At a Glance
Duration: 2 minutes, 50 seconds
Look Out For: high speeds, backwards motion, twists, turns, drops, and a huge animatronic yeti
Opening on April 7th, 2006, Expedition Everest is a one-of-a-kind thrill ride that brings you deep into the mountains and face to face with the fabled Yeti. But how scary is Expedition Everest? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Expedition Everest has a ride duration of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Expedition Everest has a height requirement of 44 inches. This gives it the same restrictions as Space Mountain over in Magic Kingdom. There are also warnings for those with back or neck problems as well as pregnant riders.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Expedition Everest ride vehicles consist of 6 cars, each with 2 rows, seating 2 passengers per row (each with their own lap bar).
4. How does Expedition Everest Work?
Expedition Everest works like a standard roller coaster with various twists, turns, and drops. What makes this attraction unique is the backwards section, requiring the track to shift at times to change direction.
5. Is Expedition Everest Scary?
Expedition Everest is certainly scary – albeit, in a very fun and campy way. Most of the spooky theming centers around the mythical “yeti” depicted in drawings, statues, artifacts, etc. throughout the queue. Some of these depictions are scary – featuring what is essentially a “bigfoot” with large, snarling teeth and wild eyes – but it all fits into the ride’s lore perfectly.
When you finally do come face with the Yeti, he looks nothing like the pictures – but is certainly a terrifying and intimidating presence regardless. Standing at a very imposing 25 feet tall, he looks very realistic with his matted brown fur and incredible detail. Unfortunately, the train is moving so fast while passing him (not to mention he’s in the dark and lit by strobe lights) that riders don’t get a great look at him for long.
Regardless, the yeti is truly a scary sight and many sensitive riders may not appreciate soaring towards and underneath him on a mountain train.
6. How High is Expedition Everest?
Expedition Everest does involve significant heights. If you have a fear of heights, this ride may not be your cup of tea. Its 112 foot lift has an exposed track – meaning you can look on all sides of you and see every inch of space below you.
If the slow climb to the mountains wasn’t enough for you, there’s also a moment where the ride comes to a full stop (for about 10 seconds), leaving you overlooking the vast Florida landscape from over 100 feet up. While this view is particularly astonishing in the front row, passengers seated further back in the train may not see much of it – which may be good or bad depending on the rider.
7. How Fast is Expedition Everest?
Expedition Everest goes very fast. With a max forward speed of 50 miles per hour, this coaster is only 7 mph slower than Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. In addition, there is a significant backwards section of the track – hurtling riders backwards at 30 miles per hour for about 20 seconds. For reference, that’s faster than Space Mountain‘s top speed going forward. It’s thrilling, without a doubt.
In my experience, however, I don’t find Everest‘s coaster elements much more intense than other attractions like Space Mountain. While it certainly is more intimidating on paper, its smooth track and immersive theming make for a undeniably fun ride, rather than an overly intense one. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
8. Does Expedition Everest Have Drops?
Expedition Everest does have drops. Most notably, the 80 foot plummet seen from the front of the mountain is easily its highlight thrill. While this is nearly 30 feet longer than Splash Mountain‘s drop, it doesn’t seem much more intense to many riders due to its very smooth track and the fact that it’s over quickly.
This coaster also features a backwards helix – think of it as an inverted drop, sending you up an incline instead of down. Many riders think this is a drop in the backwards section as it will definitely give you that stomach-in-your-throat sensation, but you are actually being pulled upwards instead of dropping. Regardless, it’s still intense.
9. Does Expedition Everest Cause Motion Sickness?
Expedition Everest should not cause motion sickness to most riders. However, the 20 second backwards section could be upsetting to some. While it doesn’t last long, it’s certainly made more intense by its thrilling top speed of 30 miles per hour and the aforementioned backwards helix throwing you up an incline at one point.
10. Is Expedition Everest Claustrophobic?
Expedition Everest should not feel claustrophobic to most riders. Though it does have a lap bar, this ride’s short duration, outdoor setting, and amazing theming make for a fairly unrestricting experience. The worst part for me, a very claustrophobic rider, was the agonizingly slow lift all the way up to the mountain.
11. Are There Animatronics on Expedition Everest?
There is one animatronic on Expedition Everest. While the yeti is technically an animatronic – a huge, terrifying, 25 foot one, at that – he hasn’t been in operation for over a decade. He doesn’t move at all, so he might as well be like any other prop. However, he is certainly scary, moving or not.
Expedition Everest Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. You’ll enter an exquisitely-themed open-air building, taking you through several rooms full of artifacts and trekking gear. The line will then wind around a weathered temple before taking you back into the sun for a bit.
From there, you’ll make your way through a few more rooms (one of which being an elaborate museum of yeti artifacts) and soon find yourself at the train station or loading platform.
Expedition Everest Ride Walkthrough
As the train sets off, you’ll travel through a couple of mild twists and turns before beginning your terrifying ascent up to the mountain. As mentioned before, you will slowly climb over 100 feet (some of it being bare track) before entering a small temple at the near top of the mountain.
You’ll dip into a short tunnel before coming to a broken track. The train will come to a full stop for about 10 seconds and riders in the front row will be able to see some of the other Disney parks from way up there. Suddenly, the train starts rolling backwards and takes you into a dark tunnel and up a backwards helix at about 30 miles per hour.
The train will come to a stop again (for about 20 seconds) where you’ll see a projection of the yeti tearing up more track ahead of you. The track shifts again during this section and you plummet forward down the ride’s 80 foot drop.
The train flies back up into the mountain, into a dark tunnel, and back into the sunshine. You’ll enter a second tunnel where you’ll come face to face with the yeti before suddenly finding yourself back at the loading station.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Expedition Everest? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
