Patrick Warburton Joins New Zootopia: Better Zoogether Pre-Show
Patrick Warburton is coming to the Tree of Life Theater. Well, his voice is. Walt Disney Imagineering announced that Mayor Winddancer will appear in an all-new pre-show for Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
In a short clip shared by Imagineering, Zootopia’s mayor explains Zoogether Day to the audience. And he does so very slowly. It’s a stark contrast to the rapid dialogue and action that follow in the main show. That may be exactly why Disney has decided to update the attraction less than a year after it opened. Its fast pace can make the story difficult to follow.
Disney doesn’t usually make significant changes to new attractions so soon after their debut, so we suspect the update is a response to middling reviews and guest feedback. I don’t mind the show. It’s no It’s Tough to Be a Bug, but it has its moments. Honestly, I’m there for Nibbles and Russ’ “hey, bub” scene.
Adding fan-favorite Patrick Warburton certainly won’t hurt. His character was a scene stealer in the movie. Disney also had him film a short update for Soarin’ Across America, so it’s possible he recorded his Mayor Winddancer dialogue during the same session.
Imagineering’s clip also shows how the team worked nights to bring the new scene to life. Armed with laptops, Imagineers sat inside the theater while making their final adjustments. We assume the Marsh Market spitting effects were turned off during those sessions.
Representatives from every department involved with the show were on hand, including special effects, audio, lighting, and Audio-Animatronics. Their goal was to ensure the new sequence flowed seamlessly into the show it was introducing.
Those wanting even more Patrick Warburton in the theme parks are in luck. He’s set to reprise his role as Kronk for a new Emperor’s New Groove-themed roller coaster coming to Magic Kingdom’s villains land.
