Just Back from Expedition Everest Media Event

[Bob P]

Hi all,

I managed to ride it four times in a row!! One opinion of mine to those who will be riding: I feel the ride is much more intense in the front of the train, and much more bone-rattling in the back.

One more thing, to set the record straight regarding some earlier posts on this topic. On Friday, April 7, the official opening day, I arrived at the AK at 12:35PM, at which time EE was open to the public and already had a 90 minute standby line. I know there was at least one thread here a week or two ago that had some information from a cast member saying the ride would be closed all day on the 7th, but it was indeed open to the public by lunchtime. The same situation happened last year on the official opening day for Soarin'.

If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to try to answer them.

Peace,
Bob

 

[KarenAylwood]

My mom and I *might* be going in September and I've been trying to convince her to say she'll ride Everest (I even won the coupon for a free pic of us on it from that game online!!) and she keeps saying maybe. (She's 58, I'm 23).

She's ridden every Disney ride there is, and is only scared on a few but that doesn't deter her from riding them. She doesn't like big drops, but is OK with them if they have stuff around them (think, the difference between a big coaster drop or log flume when it's all empty to your sides- then splash mountain where there's stuff built up around the sides).

And she can ride Rockin Roller Coaster because it's in the dark and she can't really see what's going on- same with Space Mountain- if the lights were on, she'd pee herself.

Do you think she'd be OK on Everest? Is the middle better than the back and the front? I don't think she'd like "intense" or "bone rattling". What's your opinion as someone who's ridden it?? How can I calm her fears? Because WE'RE RIDING THIS THING if it's the last thing we do!

 

[Bob P]

Hi Karen,

SPOILER:




The most intense part of Everest is in the dark, so if she can handle R&RC I think she'll be fine on EE. When climbing the big hill right before you go in reverse, you stop and can see pretty much all the property Walt had the foresight to purchase and the various structures that have been built on that property!!

(P.S.--I'll be 52 soon....)

Bob

 

[travellady]

I'm 50, rode Expedition Everest this past Wednesday, and absolutely loved it. I still think Rockin Rollercoaster is the more intense of the 2, and am glad it's in the dark.

EE backwards part is in the dark and though intense, it's a different feeling than RnR. In fact, I need to find pictures of the actual track and how the coaster moves as I'm having trouble reconciling what I felt, with what I'm told happens.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Ok ok one more question... (and thanks for answering the other Bob and travellady! )....

really... how scary IS this Yeti?? Dinosaur scares the crap out of me... in fact, any large animatronic THING lunging at me in the light OR dark scares me... a lot. I'll admit it- I'm a big wuss. I won't even walk within 10 feet of the Stitch ride just because it used to house Alien Encounter.

Mom aside... am I going to be able to handle this??

 

[lindym]

I'm 48 and rode it 5 times last week with my 18 year old son and I'm not a roller coaster person. To me the most intense part was going backwards. I usually cannot go backwards but there is enuf room in the seat that I can turn sideways and look behind me as I'm going down so it feels more like I am forwards. I didn't do that the first time and felt a little sick. I think she will love it. It is so cool.

 

[ktink]

I have a question. My dd's are really looking forward to riding EE but my youngest is only 5. She is a thrill seeker. She loves Splash Mtn and Big thunder Mtn. And she is convinced that she WILL ride this. She is 45 inches tall now and we will be leaving in Sept, someone had told me that 44 inches is the height requirment. I personally, don't want her to ride this because I'm a little hesitant myself. Based on what I've told you what's your take on this? We are watching the special that's coming on the travel channel tomorrow night and I'm hoping she will back out but if I know her nothing will change her mind.

 

[snappy]

I don't think it is nearly as scary as Dinosaur, and it definitely does not jar you as much.

I guess I was nervous though about the whole ride because I do not remember the awesome view Bob P. described.

Another reason for riding it again.

I did get a little nauseous though. I forgot to take my Bonine, and I had not had breakfast (we went at opening on the first day of the annual passholders sneak preview in January.)

Let's put it this way, I don't do Space Mountain because it is too rough, I won't do Mission Space because I hate the way it makes me feel, I have given up on RNR for the same reason. However, Expedition Everest ROCKS!!!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I haven't ridden Dinosaur, because I'm afraid it would hurt my back, but I thought the yeti was pretty scary! But in a fun way! It's amazing how close it feels like you get to him!