Let us all admit, however, that the backwards part of the ride is a thrilling tour de force. I only know Orlando area rides, but that extended backwards ride is unnerving at best and a shock for the new rider. How many roller coasters go backwards for 5-7 seconds in the dark with sound effects? I suggest that the yeti was just passing an ice cream cone in 1-2 seconds at high speed. The yeti was never the psychological thrill that made the ride. It is everything that happens before. Sitting in a "broken train" on a track that has been destroyed by the unseen yeti, on the edge of a precipice is far more thrilling and good story in my book. I have ridden with enough new riders to hear that they didn't see him... when it was running 100%.
I will argue that the final Yeti animatronic working full force was a disappointment, too fleeting. It is the rest of the ride that is austere entertainment.