Expedition Everest is worthy of all the hype that you may have heard. It’s one of Disney’s newest thrill rides located in their newest park, the Animal Kingdom. You’ll find it in the Asia section of the park, and even your walk to the ride will provide you with a thoroughly enjoyable, almost sightseeing-like experience. Disney Imagineers have done their most thorough work in the theming and decorating of the Animal Kingdom. So the illusion that you are actually in Asia is surprisingly effective.
I would highly recommend grabbing a Fastpass for this one as the line is typically very long. You could spend your time walking some of the animal paths nearby or even taking some photos at the many beautiful picture spots located throughout the park or near the ride. (Specifically, the bridge near the ride with the peak of Everest in the background makes for a great vacation photo.)
However, there’s no need to fear the worst case scenario. If the line is long, you won’t suffer through it. Although waiting in line is never fun, this one offers photo opportunities, plenty to look at, and lots to talk about. This is one of the single most intricate lines I’ve ever been through. There’s shelter from the sun, fans, sculpture, authentic Nepalese architecture, and even several segments of the line that act as a museum dedicated to the mythical Yeti. Monster geeks, National Geographic enthusiasts, and adventure junkies will have a great time with the line alone.
But what about the ride itself? When it comes to thrill rides, this one is absolutely tops. It’s almost like a more sophisticated version of Disneyland’s Matterhorn. It might not be the longest ride, and it might not be the most intricate when it comes to loops. Coaster geeks will know that even Mid-Western parks offer longer and faster coasters such as, “The Beast” and, “Millennium Force”. But this one is comparable in speed and construction to a coaster that would be one or two rungs below those, so the mild thrills are definitely there. Remember, this is meant to be a family friendly coaster that kids can ride with their parents. So if you’re looking for something to make your hair turn white, consider bungee jumping. But this will give you that great adrenaline rush you get from fast steep drops and satisfy your need for speed and hairpin turns.
But this ride’s claim to fame is something entirely different and its real strength lies in, what else…the theme of the coaster. Expedition Everest offers you your own up close and personal encounter with the famed Yeti, or as I like to call him, The Sasquatch of the snow. The animatronic Yeti is extremely realistic, and even if you think you’re prepared to face down the special effects of the coaster, you may find yourself giddier with fear than you may have expected.
That feeling of nervous delight that comes from your close encounter with such a realistic monster combined with the rest of the ride’s nerve-wrecking illusions (A broken coaster track, a quick change from forward movement to backward, and more.) are enough to actually get you nervous that something might be wrong with the ride. That kind of uncomfortable shift in coaster expectations is enough to terrify you at a very subliminal level.
Coasters are scary enough when you know what to expect, this one plays on your fears as you ride, and that’s a very smart way to take an old concept and make it fresh in order to thrill even the most experienced riders. I would highly recommend that you make the extra trip to the Animal Kingdom specifically to experience this ride. It’s well worth the trip and I can almost guarantee that Expedition Everest will make the cut immediately to your list of favorite rides.
