Bluewater to change name to Zoowater as Disney celebrates Zootropolis 2

by | Nov 13, 2025 | Bluewater

For the first time ever, Bluewater is rebranding and will be known as Zoowater in a landmark collaboration with The Walt Disney Company to celebrate the upcoming release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootropolis 2. The centre’s iconic logo, which features a horse, will also be reimagined as a character from the film.

Along with the name change, one of the centre’s escalators will be transformed into a fully functioning Zootropolis 2-themed slide and a statue of one of the film’s new characters, Russ the Walrus, will appear in one of Bluewater’s lakes. Families will get the opportunity to explore colourful pop-ups and discover quirky surprises and interactive touchpoints featuring the film’s dynamic duo, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.

The Zoowater takeover – the first time in Bluewater’s history it has adopted a rebrand – will be visible across key entry points in the lead up to the film’s release, including the Wintergarden entrance, six main road arches, and four internal locations, as well as across digital and social media channels.

Launching on 17thNovember 2025, the 2-week rebrand will also see Bluewater’s iconic horse logo reimagined as Mayor Winddancer, a new stallion character from Zootropolis 2.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with The Walt Disney Company on this unique collaboration. Transforming into Zoowater is a landmark moment for us and something we’re really looking forward to sharing with our guests. The takeover will bring moments of surprise and fun throughout the centre – from the reimagined branding to the themed slide – creating an experience that families can enjoy together.”

Charlotte Tudor, Vice President, Studios Marketing Disney & Animation at The Walt Disney Company UK & EMEA, said: “We’re delighted to unleash the wild world of Disney’s Zootropolis 2 at Bluewater. The Zoowater takeover is all about blending the vibrant energy of the hugely anticipated new movie with the buzz of Bluewater, transforming the centre into a metropolis of mystery, mayhem and fun.”

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootropolis 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voice of Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootropolis and turns the animal metropolis upside down.

From the Oscar®-winning team of Disney Animation chief creative officer, writer and director Jared Bush (ZootropolisEncanto), director Byron Howard (ZootropolisEncanto), and producer Yvett Merino (Encanto), Zootropolis 2 opens in UK cinemas 28th November 2025.

The Zootropolis 2-themed slide will replace Bluewater’s Thames Walk escalator from 17th – 23rd November, offering guests a fun and memorable way to take part in the celebrations. It will operate daily, with a height restriction of 1.2m*, and can be found between Boots and LEGO.

To be the first to hear about Bluewater news and events, visit https://www.bluewater.co.uk/en

*Slide operational hours:
Monday 17th November – Friday 21st November: 11:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday 22nd November: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday 23rd November: 11:00am – 5:00pm

PANTOMIME FAVOURITE JOE PASQUALE TO STAR IN CINDERELLA AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

As the clock ticks closer to the biggest ball of the year, The Orchard Theatre is thrilled to announce that Panto Legend JOE PASQUALE is set to return to Dartford later this year to star in the spectacular family pantomime CINDERELLA. A firm favourite with panto...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET SAM ODAUDU

Dartford took on Lewes last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Sam Odaudu, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: This is Sam Odaudu's fourth full season as a Dartford player. Since making his debut in his...

Ofsted praises Kent primary school in glowing inspection report

A primary school in Dartford has been praised across the board by Ofsted in a glowing inspection report. Inspectors said West Hill Primary Academy, part of the successful Golden Thread Alliance, had achieved a “strong standard” in personal development and wellbeing,...

Bluewater launches search for its first Chief Play Officer ahead of the opening of new play park this month

Bluewater has announced a recruitment drive to search for its first Chief Play Officer (CPO). The unique role has been created to celebrate the official opening of the centre’s transformed Wintergarden play area...

Primary Schools Invited to Join Exciting Community Art Exhibition and Charity Auction- ‘Characters from my favourite book’

Stephen Oliver: Studio & Gallery and We Are Beams are organising a special community art exhibition showcasing the creativity of primary school children to support a cause that makes a real difference to families in their local community. The collaboration invites...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET ELLIE DOLBY

Last month, Dartford took on Ramsgate. Chris Palmer spoke to Ellie Dolby, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Since her arrival from London City Lionesses at the beginning of last season, Ellie Dolby...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET GEORGE WHITEFIELD

Last month, Dartford took on Ramsgate. Chris Palmer spoke to George Whitefield, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Back in the 2023-24, George Whitefield made seven appearances (four starts) for the...

Local racer joins UK first all female MINI CHALLENGE racing team

Local racer Lexie Powell, West Kingsdown, has joined the Wera Alliance Racing Academy for a season in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Championship. The cars are being run by Team Avago. Making up the rest of the are Ellena Reece, Beanie Reece and Liona Theobald. Lexie...

We Are Beams is delighted to announce that British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton has officially joined the charity as a Patron

Nicolas who is the half-brother of Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton made history by competing in the British Touring Car Championship while living with Cerebral Palsy. He is a living testament to the fact that a diagnosis does not have to define a...

“Do you know anyone  ageing  without children?  I bet you do!” 

Having recently been ill and having no children or partner to help me, it has become increasingly important for me to have contact with like-minded people. I am on Facebook so I have often looked at a website called “Ageing Without Children UK” (AWOC). I recently made...