Embark on a thrilling adventure through the treacherous terrain of the Forbidden Mountain on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, a pulse-pounding roller coaster located in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This iconic attraction combines immersive storytelling, stunning visual effects, and high-speed thrills to create an unforgettable experience for guests seeking excitement and adventure.
As you navigate the winding queue, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich history and mythology of the Himalayas, learning about the legendary Yeti and the dangers that await those who dare to venture too close to its domain. Once aboard the train, you’ll ascend to dizzying heights before plunging into a series of high-speed drops, sharp turns, and backwards racing that will leave you breathless.
In this guide, we’ll explore every aspect of the Expedition Everest experience, from the detailed queue to the heart-pounding ride itself. We’ll also share insider tips and tricks to help you make the most of your journey to the top of the Forbidden Mountain.
Key Information
Before setting out on your Expedition Everest adventure, let’s review some essential information about the attraction:
- Height Requirement: Riders must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall.
- Suitable For: Thrill-seekers, teenagers, and adults. The high speeds, sharp turns, and intense drops may be too much for younger children or those who are sensitive to intense motion.
- Type of Ride: High-speed roller coaster with forward and backward motion
- Category: Thrill ride
- Photography: Photography and video recording are not permitted on the ride.
- Opening Date: April 7, 2006
- Location: Asia, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA
- Length: 4,424 feet (1,348 meters)
- Top Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
Expedition Everest Ride Experience
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a high-speed roller coaster that takes riders on a harrowing journey through the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas. The story behind the ride revolves around the legend of the Yeti, a mysterious and dangerous creature said to inhabit the Forbidden Mountain.
As you board the train and begin your ascent, you’ll find yourself immersed in the stunning scenery of the Himalayas, with towering peaks and deep valleys stretching out before you. But as you climb higher and higher, it becomes clear that something is amiss. The track ahead has been torn apart, and the only way forward is to plunge into the unknown.
What follows is a heart-pounding series of drops, twists, and turns that will leave you breathless. You’ll race forwards and backwards through the mountain, narrowly avoiding the clutches of the Yeti as you navigate the treacherous terrain. The ride’s highlight comes as you reach the top of the mountain and find yourself face-to-face with the massive Audio-Animatronic Yeti, its fierce roar echoing through the caverns.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, check out this POV video of the Expedition Everest ride:
With its combination of immersive storytelling, stunning visual effects, and high-speed thrills, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to conquer the mountain again and again.
Expedition Everest Queue Experience
The queue for Expedition Everest is an attraction in itself, immersing you in the rich history and culture of the Himalayas long before you board the train. As you make your way through the winding passages, you’ll find yourself surrounded by intricate details and artefacts that tell the story of the Forbidden Mountain and the legendary Yeti.
The queue begins in a small Himalayan village, where you’ll pass through a traditional tea garden and a museum filled with ancient artefacts and photographs documenting the history of the region. As you continue deeper into the mountain, you’ll encounter a shrine to the Yeti, complete with offerings and sacred relics that hint at the creature’s fearsome reputation.
Throughout the queue, you’ll also find informative displays and interactive elements that provide insight into the ecology and mythology of the Himalayas. These details help to build anticipation and immerse you in the world of Expedition Everest, making the eventual confrontation with the Yeti all the more powerful.
The attention to detail and immersive storytelling in the Expedition Everest queue is truly remarkable, earning it a solid 9 out of 10 in our rating. The queue sets the stage for the thrilling ride to come and helps to create a rich and engaging experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the mountain behind.
Tips for the Best Experience
To ensure that you have the best possible experience on Expedition Everest, consider the following tips:
- Secure loose items: Due to the high speeds and intense motion of the ride, it’s essential to secure any loose items, such as hats, glasses, or phones, before boarding. Consider using the lockers provided or leaving these items with a non-rider.
- Be prepared for the Yeti: The encounter with the Audio-Animatronic Yeti is one of the ride’s most intense moments. If you’re easily startled, be prepared for a sudden and powerful roar as you reach the top of the mountain.
- Ride at night: While Expedition Everest is thrilling at any time of day, the experience takes on an extra layer of excitement and mystery when ridden at night. The darkness adds to the sense of danger and makes the Yeti encounter even more powerful.
- Check for height requirements: With a minimum height requirement of 44 inches (112 cm), Expedition Everest may not be suitable for younger children. Be sure to check the height requirements before planning your visit to avoid disappointment.
- Use Genie+: Expedition Everest is one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and wait times can be lengthy during peak hours. Consider using Genie+ to reduce your wait time and ensure you have more time to explore the rest of the park.
Comparison to Other Disney Rides
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is often compared to other high-speed roller coasters at Disney parks, such as Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, what sets Expedition Everest apart is its immersive storytelling and attention to detail.
Unlike many other roller coasters, Expedition Everest takes riders on a journey through a richly detailed environment, immersing them in the history and mythology of the Himalayas. The ride’s backwards motion and encounter with the Audio-Animatronic Yeti also add unique elements that set it apart from other thrill rides.
In terms of sheer excitement and adrenaline-pumping thrills, Expedition Everest is hard to beat. Its combination of high speeds, sharp turns, and intense drops make it a must-do for any thrill-seeker visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Our Rating
After considering the immersive queue, the thrilling ride experience, and the unique elements that set Expedition Everest apart from other roller coasters, we give this attraction a well-deserved 9 out of 10.
The attention to detail in the queue and the surrounding environment is truly remarkable. Riders are immersed in the rich history and mythology of the Himalayas. The ride itself is a pulse-pounding adventure that will leave you breathless, with its high speeds, sharp turns, and backward motion.
The only reason we didn’t give Expedition Everest a perfect 10 is that the ride’s intensity may be too much for some guests, particularly younger children or those sensitive to intense motion. Although we still wish that Yeti worked. However, for those who are up for the challenge, Expedition Everest is an unforgettable experience showcasing Disney’s best storytelling and thrill-ride design.
How to Find Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. To reach the ride, follow these steps:
1 – Enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom: After passing through the main entrance of the park, head straight forward onto Discovery Island.
2 – Follow the path to Asia: From Discovery Island, follow the signs or consult your park map to locate the path leading to the Asia section of the park.
3 – Enter Asia: As you enter Asia, you’ll find yourself immersed in the sights, sounds, and architecture of the Far East. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning attention to detail in the land’s theming.
4 – Locate Expedition Everest: The towering peak of Expedition Everest is visible from many parts of Asia, making it easy to locate. Head towards the mountain, following the signs or your park map for guidance.
5 – Join the queue: Once you’ve reached the entrance to Expedition Everest, join the standby queue or proceed to the Genie+ entrance if you have a reservation.
Remember that Expedition Everest is one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and wait times can be lengthy during peak hours. Consider arriving early or using Genie+ to minimise your wait time and ensure that you have plenty of time to explore the rest of the park.
FAQs
Is Expedition Everest scary?
Expedition Everest is a high-speed roller coaster with intense drops, sharp turns, and backwards motion, which some guests may find scary. The Yeti encounter at the top of the mountain can also be startling for some riders.
Can I ride Expedition Everest if I have a fear of heights?
Expedition Everest reaches a maximum height of 199 feet (61 meters) and includes several steep drops. You may find the ride uncomfortable or intimidating if you have a severe fear of heights.
Are there any health restrictions for riding Expedition Everest?
Due to the intense nature of the ride, Expedition Everest may not be suitable for guests with certain health conditions, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or back and neck issues. Always consult the safety information and restrictions before riding.
What happens if I lose an item during the ride?
If you lose an item during the ride, alert a Cast Member at the end of the attraction. They will assist you in retrieving the item if possible, but there is no guarantee that it will be found. To avoid losing items, secure them before riding.
