug! | Animal Kingdom Attractions |
|---|---|
Location: | Discovery Island, Tree of Life Theater |
Height Requirement: | None |
Lightning Lane: | Yes, with Multi Pass |
Early Theme Park Entry: | Yes |
Extended Evening Hours: | NA |
Ride Type: | Film in 3D Theater |
Duration: | Approx. 10 minutes |
Rider Switch: | None |
Good For: | Children |
Scary Factor: | Some children might find it scary. |
Must-Do List: | Low Priority |
Perfect For: | All Ages |
Special Mention: | It’s a pleasant place to take a break. |
Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVS. Audio description, assistive listening, and handheld captioning are available. Service animals are permitted with caution.
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It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Well off the beaten path, It’s Tough to be a Bug sits on the Discovery Island Trails under the base of the Tree of Life. The entrance is on the right side of the Tree of Life from the park’s entrance. It’s immediately past where Dug and Russell meet at the Wilderness Explorer’s Clubhouse.
Signage indicates the pathway to the theater. A stand-by entrance and Lightning Lane are available. For most, the longest wait to see this show will be for the next performance to begin, so you won’t likely have to wait longer than 10 minutes. We would not select this experience as one of our Lightning Lanes.
As someone who loves to explore the areas around the Tree of Life, I believe that seeing the film alone is worth seeing for the opportunity to walk this trail. You’ll see a unique perspective of the tree and animal carvings specific to the attraction’s queue.
We like to take our time and let people pass as we explore the trail. Here are a few of the carvings specific to the queue.
You’ll walk through a cave at the base of the tree.
You’ll see a few more carvings before entering the waiting area.
This is where you’ll begin to see movie posters for ant versions of famous films, like My Fair Lady is My Fair Ladybug. Other posters include A Stinkbug Named Desire, Beauty and the Bees, and A co*ckroach Line.
Right before entering the pre-show area, you’ll run into the famous wood carving of David Greybeard, the chimpanzee, and a plaque dedicated to Jane Goodall and her work.
The idea of ‘It’s Tough to Be a Bug’ is that you’ve entered a bug’s life.
A few more movie posters decorate the waiting area.
When the theater doors open for the next show, you’ll be directed inside to find a seat. Seats are long rows of benches that extend the length of the theater. Before entering the theater, you’ll pick up a pair of 3D glasses.
At the film’s beginning, the screen is covered with beautiful butterflies. When the show begins, they move and fly away, revealing the stage.
Flik, the loveable ant and host of the live show, drops from the ceiling and invites guests to become honorary insects by wearing “bug-eye” glasses and experiencing what it’s like to live a bug’s life.
Soon, Hopper, the grasshopper villain, shows up unexpectedly. He could be a little intimidating for smaller children sitting nearby. The show continues with other insects like a tarantula, soldier termites, hornets, bees, dragonflies, and black widow spiders. Look out overhead for the spiders!
At the end of the show, the doors will open, and an announcer will ask that everyone remain seated so the bugs can exit the theater safely. You’ll soon feel them crawling on the bench underneath you. Then, they will ask you to gather all personal belongings and take small grubs by their grubby little hands as you exit the theater.
Most children will enjoy seeing ‘It’s Tough to be a Bug!’ However, if you or someone in your party is terrified of bugs, you should skip it. Thankfully, no actual bugs are involved. But a few of the special effects during the film make you wonder.
For more attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you might enjoy the following:
- Wilderness Explorers
- Affection Section
- TriceraTop Spin
- The Boneyard Play Area
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
Or try our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Planning Guide. For more planning, you might enjoy our list of Disney World Resort Reviews. A few favorites include:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Review
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Review
- Holiday Inn’s Orange Lake in Kissimmee Review
In the Comments
Have you ever experienced “It’s Tough to be a Bug?” Are you sad to see this attraction go, or are you happy for Zootopia? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
