Its Tough to be a Bug

Based on the popular Disney-Pixar movie “A Bug’s Life,” the attraction ‘It’s Tough to be a Bug’ has had fans buzzing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park since the park’s debut on April 22, 1998. This 3-D show fits in well with the theme of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, showing guests – from a very humorous perspective – just how tough it is to be a bug in this universe!

Even though It’s Tough to be a Bug is one of the first attractions guests encounter upon entering the park, it is very easy to pass right by. That is because this show is not located in just any kind of theater – in fact, it is actually situated on the inside of the park’s icon, the Tree of Life! The line for this attraction is a show in and of itself as well, as you wind through the “roots” at the base of the tree, which have intricate carvings of animals cleverly hidden in the ‘bark’ of the tree. The cue also has movie posters on the walls along the way (with themes such as “Web Side Story” and “Beauty and the Bee”), giving guests an upcoming preview of the entertainment that is in store for them ahead.

Upon entering the dark, caevrn-like 430-seat theater, guests take a pair of 3-D ‘bug eyes’ and are made ‘honorary bugs’ by Flik the ant from “A Bug’s Life.” The first scene in the show features a tarantula, and immediately after a termite appears and sprays everyone with ‘acid,’ displaying the first of many special effects in the theater (never fear, you are actually just being sprayed with water!), and your senses are continuously heightened with an appearance by a stink bug. But, the show turns in a different direction when Hooper appears on screen, questioning Flik on why these humans are in attendance and demanding they be taken care of. After a small video of why humans are enemies to bugs, he proceeds to try to “exterminate” humans, filling the room with a fog while other special effects take place, including spiders dropping down from the ceiling. This is the portion of the show that is very scary for children, so please beware before taking them into the theater, or at the very least try to educate them for what is to come. While this is one of the most entertaining shows on the Walt Disney World property, it is too frightening for some children, so if you have any qualms about whether your child will be able to handle it or not, it might be best to wait until they are a little older before trying this attraction.

The scary scene in It’s Tough to be a Bug does not last very long, however, as Flik arrives back on screen to usher Hopper away and begin a musical number about how bugs are helpful to the human race. The last special effect comes at the end of the show, as all honorary bugs are urged to “remain seated so the beetles, maggots and cockroaches may exit.” At this time, every person in the theater will feel the sensation of ‘bugs’ moving behind you as well as at your feet, so if you do not want to encounter this final effect (or think it might scare your children), merely scoot forward in your seat to avoid any contact.

Even if you do decide to skip It’s Tough to be a Bug due to its special effects, there is no getting around the fact that at its time of opening, this was (and still is) one of the most technologically-advanced shows at any theme park in America. And, you can also rest assured knowing that there is much more to do and see inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park if you do seek other entertainment alternatives. If you are thinking of adding this Central Florida hotspot to your vacation itinerary, then let OrlanfoFunTickets.com help out with your vacation planning! We are your No. 1 online source for discounted Walt Disney World Resort tickets, with special deals that you can’t get anywhere else. So, whether you are planning on going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park or anywhere else at the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica (or all of the above!), click here now to see why it may be tough to be a bug, but it is easy to make your vacation affordable with OrlandoFunTickets.com!