Expedition Everest is the only roller coaster at Animal Kingdom.
It’s a thrilling ride as you take a speeding train through the icy Himalayan peaks, all while trying to avoid the Yeti. Yes, that Yeti.
In this article
Quick Facts
- Location: Animal Kingdom, Asia
- Height Requirement: 44 inches
- Description: Expedition Everest is a fantastic roller coaster and one of our favorite attractions in all of Disney World. It starts off like a pretty normal coaster and then stops and goes backward before heading forward again on a thrilling ride.
- When to Visit: Typically at opening/within the first hour.
- Recommended: Yes!
- Tip(s): There’s a single rider option.
- Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane Selection, or Virtual Queue: During busier times of the year, Expedition Everest is available with Genie+. Slower times of the year, you can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane selection.
- Scheduled Refurbishments
Everything You Need To Know About Expedition Everest
Location
You can find Expedition Everest in Asia and you can’t miss it — it’s the giant mountain. Here’s the location on the map.
Height Requirement
The height requirement for Expedition Everest is 44 inches. We also have guides on other WDW thrill rides and height requirements for attractions at other theme parks and water parks.
Rider Switch & Single Rider
You can use Rider Switch for Expedition Everest. If you don’t know, this is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.
There is also a Single Rider Line available, which means you’ll ride alone and enter this queue, instead of the Standby Line.
History
Expedition Everest debuted after Animal Kingdom, which opened on Earth Day, April 22, in 1998.
As for the roller coaster, it officially opened on April 7, 2006. The design was based on the northwest face of Mount Everest and geological elements found in Tibet and Nepal.
Imagineers focused on ensuring the attraction was as authentic as possible by speaking to locals and even using actual artifacts and items in the queue that were imported from Asia, including the Buddha statues, coke bottles, desk phone, and computers.
At nearly 200 feet high, this is the tallest out of the 18 Disney mountain attractions at Disney Parks around the world!
Queue
Expedition Everest has one of the most impressively themed queues across Walt Disney World. You actually feel like you’re getting ready to hike Mount Everest with all of the objects and details present in the line.
The queue is both indoors and outdoors. And there There aren’t any interactive queue elements, other than the Play Disney Parks app.
That said, we highly encourage you to pay attention to the artifacts on display. Some of them are authentic and come straight from Nepal and even the base of Mount Everest!
Disney really outdid themselves with this queue.
Motion Sickness
Not only is Expedition Everest fast with quick turns, the coaster goes forwards and backwards. There are even moments in the dark. This is definitely one ride that can cause motion sickness. If you need it, we have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips.
Ride Vehicles
The ride vehicles for Expedition Everest fit two per row. The seats have tall backs with safety lap bars for each guest.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Expedition Everest isn’t for the faint of heart. Not only is there a giant hill, but it’s fast and goes both forwards and backwards. It’s an intense ride.
There are also a lot of dark moments and a scary yeti that appears. You should definitely be wary about taking little ones on this.
We have a full guide on several other things that might scare little ones at WDW.
PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos
Your photo is taken on Expedition Everest. Make sure you’re ready, because as soon as you go down the big hill, your photo is snapped.
When you ride with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker entitlement, your photo will automatically be uploaded to your My Disney Experience account. The same can be said if you’re a WDW Annual Passholder.
Be sure to read more on PhotoPass and how Memory Maker works.
Video
Riding Expedition Everest is much more thrilling in person, but this ride-through video gives you a good idea of the coaster.
Other Fun Details
- Easter Eggs: Expedition Everest has one of the most impressive queues. Did you know a lot of the items are authentic? That’s right, some of the objects came straight from Nepal and the base of Mount Everest. There’s so much to observe, so pay attention!
- Play Disney Parks: Yes. This free mobile app is only available for select attractions and allows guests to pass the time as they play games, trivia, and earn achievements along the way.
- Movie Connections: There aren’t any movie connections to Expedition Everest.
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