[Park Hopper]

Borrowing from the name of that most-famous of snowmen, Expedition Everest is one abominably good ride. Using abominable and good to describe something may be illogical, but that's the best way I can think of to portray WDW's new journey into the realm of the Tibetan yeti. After riding the new attraction three times Thursday during the first day of the Passholder preview, I would say Expedition Everest is abominable in the sense that it has enough kick-butt thrills to satisfy most hard-core roller-coaster fans while still delivering the Disney magic that makes it a spectacularly good ride.

The imagineers have really outdone themselves on this one. The imported artifacts and intricate woodwork scattered throughout the ride queue are really amazing and will give guests something to occupy their attention while waiting in the long lines that are inevitable once the attraction opens for business. And the technology of the ride itself, which enables your runaway train to hurtle backwards at breakneck speeds, is a great new twist in a coaster. Of course, as with all things Disney, the ride is tied into a story line replete with intricate theming that's designed to immerse guests in an overall experience that transcends a mere thrill ride. And, pun intended, it succeeds at every turn.

I don't want to give away too much and spoil it for others who prefer to be surprised when they ride, but Expedition Everest isn't the total gut-wrenching experience of most of today's high-tech roller coasters. It has it's moments, to be sure -- especially when the train is going backwards -- but there really aren't any stomach-in-your-throat, we're going over-the-cliff occasions. There are several appearances by the attraction's star performer, Mr. Abominable Snowman, that are the linchpin of the ride. And although he is perhaps a more fearsome creature than any of his audio-animatronic brethren, he doesn't pack the coming-at-you-out-of-the-dark shock value of the prehistoric beasts of Dinosaur that can upset small children.

As your train slowly makes its first ascent up the mountain, don't miss the beautiful panorama of WDW to the left. And, yes, as you might have heard, the ascent -- unlike other coasters -- is virtually silent without the clack-clack-clack of the lift mechanism.

As for the particulars of our own experience, my wife and I didn't arrive at Animal Kingdom until around 3:30 p.m., hoping to avoid any crowds. Sure enough, there were no lines and we were able to walk right on. As part of the promotion, Disney is giving Passholders a free Expedition Everest lanyard and commemorative pin. Unlike some past giveaways, though, Disney has tried to make things more orderly by having you use FastPass machines to obtain a merchandise voucher which you then present to a Cast Member.

Bottom line: I am far from being a hard-core roller-coaster fan, but I found Expedition Everest to be a really fabulous ride that I'll look forward to riding again and again.

[Franco54]

Thanks for that report Park Hopper, your opinion is a solid one for me!!

[BuzzLightyear]

Excellent review PH. Thanks!!

[Dana]

Excellent review as always Park Hopper. I truely look forward to your reviews and you definately did nto disappoint with this one. You have made me even more excited to try WDW's latest attraction if that was possible..lol Thank you for writing this and yes, I am totally jealous that you got to go on not once but three times..lol

[MissDisney]

Wow! Three times!!! You're bringing up the average for all of us here! Must have been a great day!

[catfish1999]

We're heading to AK tomorrow for the preview. I'm a bit concerned about the seating configuration as my DH is ... well a bit rotund. One post said that if you can fit into Space Mtn there should be no problem. He's never had a problem with any Disney ride, but this one looks a bit squishy. Do you agree that if he has been able to ride every other ride he shouldn't have trouble wiith this one??? Thanks for the review!

[PrincessPooh]

Hey Hopper! Sounds like a great day! Three times....UUGGGHH! Jealousy a-bloomin here!

[Erin]

Wow!!! Excellent review!! Thank you Park Hopper!

[RowdyRAider]

Originally Posted by catfish1999

He's never had a problem with any Disney ride, but this one looks a bit squishy. Do you agree that if he has been able to ride every other ride he shouldn't have trouble wiith this one??? Thanks for the review!

I'll agree. I have yet to hear or see anyone be turned away from that ride. Doesn't mean it hasnt' happened, but it sounds like it'll be OK for him.

[Park Hopper]

Originally Posted by catfish1999

We're heading to AK tomorrow for the preview. I'm a bit concerned about the seating configuration as my DH is ... well a bit rotund. One post said that if you can fit into Space Mtn there should be no problem. He's never had a problem with any Disney ride, but this one looks a bit squishy. Do you agree that if he has been able to ride every other ride he shouldn't have trouble wiith this one??? Thanks for the review!

I don't think you have anything to worry about. The train cars are two seats across, and as a fairly big guy myself, I found them quite roomy -- far more roomy in fact than the cars on Space Mountain.

[lovemysons]

Excellent review! It makes me almost think I am brave enough to try it!

[disneymom]

Thanks for sharing, I cant wait to ride it!

[timkelmom]

Thanks for the great review. Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait!

[mickaholic4077]

My review will be posted on Sunday.

[Park Hopper]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

Excellent review! It makes me almost think I am brave enough to try it!

If I can ride it, believe me, you can ride it, too!