Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently closed along with the rest of Walt Disney World in response to the current pandemic. While this situation is extremely serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly, it’s important to still try to have some fun during dark times.
So, with all of that in mind, why wouldn’t Disney fans bug Imagineering legend Joe Rohde about the Yeti at Expedition Everest?
The Yeti is practically a Disney legend at this point. Once upon a time, the Yeti was the most dynamic animatronic Disney had ever created, swinging its arm over guests riding on Expedition Everest.
The Yeti was widely promoted and discussed prior to the attraction ever opening. Such as the video below that was aired on Discovery well before the ride opened.
Sadly, the effect hasn’t worked for the vast majority of Expedition Everest’s lifetime. Instead, a strobe light has been placed on the now stationary Yeti.
Wild theories have popped up over the years about why Disney hasn’t fixed the Yeti, ranging from the need to cut the mountain open to the idea the Yeti is directly connected to the structure’s foundation. None of those urban legends are true. Ultimately it’s a case of resources not being dedicated to something Disney doesn’t see as a high priority problem.
Rohde is continually asked about the Yeti by Disney fans who long to see the animatronic in its original glory. In 2018, he mentioned that he still plans to fix the Yeti. Recently, Rohde provided a rather blunt reply to the latest round of questions that asked if a 14-day closure would be enough time to fix the Yeti.
Regardless of whether 14 days is or isn’t enough time, Disney isn’t going to put any of its construction crews or contracted construction crews at risk during this outbreak. Reports are coming in that they are halting many if not all of their construction projects around Walt Disney World.
Now isn’t the time to fix the Yeti, but hopefully the day will come and the infamous animatronic will be back to scaring guests as it was originally intended.
