A new version of Expedition Everest recently appeared overnight at Walt Disney World Resort.
Expedition Everest opened in 2006 in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and has been a fan favorite ever since. However, its advanced Yeti audio-animatronic has been stuck in a non-operational state for years. Soon after the roller coaster opened, it was discovered that the Yeti’s repetitive movements were cracking its base, and the animatronic was shut down. Instead of the iconic Yeti moving, the ride now features a strobe light effect, which Disney Parks fans have humorously dubbed “Disco Yeti.”
Despite the ongoing technical issue with the Yeti, Disney has kept the ride operational. Still, some fans have been hoping for a major refurbishment to bring the animatronic back to life. Unfortunately, that overhaul seems unlikely anytime soon, especially since Expedition Everest remains one of the few remaining attractions at the park. With other areas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom undergoing significant changes, including the closure of It’s Tough To Be A Bug! and much of DinoLand U.S.A., the prospects of an Expedition Everest refurbishment appear slim.
So, where does that leave the 19-year-old roller coaster? Well, while a large-scale refurbishment may not be in the cards, Expedition Everest is still finding ways to shine at Walt Disney World Resort. This year, the roller coaster inspired a stunning chocolate egg display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The annual Easter egg displays, created by Disney’s talented culinary artists, showcase intricate designs and detailed representations of Disney characters and attractions. This one honors the Animal Kingdom Theme Park ride in a way only Disney could.
The egg, carefully carved by Mary Rose, a culinary cast member, features a striking design: the coaster’s tallest drop, with the tracks appearing damaged as they are “falling” out from the front of the egg, with a shadowy Yeti looming inside. The display also incorporates familiar flags and posters from the ride’s Asia area. It’s a perfect homage to the coaster, all in edible form.
Each year, Walt Disney World Resort celebrates Easter with breathtaking chocolate egg displays at multiple Resort hotels, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Check out more of the displays here!
Have you ever visited Walt Disney World Resort in the springtime and visited the Easter eggs? Share your favorite displays with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
our family has rode Everest many times, even when the yeti worked (it was a great deal more scary then) always enjoyed it