It’s been a repeated request from Disney Parks fans for years: “Fix the Yeti.” But fixing Expedition Everest’s star Audio-Animatronic resident isn’t easy, as legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde recently discussed on Twitter.
Spinning off from a discussion about the Disney’s Animal Kingdom attraction’s circular layout resulting from the need to economize space, a fan asked if this space-saving need is the reason the Yeti was placed in the middle of the mountain, making it extremely difficult to repair.
Rohde responded, mentioning that maintenance was involved in the design of the attraction and that their work was considered to be a “model collaborative process.” He then explained that the Yeti has created an “unexpected and unforeseen set of issues…with no easy or timely solutions as of yet.”
When the attraction opened in 2006, the Yeti was the most advanced Audio-Animatronic ever created. And with new technology, new issues are bound to follow, as Rohde discussed: “Innovation is like physical exploration of unknown spaces. There is stuff out there you didn’t know, and you only encounter it by exploration. But then… there it is.”
The Yeti broke just months after the attraction opened, and has operated in “B-mode” ever since. But Rohde’s words suggest that no matter how long it takes, Disney continues to work on a solution as complex as the problem itself.
One of our very favorite attractions at Walt Disney World is Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is one of those attractions we could ride again and again! The smooth coaster has a fantastic thrill level which features the Yeti which you’ll find is causing all sorts of trouble to the track in this Forbidden Mountain. DisneyParksBlog is sharing a virtual “ride and learn”. Hold on tight as we ride along and dream of the day we get to be on this one again!
Looming over Disney’s Animal Kingdom stands a massive, snow-capped mountain that beckons adventurers and thrill-seekers brave enough to attempt a journey to the “top of the world.” Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is an iconic attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, and today we’re inviting you to take a virtual ride on this fantastic and foreboding coaster in our newest “Ride & Learn” video.
ou’ll find Everest in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At the base of the mountain is the office for Himalayan Escapes, the travel company that brings curious tourists to the mountain’s peak aboard a special train. As you make your way toward the train, you see the results of past excursions and begin to understand what awaits you – most notably rumors of a ferocious beast lurking somewhere in the mountain …
It’s at this point we join our virtual ride, where you’ll learn more about Expedition Everest and how it was created. I love that this particular trip takes place at night – my preferred time of day to experience this amazing attraction. So gather your courage, hold on tight and conquer this mountain once and for all.
Walt Disney World’s largest park by size is also home to some of the biggest attractions in all of WDW. People love animals! People love adventure! Animal Kingdom puts these 2 together in glorious fashion for some of its best attractions.
Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom incorporate a wide variety of technologies that have been refined by Disney—including animation and 3-D. Live shows are colorful and entertaining, and parades showcase character-based safari vehicles, drum sculptures, rickshaw taxis, animal puppets, Disney characters, and Party Animal stilt-walkers.
With the addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar to its lineup, what was typically a half to full day visit has now turned the park into one that you may want to revisit in a single vacation.
Here are our top ten Animal Kingdom attractions:
10. TriceraTop Spin
If your children love dinosaurs, they’ll love TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand U.S.A.. Although any age can ride TriceraTop Spin, the whimsical dinosaurs operate much the same way as Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, a longtime favorite and gentle ride for the youngest park guests.
9. Rafiki’s Planet Watch
If you are needing a break during the busiest time of the day, board the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This attraction just reopened July 11th, 2019 with a new area called The Animation Experience at Conservation Station.his brand new experience offers guests the opportunity to learn more about how live animals have inspired some of Disney’s most iconic characters. Additionally, guests who visit have the chance to create a personalized piece of Disney art featuring Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, Timon from Disney’s The Lion King and others through an instructor-led animation class.
The “Affection Section” is where young and old alike have an opportunity to interact with the animals. At first, they appear to be the usual petting zoo variety of animals, but you’ll discover that they are exotic breeds of sheep, goats, deer, pigs, etc.
In the main building, you will find viewing areas where exams and surgical procedures may be observed. In addition to the veterinary facilities, experts are on hand to educate you on the caring for, and meal preparation for the many animals found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
8. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Special effects, 3-D animation, and audio-animatronics characters bring to life “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” While awaiting entry to the theater, you’ll wind your way through a mass of gnarled roots and collect your pair of bug glasses. Inside the theater, custom log seating and a vine-draped ceiling set the stage for a hilarious look at the oft-misunderstood life of bugs.
Special effects shrink the audience to the size of bugs and turn the tables as they dodge the sweeping of a giant flyswatter and blinding fog of a giant can of “Bug Doom,” among other adventures of a bug’s life.
This is a good way to also beat the Florida sun. This ride has no age restrictions but can be a little scary for younger children.
7. Dinosaur
Board a rugged Time Rover vehicle and set off on a thrilling adventure through a primeval forest filled with life-like dinosaurs. Careen through unpredictable hairpin turns. Dart around a fearsome Velociraptor hunting for prey. Avoid the clutches of a Cearadactylus soaring overhead!
As the clock counts down, fiery meteors crash down around you. Will you make your escape before the dinosaurs—and you—become extinct?
You’ll ride in a 12-seat Time Rover on this dark and scary ride. Children must be at least 40 inches tall to go on the Time Rover.
6. Kali River Rapids
Whitewater raft ride spinning freely down a river through rainforest, ruins, and deforested areas with message of conservation. You will get wet on Kali River Rapids, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get absolutely soaked–it’s all random.
There are free (2-hour) lockers nearby, and we strongly recommend using them for a change of clothes (or wear a poncho on the ride). The queue is quite gorgeous. Kali River Rapids has a 38″ height requirement. Kali River Rapids is a good use of a FastPass.
5. Na’vi River Journey
The Na’vi River Journey in the world of Pandora takes you deep into a bioluminescent rainforest in a woven boat. You’ll feel enveloped by the rainforest, the darkness, and the out-of-this-world lighted features as you travel in search of the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. This is a slow and peaceful ride that even the smallest visitors can love.
4. Festival of The Lion King
Maybe the best show at Walt Disney World, this show takes you into the world of the Lion King. This show has something for everyone. The singers are fantastic and sing all of the classic songs. The acrobats are amazing to witness, the monkeys are my favorite. The stage floats bring some of the classic characters to life with an appearance from everyone’s favorite meerkat , Timon.
This show is a nonstop party from start to finish that the audience plays a role.
3. Kilimanjaro Safari
These final 3 could be labeled 1a, 1b, and 1c. All three are awesome attractions. Kilimanjaro Safari is reminds you that you are in a zoo type theme park.
You will ride an all-terrain safari vehicle thru Africa. On the Kilimanjaro Safari, your guide will point out the wild African animals—zebras, rhinos, lions, and giraffes and many more. Prepare to be entertained by your tour guide as they drive thru the rough terrain . During your safari, you’ll travel rutted dirt trails, cross shallow waterways, and plow through heavy vegetation to reach a spectacular view of a vast savannah.
My favorite area of the trip has animals roaming free and sometimes will block your route or come right up to the vehicle for a close encounter. This gives you a great opportunity to snap some unforgettable photos.
2. Expedition Everest
One of Disney’s most exciting coaster experiences, Expedition Everest brings the legend of the Yeti to life. It’s hard to miss the impressive landmark mountain located in the Asia section.
The roller coaster features steep climbs, breathtaking plunges. You will encounter a break in the track which will force you to travel backward back into the mountain. In the mountain, you will be confronted by the Yeti. You must then race for your life to safety back down the mountain.
This is arguably one of Disney’s best thrill rides and a must do for any coaster enthusiasts.
1 Avatar Flight of Passage
Avatar Flight of Passage was one of those rides that when you ride it for the first time, you are on awe of what just happened. This simulation ride is unlike any you will ever encounter. You will board your “banshee” and the screen in front of you transplants you into the world of Pandora
Pandora is a lot like Earth, but not exactly like Earth. On this thrill-a-minute ride, you’ll get a mountain banshee’s-eye view of the moon of Pandora. Your exotic and exciting trip will take you over water, trees, and creatures on the back of this otherworldly winged creature in this rite of passage for a Na’vi hunter.
Mountains attractions have been a staple at Walt Disney World since 1975 with the opening of Space Mountain.
Since then, others have been added and while there can be an argument for which attractions should be in this category, there is no denying that these rides are some of the best that WDW has to offer.
I will argue that there are 4 Walt Disney World mountain attractions; Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
What is your favorite?
What other attractions do you consider to be Disney Mountains?
These attractions all give you something different and are some of the longest running and longest wait-time rides at WDW.
Space Mountain
The original mountain of Walt Disney World, Space Mountain has been thrilling riders for nearly 45 years. This classic ride, found in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, blasts Guests into outer space. Passengers board a rocket-shaped vehicle, seating three single-file riders, climb the 180-foot mountain past Mission Control, and propel through the dark universe at a top speed of 28 mph (it feels faster, right?).
Space Mountain continues to be a fan-favorite at Magic Kingdom and due to its unique indoor, in-the-dark feel, it shows no signs of slowing down. The Tron roller coaster is currently being built right beside Space Mountain which should only boost attendance in Tomorrowland, but giving some needed wait-time relief to the original WDW mountain.
Splash Mountain
We have all seen log themed rides at various them parks, where they all end with a wet plunge down a giant hill. Splash Mountain is that and so much more.
This attraction in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom tells the story of Br’er Rabbit and his adventures is told with a flare and precision that only Disney can attain. This ride is full of animal animatronics that give the riders more than just a wet and thrilling ending. It com
The story told throughout this ride is just as important and exciting as the thrilling final plunge itself. By the way, chances are, you will get wet!
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain joins Splash Mountain as the 2 main attractions in Frontierland. It is an old school train ride on a rickety railroad through a replica of the red stone of Arizona’s Monument Valley. This the roughest mountain in terms of how the ride feels. It is jerky and jumpy but a fun experience nonetheless.
Special care was taken by the Imagineers to make it appear that the rocks were there originally, and the track was built around the rocks, which gives a more genuine landscape feeling. There is also a dinosaur skeleton that the train passes by, built into the side of the mountain. A cracked eggshell is nearby, and there is a pleasant lake with water that is shot up while the train passes on the warmer days.
Sound effects of a typical locomotive operation are piped into the surrounding scenery to add realism to guests viewing the ride from observation platforms, including the steam whistle sounding, even though there is no whistle displayed on the locomotives.
This ride is meant to give an old west feel and delivers.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Kingdom
Dare to climb the Forbidden Mountain, and you will find yourself facing down a beast so monstrous you’ll never question the legend again. Standing 18-feet tall, the Expedition Everest Yeti is the largest audio-animatronic figure ever created. He does his job well, though, twisting the tracks and rerouting coasters, hurling them through dark twists and turns before allowing their safe return to base camp.
This ride begins soaring through the mountain but then runs out of track and must go backward through a portion of the attraction only to find the Yeti and soar through the remainder of the course.
This ride, for me is the most thrilling of all of the mountains. The creativity that is used to increase the amount of thrills on this coaster is second to none. (Also, my daughter’s favorite ride)
Other Mountains???
There has been some controversy about whether Mount Gushmore is considered a Disney mountain, as well as, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
My opinion is “no” on both.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, while it looks like a mountain, has more of feel of entering a miners cave. This is a fantastically smooth ride and one of the favorites to do at Magic Kingdom, but I think we need to give it some time to see if it holds up over time the way the 4 main mountains have.
Mount Gushmore, located at Blizzard Beach water park has the look and feel of more like a staging area for multiple water slides than an actual attraction. Mount Gushmore is not the title of the ride itself. Again, I am not willing to put it up on the Disney Mountain Mount Rushmore yet.
No matter what type of ride you like, these mountains offer a variety of sights and thrills. There is a reason some rides have come and gone but these remain staples of the Parks.
