Expedition Everest

Squeamish riders beware. This ride is not for the timid roller coaster rider. Before you even get on the ride you spend some time in a room that is not air conditioned. Very hot and in close quarters with your fellow riders you are given the opportunity to see pictures and other artifacts about Everest and expeditions. The line wait (at least when we were there) gives you plenty of time to explore the line exhibits. Also this ride is PAL friendly so if you have your PAL make sure you listen to his insider tips.

When you board, you get on a train and slowly head out onto the tracks. The ride takes you slowly a sharp incline that makes you feel like you are lying on your back. This incline gives you the impression that you are going to fall that far straight down. Not true. I have to be completely honest, it was at that point when I closed my eyes and held my breath so I have no idea what it actually looked like. I do know that at some point you are thrown into the dark and you encounter the Yeti himself. The drop is not nearly as far as you climb and there is a lot more back and forth really fast then there are drops (you head to the top then you go back the way you came, there are also some curves along the way). The feeling (to your stomach) is the same as the Mission Space in Epcot. I actually had to stay seated for a minute or two at the end before I could stand up without queasiness. I personally will not ride this ride again, but from the sounds of the screams and the long lines I am not the majority opinion.

Norwood’s take on the ride is the “IT IS REALLY FUN!” The scary thing for Norwood was the anticipation of the drop at the very beginning. He too thought that we were going straight to the ground. He really cannot remember much of the details because he said it went too fast (me I think it was way too long). He is excited and cannot wait to ride it again (solo unless he makes friends in line).

So the consensus… thumbs up from Norwood and a thumb in the middle from me. Although I vow I will not ride that ride again, you must try it. I was scared and yes I will admit I cried at the end (relief that I survived it) but I am glad that I rode it.