expedition everest

[precious pixie]

Does anyone know the month this will be opening????

 

[daber]

The rumor I heard was soft opening in February and actual opening in April.

 

[precious pixie]

thanks we wanted to go back when it would be open and we were thinking next fall so that would work for us!

 

[Benjo]

The rumor I heard was soft opening in February and actual opening in April.

Do you know where you've heard this rumor? I've heard that the soft opening may happen in late 2005 from the Inside the Magic podcast. I'm really hoping that this is the case, since we're heading out to WDW in Jan. '06, and I'd love to have a chance to ride EE during the soft opening.

 

[daber]

Talking with a CM standing outside of Tarzan Rocks. We were talking about EE and also the closing of Tarzan Rocks so they can enclose the theatre.

Again, this is the rumor I heard. I do not know how valid the info is.

 

[peter11435]

The ride MAY begin test rides in late 2005 but that is only a possibility. Everything would have to go perfect for that to happen. However there is a good chance they may be running on a limited basis some time in January.

 

[Saxsoon]

My family and I are going back up there in Dec and are hoping and have heard this rumor that it is true

 

[Jeff in BigD]

They're testing vehicles:

 

[peter11435]

They're testing vehicles:

Thats not yet testing vehicles. When they begin vehicle tests they will run through like normal. That is a pull-through. They are not yet testing the vehicles but rather the track and clearance. Minor difference but it needs to be pointed out.

 

[barbeml]

Those pictures terrify me. I wish I wasn't such a big ride chicken. I hope there are elements of the attraction I can enjoy, since I will NOT be riding.

 

[precious pixie]

I cant wait to ride.

 

[All Aboard]

So, the big question is - at that point in the ride, is the train travelling forward up that hill, or backwards down it??

 

[mitros]

Cripes, another freakin' thrill ride!

 

[peter11435]

My understanding is that is a reverse section.

Actually no. The train travels forward down that hill. This can be proven by looking at the direction of the seats and lap bars in the photos above.

The reverse section is mainly a helix inside the mountain.

 

[Saxsoon]

unless they have seats on both sides . Besides why would the locomotive be in the back. Not meant to be rude, jsut pointing something out like you. Now looking back on it, it looks like the back of the head rests

 

[peter11435]

unless they have seats on both sides . Besides why would the locomotive be in the back. Not meant to be rude, jsut pointing something out like you. Now looking back on it, it looks like the back of the head rests

The trains are what they call "steam donkeys" and the "locomotive" IS located in the back. All of the attractions seats face the same direction. And the vehicle travels forward down the large drop seen in the photos. I assure you that the locomotive is in the back of the train.

 

[lazarru]

Look at the seat right in front of the engine, you can see the back of the seat is right next to engine so you have to be sitting forward.

I guess the yellow pieces represent the furthest out a person can be to ensure nothing gets chopped off

 

[peter11435]

Look at the seat right in front of the engine, you can see the back of the seat is right next to engine so you have to be sitting forward.

I guess the yellow pieces represent the furthest out a person can be to ensure nothing gets chopped off

Exactly correct on both observations.

 

[All Aboard]

Yep, should have looked more closely at the photo. Heck, I saw the photos of the ride vehicles at the 0/05/05 ceremony. I should have remembered the loco was at the rear.


So, now the question is - I wonder if it's going backwards UP the hill at this point.