For nearly two decades, Expedition Everest’s massive Yeti animatronic has remained frozen in place, earning the infamous nickname “Disco Yeti” among Disney Parks fans. But now, in an unexpected twist, the Yeti is moving again—just not at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Animatronic Yeti That Stopped Moving
When Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on April 7, 2006, it introduced one of the most advanced animatronics ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. The 25-foot-tall Yeti was designed to lunge toward riders, adding a thrilling finale to the high-speed coaster.
But months after opening, the attraction’s engineering marvel became a logistical nightmare. Due to structural issues, the Yeti’s frame split, creating a dangerous risk to both the ride and guests. Moving the animatronic could have caused catastrophic failure inside the ride’s massive show building. Rather than attempt a difficult and costly repair, Disney opted for a quick fix: installing a strobe light to simulate movement, giving birth to the now-iconic “Disco Yeti.”
For years, fans have begged Walt Disney Imagineering to restore the Yeti, but Disney has yet to announce any plans for a fix. Even Disney Legend Joe Rohde, the former Imagineer who led the Expedition Everest project, publicly swore to “fix the Yeti” someday, though he retired from the company in 2021.
Universal Studios Just Revived the Yeti—In the Most Unexpected Way
While Walt Disney World Resort has left the Yeti in limbo, its biggest competitor, Universal Orlando Resort, just brought it back to life in an unexpected tribute.
As part of its 2025 Mardi Gras Tribute Store – Legends of the Bayou, Universal Studios Florida added some hilarious Easter eggs poking fun at Disney’s long-broken Yeti animatronic.
TikTok user @happily_ever_after_hanna shared a video revealing the store’s Yeti display, which actually moves—unlike Expedition Everest’s animatronic:
@happily_ever_after_hanna Did you catch this detail in the Mardi Gras tribute store?😂 as neighbors, Universal & Disney World sometimes like to throw shade at each other lol #universalorlando #universalstudios #universal #disney #disneyworld #waltdisneyworldresort #disneysanimalkingdom #animalkingdom #expeditioneverest #discoyeti #yeti #disneyparks #kendricklamar #mardigras #universalorlandoresort #universalmardigras #shade #funny #themeparks #themeparktiktok #orlando
One of the Mardi Gras store’s displays features a spinning Yeti figure illuminated by disco lights, an apparent jab at Disney’s “Disco Yeti” solution. Nearby, a Post-it note reads, “Call Joe About Parts,” seemingly referencing Joe Rohde himself.
As if that weren’t enough, Universal is even selling a sticker mocking Disney, complete with a mountain-shaped silhouette and a shadow of a Yeti. “World’s Only Actively Moving Yeti Display,” the sticker reads.
How Long Will the Yeti Move at Universal?
Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store will remain open until March 30, meaning fans still have plenty of time to see Universal’s version of a functioning Yeti. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the real Expedition Everest Yeti animatronic remains in permanent “Disco Mode.”
Should Walt Disney World Resort repair the Expedition Everest Yeti animatronic or leave it as is? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
