Big Thunder vs Expedition Everest

[silverhaze269]

Hi all!

My fiance wanted me to ask "the experts", how "bad" is Expedition Everest in comparison to Big Thunder Mountain? We've been hearing reports that EE is not much "worse" than BTMRR, in terms of large drops and overall scariness. Both of us aren't really thrill seekers, so coasters usually aren't our thing, but we're willing to give EE a try if it's not too much "worse" than BTMRR. TIA!

 

[Babbletrish]

From what I understand (though I was unable to ride Everest the last two times at the park, but I have been on Big Thunder), Big Thunder is much rougher. Everest is frequently described by coaster junkies as "smooth", so there wouldn't be any jerks or rumbles or such like in Big Thunder. That said, the train does go very fast, backwards, and in the dark, so it seems a lot wilder than it is.

Hope that helps.

 

[DizzDoll]

Hi all!

My fiance wanted me to ask "the experts", how "bad" is Expedition Everest in comparison to Big Thunder Mountain? We've been hearing reports that EE is not much "worse" than BTMRR, in terms of large drops and overall scariness. Both of us aren't really thrill seekers, so coasters usually aren't our thing, but we're willing to give EE a try if it's not too much "worse" than BTMRR. TIA!

EE is a really cool roller coaster in many ways. The theming throughout the ride is superb, from the minute you get in (whatever) line, to the ride itself. So much to see! The initial ascent is a little higher than Big Thunder, but they have all kinds of decorations to look at, from the prayer flags to different icons and statues. Also on the ascent you can look to either side and see the different parks! Nothing like seeing Spaceship Earth from EE! There is a part of the ride where you go in a backward spiral in the dark, but you're not doing corkscrews or loops. The first drop isn't as bad as it looks and is over pretty quickly. If you like Big Thunder then I would hazard to guess that you'd like EE. Try it and enjoy! Just remember: you have to be taller than the Yeti's foot to ride...

 

[lllGurulll]

Both rides really are not that much different from one another from a roller coaster standpoint. The thing that stands out most about EE is the fact it is a little bit faster with a longer drop. It also has a segment that you will go backwards on.

If you have no problems with BTMRR and don't mind going backwards for around 15-20 seconds then you will be fine on EE.

 

[stargazertechie]

Big thunder is jerky, rocky, and clunky

Expedition Everest is smooth, fast, and beautifully themed.

It's like comparing a 1992 accord with 200,000 miles to a Ferrari fresh off the lot.

I can ride EE 14 times in a row no problem (and I actually have). I'm done for awhile after riding BTMRR.

 

[lllGurulll]

Big thunder is jerky, rocky, and clunky

Expedition Everest is smooth, fast, and beautifully themed.

It's like comparing a 1992 accord with 200,000 miles to a Ferrari fresh off the lot.

I can ride EE 14 times in a row no problem (and I actually have). I'm done for awhile after riding BTMRR.

I invite you to come to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City and ride Timberwolf. BTMRR will feel like a cloud to you after that.

 

[Belle83]

I don't remember Big Thunder having any huge drops, but does Expedition Everest?

 

[TiggersBuddy]

Without question, EE is a more intense ride than BTMRR, once the ride really gets moving (from the backwards point on). EE is much smoother than BTMRR, but EE is faster and you'll experience bigger drops and more G-Forces. It's probably one of the most intense rides in WDW, however, I don't think it is nearly as wild or intense as the coasters at your nearest Six Flags park. Go for it!

 

[g-dad66]

Everest has two things scarier than Big Thunder:

1) A big forward drop (but it is no worse than the Splash drop)
2) A backwards drop in the dark, which also spirals (the spiraling part gets my stomach every time -- I'm always glad when that part is over)

It used to have a third scarier thing, but alas, poor Yeti now stands motionless...

 

[my3sonsagn]

I am *not* a coaster fan at all, so take this for what it's worth. I can handle BTMR just fine - it's a little bit jerky, but I'm used to the Dahlonega Mine Train at 6 Flags GA where they should have lawyers offering to file suit for whiplash at the exit (kidding!). On EE I did okay - it's a lot smoother than BTMR for sure, and my fear of heights didn't really come into play because so much of the ride "hugs" the scenery. I did, however, get a little woozy from the backwards part, but riding anything backwards does that to me. I'll ride BTMR over and over, but EE is one of those rides I'm glad I did once but won't be doing again.

 

[StuckInKS]

I invite you to come to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City and ride Timberwolf. BTMRR will feel like a cloud to you after that.

I didn't think BTMRR was too rough, but I can't compare it to EE (we have skipped AK on both trips.)

 

[Noel22]

The backwards part on EE seems really long and intense to me. The rest of the ride is more or less like BTM.

 

[silverhaze269]

Thanks guys! I think we're gonna go for it!

 

[dmband]

From what I understand (though I was unable to ride Everest the last two times at the park, but I have been on Big Thunder), Big Thunder is much rougher. Everest is frequently described by coaster junkies as "smooth", so there wouldn't be any jerks or rumbles or such like in Big Thunder. That said, the train does go very fast, backwards, and in the dark, so it seems a lot wilder than it is.

Hope that helps.

BINGO
BT seems like a wooden coaster compared to EE
EE has some g force that you can actually feel depending on where you sit
as a coaster lover I would go on EE if I could only do one

 

[RobDIS]

I was too wimpy to ride EE, but my SO said it was quite a bit more intense than BTMRR. I was thinking of seeing if she wanted to go back to back (with me the 2nd time) but from her reaction I didn't suggest it.

 

[hookedonears]

I don't think bad is the right word. It's Disney! Rides are made for the entire family. Big Thunder to us is fun the entire way through. EE is pretty lame for most of the ride, but is real fun when it goes backwards in the dark.

 

[katdralion]

Not to stick a spanner in the works but ..... I was terrified on EE and BTMRR is my favourite ride!

I don't like heights and the ascent on EE is much more open than BT so you really do know you are off the ground! Height wise, the rest of the ride is not too bad as it does hug the mountain.

I'm a real wimp and i don't like drops either. The final drop is ten times worse than anything on BT and as for the backward section ..... Oh my gosh! .... This part is in the dark and is really disorientating, I thought we were being turned upside down.

I was literally shaking when I came off this ride but as I said I am a complete wimp!

Just to give you an idea how wimpy I am .....I try every ride at Disney at least twice because I'm always so nervous the first time that it doesn't give it a fair chance, then I make up my mind. The rides that are just too scary for me are : T of T, Everest, Splash and Rock'n'rollercoaster.

I just wanted to warn you, not put you off as I think you should try everything at Disney at least once .... you could love it!

 

[Fantasmic23]

Thanks, people, but I've read all I need to read: I'm skipping EE. Come on, The Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal was a big stretch for me.

 

[harpinjean]

I am *not* a coaster fan at all, so take this for what it's worth. I can handle BTMR just fine - it's a little bit jerky, but I'm used to the Dahlonega Mine Train at 6 Flags GA where they should have lawyers offering to file suit for whiplash at the exit (kidding!). On EE I did okay - it's a lot smoother than BTMR for sure, and my fear of heights didn't really come into play because so much of the ride "hugs" the scenery. I did, however, get a little woozy from the backwards part, but riding anything backwards does that to me. I'll ride BTMR over and over, but EE is one of those rides I'm glad I did once but won't be doing again.

Same for me. I will ride BTMR 4 or 5 times in a row but once on EE was enough for me. I felt very woozy on the backwards part and the rest of the ride is faster and more intense than BTMR.

 

[RobDIS]

Just to give you an idea how wimpy I am .....I try every ride at Disney at least twice because I'm always so nervous the first time that it doesn't give it a fair chance, then I make up my mind. The rides that are just too scary for me are : T of T, Everest, Splash and Rock'n'rollercoaster.

I can completely relate to this! I was a little nervous my first ride on Journey into the Imagination with Figment for goodness sakes! And I was definitely sweating on DINOSAUR the first time. I think I'm more nervous on the dark rides where I don't really know how crazy things will get until that first trip.