Disney made a litany of announcements at the 2026 D23 Ultimate Fan Event, revealing new details on upcoming theme lands, a new class of Disney Cruise Line ships, and even some major surprises. However, few could be described as more “long-awaited” than the confirmation that the Yeti on Expedition Everest was FINALLY going to be fixed.
Expedition Everest
When the Animal Kingdom coaster first opened in 2006, the Yeti animatronic was hailed as the largest and most advanced Disney had ever built. The massive free-moving animatronic Yeti in the center of the “Forbidden Mountain” was one of the ride’s main promotional points teased in commercials and being discussed in Travel Channel documentaries. However, within months of opening, the Yeti was stuck in B-Mode. The animatronic was unmoving, with strobe lights pulsating to give the illusion of movement, hence the nom de plume “Disco Yeti”). This was allegedly due to structural damage the powerful animatronic was doing to the mountain when fully operational over the years. Disney officials, including Joe Rohde himself, made numerous claims that the Yeti was going to be fixed, but nothing came of them officially… until NOW!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
