It's worse than I thought...

[Rinx]

Reading the posts prior to my trip in January I thought some people were exaggerating a bit on the poor conditions of the yeti in EE. Boy was I in for a surprise when I rode. It was absolutely awful, disgusting, frustrating, and embarrassing. The first time I went on I literally thought the yeti didn't have a head, seriously. So I had to go on again to check and I saw that it was turned and buried down into its left shoulder, completely blocking his face. No motion whatsoever, and the lighting barely gave you a chance to see anything at all.

An inoperable yeti, whom the story of the attraction is all about, completely takes away from the experience. It's just another mediocre coaster without it. I find it baffling that such brilliant minds created such a wonderful and innovative AA but couldn't find a way to not build it into the mountain so they can take it out for repairs. Obviously it's not going to work perfectly so why not plan for such instances? It looks like total ____*T! If they took the time to create such an AA, then they should have taken the time to better plan the construction of the mountain so they can get it out of there and replace it with an immobile character like they do on Dinosaur.

 

[raven]

Reading the posts prior to my trip in January I thought some people were exaggerating a bit on the poor conditions of the yeti in EE. Boy was I in for a surprise when I rode. It was absolutely awful, disgusting, frustrating, and embarrassing. The first time I went on I literally thought the yeti didn't have a head, seriously. So I had to go on again to check and I saw that it was turned and buried down into its left shoulder, completely blocking his face. No motion whatsoever, and the lighting barely gave you a chance to see anything at all.

An inoperable yeti, whom the story of the attraction is all about, completely takes away from the experience. It's just another mediocre coaster without it. I find it baffling that such brilliant minds created such a wonderful and innovative AA but couldn't find a way to not build it into the mountain so they can take it out for repairs. Obviously it's not going to work perfectly so why not plan for such instances? It looks like total ____*T! If they took the time to create such an AA, then they should have taken the time to better plan the construction of the mountain so they can get it out of there and replace it with an immobile character like they do on Dinosaur.

I rode it on Saturday and it looked quite good. But I guess if you are expecting to be dissapointed, like in your case, than nothing would be good enough. The coaster is a great "coaster" even though the Yeti isn't working properly. Most guests that haven't ridden it don't know what to expect anyway. And the populatiry of the attraction proves that people love it no matter what.

Truthfully, we don't know why it hasn't been fixed. There could be something major wrong with it that can't be fixed without a major rehab of the attraction. Trying to schedule a rehab like that when it's the most popular ride in the park would be horrific.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

The coaster is a good coaster, and the popularity is some measure but its also a reflection of the number of attractions available.

 

[krankenstein]

I rode it on Saturday and it looked quite good. But I guess if you are expecting to be dissapointed, like in your case, than nothing would be good enough. The coaster is a great "coaster" even though the Yeti isn't working properly. Most guests that haven't ridden it don't know what to expect anyway. And the populatiry of the attraction proves that people love it no matter what.

Truthfully, we don't know why it hasn't been fixed. There could be something major wrong with it that can't be fixed without a major rehab of the attraction. Trying to schedule a rehab like that when it's the most popular ride in the park would be horrific.

It isn't working at all.

 

[Rinx]

It isn't working at all.

Exactly!

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Write Disney. Tell them this. Enough complaints will illicit a response and hopefully a reaction.

 

[Rinx]

Write Disney. Tell them this. Enough complaints will illicit a response and hopefully a reaction.

Good idea!

 

[erasure fan1]

I just dont get how they cant seem to think of a way to make it look good when its not running properly. I agree that the current B mode is pretty weak. That said I still love the ride, its one of my favorites in all the parks.

 

[joel_maxwell]

Im hoping for something by September. My father chickened out a few years ago when it was in isnt great condition period. I would love for him to see it semi functional, but I just dont think time and money will allow by then.

Here to hoping.

 

[SMRT-1]

yes, it would be great if he was working as originally intended....does it ruin the ride? no.

 

[Andrew54]

I agree its a disgrace to the ride.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Yeah we noticed him, well we almost didn't, last week when we visited and it's just sad. Disney created something wonderful with the Yeti and he can't even be enjoyed anymore.

When we rode, we almost missed him because one flash of light highlights him for 2 seconds and that's it. He doesn't appear to move at all. Hmm...

 

[miles1]

EE is still a great ride and the Yeti's present condition certainly won't stop me from enjoying it. But I have to agree that its frustrating to see things like this go unrepaired and other attractions not refurbed to their full potential because of supposed budgetary constraints, while tons of money is spent creating new but marginal projects.

Its not only the Yeti's condition, but things like the unfinished decent in SSE, the unused upstairs at Imagination, and the half-baked Space Mountain refurb that are frustrating. Conversely, a lot of money was spent on the ugly Stitch Stage in Tomorrowland for a show that flopped, the development of the Flamingo Crossings asphalt village, and of course everyone's favorite, SGE. Now they're spending money on new restaurant buildings in Epcot and the entire FL expansion while classics like Jungle Cruise, WOL and Immagination languish in desperate need of refurbs.

I realize that a completely new headliner attraction is more likely to attract visitors than a refurb of an existing attraction. But can they at least get the existing attractions, such as EE, up-to-par before the money is spent on something new? Or perhaps use some of the money to reopen some of the "seasonal" eating spots year round, so that getting a meal isn't a hassle?

JMHO.

 

[joel_maxwell]

EE is still a great ride and the Yeti's present condition certainly won't stop me from enjoying it. But I have to agree that its frustrating to see things like this go unrepaired and other attractions not refurbed to their full potential because of supposed budgetary constraints, while tons of money is spent creating new but marginal projects.

Its not only the Yeti's condition, but things like the unfinished decent in SSE, the unused upstairs at Imagination, and the half-baked Space Mountain refurb that are frustrating. Conversely, a lot of money was spent on the ugly Stitch Stage in Tomorrowland for a show that flopped, the development of the Flamingo Crossings asphalt village, and of course everyone's favorite, SGE. Now they're spending money on new restaurant buildings in Epcot and the entire FL expansion while classics like Jungle Cruise, WOL and Immagination languish in desperate need of refurbs.

I realize that a completely new headliner attraction is more likely to attract visitors than a refurb of an existing attraction. But can they at least get the existing attractions, such as EE, up-to-par before the money is spent on something new? Or perhaps use some of the money to reopen some of the "seasonal" eating spots year round, so that getting a meal isn't a hassle?

JMHO.

In no way am I defending these developments. They could fall off the face of the earth and I wouldnt blink a bit of remorse, BUT as we can agree that the majority of WDWmagic forum members would agree that these are sub par in our minds, not everything can be a homerun. Some things dont turn out like they looked on paper and crowd response differs then originally planned or polled. In the balance of a theme park, we have to have these type attractions too (D, C, B tickets so on and so forth)

Again, Im not defending, but they have to take risks in some attractions. I do wish they would get their main E-tickets up to 99.9% efficiency with their effects. That has always been a big thorn in my side. Especially ones that help tell a story.

 

[gwhb75]

I wouldn't say that the yeti not working ruins the ride. The coaster is still pretty amazing (I was watching a series on YouTube of how they built the ride and it really was fascinating). I agree that a working yeti would really enhance the ride (I don't think it's ever been in A mode the times we've been there), but I wouldn't say it is just another mediocre coaster without it.

Having said that, it really is a testament to how high Disney Imagineers have set the bar when we consider expedition everest a mediocre coaster without the yeti. I think we've all been spoiled a bit.

 

[mastif]

I find it baffling that such brilliant minds created such a wonderful and innovative AA but couldn't find a way to not build it into the mountain so they can take it out for repairs. Obviously it's not going to work perfectly so why not plan for such instances? It looks like total ____*T! If they took the time to create such an AA, then they should have taken the time to better plan the construction of the mountain so they can get it out of there and replace it with an immobile character like they do on Dinosaur.

I know, I know, there are probably tons of threads about this....but what is the reason it hasn't been repaired. I thought it just had to do with money, but i guess both? Also, does anyone know why it broke? maybe just wear/tear?

Anyway I agree with you, While I think it's still a great coaster, watching those videos on youtube made me remember how awesome it was going underneath him while he's trying to swipe you. great!

 

[fractal]

I strongly disagree with anybody that says a dead Yeti doesn't ruin the ride. The Yeti is the peak, the entire climax to the ride, the story, the experience.

The ride right now is like watching Jaws without the shark. I think anybody who rode it when it was fully operational is kidding themselves if they say riding it now is not a big disappointment.

Disney has set a standard of excellence for themselves. As consumers of their product I think we have every right, if not obligation to point out when they fall far short of that standard.

It also bugs me when I see people write "if you don't like it write Disney about it, you don't need to complain about it here". Doesn't that defeat part of the purpose of a public forum about WDW? Aren't we all here to share all experiences, opinions, and advise?

Btw, I did write Disney about the Yeti, and also some great things I experienced at WDW.

 

[Rinx]

I strongly disagree with anybody that says a dead Yeti doesn't ruin the ride. The Yeti is the peak, the entire climax to the ride, the story, the experience.

AMEN! :sohappy: My thoughts exactly. I always thought the yeti was the coolest thing, the absolute best part of the ride. They make you walk through the museum, learning and looking at pics of this creature, setting you up for this inevitable encounter and then..........NOTHING

 

[krankenstein]

i strongly disagree with anybody that says a dead yeti doesn't ruin the ride. The yeti is the peak, the entire climax to the ride, the story, the experience.

The ride right now is like watching jaws without the shark. I think anybody who rode it when it was fully operational is kidding themselves if they say riding it now is not a big disappointment.

Disney has set a standard of excellence for themselves. As consumers of their product i think we have every right, if not obligation to point out when they fall far short of that standard.

It also bugs me when i see people write "if you don't like it write disney about it, you don't need to complain about it here". Doesn't that defeat part of the purpose of a public forum about wdw? Aren't we all here to share all experiences, opinions, and advise?

Btw, i did write disney about the yeti, and also some great things i experienced at wdw.

qft!

 

[SirGoofy]

I strongly disagree with anybody that says a dead Yeti doesn't ruin the ride. The Yeti is the peak, the entire climax to the ride, the story, the experience.

The ride right now is like watching Jaws without the shark. I think anybody who rode it when it was fully operational is kidding themselves if they say riding it now is not a big disappointment.

Disney has set a standard of excellence for themselves. As consumers of their product I think we have every right, if not obligation to point out when they fall far short of that standard.

It also bugs me when I see people write "if you don't like it write Disney about it, you don't need to complain about it here". Doesn't that defeat part of the purpose of a public forum about WDW? Aren't we all here to share all experiences, opinions, and advise?

Btw, I did write Disney about the Yeti, and also some great things I experienced at WDW.

Terrific post. Sometimes I really think people have their head up their butts for thinking EE is still "great" with a broken climax.