Zootopia Ousts Up’s Dug and Russell from Animal Kingdom Spot

Written by Joshua Posted October 22nd, 2025

Dug and Russell have been evicted from their Animal Kingdom home. The Up duo left the Wilderness Explorers Club House to make room for a new Zootopia meet-and-greet featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. It’s a tough blow, especially since their names were on the marquee.

Dug & Russell's Wilderness Explorers Club House

This marks the second time Pixar characters have been ousted from Discovery Island by the Zootopia crew. A Bug’s Life bugs had their terrifying show canceled to make way for Zootopia: Better Zoogether! At least we’re getting an animatronic Clawhauser out of this.

All isn’t lost. Dug and Russell have found a new home on the Discovery Island Trails, though it’s unclear if this will be their permanent spot. Those trails are typically ignored by most Animal Kingdom guests, but they’re one of our favorite corners of the park. Walking them reveals hidden animals and spectacular views of the Tree of Life. On a recent visit, I even stumbled upon a Pocahontas meet-and-greet with no meeting or greeting. Perhaps Dug and Russell will draw bigger crowds, but selfishly, I hope not. I love the solitude back there.

Dug and Russell's meet-and-greet location shown in the My Disney Experience (MDE) app

Animal Kingdom is going through some things, and that’s meant saying goodbye to many of our favorites. Dug and Russell’s move from the Wilderness Explorers Club House to the Discovery Island Trails may feel like a downgrade, but it also offers a new excuse to explore one of the park’s most underrated areas. For now, let’s enjoy a few photos of the the Up duo in their old home.