Animal Kingdom! Part 1

WELCOME TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH.............WALT DISNEY WORLD!

"I don't like formal gardens. I like wild nature. It's just the wilderness instinct in me, I guess."

On April 22, 1998 Disney unleashed its newest theme park on the world in the form of Disney's Animal Kingdom.Whatever you do, don't call it a zoo (they get touchy about that word around Animal Kingdom). This newest venture marked a departure from what Disney had been turning out in the way of theme parks for many years. Any park banking its success on "edutainment" was bound to have issues, and Disney knew it.

Epcot proved it was effectively kryptonite for children, and Disney was challenged to make sure that Animal Kingdom didn't suffer the same fate. In spite of some of its early preachiness (and some unfair press about animal care at the park)- Disney's Animal Kingdom opened to generally good reviews. At a cost of nearly $1 Billion to complete, Animal Kingdom was an expensive theme park. In fact, one of the planned 'lands' for Animal Kingdom was eventually cut from development due to cost overruns in the budget.

The never realized land was to be called the "Beastly Kingdom" and feature a myriad of rides themed around mythical creatures. The Imagineers who were laid off when the plans were scrapped, were eventually hired by Universal Orlando to build the Dueling Dragons coaster for Islands of Adventure - arguably one of the best roller coasters in North America.

Oops. Animal Kingdom's 500 acres are home to some 1700 animals representing 250 different species throughout the park. A ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari will give you a chance to see many of them as they take you through the African Savannah (though the jeeps you ride in will rarely slow down long enough to allow you a good picture. This has led us to refer to this attraction as the "Kilimanjaro 500").

As the Park's perennial Icon, the Tree of Life is truly a work of art in the best Disney tradition. At 145 ft, this 14 story artificial tree has the images of more than 300 animals hand-carved into its trunk. The base of the Tree of Life is home to the 3D film "It's Tough to be a Bug". On your way to see the show, you will invariably encounter those holding up the line to stare at each and every one of the animals on the tree. Feel free to push those people to the ground and keep going :)

A good portion of Animal Kingdom's growth came with the opening of Asia in 1999. The Maharaja Jungle Trek - which is a walking tour that features bats, komodo dragons, bats, deer, birds, did I mention bats? The 'bat cage' is just plain creepy, and if you have an aversion to bats the way I do, you'll find this part of the walking tour uncomfortable. The second notable attraction in Asia is Kali River Rapids.

If you have trouble finding it, just look for the people going on the water ride wearing big yellow ponchos (to this day I can't figure out why you'd go on a water ride wearing a poncho - isn't it just easier not to ride if you don't want to get wet?). As water rides go, Kali River Rapids is okay - like most attractions these days it's a bit too short, and keeping with Animal Kingdom's general preachiness, you learn about the evils of deforestation while riding on machinery and materials that will still be trying to biodegrade in 500 years. Gotta love irony.

The newest Animal Kingdom attraction to grace the landscape in Asia is the incredible Expedition Everest. Opened on April 7, 2006 - the attraction features a two way track system that takes guests forward, then backward when attacked by the mythical yeti that guards the "forbidden mountain". While technically a roller coaster, it's a roller coaster of the Big Thunder Mountain variety - which means it's family friendly. I don't do well on coasters at all, and I enjoyed this one thoroughly.

Dinoland USA is home to another popular attraction that garners long lines and excited guests - of course I'm talking about the McDonalds concession at Restarauntosaurus.

RESTARAUNTOSAURUS

Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / DinoLand U.S.A.
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:11:30am - Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Snack Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES

Dino Bite Snacks

Food/Dining Type:Snacks
Location:Animal Kingdom / Next to Restaurantosaurus
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:9:00am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:NO

We travel from all over the country to come to Disney World and then we eat McDonalds. At least get authentic crappy Disney fast food - you know, the whole "when in Rome" thing. This section of Animal Kingdom park is also host to Dinosaur (formerly known as Countdown to Extinction).

This is a fast paced, and somewhat jerky ride that's not recommended for those with back/heart conditions. (For those who have experienced the Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland, this utilizes the same ride system). While it can get a bit rough, this is one of the better rides you'll find at Disney World. There are also some unique dining experiences at Animal Kingdom (beyond the McNuggets of course).

The Flame Tree Barbecue remains one of my steady favorites. The St. Louis Ribs or smoked 1/2 chicken are both excellent. While the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom falls under the category of "unique", it unfortunately seems to avoid consistency like the plague. This restaurant is a very 'hit or miss' experience.

Flame Tree Barbecue

Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / Discovery Island near bridge to Dinoland
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:11:00am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES

Rainforest Café

Food/Dining Type:American
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom/ Main Entrance of the Theme Park with exterior and
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:8:30am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:NO

Some advice.... In an effort to keep the animals on a strict schedule, Animal Kingdom normally closes earlier then the other Disney theme parks. Arriving first thing in the morning is usually recommended during peak season.

Kilimanjaro Safari and Expedition Everest get long lines very quickly, so be sure to hit those first, or at least get fast passes early in the day. It should also be warned that Animal Kingdom is, for some unknown reason, the hottest place on the face of the earth. The park is suspiciously devoid of shade, and while I'm all for authenticity in theming - it really doesn't need to be "Africa hot". If you can, avoid this park during the summer season - it's just an unpleasant experience.

If you have to go when it's hot - HAVE A PLAN (and lots of water). The layout of Animal Kingdom is such that you're often forced to back track in order to navigate the park. This adds a lot of walking to the list of things to be aware of before going. A good pair of comfortable shoes will be your best friend at Animal Kingdom. You should also be sure to adjust your expectations to get the most out of this park.

Most of what you will experience here will have a general message of conservation. While that's a good thing, and worthy of support - some arrive expecting a more traditional theme park experience and are invariably disappointed. It's important to appreciate Animal Kingdom for what it is - do that, and you'll have a very enjoyable time in this very unique park.

AFRICA

Your entrance into Africa is through the friendly, welcoming village of Harambe.Harambe is Swahili for “come together”.Interestingly enough, this village is a combination of a number of some of the favorite places in Africa found by Disney Imagineers whilst on a scouting trip for Animal Kingdom’s Africa.Some of these snippets include a fortress found in Zanzibar and a faux water-stained, crumbling old building and private home that were originally seen in Kenya.The thatched huts found throughout this community were constructed by thirteen Zulu craftspeople from South Africa.The quaint village area was designed to resemble an East African port that caters to tourists prior to their safari excursions (i.e. Kilimanjaro Safari).This bustling port includes a “hotel”, restaurants, an outdoor bar complete with live entertainment and the marketplace.Cast Members/villagers are dressed in colorful, authentic African costumes to add to the atmosphere.

Your Disney safari experience will take you on a journey chasing poachers as you cross the savannah dotted with 34 different species of birds and animals.Following your safari, tour the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and be entertained by the silverback gorillas.The Wildlife Express steam-powered train cuts through the savannah to Conservation Station where you’ll find an interactive center designed to educate as well as entertain.

Points of interest along the train route include the buildings where the animals are kept at night so that they may be checked out medically and fed.The 1.2-mile train ride is wheelchair accessible.Assistive Listening Devices are available for guests who are hearing impaired, check with Guest Services for more information. As per the village atmosphere of Harambe, there are a number of refreshment/dining establishments.

The “Tusker House Restaurant” offers fried chicken, beef stew, turkey sandwiches, prime rib, lasagna, vegetable sandwiches and salads.At Mr. Kamal’s Burger Grill, you can grab a hamburger and beverage for a quick bite.Specialty coffees and delicious baked goods are served at the “Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery”.Fresh fruit and juices are found at the “Harambe Fruit Market”.

The “Tamu Tamu Refreshments” stand offers frozen treats and drinks.You can be entertained by live African music as you sit enjoying cocktails and munching on snacks at the “Dawa Bar”. No village would be complete without its marketplace and shops, and the Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders” will not disappoint you.Kilimanjaro Safari souvenirs and apparel, T-shirts, hats, gourds, carvings and jewelry, are but a few of the many gifts and souvenirs offered here.

Tusker House Restaurant

Food/Dining Type:African
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Character
Location:Animal Kingdom / Africa, Harambe
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:11:30am- 5:00pm
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Food/Dining Type: Snacks
Location:Animal Kingdom / Africa
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:10:30am - Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service Credit)

KILIMANJARO SAFARI

Entering the safari loading area through a long canopied queue, guests will encounter videos on the overhead televisions about the serious problem of poaching. This is the set-up for the exciting adventure that you are about to embark on. Closed captioning for the hearing impaired may be turned on using remote control activators (which are available at Guest Services with a refundable deposit). At the loading area, you’ll board 32-passenger safari trucks that whisk you off to begin your African safari adventure.

The tour traverses a 100-acre savannah, during which your tour guide directs your attention to some of the 34 different species of birds and animals found throughout the game preserve. On the dashboard of each row of the vehicle, you’ll find labeled pictures of each of the inhabitants. Some of these include antelopes, black rhinos, white rhinos, warthogs, ostrich, giraffes, zebras, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, baboons, white-bearded wildebeests and lions.

TIP: Bring binoculars to get a close-up glimpse of the animals that may be off in the distance a bit.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see herds of free-roaming animals in a “natural habitat”. Don’t be surprised if some animals come right up to the truck. While it may look like the lions are a stone’s throw away, there is actually a deep “pit-like” area camouflaged by the abundant landscaping that separates man from beast. Your journey takes you over muddy trails and through small creeks. Midway through the trek, you get word that poachers have taken the elephant mother and baby, Big Red and Little Red. You begin a high-speed chase hot on the trail of the poachers. As expected, this story has a happy ending, after all, this is Disney isn’t it?



TIP: The best times to ride the Safari seem to be first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. The animals appear to be more active during both of these times. TIP: Use the new Fast Pass option here. Using your park admission ticket, get your fast pass and enjoy one of the other attractions rather than standing in line, and then return at your designated time with virtually no wait.

This ride can be full of bumps and jolts so those with back or neck problems and expectant mothers should not ride this. Guests using ECVs must be able to transfer to a wheelchair in order to ride the safari trucks. Assistive Listening Devices are available for guests who are hearing impaired, check with Guest Services for details.

Safari Turkey

Food/Dining Type:African
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / Safari Area
Reservations:Not Required
Hours:Varies

Disney Dining Plan:NO

Pizzafari

Food/Dining Type:Italian
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / Safari Village
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:9am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES

Harambe Fruit Market

Food/Dining Type:Snacks
Location:Animal Kingdom/ Africa across from the Kilimanjaro Safari
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:9:00am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:NO

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Following your African safari adventure, follow the signs to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Entering under the lush tropical canopy, this walk-through tour is designed to inform and entertain and can be enjoyed at your own pace. Pangani, which means, “place of enchantment”, is the perfect description of this 5 acre habitat that offers a magical look at some of Africa’s most interesting inhabitants.

Along the trail, you will enter a field hut that contains displays of nests, bones, African wildlife facts and a very intriguing colony of naked mole rats. These little burrowers, with faces that only a mother could love, are fascinating in that they have highly organized societies and are so protective and caring of one another. As you exit the hut, you will find yourself in an aviary of free-flying African birds. There are guides available with the different varieties to be found here. See how many you can spot.

As you meander along the trail, you will encounter an African grasslands exhibit where you can observe the grazers such as tiny antelopes, Guenther’s dik-diks, Thomson’s gazelles, gerenuk and meerkats, the most famous of these is The Lion King’s Timon.An opportunity to view an underwater “hippo ballet” is not to be missed as a glass wall below water level offers a perfect view. It’s mesmerizing to watch these oversized beasts slowly roll and glide through the water with grace and ease.

The “headliners” at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail are the lowland gorillas. The family of silverbacks are housed on one side of the path and are visible through a glass viewing area. The father, two mothers and their young may choose to entertain and enthrall visitors with their antics, or they may choose to retreat to the privacy of their forest. Across the stream and gorge that provides a natural boundary that separates the two groups, is the forest that is home to the bachelors. These young silverbacks roughhouse and cavort as they determine which dominant male will be the next family leader. At each of the exhibits, there are experts to answer questions and supply information about the animals.

Asia Overview The landscape, culture, history, creatures and architecture of some of Asia’s most exotic and intriguing countries are found in Animal Kingdom’s newest land. Lush vegetation, crumbling ruins and mysterious temples were borrowed from countries such as Nepal, Mongolia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and India, to form the cultural melting pot that is the mythical kingdom of Anandapur. Disney used many nations that were not culturally specific, as opposed to one actual country, in the birth of Anandapur, which means “place of all delights”. According to the “Disney history” of Anadapur, it was established in 1544 as a royal hunting reserve.

A village evolved from this base and thrived, while the reserve has found itself in a state of ruin and decay. The “current” royal family converted the crumbling reserve into its current state as a conservation area. As you explore this enchanting land, you can hear the clack of the bamboo as the wind rattles through the forest. See the Tiger Tree, decorated with scarves, garlands and bells as a tribute to the spirits for wishes and prayers that have been granted.

The cement walkways are imprinted with leaves and palm fronds and are flanked by bicycles, rickshaws and other interesting transportation options. With the two 50-foot monument pillars in the background, bamboo scaffolding surrounds two structures as part of a restoration project, and has become home to 2 families of gibbons. The Siamangs have strong family bonds and perform their playful gymnastics to the delight of the entertained audience.

The white-cheeked gibbons, whose hoots can be heard throughout the land, inhabit the second pillar. Bird lovers will be enchanted by the graceful, soaring birds in the Flights of Wonder performances. Visitors to the Kali River Rapids will be enlightened to the devastating effects that illegal logging operations are having on the rainforest, as they travel the churning waters of the rapids.

Meander along the pathways of the Maharajah Jungle Trek and see some of Asia’s most exotic creatures. Hungry guests can snack on the chicken satay and roasted corn that are available from a roadside stand. The colorful Anandapur Ice Cream truck serves frozen treats in addition to smoothies and floats. On hot days, cold drinks are found at Drinkwallah.At Mandala Gifts, you’ll find such Asian treasures as stuffed tigers, strings of melodious bells, jewelry, masks and tiger apparel.

The Indian custom of turning palaces and temples back over to nature for the good of Earth’s creatures is symbolized in the Maharajah Jungle Trek. In this walking tour, the hunting lodge and palace ruins serve as homes to the majestic tigers that have become the royal family of this habitat now. The rainforest-like surroundings are reminiscent of those found in Nepal, India, Thailand and Indonesia, and are home to other fascinating creatures.

Anandapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant

Food/Dining Type:American
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / Asia
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:11am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)

Royal Anandapur Tea Company

Food/Dining Type:Snacks
Location:Animal Kingdom / Asia
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:Varies
Disney Dining Plan:NO

Yak and Yeti Counter Service

Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Location:Animal Kingdom / Asia
Hours: Varies

Reservations: Not Accepted
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service Credit)

MAHARAJAH JUNGLE TREK

As your journey through the Royal Forest begins, be sure to stop at one of the stands near the entrance and pick up a brochure that describes the wildlife found here and some viewing tips as well. Amidst the rocky pit area with a rushing waterfall, you can spot the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon.

Three separate areas are provided for your viewing pleasure. Further along the path, the large black and white creature you’ll see that is a relative to both the horse and rhinoceros, is the Malayan Tapir. The brightly painted hut that resembles an Indonesian community hall serves as the viewing and educational resource hut of the Bat Cliffs. Here, you’ll find 32 bats of the Rodrigues Fruit and Malayan Flying Fox species. Guests may be surprised to find that some of the viewing areas are without glass panes or wire coverings. There is nothing to fear however, as some of these bats have a 6-foot wingspan and would not be able to enter the 14-inch window frame. Magnificent Asian Tigers can be seen from three separate viewing areas.

TIP: Don’t just stop at the first viewing platform.If it is crowded, move onto the second or third areas, the view may be better.Visitors will marvel at the quiet strength of these stealthy creatures.Their playful nature can be seen as they play with the large ball in the water.

TIP: The Tigers are most active early in the mornings In the grazing area behind the tigers, you’ll find Blackbuck and Elds Deer. The inner walls of the viewing areas serve as murals that pay homage to the animals within. As you saunter further down the path, you’ll pass through a domed Mughal-style mausoleum known as the “Red Pavilion”. Amidst the great hall ruins on the other side, you’ll find exotic birds of Asian descent, some of who are tree dwellers, while others may be ground or mud dwellers.

Relax on the marble benches and see Palawan peacock pheasants, white-rumped shamas, fruit doves, Indian rollers, masked plovers and large King Parrots, a few of the 50 species found here. The wildlife may be the main attraction here, but be sure to take the time to appreciate the wondrous surroundings. As you stroll the paths through the crumbling ruins, enjoy the magnificent murals that grace the walls. These murals, some trimmed in gold, depict the legends of past royal hunts. While these are made to look old, look closely at the hunter with the turban.

His earring is actually a Hidden Mickey! There are several Hidden Mickey's in the murals along the trail. Pass through the formal herb garden, where the warm scents of jasmine and honeysuckle assail your senses. See the bright flashes of cloth as the hanging pennants flap in the breeze. These represent the religious cultures of northern Asia and each is symbolic of prayers to the gods. There is also a tree hung with bells that represent the prayers that have been answered. The half-mile long path is lined with costumed Cast Members at the wildlife viewing areas to answer any questions you may have.

Flights of Wonder Several times a day, under a canvas canopy at Asia’s Caravan Stage at the Animal Kingdom, the Flights of Wonder are performed.These 25-minute shows feature more than 20 species of free-flying exotic birds, including Harris hawks, Barbary falcons, macaws, ibis and yellow-naped Amazon parrots. The performance is centered on young Luke and his quest to the land of his ancestors as he searches for treasure with the help of a wise old Phoenix.Here they will encounter an incredible demonstration of birds of flight as the birds display their natural behaviors and talents. Some of these natural behaviors include swooping, soaring and hunting, as they respond to visual or auditory cues.

The façade of the stage itself is designed to resemble the architecture of that found in the Himalayan highlands or Rajasthan, India. This presentation is wheelchair accessible.For guests who are hearing impaired, assistive listening devices are available, check with Guest Services as you enter the park for more information.Sign Language interpreters are offered at certain performances on designated days.

KALI RIVER RAPIDS

Those looking for respite on a hot day will certainly find it at the Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom. When you see the numerous signs that indicate that you WILL get wet, believe them! Just be sure to soak in the sights of the well-themed and interesting queue before you get soaked yourself.

TIP: If you don’t want to get wet, wear your rain poncho.The theme of conservation found throughout the Animal Kingdom is the premise of this exciting attraction. The ride is based on how the destruction of a rainforest by an outlaw logging company threatens the ecological balance of the area.

You begin your experience wandering through a long and winding path that is lined with knee-high prayer shrines similar to those found in Nepal. You’ll pass rock-lined ruins amidst overgrown tree roots, interspersed with wonderful lush landscaping. The crumbling remnants of the statues, long past their days as objects of worship, still command a sense of power and dignity. When you enter the temple, take note of the sandals lined up outside of the place of worship as is the custom.

Wandering through the painted shrine, you’ll encounter 15-foot tall feline statues and discover a magnificently carved, animal frieze that serves as a room divider. Looking up, you’ll find hand-painted murals on the ceiling, each of which tells a legend of Bangkok. No detail is spared in creating the Asian atmosphere. Prior to boarding your raft, you’ll pass through a boathouse where television monitors show slides of the Himalayas that tells the tale of illegal logging and the loss of animal habitats.

A circular, slowly rotating boat dock leads you to the waiting rafts, some which are aptly named “Manaslu Slammer”, “Banyan Bay”, “Kali Bumper Car” or “Sherpa Surfer”. Each round raft seats 12 around the perimeter with a space in the center with a plastic cover to protect anything that you don’t want to get wet. Please note: if you plan on removing your shoes, you cannot go barefoot. You may want to bring some beach sandals to slip on.

Your 4 ½-minute adventure along the Chakranadi River (“river in a circle”), begins with a steep 90-foot climb through jasmine and ginger-scented mists, continues on through the river’s main channel and bumps and careens past a waterfall. You’ll float through a thick, lush jungle and hear the calls of the wildlife within.

As you bounce along the churning waters past the bamboo thicket, you’ll hear the chainsaws and smell the smoke as a precursor of the carnage that lies ahead. The lush, vivid greenery of the rainforest is reduced to blackened stumps as you dart past a logging truck perched precariously over the bank. Your wild journey has one drop and before you know it, your journe through the forest is complete. Beware the bridge with the smiling faces watching you as you float by. They may have a surprise in store for you!

TIP: Fast Pass is an option on this popular attraction, use it! Get your Fast Pass ticket at the entrance and then enjoy a walking tour of the Maharajah Jungle Trek or another attraction while waiting for your “Kali ride time”.

There is a height restriction of 42” in effect here and parents may use the “child swap” option. Guests using wheelchairs must be able to transfer from their chair to board the raft. Guests who experience neck or back problems or suffer motion sickness, and expectant mothers should not ride this attraction.

EXPIDITION EVEREST

Facts about Expedition Everest:

Expedition EVEREST Disney officially Opened April 7, 2006
This attraction is 200 feet high making it the highest "mountain" in Florida
FASTPASS available (and highly recommended)
44" Height Restriction

Overview: Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome legend of the Yeti when experiencing Expedition EVEREST. This high-speed train adventure combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter with the Abominable Snowman.

The Expedition EVEREST adventure begins when guests board an old mountain railway destined for Mount Everest. As the train heads for the snowy mountain peak, it passes through bamboo forests, waterfalls and fields of glaciers.

The excitement begins when it's discovered that the train tracks end in a twisted wreck of metal. From here, the train careens backwards and forwards through darkness, frigid canyons and treacherous caverns. A face to face encounter with the legendary Yeti (guardian of the Himalayas) brings this tumultuous train ride to its dramatic conclusion.

Animal Kingdom is playing with the big boys now!

I am used to hearing the shrieks of guests when they go down Splash Mountain, or drop from the Tower of Terror, but I am not used to hearing screams at the Animal Kingdom. I’m not talking about the sounds from Kali River Rapids when a raft gets drenched. I’m talking about heart pounding 80 foot drops and hurtling backwards through the dark with unexpected dips and turns. Expedition Everest has just brought Disney’s family of mountains to a new level and put Animal Kingdom back on the map.

It’s not only the ride that’s great; it’s the tale behind it. Located in Animal Kingdom’s Asia section, this “ Forbidden Mountain” ( Mt. Everest) is the home of the legendary Yeti – the Abominable Snowman, guardian of the Himalayas.

The story begins in a remote village at the base of Mt. Everest. The entrance to Expedition EVEREST starts at a travel agency (There are two entry ways, FastPass and Standby.)I am not going to tell you to deny yourself a FastPass, but there is a lot to learn in the queue. With a 30 minute wait, I almost felt like the line was moving too fast because there was so much to see.

After you leave the travel agency, you go to a trading post for supplies and onto a museum. You’ll also learn about the animals that inhabit the Himalayas. Remember, I am seeing this for the first time, so I was really trying to soak it all in. Ask me again about choosing the Standby line in June when the weather is above 90 and the wait is 60+ minutes. Get there early folks, this one is going to be popular!

The vehicle is a nice size train that holds 2 to a row. I sat in the front row for my first time on Everest.

The girl seated next to me swore that the last seat was the best. I rode for a second time in the middle and the ride was just as great. Once you’re harnessed in you begin your adventure with scenic twists and turns through a quiet village and woodlands as you begin your ascent to the summit. At the 200 ft peak, you have an amazing view of the surrounding Disney properties.

Next, you go through a cave where up ahead, the tracks have been broken and tangled by the Yeti. The train reverses and you’re plummeting through darkness. Between the speed, not being able to see and the unexpected turns, you never know which way you’re heading. Suddenly you come to a stop.

You realize that the Yeti is behind you destroying more of the tracks. The train hurls forward towards a 50 ft drop, similar to the drop in Splash Mountain (but personally I think this one is better.) It’s not over yet and you’re plunged back into darkness with more twists and turns. There it is, the Yeti. This fierce creature stands 20 feet tall and while screaming at the top of his lungs, it swipes at the train. I have never seen anything like it. It looked so real!

I rode Expedition Everest twice, and both times I got off this attraction, I wanted to get back on. It leaves you with a feeling of excitement and thrill that you don’t want to lose.

The full ride lasts for a little more than three minutes. If you combine the plunge of Splash Mountain, the darkness of Space Mountain and the twist and turns of Big Thunder Mountain, you have just a hint of what Expedition Everest is like. It’s an experience like no other and will have guests flocking to the Animal Kingdom.