Walt Disney World is finally preparing to address a problem that has frustrated theme park fans for nearly two decades.
One of Disney's Animal Kingdom's most recognizable attractions is getting some long-overdue attention, and the changes could be significant enough to require a temporary shutdown.
For guests who have spent years wondering whether Disney would ever fix one of its most famous animatronics, there's finally some encouraging news.
However, getting everything working again might not be as simple as Disney fans originally hoped.
Disney World Finally Plans to Fix Expedition Everest's Yeti
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2006, quickly becoming one of the resort's most popular roller coasters.
The attraction sends guests on a thrilling journey through the Himalayas, complete with backward movement, broken tracks, and an encounter with the legendary Yeti.
Unfortunately, one of its most impressive features hasn't worked properly for years.
The massive Yeti animatronic originally featured dramatic movements designed to make guests feel as though the creature was attacking their train.
Technical problems eventually forced Disney to stop those movements, leaving the figure stationary.
Flashing lights helped create the illusion of movement, earning the animatronic its infamous nickname, the “Disco Yeti.”
Now, Disney has confirmed plans to finally address the issue.
During D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced that the company intends to bring the Yeti back to life.
“We're bringing the Yeti back to life inside Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom!” Mazloum shared.
It's an announcement that longtime fans have been waiting years to hear.
Could Expedition Everest Close for an Extended Refurbishment?
Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, who helped design Expedition Everest, recently suggested that Disney may need to take a more drastic approach.
During an appearance on the Welcome Home Podcast, Rohde indicated that Disney plans to replace the existing Yeti rather than repair it.
“They are going to replace the Yeti,” Rohde explained.
He also suggested that if Disney could have repaired the original figure, the company would have done so already.
Replacing such a massive animatronic could require extensive construction, potentially forcing Expedition Everest to close temporarily.
However, Disney hasn't officially confirmed a replacement animatronic, closure dates, or a refurbishment timeline.
For now, guests can continue experiencing the popular coaster.
Still, with Disney's Animal Kingdom already undergoing major changes, another attraction closure could complicate vacation plans.
And after nearly 20 years of waiting, fans are hoping Disney's next update will finally give Expedition Everest the terrifying Yeti encounter it was always supposed to deliver.
