Something strange is happening deep within Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s left fans scratching their heads. Guests visiting the park have noticed something missing—something big. It’s not a parade, not a character meet-and-greet, and not even a restaurant. It’s one of Animal Kingdom’s most thrilling and recognizable attractions, and its absence has sparked a flurry of speculation and concern among Disney diehards.For days, the park’s skyline has looked a little quieter, its sounds a little less thunderous. And while most guests arrive ready to conquer a particular mountain, they’re walking away disappointed. Disney hasn’t made an official statement yet, but reports from parkgoers and Cast Members suggest there’s more going on behind the scenes than a routine maintenance check.Credit: Steven Miller, FlickrThe Heart of Animal KingdomDisney’s Animal Kingdom isn’t just a theme park—it’s an experience built around exploration, conservation, and the beauty of the natural world. From the moment guests walk through the gates, lush greenery, exotic animal encounters, and immersive storytelling surround them. It’s home to incredible attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Festival of the Lion King.But nestled in the park’s Asia section stands one of its most awe-inspiring landmarks: a towering mountain that draws guests in from across the park. Expedition Everest, the iconic roller coaster inspired by the mythical Yeti, is often considered the crown jewel of Animal Kingdom’s lineup. Its massive mountain facade is visible from nearly every corner of the park, and for years, it’s been the go-to thrill for fans seeking a little adventure.Credit: Trey Ratcliff, FlickrThe Legend of Expedition EverestExpedition Everest isn’t just another coaster—it’s an icon. Opening in 2006, the attraction quickly became a fan favorite for its thrilling drops, backward sections, and intricate storytelling. Riders join an expedition through the Himalayas, braving treacherous tracks and coming face-to-face with the mysterious Yeti who guards the mountain.It’s one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions, featuring a unique track system, advanced animatronics, and one of the most detailed queue experiences in any Disney park. For many guests, no trip to Animal Kingdom feels complete without tackling this mountain at least once.But lately, that’s been a challenge.Credit: DisneyFrequent ClosuresOver the past several weeks, guests have taken to social media to share their disappointment. Many have reported that Expedition Everest has been experiencing repeated shutdowns, sometimes lasting the entire day. Others claim the ride has remained closed for several consecutive days, reopening briefly only to shut down again.The pattern has left fans confused and frustrated. Some even said they planned their park days around riding Everest—only to find the attraction unavailable from rope drop to park close. It’s become an ongoing mystery that regular visitors are starting to notice, and for a park with fewer rides than the other Disney parks, the impact is being felt.Something strange and unfortunate is definitely going on here, and while Disney has yet to release an official explanation, several plausible theories are circulating among fans and Cast Members alike.Credit: Chloe Rice/DisneyThe Mystery Behind the ClosureSpeculation has ranged from technical malfunctions to scheduled refurbishment, but the timing and inconsistency suggest something else entirely. According to multiple Cast Members, the culprit might not be mechanical at all—it might be the weather.One former Cast Member who worked at Expedition Everest shared, “It’s 100% weather related, that ride hates the cold.” Another current Disney employee chimed in to confirm, saying, “Can confirm it is weather related. As my leader said to a guest today: ‘She’s feeling spicy.’”The phrase has quickly caught on among fans online, becoming a sort of running joke for a very real issue. But the underlying problem is no laughing matter. When temperatures drop overnight in Florida—especially during the early morning hours—some of Disney’s outdoor attractions experience operational challenges. In the case of Expedition Everest, the cold appears to trigger sensors or systems that prevent the coaster from running safely until conditions improve.Credit: DisneyWhat This Means for GuestsIf this continues, it could mean Expedition Everest will remain unreliable, or even completely unavailable, for much of the cooler season. For guests visiting Animal Kingdom, that’s a major blow. Everest isn’t just a highlight of the park—it’s one of its few true thrill rides.Without it, Animal Kingdom’s lineup feels noticeably thinner. Avatar Flight of Passage can only handle so many guests, Na’vi River Journey offers a calmer experience, and while Kilimanjaro Safaris and DINOSAUR remain strong draws, they don’t fill the thrill void that Everest usually does. Combine that with ongoing construction projects and refurbishments around the park, and you have a recipe for longer lines elsewhere and a slower-paced overall experience.For guests who only visit once every few years, showing up to find Animal Kingdom’s largest mountain closed can be a real disappointment. And for locals or Annual Passholders who frequent the park, the ongoing downtime makes planning a little trickier.Credit: Inside the MagicThe Harsh Reality of Disney’s Calmest ParkIt might seem ironic that a park themed around nature and adventure in sunny Florida is struggling with the cold, but Expedition Everest has always been a unique beast. Its complex track layout, elaborate effects, and detailed theme make it one of the most advanced attractions ever built by Disney’s Imagineers—and that complexity comes with its own set of challenges.If temperatures continue to dip, there’s a good chance guests won’t see the ride operating consistently until the weather warms up again. And since winter mornings in Orlando can sometimes hover in the 40s and 50s, that could mean weeks—or even months—of unpredictable closures.Still, this wouldn’t be the first time weather has impacted Disney operations. Outdoor rides, such as Test Track at EPCOT and Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios, have also been known to pause operations during cold snaps. The difference is that Expedition Everest seems to take it a little more personally.Credit: DisneyLooking AheadWhile it’s unclear exactly how long Expedition Everest will remain down, the good news is that this appears to be a temporary, seasonal issue—not a sign of a permanent closure or major refurbishment. Once Florida’s temperatures stabilize, there’s every reason to believe the mountain will roar back to life.In the meantime, Animal Kingdom guests may need to adjust their expectations and plan accordingly. Mornings might not be the best time to attempt the climb, but warmer afternoons could offer better odds of catching the ride operational.For now, the mysterious mountain remains silent—a sleeping giant waiting for spring. And when it finally reopens, you can bet the line will be wrapped halfway around the mountain as fans race to reclaim their spot on one of Disney’s most iconic coasters.Until then, the Yeti rests—and Animal Kingdom waits.The post Disney’s Popular ‘Everest’ Roller Coaster Suffers Extended Shutdown appeared first on Inside the Magic.