For nearly two decades, Expedition Everest’s Yeti animatronic has been one of Disney’s most infamous theme park failures. Originally designed as a massive, lunging animatronic, the Yeti quickly broke down and was replaced with a strobe light effect, earning the nickname “Disco Yeti.”
Now, the Yeti animatronic is finally moving again—but not in the way Disney Parks fans expected.
A Disney Parks Disaster
When Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2006, it was home to one of the most advanced animatronics Walt Dinsey Imagineering had ever created. Standing 25 feet tall, the Yeti was meant to swipe at passing coaster trains, terrifying guests at the ride’s conclusion.
But shortly after the ride’s opening, disaster struck. The Yeti’s massive frame split, making it unsafe to move. If Walt Disney World Resort continued using the animatronic, they risked severe structural damage to the entire Expedition Everest show building. With no easy way to access the Yeti for repairs, Disney instead installed a strobe light, creating an illusion of movement—and giving birth to the legend of “Disco Yeti.”
For years, fans have pleaded with Disney to fix the Yeti. In 2013, Disney Legend Joe Rohde—who designed the attraction—vowed to repair it someday. Unfortunately, Rohde retired in 2021, and the Yeti remains frozen in place.
The Yeti Animatronic Moves Again—But Not at Disney
While Walt Disney World Resort has left the Expedition Everest Yeti untouched, its biggest competitor, Universal Orlando Resort, just brought it back to life in the most unexpected way.
As part of its 2025 Mardi Gras Tribute Store – Legends of the Bayou, Universal Studios Florida has included multiple tributes to the broken Yeti, complete with a spinning figure and flashing disco lights.
TikTok user @happily_ever_after_hanna shared this video of the Yeti Easter eggs in the 2025 Mardi Gras Tribute Store:
@happily_ever_after_hanna Did you catch this detail in the Mardi Gras tribute store?😂 as neighbors, Universal & Disney World sometimes like to throw shade at each other lol #universalorlando #universalstudios #universal #disney #disneyworld #waltdisneyworldresort #disneysanimalkingdom #animalkingdom #expeditioneverest #discoyeti #yeti #disneyparks #kendricklamar #mardigras #universalorlandoresort #universalmardigras #shade #funny #themeparks #themeparktiktok #orlando
Universal Orlando Resort’s moving monster is also illuminated by “disco lights.” Not far from the spinning Yeti, a Post-it note reads, “Call Joe About Parts,” allegedly referencing Joe Rohde.
Universal even turned the joke into merchandise. Guests can buy a sticker that reads, “World’s Only Actively Moving Yeti Display!” The design features a mountain silhouette with a shadowy Yeti figure.
Is This the Only Moving Yeti?
For now, yes. The Expedition Everest Yeti animatronic remains motionless, and Walt Disney World Resort has not announced any plans to fix it. Meanwhile, Universal Orlando Resort’s version will be “moving” until the Mardi Gras Tribute Store closes on March 30, 2025.
Will Walt Disney World Resort ever fix Expedition Everest’s Yeti animatronic? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
