Two Big Expedition Everest Changes You Need to Plan For

Disney has announced changes to Expedition Everest. Find out what this means for your next trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Expedition Everest

One of the most thrilling coaster in Disney World is Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Board your train in search of the mysterious Yeti who has been known to terrorize the locals.

The journey starts off smoothly, but then we find the tracks are destroyed and we must travel backward. We see a projection of the Yeti and are sent forward (photo op) and circle back up into the mountain.

You will get a VERY brief view of the largest Disney animatronic ever built. With so many closures and new attractions still in the works at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest is quite popular with Guests.

Expedition Everest Refurbishment

During the D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Disney announced that after several years, the "Disco Yeti" will finally retire at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Thomas Mazloum, Chairman, Disney Experiences, shared: "We're bringing the Yeti back to life inside Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom!"

Disney Imagineer, Joe Rohde, was the lead Imagnieer for Expedition Everest along as being the creative force behind the entire Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. In recent interview, "Welcome Home Podcast", Rohde shares that "They are going to replace the Yeti."

Many of us Disney fans assumed that they would simply "fix the Yeti". Rohde matter of fact stated, "If they could fix the Yeti, they would have fixed the Yeti." While this has not been confirmed by Disney, it does make sense.

If a brand new Yeti animatronic will be produced, we may still be enjoying "Disco Yeti" for a little while longer.

Expedition Everest Single Rider

Disney World Removes Signs of This Single-Rider Line

The second change to Expedition Everest took place several days ago.

For several weeks prior, Expedition Everest Cast Members began instructing even-numbered parties to go left and odd-numbered parties to go right in the final holding room. Unfortunately, this also means that fewer Guests in the single-rider queue are now needed.

Joe Rohde believes that Disney will completely replace "Disco Yeti".

On Monday, September 21, 2026, Expedition Everest no longer offered a Single Rider line. This is disappointing for many Guests who prefer to use the Single Rider option rather than purchasing a Lightning Lane for this attraction.

What do you think of these changes for Expedition Everest? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

Donna Farmer

Donna has always loved Disney even at an early age. When she was younger her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land". Even now as an adult, she loves to plan and make magical vacations come to life as she and her family travel "Home" to Walt DisneyWorld. Join her as she brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust to Disney planning.