Expedition Everest: Embarking on a Himalayan Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest stands as an iconic attraction that promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. This thrilling roller coaster not only offers an adrenaline-pumping experience but also immerses visitors in a captivating storyline that weaves together adventure, mystery, and the mystique of the world’s tallest mountain range.

Expedition Everest invites daring adventurers to board a tea train and embark on a treacherous expedition up the legendary Mount Everest. The ride begins innocently enough, with a leisurely exploration of a Himalayan village and an encounter with artifacts and relics hinting at the presence of the mythical Yeti creature. As the journey gains momentum, the real excitement unfolds with twists, turns, and heart-pounding drops that simulate the challenges of scaling a mountain’s unpredictable terrain.

The centerpiece of Expedition Everest’s allure lies in its enthralling storyline. Riders quickly discover that the Yeti, a creature of legend, is far from just a myth. As the train hurtles through darkened tunnels and icy caverns, the massive animatronic Yeti comes to life in a breathtaking and hair-raising spectacle. This encounter with the “Guardian of the Mountain” adds an element of awe-inspiring mystique to the coaster, leaving riders both exhilarated and entranced.

Disney’s unparalleled attention to detail shines through in Expedition Everest’s theming. The entire attraction is designed to mimic the architecture and landscapes of the Himalayan region, from the village at the base of the mountain to the intricate prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. This level of authenticity extends the ride beyond a mere roller coaster, making it an immersive experience that transports visitors to a far-off land.

Expedition Everest is not just a roller coaster; it’s a captivating tale that unfolds with every twist and turn. The rush of adrenaline is paired with moments of breathtaking beauty, as riders are treated to panoramic views of the Animal Kingdom and the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s the first exhilarating drop or the unexpected encounter with the Yeti, these memorable moments become cherished memories for visitors of all ages.

Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom seamlessly combines heart-pounding thrills, captivating storytelling, and meticulous theming to create an attraction that’s truly a journey of a lifetime. As adventurers embark on this Himalayan escapade, they find themselves immersed in a world where the line between myth and reality blurs, leaving them with an experience that’s both exhilarating and enchanting.

Disney Reveals When Expedition Everest Will Reopen

According to Walt Disney World’s official calendar, Expedition Everest will be returning on April 16. The attraction will also be available on Disney Genie and Disney’s Lightning Lane services. The website does note that this will last until August:

Until August 7, 2022, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Frozen Ever After, Space Mountain and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain will be included via Disney Genie+ service and will not be included as an individual Lightning Lane selection.

Expedition Everest at night

Disney Removes Expedition Everest Reopening Date From Website

For months, Guests visiting Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort have been unable to ride one of the most popular attractions in the theme park. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain has been closed since early January as it undergoes a major, lengthy refurbishment. When it first announced the closure, Disney shared that Expedition Everest would be closed for several months, reopening in mid-April.

It looks like that is no longer the case.

The Walt Disney World website recently removed any mention of a reopening date. Instead of saying that the attraction will reopen in mid-April, the site now simply reads, “Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is currently closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates.” The Walt Disney World Resort calendar currently runs through June 7 and there are no times listed for the ride.

Expedition Everest

Haven’t yet experienced Expedition Everest? Here’s more information on the thrilling Disney Park attraction that takes riders deep into the Himalayas.

Wander into a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest and board a train to the “top of the world.” Beware: Some say a legendary snow monster lives deep in the mountain.

After a steep ascent, your train picks up speed and races into the darkness. Without warning, a broken and twisted track appears in front of you. Brace yourself as you plummet backward into total darkness. Inside the cavern, the mythical tale comes true as you see the shadow of a massive, growling beast!

Race to escape the cursed mountain—before the Yeti claims another expedition.

Expedition Everest

While Expedition Everest may be closed, there are still a number of other fun rides and attractions you can experience during your Animal Kingdom trip — including Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, “It’s Tough to Be a Bug”, and Dinosaur. There are also a ton of great places to stop and get your foodie fix, like Flame Tree BBQ, Tiffins, and Satu’li Canteen.

Everest Is Closing In 2022 For Renovations

Disney has been undergoing lots of upgrades lately, and the next attraction in line for an upgrade involves the Mount Everest-themed roller coaster. The popular “Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain” ride in the Animal Kingdom Disney park is closing from January 4th of this coming year to mid-April for refurbishment. The renovations will be focused on ride control operations, so Disney Guests who love the roller coaster don’t have to worry about any big changes to the attraction or its signature Yeti. The official closure date of the ride is January 4th, and a reopening date obviously cannot be confirmed until repairs have begun and the Disney engineers have some information with which to estimate a proper date.

Several Disney fans, like Scott Gustin, were actually hoping that the repairs would involve updates to the Yeti.

Gustin also expressed his disappointment in the news by sharing one of his old Tweets from 2020, in which he had also referenced Walt Disney World visitors’ hope that the Yeti would be repaired and upgraded.

Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is typically known for its fast-paced roller coaster, high-altitude thrills, and the exquisite details in the Himalayan ski lodge that houses the queue. If you love Expedition Everest and can get to Disney World before January 4th, now may be a good time to visit!

Expedition Everest

Disney fans are accustomed to Walt Disney World refurbishments and the ride closures that follow (such as the current changes that are occurring on Splash Mountain), but Everest’s grand scale and the prospect of months without access to the ride will be a challenge for some avid fans of the Animal Kingdom. For a similar experience (albeit a wetter one) Disney visitors might want to head to the Kali River Rapids, or perhaps Space Mountain! Is Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain one of your favorite rides? 

Disney Cast Members Celebrate 15th Anniversary of Expedition Everest

Believe it or not, Animal Kingdom’s towering coaster, Expedition Everest, has reached 15-years-old this month! Disney Cast Members took to social media to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of this ever-so-popular attraction with photos and a special keepsakes in honor of the milestone!

As shared via Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page: “Yeti or not — here we come! Yesterday (April 7), Cast Members at Expedition Everest celebrated the attraction’s 15th anniversary alongside Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Sarah Riles – and of course our Disney Ambassadors! The morning was filled with legendary tales from the mythical mountain and its monstrous inhabitants as Cast received keepsakes in honor of the milestone celebration. #DisneyCastLife #ExpeditionEverest #15Years”

Located in the Asia portion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you simply can’t miss the towering size of Expedition Everest. Or, you could simply listen out for the screams to find your way to this one! How many times have you taken on the Yeti? Happy 15th Anniversary to Expedition Everest Cast Members!