Is Expedition Everest for me??

[WDW Princess]

This is completely silly but I must ask... Preamble: I hate rollercoasters. I'd like to like them but I have an intense fear of heights . I can do Space Mountain (because it's dark and I do not have to see how high it is), Primeval Twirl.... but that's about it. I like 3D rides, or rides such as Soarin', Test Track... I absolutely adore Thunder Mountain - rides that don't give me chest pains but are pleasant. Well, we have not yet tried Expedition Everest at AK. Question: Can you guys describe it to me? Is this like a rollercoaster with high dips or is it more of a Thunder Mountain-style... How fast does it go? My DH is very understanding and goes with me on all of my "kiddy rides" as he calls them; he is really looking forward to EE and I don't want to ruin it for him... Then of course he laughs while riding SheiKra while most people scream their heads off, so I don't think he can fully appreciate the extent of my fear of rollercoasters.

 

[Star Wars Guy]

I actually think that EE is the least thrilling of any of the coasters at Disney. Not to take away from EE, it's just I feel the others are more intense. The biggest trouble you'd have is the one drop (the one you see on the outside of the mountain), and it's really not that big of a deal.

Try it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[WDW Princess]

I actually think that EE is the least thrilling of any of the coasters at Disney.

Ok, less thrill is what I am looking for in a rollercoaster! That drop that you mentioned, is it to go up and then it gradually speeds down, or is it a major drop down?? Thank you for your reply, by the way!!!

 

[rie'smom]

If you don't like heights or roller coasters,I really don't know if this is the ride for you. The upside is I know there's no way that I have a heart condition because I promise you,you would have been reading about me on the DIS-one of those people who die of an undiagnosed heart ailment-no joke.

 

[Karnak]

The drop you can see from outside EE is the biggest drop on the coaster and comes just after the backwards part in the dark. As another poster said, it really isn't that big of a drop, just looks that way from the outside looking in.

I 'spect the only part of the ride that might bother a person with a fear of heights would be the initial climb up to the top of the mountain at the beginning of the ride, because you can see pretty much all over the resort near the top of the climb. Great view. The mountain, by the way, is the highest in the State of Florida.

I have a fear of heights myself, but found that EE didn't trigger any "fear" reaction for me whatsoever. (Cable cars and Ferris Wheels get me the worst.) Expedition Everest is a really good experience, smooth and without the jerks and bumps of most coasters.

Enjoy.

 

[robinb]

My DH is very understanding and goes with me on all of my "kiddy rides" as he calls them; he is really looking forward to EE and I don't want to ruin it for him...

Does he have a good handle on what makes you afraid and what does not? If so, he should ride alone (via the Single Rider's line) and assess the ride for you. I think the drops are higher than BTMR, but the ride is smoother. There is also a part where the train goes right up to where the tracks are broken and twisted.

 

[Quinn222]

- rides that don't give me chest pains but are pleasant.

Stay off Everest then. It was the pressure in my chest that got me the most on this one.

 

[jlatina32]

In my opinion, EE was really cool. I think it got really interesting was when it went backwards in the dark! The drop is not as bad as it looks. For me, that was the best part!!! Although I must admit, I was a bit light headed after we got off but it didn't last long. I think that was the affect of the backwards sequence. My DS who is 5 yrs. old absolutely loved it. He wanted to get right back on.

Anytime anyone asks about EE, I refer them to www.youtube.com. Go to the upper right hand and type in Expedition Everest so you can view a full ride video so you can get and idea of how it goes.

 

[WDW Princess]

Thank you guys so much for your replies. Thanks for the video tas well - this was very helpful! So the entire ride is pretty much inside the "mountain", in the dark? I think I can do it... I know it's all in my head because physically, I didn't have any discomfort on Tower of Terror and Mission Space (the intense one) - I know it's all mental. My DH was with SF unit so he is all about self-control - I am definitely lacking in that department. I may have him ride alone at first just to ascertain the drops (although, according to the video, it's nothing like SheiKra) and if it's not too bad, I'll try it... Ok, my hands are getting clammy already. I am such a baby!

 

[cazzie]

I don't normally do rollercoasters, I have done thunder mountain and the mummy at Universal which I didn't find as bad as this one. We did it last week and it is the only ride I have felt ill on when I got off. I am not sure it if was when it went backwards or what but my stomach was hurting I felt sick and I was pretty unsteady on my feet when I got off. Not long after we went back to our resort but it took a couple of hours to get over it.

 

[WDW Princess]

I don't normally do rollercoasters, I have done thunder mountain and the mummy at Universal which I didn't find as bad as this one. We did it last week and it is the only ride I have felt ill on when I got off. I am not sure it if was when it went backwards or what but my stomach was hurting I felt sick and I was pretty unsteady on my feet when I got off. Not long after we went back to our resort but it took a couple of hours to get over it.

Greeeeeeaaaaat, just as I make an actual decision to try it out

 

[dreamergirl78]

I am not a huge coaster fan. I do not like heights either. I will say that all of the coasters at Disney I LOVE. During this trip was our first chance to ride EE. I have to say it quickly became one of my FAVORITE rides in all of WDW. We went on it about 6 times during our week vacation. I thought overall the ride was very smooth. Not nearly as jerky as Space or BTMR. I say try it once and if you hate it don't go again. But it is a fantastic ride and worth doing at least once!

 

[Narnian_Princess]

Some advice: sit in the front. You get a MUCH milder ride that way. I hate coasters too and I love Everest! I simply sit in the front and have no problems whatsoever.

 

[Colorado DISers]

I too hate rollercoasters, but loved this ride. Did it 5 times on our last trip.

 

[WDW Princess]

Ok guys, I am convinced - I will try it; if anything, I can just close my eyes. I know it's a waste of a ride this way but hey... at least I am trying Thank you all for your encouragement!

 

[Plantlady]

I am not a big roller coaster fan, but my nine year old is. I enjoyed EE though.

I actually enjoyed all of the thrill rides at disney, and didn't feel sick once. I think it must be the Disney magic.

 

[cazzie]

I am sure you will be fine, have a great time.

 

[winterman]

We rode EE for the first time two weeks ago. I am not a fan of roller coasters but I like BTMRR and I can now ride Space Mt. with my eyes open. I was determined to ride EE because DH wanted to and because I didn't want to miss the 'experience'. Anyway, I enjoyed it. We only rode it once but I am more than willing to do it again. I agree with the poster who suggested sitting in the front. We weren't in the front car but we were close to it. Go for it. You'll be happy you did.

 

[bytheblood]

Stay off Everest then. It was the pressure in my chest that got me the most on this one.

I have to agree with that. I rode it twice and I am a huge coaster chicken. The only part that bothered me was the backwards drop....serious chest pressure and left me feeling like I was bouncing when I got off the ride. I actually thought I was going to pass out from that backwards drop.

 

[disneydancer1969]

only u can decide whether or not. try it maybe you'll like it.
i personnaly LOVE IT!!