Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
The Walt Disney Company has long been at the center of numerous controversies. Over the decades, its movies, theme parks, and beloved characters have faced critique from various corners of society. Today, much of the debate surrounding Disney involves political issues, live-action remakes, and significant business decisions.
But before these modern controversies, another internal struggle took place during the creation of one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s most iconic attractions: Expedition Everest Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
This towering roller coaster, which brings guests face-to-face with the mythical Yeti, wasn’t always the fan-favorite ride it is today. The attraction had a rocky beginning, with internal debates over its design and execution. Let’s take a deeper look into the history of Expedition Everest and the controversy that almost changed the way we experience this breathtaking adventure.
The Early Days of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, it was a completely different park from what we know today. In its earliest days, many guests saw the park as more of a “half-day park.” There were fewer attractions, no Pandora—The World of Avatar, and only a handful of rides.
While the park was certainly innovative with its focus on nature and conservation, it lacked the thrilling experiences that many Disney fans sought.
Credit: Disney
Part of the reason for the park’s limited hours and attractions was its mission to care for real animals, which necessitated shorter operating hours and careful consideration when introducing new rides.
As a result, Animal Kingdom closed earlier than other parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, giving visitors the impression that there wasn’t as much to do. Back then, the park relied on experiences like Kilimanjaro Safaris and live animal exhibits, offering a more laid-back and educational approach compared to the high-octane thrills of Disney’s other theme parks.
The Birth of Expedition Everest
In an effort to expand the park and introduce more excitement, Disney’s Imagineers set out to design a new attraction that would not only boost attendance but also establish Animal Kingdom as a park with thrilling rides.
Enter Expedition Everest, an ambitious roller coaster that would take guests on a thrilling journey to the top of a snow-covered mountain, where they would come face-to-face with the infamous Yeti.
Expedition Everest officially opened in 2006 and was a major hit, offering a unique combination of stunning visuals, a compelling storyline, and heart-pounding thrills. But getting the attraction from concept to completion wasn’t without its challenges, and one key moment during the ride’s development stirred up quite a bit of controversy among the Imagineering team.
The Expedition Everest Ride Experience
Before diving into the controversy, let’s take a moment to explore what makes Expedition Everest such a special attraction. From the moment you enter the queue, you are transported into the world of Himalayan expeditions.
The queue takes guests through an elaborate recreation of a base camp, complete with climbing gear, artifacts, and even a small museum dedicated to the legendary Yeti.
After winding through the immersive queue, guests board a steam train that takes them on an adventurous ride up the mountain. The journey starts innocently enough, but as the train nears the summit, riders are met with a startling sight—the track is torn apart, seemingly destroyed by the elusive Yeti.
The train then races backward into the heart of the mountain, plunging riders into darkness before they come face-to-face with the shadowy figure of the Yeti, ripping apart more tracks.
Credit: Disney
The climax of the ride is a thrilling drop down the mountainside, offering a spectacular view of Disney’s Animal Kingdom before the train returns to the station. The ride experience is a masterclass in storytelling, with the Yeti serving as both the main antagonist and a powerful symbol of the mountain’s danger.
The Expedition Everest Controversy
The controversy surrounding Expedition Everest involved a specific design choice during the ride. As riders approach the broken track near the summit, the train comes to a brief stop before switching direction and plunging backward into the mountain.
This moment of stillness was designed to build tension and create a pivotal shift in tone, transitioning from the calm ascent to the chaotic chase by the Yeti.
However, not everyone on the Imagineering team agreed that this pause was necessary.
There was an internal debate about whether something more should happen during this moment. Some believed that since it was a roller coaster, the ride should maintain constant motion or action. Others recognized the value of the pause as a way to heighten suspense and allow guests a moment to absorb the changing dynamics of the ride.
Ultimately, the decision to keep the pause was made, and it has since proven to be a successful element of the ride’s overall experience. The brief stop adds a layer of anticipation before the wild ride down the mountain, giving guests just enough time to feel the tension before being launched into high-speed thrills.
Expedition Everest’s Legacy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Today, Expedition Everest is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, standing alongside other Animal Kingdom icons like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Avatar: Flight of Passage. The ride has earned a reputation as a thrilling, well-themed roller coaster that offers more than just adrenaline—it provides an immersive story that engages guests from the queue to the final drop.
Credit: Disney
The success of Expedition Everest has helped solidify Disney’s Animal Kingdom as a full-day park, offering a balance of thrill rides, live animal exhibits, and cultural experiences. The park has evolved significantly since its opening, and the addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar in 2017 only further elevated its status as a must-visit destination for Disney fans.
Final Thoughts
While the controversy over the pause during the track switch may seem minor in hindsight, it highlights the attention to detail that Disney’s Imagineers put into every attraction. Even the smallest moments of a ride can make a huge difference in how guests experience the story.
Expedition Everest has gone on to become a fan favorite, and despite the internal debates during its development, the ride stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that Disney Parks are known for. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a fan of immersive storytelling, this attraction delivers on all fronts.
As Disney continues to innovate and push the boundaries of theme park design, one thing remains clear: behind every great ride is a team of talented Imagineers who are willing to take risks, debate ideas, and ultimately create something magical.
