Disney Restores Classic Yeti Animatronic on Expedition Everest

The Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom has been home to a beloved roller coaster called Expedition Everest, Legend of the Forbidden Mountain for nearly two decades. However, one of its main attractions, a gigantic yeti animatronic, has been broken since 2027, just six months after it opened.

Despite the issue, guests have continued to love the ride and visit the park without any apparent decrease in enthusiasm. The yeti's problem is that it only moves for a brief 1.5 seconds, but this was enough for Disney Imagineers to decide it's time to fix it.

The company's Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced at D23 Experiences Showcase that the broken yeti will be repaired. The reason behind this decision is not just about fixing one animatronic, but also about showing appreciation for the park's most dedicated fans.

In an interview, a lead Imagineer revealed that they now have a way to fix the issue without requiring a lengthy closure of the ride. This change in approach is what led them to decide it was finally time to get this right, even if it means spending time and resources on something that's not strictly necessary.

Mazloum also announced plans to revive another classic character, Dreamfinder, by renovating its dated Figment ride at EPCOT. The decision to fix these attractions shows that Disney is committed to listening to its fans' concerns and putting them at the center of everything they do.