For many years, there has been an Audio-Animatronic figure that has held almost mythical status at Walt Disney World Resort. This is ironic, as this is an Audio-Animatronic figure of the Yeti. The reason it has been such a fascinating topic of conversation is that for many years it simply hasn’t worked. Instead, lights flash, and Disney has made the best of a not-so-good problem. Because of the strobe light effect, the name “Disco Yeti” was commonly applied to this figure. This is a problem that isn’t easily fixed, with even former Imagineer and Disney Legend Joe Rohde explaining early on in this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event why it would be nearly impossible to fix.
On Saturday night, everything changed. During the opening number of Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, a few jokes were made about the Yeti. Those in attendance started to wonder if something was going on or if a joke writer really loved the Yeti. As the evening moved on, this would be answered. And thankfully, it didn’t take long for that answer to come. Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum revealed that Disney was indeed going to invest to fix the Yeti in Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! He exclaimed, “We’re bringing the Yeti back to life inside Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!” Disney leaned into the “Disco Yeti” thing and invited disco legend Gloria Gaynor out to perform I Will Survive. This magical moment can be seen here:
While the Daps Magic team has never experienced Expedition Everest with a full working Yeti, here is a look at the current state of the attraction:
Expedition Everest Description
Nestled inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a majestic (and nearly 200-foot) Forbidden Mountain houses a legendary secret. From the moment you enter the queue, the lore of the yeti comes alive, as you peruse a trailside museum featuring evidence of campground attacks, sketches of sightings, and even a footprint mold of a giant yeti foot.
Once you’ve boarded an old tea train car and climbed the rocky peaks, you’ll notice a few more obvious signs of the mysterious guardian of the mountain during the high-speed ride, including a few torn train tracks. Inspired by the northwest face of Mount Everest and geological elements found in Tibet and Nepal, Expedition Everest is the perfect hideout for even the most discerning yeti.
What do you think about the Yeti getting fixed? Are you excited about this? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
