Disney’s Iconic Everest Ride Closes Indefinitely After Major Malfunction

Something feels off inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests walking through the park lately have noticed a strange absence—one that’s hard to miss. The sounds of roaring tracks and rushing wind are gone, replaced by the steady hum of background music and chatter.

For a park renowned for its thrilling encounters and breathtaking scenery, the silence has sparked considerable curiosity. Whatever’s happening, it’s clear this isn’t just a routine hiccup.

Disney’s Most Immersive Park

Animal Kingdom is a park unlike any other, blending rides, live entertainment, and real animal habitats into one immersive experience. Guests can journey through Africa on Kilimanjaro Safaris, explore Pandora on Avatar Flight of Passage, or enjoy a Broadway-caliber performance at Festival of the Lion King. Every corner offers something unique, but one structure has always stood out from the rest—a massive mountain in the Asia section that symbolizes adventure, danger, and legend.

That mountain, of course, belongs to Expedition Everest.

The Legend of the Mountain

Since opening in 2006, Expedition Everest has been one of Disney’s most impressive creations. Riders join an expedition team to the Himalayas, speeding through icy caves and shadowy tunnels as they try to outrun the fearsome Yeti. The combination of breathtaking theming, backward drops, and sharp turns made it an instant favorite among thrill-seekers. For many fans, no visit to Animal Kingdom feels complete without conquering the mountain at least once.

But lately, conquering it hasn’t been an option.

Days of Downtime

Over recent weeks, guests have taken to social media to voice their confusion and disappointment. Reports suggest that Expedition Everest has been closing unexpectedly, sometimes staying offline for most of the day. Some parkgoers claim it hasn’t reopened at all during their visits, which has left many wondering what’s behind the extended downtime.

It’s not unusual for Disney rides to undergo brief closures, but the pattern here feels different. Fans claim that this has been happening repeatedly, and so far, Disney has remained silent on the reason. Whatever the cause, it’s starting to affect the park’s balance.

A Chilly Explanation

The mystery might not be mechanical at all. Several Cast Members have hinted that cold weather is the true culprit. One former employee said, “It’s 100% weather related, that ride hates the cold.” Another current Cast Member confirmed, “Can confirm it is weather related. As my leader said to a guest today, ‘She’s feeling spicy.’”

That lighthearted comment encapsulates a larger issue—when temperatures drop in Florida, certain outdoor attractions struggle to operate. Expedition Everest appears to be particularly sensitive, with sensors that can malfunction or safety systems that hesitate to engage in colder conditions. It’s part of what makes the ride so advanced, but also so temperamental.

What This Means for Guests

If the cold weather persists, Expedition Everest could continue experiencing interruptions or remain offline entirely for parts of the season. That’s tough news for Animal Kingdom, which already has a smaller ride lineup compared to other Disney parks. With Everest down, the park leans heavily on attractions like Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and DINOSAUR to absorb crowds.

Combine that with ongoing construction around the park, and Animal Kingdom starts to feel a little less adventurous. Guests who plan their day around the big mountain may need to prepare for disappointment—or at least some flexibility.

Waiting Out the Weather

The good news is that this issue appears temporary. Once temperatures return to typical Florida ranges, Expedition Everest should resume regular operation. Until then, Disney fans might have to skip their Himalayan expedition and find adventure elsewhere in the park.

For now, the mountain sits quietly, its Yeti at rest—proof that even Disney’s mightiest attractions can have their off days. But when the sun returns and the cold fades, fans will be ready to climb again.