Disney World Erases Final Traces of Former Expedition Everest Attraction

The last physical reminders of Expedition Everest’s former queue system have officially disappeared at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, wrapping up a transition that’s been unfolding for months.

How the Change Began

Walt Disney World Resort started testing a revamped boarding process at Expedition Everest earlier this year, moving away from the traditional Single Rider line in favor of a new sorting method. Cast members began dividing Disney Park guests in the standard queue into two groups based on party size — evens and odds — allowing trains to load more efficiently while keeping every seat filled. The result was noticeably shorter wait times across the board.

Previously, the Single Rider line had played a key role in helping Disney cast members fill any empty train seats with solo travelers or guests willing to split from their group. As the new sorting system continued proving successful, though, that need largely disappeared, making the Single Rider line redundant.

Following months of speculation among fans, Disney confirmed in early September that the Single Rider line would close for good, with Sunday, September 20, marking its final operating day. In the days since, all remaining evidence of that queue has now been cleared away.

What’s Different Now

According to a WDWNT report from September 24, Walt Disney World Resort has removed the sign that once directed guests toward the now-defunct Single Rider entrance. The only signage still visible on the building promotes “souvenirs, film, postcards, and sweets” available next door at the Serka Zong Bazaar merchandise location.

Disney has also rolled out a new safety video in the Expedition Everest queue during this transition period.

More Changes on the Horizon

This isn’t the end of Expedition Everest’s evolution. At D23 Expo 2026, Walt Disney Imagineering revealed long-awaited plans to repair and reactivate the ride’s iconic Yeti animatronic. The figure once swiped at passing trains before being shut down and placed into “B-Mode” in 2007, after Imagineers discovered its repetitive movement was damaging the surrounding structure inside the Forbidden Mountain.

No timeline has been announced for when Expedition Everest might close to allow that repair work to move forward.

Have you noticed any other changes at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!