It’s Tough To Be A Bug
Opened: April 22, 1998
Location: Discovery Island, inside the root system of the Tree of Life
Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening
FASTPASS: It officially supports FASTPASS, but FASTPASSes are not usually offered because waits are short.
Type: 3D Show
Similar To: Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Muppet Vision 3-D
Requirements: None
Scary Factor: This section does include “spoilers.” Low for most people 12 and older, but it may frighten kids younger than that. Spiders, termites, beetles, hornets, and more make appearances and there are several effects that add to the terror including smoke that fills the room, a sting that comes from the back of the seat, insects dropping from the ceiling, and the sensation that bugs are running under your feet. If you’re scared of bugs, this show may not be for you. At the same time, all of the bugs are “cartoony” like in the movie, not realistic. If you want to avoid the slight “sting,” sit with your back away from the seat when the bees show up. You can also ask to sit in the back near the exit if you’re nervous about the show.
When To Go: If you’ve already ridden Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning, the afternoon or right before lunch would be a good time to go. The theater and much of the queue area are well air-conditioned which makes It’s Tough a nice break from long lines and the heat, if all the bugginess doesn’t bother you. Because of the way Animal Kingdom is set up, you’ll probably be passing by Discovery Island a few times throughout the day so you can check to see if the wait is short. I wouldn’t rush here early in the morning because Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safari will have much longer lines in the afternoon. If you’re eligible for evening Extra Magic Hours, this is a good attraction to hit right when EMH starts because the theater is large there shouldn’t be any wait. You can then move on to the more popular rides as the Park empties.
Expect to Wait: Before noon, it’s rare that you’ll need to wait longer than it takes for the next show to start. In the afternoon or during busy seasons, you may need to wait until a second show begins. In other words, waits are between ten and twenty minutes.
Length: 8 minutes
What to Expect: It’s Tough To Be A Bug is more intense than you might imagine. The theater is dark, loud, and there are a number of effects that “add” to the experience (explained in the ‘Scary Factor’ section above). Otherwise, It’s Tough To Be A Bug is a fun 3D show that most guests enjoy.
Early Release: It’s Tough To Be A Bug debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom seven months before the movie was released in theaters.
Rating: 8/10
Commentary: Not much else to say. This is a better show for teenagers and adults than it is for younger kids, but at the same time some kids love it while some adults can’t handle it. The great majority of people do enjoy the show – just be careful if you have kids who got scared during other attractions.