Expedition Everest: Any advice for a First-Time rider?

[Bethpremier]

Dont close your eyes!

 

[KimR]

Thanks for posting this I am deathly afraid of heights so I think seeing the uphill climb will be the worst for me and going backwards but the drops seem doable I am going to try it, last year my son and I stood in front of it and I got scared I wish it was all indoors I don't mind being indoors it's the height that gets me

I am terrified of heights as well and the first time I rode it I closed my eyes during the climb and my DD told me when it was safe for me to open them. I was fine after that. I always breath a sigh of relief when that part is over and I can relax and enjoy the rest of the ride.

 

[Jeafl]

Is it a rough or "jarring" kind of ride? I don't mind fast or steep, but I can't handle rough or jerking rides because I have two broken discs in my back. I REALLY want to go on EE, but I don't want to ruin the rest of my vacation by messing up my back.

 

[rlahansler]

Hello My Disney Friends, (Yes, I consider you ALL to be my "Disney Friends")

With 1 week & 6 days to spare, I need to start asking for some advice about WDW's top thrill rides. I find this to be a helpful way to overcome my long-time "Fear" of Rollercoasters and Thrill rides. During my vacation to WDW this year, I would like to ride Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. I have never been on this ride before, and get "Chills" knowing how much larger it will be in "Real Life." I would greatly appreciate any- advice from people who have been on Expedition Everest. Most of the time, Me + Rollercoaster = (Calm & Collective at first, and then I go- "Crazy.") Not to mention, I might be the only person in my family actual willing to do this..... However, I am somewhat "Confident" that- after riding Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Rolling Thunder Mountain and Astro Orbiter, that I will be able to finally ride Expedition Everest. Although, ALOT of advice would make that chance ALOT higher.

-Thanks in advance,
(Your Pal) Justin

OMG, love Expedition Everest. It is my favorite ride. In my old age (42) I am more scared now of roller coasters than when I was young. Expedition is the smoothest, most awesome coaster ever. Ride it and ride it multiple times. Its great!!!!

 

[tammilynne]

I didnt ride this last time we were there but I am planning on giving it a try this time ...

 

[rpk1951]

It is a fun ride. The drop is not as big as it looks. Give it a try.

 

[proud_canadian]

I LOVE roller coasters, and have ridden some of the most intense coasters around with no issues.

HOWEVER.... expedition everest did me in. I went into it with no fear and was really excited to ride. I actually went alone, as my daughter aged 6 was scared and I was going to "test it out" and then come off and tell her if she should try it.. Well, let me tell you, I loved the ride... UNTIL the backwards part. It feels like you are going backwards, upside down, in the dark. I was completely disoriented and with the extreme September heat, I felt terrible. I never even looked at my ride photo as I had to sit down immediately.

I felt VERY sick for a good hour or two and then "off" the whole day.

If you don't do a lot of roller coasters, I would totally work your way up to this one. Try thunder mountain, space mountain, rock n' roller coaster etc first.

I have also talked to some other friends since who also went on the ride and it seems many of them also felt quite ill.

If you have any issue with motion sickness (and I don't normally, unless a ride is very spinny or has a dozen inversions), reconsider!! Or at the very least do it at the end of the day so you can go back to the resort and rest after and it doesn't ruin your day!

 

[Karbase8]

So when you go backwards are you outside is it relatively dark? Just wondering, I think my friend said she rode in the front seat and could see the ground now I am worried about this part LOL since one poster said they were sick, I generally don't get motion sickiness but I am afraid of heights

 

[Florida Dreamin']

So when you go backwards are you outside is it relatively dark? Just wondering, I think my friend said she rode in the front seat and could see the ground now I am worried about this part LOL since one poster said they were sick, I generally don't get motion sickiness but I am afraid of heights

You'll be outside stopped and then begin going backwards and that's when you enter the mountain. It's dark, but I swore I could see a little during the backwards part. It might sound bad, but EE is actually a lot of fun. I'd probably say it's the smoothest ride out of all roller coasters in Orlando. Just don't sweat it and have fun!

 

[jdmn2010]

I think you've done a good job building up towards EE. I went on it with my 70 year old MIL and had a great time. We were in the back seat and thinking it was a good place to be until we realized we were going backwards to come back and were now in "front", ha. We still had a great time, but I wouldn't go on the ride if you get motion sickness because I imagine going backwards could set it off. My DD5 ended up going on it with my DH and liked it, but not as much as she enjoys BTM or Space Mountain. I don't enjoy rollercoasters with huge drops, but this has more turns than drops and goes very quickly.