The “Disco Yeti” at Expedition Everest is much easier to see after a lighting change at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During a recent visit, we noticed a constant lighting effect flooding the scene on top of the infamous strobe. The figure itself still does not move. Here’s the latest.
Expedition Everest Yeti Lighting Change at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- What changed with the lighting on the Yeti
- What the brighter scene reveals, including the mechanism behind the figure
- Where the Yeti fix and replacement debate stands
The Yeti has sat in a strobe-lit “B-Mode” for more than a decade. A steady light now fills the scene alongside that strobe, so the figure stands out in the otherwise dark room. Disney confirmed the Yeti fix at D23 in August, so any change to the scene is drawing the attention of fans.
You Can See Everything
The constant lighting effect allows us to see the Yeti’s fur, claws, and teeth, along with the (in-theme) broken beams around it. We can even see the mechanism behind the Yeti that would push it out to lunge at guests. That detail was basically impossible to spot before.
We edited these photos to soak up as much light as possible and show as many details as possible. The scene itself is much brighter than before, but it is not exactly this bright.
Where the Yeti Fix Stands
Disney says it will repair the current figure in the same spot on the ride. Former Imagineer and Disney Legend Joe Rohde says Disney will replace it instead. Walt Disney World has not yet responded to our question about whether the recent lighting change means work is underway on the fix/replacement.
Either way, the lighting change is welcome.
We heard a number of riders, young and old, say “the yeti is back” and “they’ve fixed it.” Of course, the Yeti is still not moving, and Disney has not announced a timeline for a fix. We don’t know why the Yeti has so much light right now, but we love being able to see it more.
Story So Far
- June 2023: Rohde said solutions existed but had not lined up into a workable opportunity across the company.
- August 2026: Disney confirmed the Yeti fix at D23 and said the Yeti would be brought back to life.
- August 2026: Disney said the work would repair the current figure in its current spot instead of installing a new one.
- October 2026: Rohde said Disney plans to replace the Yeti, and Walt Disney World did not respond to his comments.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!