Disney Heeds Fan Demands with Yeti Fix and Dreamfinder's Return
Disney theme park fans have long been vocal about their opinions on new rides, closures, and changes to the company's parks. While Disney's history of listening to these fans' demands is mixed, recent announcements made at the 2026 D23 Ultimate Fan Event suggest that the company's attitude may be shifting.
One such announcement concerned Expedition Everest's Yeti, a centerpiece animatronic that was heavily hyped when the coaster first opened in Animal Kingdom. However, for over two decades, the Yeti sat motionless, earning it the derisive nickname 'Disco Yeti' due to its strobe lights.
According to reports, the issue with the ride's structural design made it difficult to fix the Yeti without a massive and time-consuming refurbishment. This problem was acknowledged by Joe Rohde in 2013, who proclaimed that Disney would fix the Yeti.
At the D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Disney finally announced that the Animatronic would be fixed, complete with new concept art and a performance from legendary Disco artist Gloria Gaynor. The other major fan-favorite announcement made at D23 was the return of Dreamfinder, who had been absent from EPCOT for nearly 30 years.