The former Dug and Russell meet and greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has closed to become a Nick and Judy meet and greet as construction continues for Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
Tree of Life Meet and Greet
Construction walls are up where Dug and Russell (and at one time, Carl Fredricksen) from Up used to meet. The pair have moved to a different location, more on that below. The meet and greet space will be transformed into the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot, where Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps will meet in their Zootopia 2 outfits.
It makes sense for Nick and Judy to meet in this spot instead of Dug and Russell. It’s right next to the entrance to the Tree of Life theater, which will soon house the Zootopia: Better Zoogether show. There’s no longer scaffolding around the Zootopia: Better Zoogether entrance sign but it’s still covered by green scrims.
Through the scrims, it’s possible to see a large letter Z on the sign. It’s mounted on a faux tree, with branches to the sides likely holding wait time and Lightning Lane signs.
A sign on top of the meet and greet roof has been covered in black scrim.
Dug and Russell are now meeting guests on the Discovery Island Trails on the opposite side of the Tree of Life. Guests can find the exact location and meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app.
A brand-new structure has appeared in the queue around the Tree of Life.
This wooden framework went up fast as there was no sign of a structure here just a few days ago. It appears to be a new shade for part of the outdoor queue.
Several crew members were working on the structure Tuesday morning. Right now, it’s just a framework, but roofing or canopies could be installed later.
The framework runs right up to the tree, with some posts going under the roots where guests enter the theater.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether opens on November 7 but Cast Member previews will begin on October 31. These will be followed by previews for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.