Expedition Everest Facts
A high-speed climb through the Himalayas, a legendary guardian of the mountain, and one of the boldest track designs Disney has ever built. Test what you really know about it.
Everest, By the Numbers
Before you brave the mountain, load up on the real engineering and legend behind Expedition Everest — verified facts our quiz writers dug up from official and historical sources.
Expedition Everest was the first Disney roller coaster to switch between forward and backward sections during the same ride, accomplished through two track switches weighing 100 tons each — each rotation completes in just 4–6 seconds and locks into place before the train arrives.
The Yeti animatronic is 25 feet tall, with skin measuring 1,000 square feet held in place by 1,000 snaps and 250 zippers — the largest and most complex audio-animatronic figure Walt Disney Imagineering had ever built at the time.
The Yeti's depiction in the mural inside the queue is modeled after Imagineer Joe Rohde, the lead designer of Animal Kingdom and the principal creative force behind the whole attraction.
Joe Rohde joined Disney Imagineering in 1980 and retired on January 4, 2021, after shaping Animal Kingdom into one of the most immersive parks ever built.
Looking for the best photo? The Flame Tree Barbecue dining area offers a hidden, stunning vista of the mountain across the river.
All outdoor attractions and pools at Animal Kingdom close when lightning is detected nearby — Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids are most affected since most of each ride sits outdoors.
Certain Animal Kingdom attractions require guests to transfer from wheelchairs, including DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest, and Kali River Rapids.
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