Expedition Everest, Yeti is not the only problem

[lugnut33]

Rode it several times last month and I could barely even see the yeti. It wasn't even disco yeti, it was more like obscure yeti.

 

[brunette8706]

They'd correct all these things, but it would reduce Iger's bonus to a number below 20,000,000 a year.

*

 

[Lady_Gracey999]

Rode it several times last month and I could barely even see the yeti. It wasn't even disco yeti, it was more like obscure yeti.

That's how it was when I was there a few weeks ago. There was a spotlight on the "broken" track, but I could barely see her at all.

Now when I went in Sept 11 I could swear she was moving. No strobe.

 

[cm8]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=F9U-7IjeZzY#!

This shows when the ride first opened, I must admit the yeti looks awesome. I think we need a petition to fix him!!!

EE sort of typifies everything which has become wrong with Disney. They have lost their way. They aren't paying as much attention to the details--something which made them great to begin with--and it's depressing.

I think EE worked properly for like a day before the Yetti broke down. I don't think they've ever fixed it so it worked for more than a day at a time. Since the Yetti is THE central character (if you will) for this attraction, it's hardly a minor detail. You'd think they would get it right.

All of the other things mentioned, while they're minor, the minor details are what sets Disney apart from the competition. Anyone can go to Islands of Adventure for better rides. But, if you want a better experience, Disney has them beaten although not as badly as they have in the past--and it's not because they've gotten better at Islands of Adventure (other than the Harry Potter thing).

It's a shame really.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Watching that video made me really sad. I was able to experience EE for the first time during am AP preview, and it was just incredible. Now- it is a nice ride, but it just isn't as good as when it first opened.

I also find it really sad that so called Disney "fans", don't seem to care that the ride is not living up to its full potential. Just watch the video again and see the care that the imagineers put into details like the mist in the moutain, wouldn't a real fan want that functional, wouldn't someone who truly loved Disney want to see the imagineers work being honored.

 

[patsal]

If you want to be the master of show than these things should work. I can ride a coaster anywhere, but I prefer to ride the immersive rides at WDW. Since I am paying much more the least that should be done in the routine maintenence to keep it in good working order. It does matter to me and I would prefer it to go down for a full rehab rather than present it as just good enough. The problem is of course the park doesn't have a draw without it operational.

 

[brunette8706]

If you want to be the master of show than these things should work. I can ride a coaster anywhere, but I prefer to ride the immersive rides at WDW. Since I am paying much more the least that should be done in the routine maintenence to keep it in good working order. It does matter to me and I would prefer it to go down for a full rehab rather than present it as just good enough. The problem is of course the park doesn't have a draw without it operational.

*
Good post. I totally agree!

 

[ssleblanc]

I have a much bigger problem with the little/minor things not working. Now, maybe I'm wrong (and I'm sure someone will tell me if I am). But, the minor "immersion" details that makes a Disney experience Disney are important. And if a little maintenance can repair things like the fog or a broken bird, it should be done.

The Yeti thing is huge (as far as repairs). My understanding (from a post here) is that the structure itself was not designed to handle the added strain caused by the movement. I'm guessing that the original plan didn't include a moving Yeti and during construction, or at least after the initial design, someone said "hey, we should have the Yeti move" and they went with it.

That is major. Really major. But things like the fog (which as pointed above, from that video the imagineers spent a lot of time on) - unless it involves a major overhaul (seems doubtful), should be fixed.

 

[disneylooper]

If all people want are rides, they can do that any place. People pay a lot of extra dough to go to WDW because it has all that extra little stuff.

It is still a good ride, no doubt. It is just less than it once was...which is (disappointingly) becoming very typical of WDW these days.

I agree one hundred percent with you, it is the little things, that set Disney apart, if they don't work, you can go to any amusement park for a thrill ride. In fact Cedar Point is the park for thrill rides.

 

[prfctlyximprfct]

you guys need to watch this!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC5zts4ZsGo&feature=player_embedded#!

 

[GadgetRick]

You mean like they're doing with Test Track?

...or like they did with Space Mountain...or Star Tours...or....

 

[GadgetRick]

The Yeti thing is huge (as far as repairs). My understanding (from a post here) is that the structure itself was not designed to handle the added strain caused by the movement. I'm guessing that the original plan didn't include a moving Yeti and during construction, or at least after the initial design, someone said "hey, we should have the Yeti move" and they went with it.

That is major. Really major. But things like the fog (which as pointed above, from that video the imagineers spent a lot of time on) - unless it involves a major overhaul (seems doubtful), should be fixed.

I'm sorry but I have a very difficult time believing this. So they didn't build it properly when they originally built it? It's certainly possible but I really doubt that with all of the attention to detail Disney--or anyone who builds rides really--put into these things.

 

[ssleblanc]

I don't have inside information so I cannot say with certainty. but that is what I read here on the board. I do know from personal experience that addendums happen on every construction project. I cannot tell you how many times stairs have had to be reconfigured or modified onsite because of a change by the owner, architect, designer, etc that never made it back to the structural engineer.

What I read that the structure was designed and the moving yeti was nit part of the plan. When those who came up with the uses for the moving yeti added it, it was either after the structure was done, or the change never made it back to the structural team. The moving yeti created a stress point that want planned. Again, this is information that I read here on DIS, so I can't be positive it is true. But my 20 years experience in the construction industry and dealing with changes among GC's, architects, engineers, and all of the subcontractors, I can certainly see it happening.

 

[bgrego]

If you don't think the Yeti Effect at the end of the ride needs to be fixed, then you probably don't remember it correctly. It was amazing! So life Like, and it made the end of the ride just as exciting as the anticipation at the beginning. Most Importantly It completed the story the ride queue was leading up to...the Legend of the Yeti, Hikers missing or find evidence of Yeti, shrine to the yeti, Erie feeling at top of mountain, encounter with yeti Silhouette, and Finally Larger Than life Attack just missed and your safe! The story and effects are what make the ride a disney ride, any theme park can put in a better coaster that EE.

 

[prfctlyximprfct]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...v=F9U-7IjeZzY#!

This shows what the Yeti was supposed to be like. It was amazing. It needs to be fixed.

 

[ssleblanc]

it is not that I think it does not need to be fixed, but more that I understand why it has not been fixed. Re-engineering the base structure itself is huge. I'm just saying that I find not fixing the smaller things to be less forgivable.

 

[Lady_Gracey999]

The Yeti thing is huge (as far as repairs). My understanding (from a post here) is that the structure itself was not designed to handle the added strain caused by the movement. I'm guessing that the original plan didn't include a moving Yeti and during construction, or at least after the initial design, someone said "hey, we should have the Yeti move" and they went with it.

That is major. Really major. But things like the fog (which as pointed above, from that video the imagineers spent a lot of time on) - unless it involves a major overhaul (seems doubtful), should be fixed.

The yeti's movement wasn't a last-minute idea. There was a glitch in the engineering software somewhere. Disney is still trying to figure this out. When they figure out what went wrong then they can fix it.

Read this: http://micechat.com/forums/walt-disney-world-resort/151710-broken-yeti-expedition-everest-mystery-solved.html
It explains things much better than I can.

 

[KillerChinchilla]

I didn't realise EE had these problems with it! I haven't been to WDW since 2009 but I LOVED EE. I think it's a stunning edition to AK and I love the ride and the fact that it goes backwards too. My memory is awful as it is but I can't remember the large animatronic Yeti.. o__o It must have been there, obviously, but I just can't remember it!

 

[ssleblanc]

Thanks! I will read the link when back on a computer.

 

[Eeyore98]

If you don't think the Yeti Effect at the end of the ride needs to be fixed, then you probably don't remember it correctly. It was amazing! So life Like, and it made the end of the ride just as exciting as the anticipation at the beginning. Most Importantly It completed the story the ride queue was leading up to...the Legend of the Yeti, Hikers missing or find evidence of Yeti, shrine to the yeti, Erie feeling at top of mountain, encounter with yeti Silhouette, and Finally Larger Than life Attack just missed and your safe! The story and effects are what make the ride a disney ride, any theme park can put in a better coaster that EE.

This, exactly!

I'm not saying EE isn't a fun ride, but it was FANTASTIC when the Yeti was fully operational. I went in 2007, and man that thing was impressive! It just gives me a little bit of sad nostalgia for its former awesome glory when I ride and see Immobile Disco Yeti, or worse, a totally dark final cave.