Is the Yeti all that bad?

[stevehousse]

I have seen the original working yeti and te newer disco yeti an it doesn't bother me at all! Even when the yeti was working back when the ride first opened in soft previews I was there an I had to ride twice because I missed him the first time! I think people just like to complain for the sake of complaining! I don't kind what state the yeti is in, it doesn't bother me when I ride it!

 

[Tom Morrow]

Yes, the cave the yeti is in is actually a full set with lots of rockwork. The Yeti is hanging from a train track structure above with it's left arm, having already broken a section of that track, and swinging at you with it's right arm. These tracks can be seen going off into a cave to the top left of the yeti.

"Fun" fact: there are actually three strobe lights for "disco" mode, not just one, as commonly believed! As you approach, two strobe lights from behind the figure alternate flashes. Then, as you get closer, it switches to the strobe facing the front of the figure.

I think what I find more frustrating than just fixing the yeti is that they haven't bothered to try an alternate way to bring new life to the scene. Why not install some dynamic lighting effects that enable you to actually see the scene but still obscure the yeti enough so you don't see that it isn't moving? There are so many things that could be done besides three strobe lights.

 

[marni1971]

The fact the Yeti is the big grand finale of the huge story told all the way through the line.... The amazing theming before riding.... The anticipation of the beast you've seen on TV, in the brochure, the thing central to the whole advertising campaign... The lack of much else to see on the actual ride... The huge build up... The climax of the attraction...this huge mythical beast, moving its powerful limbs as it attempts to both attack and defend simultaneously...

Then the brake zone into unload.

 

[Master Yoda]

Apparently I need to go watch a video of the ride when the yeti worked. I've never ridden it, but can't imagine it making a difference. Although, I guess it'd be like dinosaur without the Carnisaur.

It will not make the first bit of difference on a video.

 

[pumpkin7]

I first rode EE in 2010. I saw the Yeti and she freaked the heck out of me.

Only when I came home and read this forum did I realise that she was broken. I suppose it makes a difference to the people who saw her when she was fully working, but to others, it doesn't. Which is probably why they haven't bothered fixing her yet, because the average guest probably wouldn't notice.

 

[marni1971]

I first rode EE in 2010. I saw the Yeti and she freaked the heck out of me.

Only when I came home and read this forum did I realise that she was broken. I suppose it makes a difference to the people who saw her when she was fully working, but to others, it doesn't. Which is probably why they haven't bothered fixing her yet, because the average guest probably wouldn't notice.

And that's what brings Disney down to mediocrity.

 

[afar28]

I've ridden it when it was in its full mode twice, and I barely even saw it. You see it for such little time is isnt a game changer for me that it is broken.

 

[NormC]

Those that say they see no difference between fully working and now must ride it with their eyes closed. It is a big difference. A fully animated well lit show piece versus a camera flash in the dark? How can you say it is not different. Now as I have already said it is still a fun ride and my family rides it several times every time we are there. This is the problem. People still love the ride and many never knew it did more. As long as the queues keep forming it is unlikely to be fixed.

 

[twinnstar]

the first time i rode everest, it was shortly after the ride opened. so, i saw the yeti in all his glory.

then i joined this board...

and i have not been able to force myself to go on the attraction again cause you have all put the fear inside me!! im afraid i will see the yeti not working and be consumed my sadness and anger for the rest of my life lol

 

[Rob562]

Britt, here's a better video that gives you a more detailed look, including the whole supporting super-structure that apparently is at the heart of most of the problems.

Fast-forward to the 4:45 mark for the Yeti section, and the full range of its motion is shown about a minute later.



-Rob

 

[mergatroid]

OK...deep cleansing breaths now that you have the topic opened!

I was thinking today about wishing I was at the world and specifically attractions I would like to ride and EE came to mind which got me to thinking. I have to admit that disco Yeti really does not bother me. It seems like a minuscule detail of an otherwise very fun ride IMO. Now, other than the fact that the inoperative Yeti is a crown jewel glowing (or strobing) example of TDO's lack of commitment to the parks and more importantly the park goers experience within the parks do you feel it really ruins the ride for you?

Try and take your emotion for what the Yeti has come to stand for among us fanbois out of the equation and think of it as just a ride element and throw in your two cents.

I for one love the ride and I think that the Yeti is seen so quickly and for such a short period of time that I do not know if I could truly absorb the full mode Yeti anyway. Now I also have to come clean that I NEVER EVER saw him in his full and intended glory which is why I really wonder if it is just an icon for mediocrity or something really lacking in the ride.

Is a good question. If you take out of the argument whether it's worth spending the time and money repairing it, it really doesn't bother me which mode it's in. I've seen both modes numerous times and have to say personally it makes little difference to me as it's such a quick moment and the thrill for me is the view throughout and the speed rather than a 1.5 second stretch of the track. I know a lot of people get upset by it and that's fair enough as that's how they feel but for me it honestly makes little difference, if any.

 

[mergatroid]

Britt, here's a better video that gives you a more detailed look, including the whole supporting super-structure that apparently is at the heart of most of the problems.

Fast-forward to the 4:45 mark for the Yeti section, and the full range of its motion is shown about a minute later.



-Rob

Looking at that it's amazing you only got such a sort time to try to see it originally. Surely after all that work it would have made more sense to feature it in the part of the attraction where you're stationery so you could appreciate it more? I realise this would be high above ground level though which may have been a problem?

 

[copcarguyp71]

So hard to believe they would abandon something so expensive to develop and innovative in the amusement industry! I am beginning to feel bipolar now as I go back and forth between loving the ride and feeling cheated by what could (and should) be.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Is a good question. If you take out of the argument whether it's worth spending the time and money repairing it, it really doesn't bother me which mode it's in. I've seen both modes numerous times and have to say personally it makes little difference to me as it's such a quick moment and the thrill for me is the view throughout and the speed rather than a 1.5 second stretch of the track. I know a lot of people get upset by it and that's fair enough as that's how they feel but for me it honestly makes little difference, if any.

But it makes a difference to the legacy of QUALITY that Disney was once known for. That's the real issue here. And why the broken yeti has become such a symbol for all that's gone wrong with Disney of late.

 

[LambertLion]

I don't quite know whether (considering the points made above) I should admit ... I've been on EE several times over the years, and have no idea which version of the Yeti I saw which time. Perhaps when I was seeing a simpler version, my head simply decided I was paying more attention to other things during that particular ride.

 

[scheat]

Wow, did not come to this thread thinking I would see as much ambivalence about the Yeti as I have read here. Rode EE in A mode many times and to me it is not even close to being the same ride as it once was, and yes it matters. Is the ride still fun? Yes, but it doesn't instill any awe as it once did. When we visited DW in the 90s we were hit with a since of awe about the place. DW is still a blast, but "Disco Yeti" is just another in a long line of changes, mistakes, etc., that have taken some of the wonder out of visiting.

 

[copcarguyp71]

But it makes a difference to the legacy of QUALITY that Disney was once known for. That's the real issue here. And why the broken yeti has become such a symbol for all that's gone wrong with Disney of late.

In my OP I had asked if you take out the iconic fail that is the Yeti are things all that bad on the ride? I understand even mere mention of the Yeti incites the villagers to light torches and sharpen their pitch forks these days but if you are able to ride the ride without that fact in your mind is it all that bad? I go back and forth in my mind and am truly undecided. Of course I say that sitting here in PA and once I am actually riding EE I have to admit that at that very moment I could care less...now the moments shortly after while unloading do I think "what if" or "why", yes I do!

 

[Master Yoda]

But it makes a difference to the legacy of QUALITY that Disney was once known for. That's the real issue here. And why the broken yeti has become such a symbol for all that's gone wrong with Disney of late.

This is it exactly. Disney use to be legendary for their maintenance. Light bulbs were changed before they even burned out, rides went 101 if certain effects stopped working, they kept a spare IMAX projector on hand at Horizons, etc. That simply is not the case anymore.

 

[marni1971]

IMHO yes. It's an above average - but not stellar - coaster ride in a nice from the outside but wasted inside building that lacks so many story telling items, both through cost cuts and local decisions made once opened.

 

[bethymouse]

It's sad really. I have never seen him working the "right" way. I still love the ride, but I wish Disney would/could/should fix HIM to a Disney quality. Walt just wouldn't have stood for it! The Discovery Channel still airs Modern Marvels and the Yeti is shown in full force! If people saw that, and expected to see the Yeti work like that, then I for one would be disappointed. I just don't get it. Billion dollar industry not fixing one of its greatest accomplishments in modern science!