The shopping centre will be renamed Zoowater for the first time in its history as part of a collaboration with The Walt Disney Company in celebration of the upcoming release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootropolis 2.
The rebrand will launch on November 17, 2025.
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.”
The centre’s iconic horse logo will be replaced with Mayor Winddancer, a new stallion character from Zootropolis 2.
One of Bluewater’s escalators will be converted into a fully functioning Zootropolis 2-themed slide, and a statue of Russ the Walrus, one of the film’s new characters, will be installed in one of the centre’s lakes.
Visitors can also explore colourful pop-ups and interactive experiences featuring main characters Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.
The Zoowater branding will be visible at major entry points, including the Wintergarden entrance, six road arches, and four internal locations, as well as across Bluewater’s digital and social media channels.
Charlotte Tudor, vice president of 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.”
The Zootropolis 2-themed slide will replace the Thames Walk escalator from November 17 to 23, offering guests a fun and memorable way to join the celebrations.
The slide will be located between Boots and LEGO and will operate daily during the takeover.
The slide will be open from November 17 to November 21 between 11am and 5.30pm, on November 22 from 9am to 6pm, and on November 23 from 11am to 5pm.
A minimum height restriction of 1.2 metres will apply.
Zootropolis 2, which opens in UK cinemas on November 28, follows rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they investigate a major new mystery in the animal metropolis.
The film is directed by Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and produced by Yvett Merino, the Oscar-winning team behind Zootropolis and Encanto.
