Home / Arts and Entertainment / Disney Pays Tribute to Legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde in Zootopia Attraction
Disney Pays Tribute to Legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde in Zootopia Attraction
4 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Joe Rohde, primary designer of Disney's Animal Kingdom, honored with Easter egg
- Rohde initially unsure about Zootopia addition to Animal Kingdom
- New 3D show "Zootopia: Better Together" includes character inspired by Rohde
In November 2025, Disney is set to open a brand new attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom called "Zootopia: Better Together." As part of the renovated show, which replaces the "It's Tough to be a Bug" attraction, the Imagineers have included a special Easter egg honoring Joe Rohde, the primary designer of the Animal Kingdom park.
Rohde, known for his distinctive look featuring dangling earrings, has been a driving force behind the park's creation and expansion over the past three decades. While he was initially unsure about the idea of adding the Zootopia franchise to the Animal Kingdom, the new attraction now includes a small mouse character with a dangling earring named "Joe Rohdent," a clear nod to the legendary Imagineer.
