Everest!!!

[4paws]

Just wanted everyone to know- we got home today and here was the latest on EE.

Monday 2/6 - it was OPEN ALL DAY and I was told they were going to try to have it open more often than not. My DS rode 6 times throughout the day and my DH and me rode a total of 4 times that day- because of Baby Swap my DS gets to ride more frequently.

I was told it was open Wed. 2/8 EMH and it was dead.

We returned Thursday 2/9 and rode it 3 more times in a row as there was no line- we got FPs for later but it then "broke down" for the remainder of the day. The CMs at the gate were telling everyone to head over to EE so it got busy fast- we were still able to get right on and we sat in the front when we asked to get the front area. The CMs also said it wasn't going to be open Friday 2/10.

Hope this helps anyone getting ready to go. Not sure if there is a pattern, but ask when you get there. And, get FPs for later as we did- we went on it so many times I couldn't believe it. I was hoping to go on it a few more before we left on Thursday, but was happy with what we got.

Good Luck- it is a GREAT ride!!! Definately will make AK busier. AK was really busy both days we were there- actually all parks were busy for this time of year....my DH and I both said we couldn't believe there were any crowds. Usually, this time of year and early Jan. no crowds, but not this year. Also, we stayed at AKL and our front desk had NO idea they were even doing soft openings for EE. Although in one of our check-in brochures, there was an ad for EE opening February so...... Good luck to you all.


By the way, I read awhile ago about a bad experience at the barber shop- does anyone remember where that thread is. I wanted to thank that person for naming the lady that "chopped" her son's hair as she was working the day I took my 10 month old to get his FIRST Haircut- I made my 6 year old get a cut by Norma so my 10 month old could get the other lady. my DH laughed at me, but I didn't want to take any chances as the old thread had mentioned the barber's name.

 

[kimmikayb]

We just got home too and we also got to ride EE and LOVED it! Funny, we were at the barbershop too and made sure that Penny cut the kids hair. Norma was there and very cranky, Penny was pure magic for my kids. I'm going to write a trip report later tonight.

 

[Angelgirl13202]

quick question how long was the wait? is thier a single rider line? I am the only thrill seeker for our augest trip and really want to do this ride but if i will be in line a long long time by myself i will pass and get on our next trip when its not so new..... but i really dont want to miss it.....

 

[3littleHalls]

We just got back too! and LOVED EE!!! The ride wait wasn't that long when we rode maybe 5-10 mins with most of it being the walk through it. Didn't use FP, but did do the parent swap. The CM there said that right now since it isn't oficially open it might be open one day and then not the next. We were at AK three times this trip and it was open 2 of the days we were there and not during the EMH(or at least not when we walked by that night) Both days next to no wait at all.

 

[kimmikayb]

quick question how long was the wait? is thier a single rider line? I am the only thrill seeker for our augest trip and really want to do this ride but if i will be in line a long long time by myself i will pass and get on our next trip when its not so new..... but i really dont want to miss it.....

I got on with the single line since all of the fast passes were gone. I waited maybe 5 minutes. The regular line was 25 minutes.

 

[lportuondo]

What a relief that is!!! I am going soon and was under the impression that it would not be open until april 7! my kids were so dissapointed, especially my 15 son! Was the ride an intense roller coaster (big roller coaster) or so so so (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad)?

 

[jlawall]

Yes, what kind of ride is it? Like which other rides in the parks?

 

[AuroraBelleCindy]

We were at WDW on Feb. 8 and 9 and went to AK on the 8th. We did a survey on the way in and the guy told us that EE was open that day so we headed right over. When we got over there the standby line was 40 minutes - they said something about one of the cars being held up - so we got fastpasses and went back later. We loved it! By the time we got off the ride the standby line was down to 10 minutes so we rode it again. You go up a steep incline and ride around a corner and then stop because the track is all ripped up. Then you start going backwards. You go through a dark tunnel and it is cold and foggy then you go forward again and drop down - I believe it is a 50 foot drop but not sure - at the end of the ride the Yeti is hanging over you trying to grab you. I screamed so loud my throat was sore for the rest of the day. I think it was the best ride I've been on at WDW in terms of pure fun and theming.

 

[4paws]

As far as the ride goes, it is a combination of BTM, Aerosmith and some SM all in one- ONLY WAY BETTER!!! WE LOVED IT!! I couldn't stop screaming and laughing.

It is the best Disney ride as far as we are concerned- followed by TOT and Aerosmith- tied for 2nd place....

I hope everyone gets to ride it when they go- get there first thing- only downside is safari gets crowded- I couldn't believe we were able to keep riding it over and over before it got crowded- why doesn't everyone head over there first thing, ride and then get FPs for later??? I was really nervous before we left that we wouldn't be able to ride at all, but we rode a total of 4 times Monday 2/6 and 3 times Thurs 2/9. DS rode 6 times and 6 times.

Have fun everyone....

 

[pandora174]

Is the drop steep like SM ? Does it take you by surprise or can you see it coming ? I'm a bit of a chicken so I like to be prepared. Thanks !

 

[4paws]

It depends upon where you are seated- you are supposed to be watching a "shadow" of the Yeti ripping up the track- but if you are in the front car you can see the track "switching over" to go forward and see the big drop- it is an awesome drop though and over before you know it...the scariest part is being in the dark going backwards and then at the end- the Yeti tries to swat at you- COOL!!!

And my observant DS (6) noticed and told me- the train car arrives for you to get on with no other riders on it (ie they old riders excited before the car pulls up)- they try to make it look like no one made it back from the "expedition"- I didn't realize it, but he is right and it scared him .

BUT, you HAVE GOT TO RIDE...it is AWESOME.

 

[byoung]

Going Feb 26th Hopeing to ride that week.

 

[Poohbear123]

On Feb. 4th and loved it. however, does'nt it FEEL like you are going up-side-down when you are going backwards? It did to me!

 

[rcraw45425]

This makes me feel soooooo much better, we arrive April 3, depart the 7th, after the nighmare of trying to catch Soarin' that same time last year ( we never got lucky) maybe we will be able to ride. Thanks everyone for all the helpful tid bits.