Overall Rating: 9/10
Review by John Stevenson
Expedition Everest is truly one of Disney's best attractions. The ride has all the elements that make up a physical rollercoaster and more. But the main draw to this attraction is not the coaster but what is around the
coaster: theming. The ride takes place, of course, in the Himalayas in a small village at the foot of the mountain.
This ride has without a doubt one of the best queue lines I've ever seen. I never would have dreamed of ever saying this, but the line moves too quickly! There's so much to look at and see (in the musuem) that the time flies by. As you approach the station, you can hear the foreign accent instruct you on how to board the train, and things of that nature.
The trains, or steam donkeys, are really a work of art. As it slowly pulls into the station, it releases a large puff of steam notifying riders of the nearing departure. Once you are all fastened in, the train departs. You make a quick turn and head for the first lift hill. Then there's a small drop followed by a few small bunnyhops and a turn for the main lift hill. This monstrous lift takes you through an ancient temple warning you not to travel further into the mountain. The view is amazing, you can see Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, Spaceship Earth, and the Tower of Terror.
As you reach the top, the train dips a small bit and speeds through icy canyons before coming to a dead end. The mangled track ahead is only a distraction while the tracks behind you rotate. The train slowly plunges into darkness. It's hard to tell exactly what goes on in the dark but whatever it is, it's intense!
The train then comes to an abrubt stop. You see the yeti's shadow as he continues to rip apart and destroy more track. This is yet another diversion as the track in front of you rotates. The train picks up speed and then drops 80 feet (outside) and turns around once again before you roar back into the mountain. You speed through a few more hills before flying back outside for an intense helix.
As the train begins to gain more speed you come to the rides finale. The train comes face to face with the yeti. Though the train does fly past the monster pretty quickly, he is almost right in your face. Very well done in my opinion. Then the train ends its journey as you near the station.
You can't go into Expedition Everest expecting the best rollercoaster ride you've ever experienced, that's not what Disney is. However, the ride is one of the best themed rides out there. Combine that with a pretty decent rollercoaster, and you've got an attraction that will be thrilling people for generations to come.
