When Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, it brought a whole new dimension to the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests could get closer than ever to wildlife, from giraffes to zebras, and the immersive theming made the park a standout. But it wasn’t just about the animals—it was about adventure. And things took an even more exciting turn when Pandora: The World of Avatar opened in 2017.
However, despite its appeal, many still consider Animal Kingdom a “half-day park.” Sure, you can easily fill a day with rides, shows, and animal encounters if the lines are long enough—but is there enough to keep you entertained for a full 8-hour day?
Related: What Nobody Tells You About Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom
One attraction, however, stands out as a long-time favorite among fans: Expedition Everest.
A Thrilling Journey Through the Himalayas
When Disney first announced Expedition Everest in 2003, anticipation was off the charts. The park was about to introduce a cutting-edge roller coaster that would take guests on a wild ride through the Himalayas, featuring the legendary Yeti.
This wasn’t just any roller coaster—it featured one of the most complex animatronics ever created by Disney Imagineers: a massive, moving Yeti that would reach out and interact with riders in a terrifyingly real way.
Related: Disney Gets Thumbs Up To Begin Animal Kingdom Demolition
When Expedition Everest opened on April 7, 2006, it quickly became a must-do for thrill-seekers. The combination of heart-pounding drops, unexpected twists, and the terrifying Yeti made it one of the top attractions at Animal Kingdom.
But after just two years, disaster struck.
The Yeti’s Tragic Breakdown
Despite its initial success, the Yeti animatronic malfunctioned and stopped working. Disney fans have been waiting ever since for the Yeti to make a comeback, but with each passing year, hope has faded.
Still, with recent improvements to other attractions, some fans are starting to believe that the Yeti may not be lost forever.
First the Rise of the Resistance canons, then this, could the Yeti be next?
First the Rise of the Resistance canons, then this, could the Yeti be next? https://t.co/Zv0IjRlAXT
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) February 16, 2025
Related: Remember When This Animal Kingdom Attraction Still Worked Properly?
Disney has made headlines recently for bringing back some long-neglected features. For example, Imagineers managed to restore the moving cannon effect on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland after it was broken for nearly six years.
Similarly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios saw the return of the dripping water feature on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which hadn’t worked in over 20 years. With these fixes in mind, the question on everyone’s mind is: Could the Yeti finally be next?
The Massive Challenge of Fixing the Yeti
Unfortunately, fixing the Yeti wouldn’t be an easy task. According to Imagineers, restoring the animatronic would involve a huge undertaking, potentially requiring the dismantling of much of the ride. The Yeti’s massive size and weight caused significant strain on the roller coaster’s structure, and its movement actually began to affect the ride’s overall safety.
Joe Rohde, the legendary Imagineer behind Expedition Everest and Animal Kingdom, has said that fixing the Yeti would require a delicate balance of resources, timing, and financial backing.
He’s also admitted that while there are solutions to the issue, the necessary opportunities have yet to align.
Related: Interview with Imagineer, Joe Rohde, Looks Back on 40 Years of Disney Magic
Sadly, with Rohde’s departure from Disney in 2021, many wonder if we’ll ever see the Yeti roar again. His vision for Animal Kingdom and Expedition Everest was a driving force behind the attraction’s creation, so without his leadership, fans feel their hopes dwindling.
Is It Time for Disney to Fix the Yeti?
Despite the challenges, Disney is known for surprises, and many fans still hold out hope that the Yeti will return in all its glory. Some feel that Expedition Everest is just as thrilling without it, while others believe that the Yeti’s absence is what’s missing from the ride.
The excitement of the attraction may be undeniable, but there’s no denying that the Yeti is the star of the show.
Will Disney prioritize fixing the Yeti? Or will they focus on other projects? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the Yeti’s legacy at Animal Kingdom remains strong, and fans are waiting for the day it returns to its rightful place.
Do you think Disney should make fixing the Yeti a priority? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
