Disney's Disco Yeti Gets Its Groove Back After Nearly Two Decades
Disney has finally announced plans to refurbish the iconic Yeti animatronic at Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest ride. The original animator, Ethan Reed, spoke out about the long-awaited upgrade, expressing his excitement and relief that the beloved creature will soon be able to move as intended.
The Yeti has been stationary for nearly 20 years due to technical issues, with Imagineers initially using strobe lights to create the illusion of movement. This unusual solution earned the animatronic its affectionate nickname, the Disco Yeti.
Reed, who worked on the project during development and pre-programming, shared his personal connection to the Yeti. He had spent a lot of time with the creature and was disappointed not to be present for its final installation. The animator expressed gratitude towards the Walt Disney World and Imagineering teams for bringing the Yeti back to life.
The refurbishment is expected to enhance the ride experience, particularly in the final scene where riders encounter the Yeti face-to-face. Although a timeline has not been released, fans are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project.