If Everest doesn't get yeti refurb after Pandora opening, when?

[TheMaxRebo]

Yeah he's broken. And that's a much easier fix than the yeti.

wow. that's lame. I had no idea.

Skip to the 10 minute mark to see him in working order (video quality isn't the best but had to find one from ~10 years ago)

 

[Madonna3]

Skip to the 10 minute mark to see him in working order (video quality isn't the best but had to find one from ~10 years ago)

No, no, I knew that at one point he was facing forward and was waving his paper. Then, all of a sudden, after a refurb, he was turned to the wall. This was the same refurb where they took out the effect of the chariot racing down the street in the Roman scene. I didn't know he was broken, I just thought it was a stupid part of the refurb

 

[skier_pete]

You're not addressing what I'm talking about here, kid....

Maybe we're talking the "symptom" here...not the flu?

I am not sure you read my whole post - what I said at the end is if you want to argue it's a symptom of a bigger problem I can get behind that argument. A problem where "good" is "good enough" and it shouldn't be.

If you want to argue the Yeti not working is a major problem and makes the ride a "six flags" level ride...well you are paddling upstream here because it sure seems the consensus on the thread is its not.

While the broken Yeti is bad, the broken newspaper boy at Epcot is far worse. It's obvious to everyone on the ride that something is broken or missing.

I imagine that Iger or someone is looking at liquor receipts from F&W and going "... you mean we'll still get all this money ANYWAYS even if nobody ever puts a foot into Future World ... ? Ok then if no sponsor cares enough about Spaceship Earth, Energy Adventure or the fish farm to renew them then scr_w it!"

This exactly! The paperboy is worse IMO as well. While it honestly doesn't change the ride much either, it's much more noticable to anyone that's ridden the ride before. It's also much more fixable...take it out of the attraction for a while, fix it, then put it back. Everytime I ride by it I think "Geez, it much have it's face smashed in or something."

Wait a sec, so he's broken? How so? I could not figure out for the life of me WHY they turned him toward the wall!!

Another symptom of either "Disney is cheap" or "Disney is lazy". Animatronics breaking down and being put into "B" mode happen all the time - you see this a TON on Splash Mountain, there always seems to be a few AAs down on this ride, but then they hit the January refurb and they fix them! I just don't get that paperboy!

We assume it can be fixed, but no one on this forum truly knows. We can backseat drive with the best of them, we can argue based on assumptions, and that is what forums are great for. Ultimately is there an alternate solution that would make the purists happy, and not feel like Disney is taking an easy financial way out?

I think there's enough information out there that it can be fixed, or at least changed to have some sort of motion represented. Both myself and another poster previously posted on here of first-hand discussions with working imagineers, and I've read others. Again, all indications are they don't want to take the ride down for an extended time because of the lack of rides in that park. Whether that's a valid excuse or not is certainly up for grabs. I would love to see them fix it, but it's quite possible they are right in this case - that it isn't worth losing a park headliner for some number of weeks/months.

 

[DanBoris]

I don't think we'll see the yeti get fixed until the foundation moves to the point they must close the ride until it's repaired. The yeti isn't actually broken, it's the foundation under it that's moving around. (might not be exact technical terms). My understanding is that need a lot of room for whatever and however they need to fix it so it's not a take the yeti apart situation and not a short few months to do it. the wording I heard that was lightly joking is it would be fastest to take the ride down and redo it.

There is good reason to believe that the foundation issue is just a myth and not the actual problem.

 

[DanBoris]

LOL at LOL. That's nuts man. I perfectly understand why they haven't fixed it, but I believe they will eventually. The Yeti moving its arm or not doesn't make the difference in it being an "off the shelf" ride or not. Sheesh.

There are 1000's of details in Disney parks that the guests might not consciously notice, and the removal of any single one of these won't impact the guest satisfaction, but it is these very details that makes Disney parks what they are. Neglect to many of them and Disney stops being Disney.

 

[jaxonp]

Question, is there a hopper animatronic on its tough to be a bug at DCA like there is at AK?

 

[Madonna3]

There is good reason to believe that the foundation issue is just a myth and not the actual problem.

I'm missing something here. What evidence suggests that?

 

[rteetz]

Question, is there a hopper animatronic on its tough to be a bug at DCA like there is at AK?

It looks like it

 

[rteetz]

I'm missing something here. What evidence suggests that?

Over the years there have been lots of rumors and speculation as to what the real problem is. I saw this posted recently on another message board. Of all the explanations I have read this one has the best provenance and provide a very plausible explanation for the issues and for why they haven't been fixed.

"Ok, so back in September I was at a conference at WDW, and the wife decided to book a Dine With An Imagineer lunch at DHS. I skipped one of my educational sessions to do this, and we ended up with a 2-for-1. The main imagineer was a Show Design and Production manager, who was a DWAI veteran (and most recently involved in the Frozen Ever After project); the other guy was a mechanical engineer in charge of show quality, who was a newbie-in-training, at least when it came to these dinners. He explained to us that it was his job to do periodic "reviews" of the rides, and point out areas where show quality is falling below certain standards. He's also heavily involved in maintaining ride systems and animatronics. It was a fantastic experience, and we learned a lot about how things work behind the scenes, but nearing the end of our time, I (obviously) couldn't resist bringing up the Yeti.

Immediately upon my mentioning the Yeti, I could see that it was an obvious a sore spot for him. He stated that there have been multiple proposals put forth for repairing it, but none of the "big shots" have been on board. As for the specific problem, he mentioned that there are a couple of factors: flaws in the original "design calculations" (these were his words), particularly with regard to operational and maintenance conditions on such a large animatronic, and inability to perform proper maintenance on the Yeti. No mention of "shifting/failed foundations" as is often suggested. As a practicing structural engineer, I wanted to know whether this was the problem, and he indicated that the main issue is the animatronic itself.

The other factor is the ability to perform maintenance on the animatronic. I think this is the source of rumors that they "can't replace /fix it without opening up the mountain" rumors, but it's actually much simpler, and this issue ties into the first. He specifically talked about unanticipated stresses in parts of the animatronic due to lack of maintenance in other parts. If one of the motors in the yeti's elbow wears out or isn't functioning properly, but they continue to operate under those conditions, then higher stresses are transferred to the shoulder and chest, etc. My best guess regarding his comments about "incorrect calculations" is that he was referring to fatigue related problems in the robotic parts, and possibly in other structural supports.

The other major factor is that things have changed dramatically at WDW in the last few years regarding their compliance with OSHA standards for maintenance and fall protection. Any new work done to get the Yeti operational means that they have to update the design to meet these standards, so that ongoing maintenance on the animatronic can be safely performed. This would involve major upgrades to allow compliance with fall protection and other things related to maintenance workers.

It was encouraging at least to see how much it bothered him that it didn't work. He brought up the Universal dig re: their Kong animatronic (it moves...) and said that he and his colleagues all read blogs and other social media comments for research and to pick up on things they miss in their reviews. So, there you have it. Take it for what it's worth, but this guy was no bus driver..."

 

[jade1]

I have no problem with EE going down for 2 years, and basically rebuilding the entire mountain for another $100 Million if that what it takes to get arm movement.

Not sure about the rest of the guests. Probably some negative threads would be created.

Or build another major attraction instead-but would still have complaints about the arm so.

Would be awesome to see the actual down to the detail of what it indeed would take to repair.

My guess is some major mountain structure beams tying everything together would have to go, creating a domino effect.

That's the trouble with highly themed coasters-unlike Hulk. Taken completely down, rebuilt-seems exact same to me.

Its like sheet rock instead of tiles. You know a leak will happen.

 

[rteetz]

I have no problem with EE going down for 2 years, and basically rebuilding the entire mountain for another $100 Million if that what it takes to get arm movement.

Not sure about the rest of the guests. Probably some negative threads would be created.

Or build another major attraction instead-but would still have complaints about the arm so.

Would be awesome to see the actual down to the detail of what it indeed would take to repair.

My guess is some major mountain structure beams tying everything together would have to go, creating a domino effect.

That's the trouble with highly themed coasters-unlike Hulk. Taken completely down, rebuilt-seems exact same to me.

Its like sheet rock instead of tiles. You know a leak will happen.

Where are you getting that the ride needs to go down for two years or that it would cost $100 million? It doesn't need to take that much money or that amount of time.

Hulk was not supposed to be different.

 

[circus4u]

Question, is there a hopper animatronic on its tough to be a bug at DCA like there is at AK?

There used to be, but it wasn't there on my last trip.

 

[jade1]

Where are you getting that the ride needs to go down for two years or that it would cost $100 million? It doesn't need to take that much money or that amount of time.

Hulk was not supposed to be different.

The question is, does it matter to you, me, the average guest? Or is it just fix it at all cost? Or is it just leave it?

I'm just saying I have no problem with any amount of time or Disney dollars, or just leaving it.

There is indeed a number for both. Time_________________Cost_____________ What is the reaction when the blanks are filled in?



I never said Hulk was supposed to be different. Just pointing out how much easier it is to tear down and rebuild a skeleton steel coaster-that is all. I did think they were maybe doing something different with all the effort, other than the queue which could have been done without tearing it down..

 

[rteetz]

The question is, does it matter to you, me, the average guest? Or is it just fix it at all cost? Or is it just leave it?

I'm just saying I have no problem with any amount of time or Disney dollars, or just leaving it.

There is indeed a number for both. Time_________________Cost_____________ What is the reaction when the blanks are filled in?



I never said Hulk was supposed to be different. Just pointing out how much easier it is to tear down and rebuild a skeleton steel coaster-that is all. I did think they were maybe doing something different with all the effort, other than the queue which could have been done without tearing it down..

It should matter to guests that rides are not in top show shape. That's one thing walt always wanted. I'd prefer they just not leave it as is forever.

 

[Madonna3]

While I absolutely appreciate this insight, it can't be considered more than hearsay and we can just add it to the pile of "reasons" why Disney has let this go on as long as it has.

The only problem for me about this whole thing is I'm a member of a lot of "used to be" clubs. I remember how things "used to be" and I have to try and forget that for situations like this. I've found that when I enjoy something in it's current state rather than its former then it's easier, but when I do not enjoy it as it is currently presented I always have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind. However, I find EE the exception. Every time I ride it I look to see if the Yeti moves even though I know it won't. It doesn't deplete the enjoyment I have for the attraction, but it constantly gives me the nagging thought.

I took my mother in law on it for the first time last year. She had no idea the Yeti moved and since I didn't want to burden her with the thoughts I didn't bother to tell her. So, I think this is more of a problem for the "used to be" club.

 

[rteetz]

While I absolutely appreciate this insight, it can't be considered more than hearsay and we can just add it to the pile of "reasons" why Disney has let this go on as long as it has.

The only problem for me about this whole thing is I'm a member of a lot of "used to be" clubs. I remember how things "used to be" and I have to try and forget that for situations like this. I've found that when I enjoy something in it's current state rather than its former then it's easier, but when I do not enjoy it as it is currently presented I always have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind. However, I find EE the exception. Every time I ride it I look to see if the Yeti moves even though I know it won't. It doesn't deplete the enjoyment I have for the attraction, but it constantly gives me the nagging thought.

I took my mother in law on it for the first time last year. She had no idea the Yeti moved and since I didn't want to burden her with the thoughts I didn't bother to tell her. So, I think this is more of a problem for the "used to be" club.

But the quote I gave you was from a sit down with an imagineer. I think that's as close to fact as we are going to get.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It should matter to guests that rides are not in top show shape. That's one thing walt always wanted. I'd prefer they just not leave it as is forever.

Join the movement, my friend...

 

[jade1]

It should matter to guests that rides are not in top show shape. That's one thing walt always wanted. I'd prefer they just not leave it as is forever.

Yep, which is why I have no problem with EE going down for 2 years and $100 million, or whatever the blanks are filled with.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

While I absolutely appreciate this insight, it can't be considered more than hearsay and we can just add it to the pile of "reasons" why Disney has let this go on as long as it has.

The only problem for me about this whole thing is I'm a member of a lot of "used to be" clubs. I remember how things "used to be" and I have to try and forget that for situations like this. I've found that when I enjoy something in it's current state rather than its former then it's easier, but when I do not enjoy it as it is currently presented I always have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind. However, I find EE the exception. Every time I ride it I look to see if the Yeti moves even though I know it won't. It doesn't deplete the enjoyment I have for the attraction, but it constantly gives me the nagging thought.

I took my mother in law on it for the first time last year. She had no idea the Yeti moved and since I didn't want to burden her with the thoughts I didn't bother to tell her. So, I think this is more of a problem for the "used to be" club.

I get what you are saying, and I am sure there is a bit of that with me for this issue - I remember what it was, and wish it was still that way

However, this is something broken/not working so I think that is different than just wishing things were they way they used to be when a change was made (like FP+ vs FP-)

This ride is not working as intended and is a lesser experience than it used to be. Now, the margin of difference (how much less) might be very small (to the point is is practically negligible) but it is lesser. And because of that I wouldn't want them to have it down for 2 years and cost so much money that we can't get another new attraction or whatever - but yeah, it would be great if it was fixed

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yep, which is why I have no problem with EE going down for 2 years and $100 million, or whatever the blanks are filled with.

Though I think you also have to think of the trade off. If it is fix this or build the Tron coaster in Tomorrowland (not saying this is the case or anything) but I would definitely take something new and EE stays the same vs redo EE