Now that Zootopia 2 has claimed the throne as the #1 Hollywood film in China, fans are heading back to theaters for a second (and third) look. The directors have packed the sequel with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it references to Disney history and pop culture.
Here are the top 10 Easter eggs discovered so far:
1. The “Wreck-It Ralph” Cameo
During the chase scene through the Marshlands, look closely at the arcade machines in the background. One of the cabinets features Fix-It Felix Jr., a nod to Rich Moore’s previous work.
2. More “Bootleg” DVDs
Duke Weaselton is back at it! In his new street stall, you can spot bootleg covers for upcoming (real-life) Disney projects, including a mammal-themed parody of Moana 2 titled “Mo-Fawn-a.”
3. Baymax is in the House
In the scene where Judy and Nick visit the tech district, a small, white, inflatable healthcare companion robot—Baymax from Big Hero 6—can be seen as a desk ornament in the background.
4. Ke Huy Quan’s “Goonies” Tribute
Gary De’Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan) has a line about “no traps, no treasures,” a subtle wink to his iconic role as Data in the 1985 classic The Goonies.
5. The Mickey Mouse Silhouette
It wouldn’t be a Disney movie without a “Hidden Mickey.” Keep your eyes on the spots of a leopard sitting in the front row during Gazelle’s big performance—the classic three-circle silhouette is clearly visible.
6. A “Frozen” Cold Front
In Tundratown, there is a storefront named “Elsa’s Ice Cream,” featuring a logo that looks suspiciously like a certain Snow Queen’s tiara.
7. Avengers: Endgame Reference
In a cheeky nod to the movie it just beat at the box office, there is a scene where a hamster is seen wearing a tiny “Iron Man” suit made out of soda cans.
8. The Starbucks Parody
Zootopians love their caffeine. Look for cups labeled “Star-Bucks” featuring a drawing of a literal male deer (a buck) instead of a mermaid.
9. 1107 – The Lucky Number
The number 1107 appears on a door in the background. This is a tribute to the legendary A113 (the classroom used by graphic design and character animation students at CalArts), but tweaked specifically for the sequel’s production code.
10. Nick’s “Hustle” Flashback
In Nick’s apartment, you can see a framed photo of his younger self with his scout uniform—a touching callback to his backstory in the first film that explains his motivation for helping Judy in this sequel.
Final Verdict
It’s more than just a movie; it’s a masterclass in global appeal. Disney worked meticulously with regional teams to ensure the jokes and story beats were “tailored” for local audiences rather than just translated. This effort, combined with a 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, has made it a must-watch for both families and hardcore animation fans across the world.
