Archive for September 8th, 2009

I remember visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the construction of Expedition Everest, seeing the train track dropping vertically down from the side of the unfinished mountain, and thinking, “Not in a million years!”

Being a bit of a ride wuss, my idea of perfect is any of the Magic Kingdom mountains, although I’ll admit it was ten years before I climbed aboard Splash Mountain, and I am worried that the current Space Mountain rehab will put it beyond my comfort zone.  So, no one was more surprised than I to find myself looking down at the spectacular view from the top of Everest.  Seeing the minimal headrests and restraints should have been reassuring, but it wasn’t.  I was nervous; I was trying to smile; but I was nervous; very nervous.

Yes, it’s backwards and forwards, stopping and starting, darkness and light.  The ride vehicles, which are reproductions of old tea trains used to transport tea leaves down the steep cliffs of the Himalayas, ascend slowly and swoop down and around at speed, but the ride is smooth, the park panoramas are breathtaking, and the Yeti monumental – or so I’ve been told.  My eyes were shut tight and I completely missed seeing the highlight of this attraction.  Now, that I know I can ride  and live to see another day, I need to try and keep one eye open for the Yeti next time.

Six years of research by Disney Imagineers, which included a number of visits to Nepal, have resulted in an astonishing recreation of a fascinating culture.  We see glimpses of the art and architecture, the religion and superstitions, of a remote and exotic locale.  Prayer flags, faded signs, crumbling stonework and vintage photographs, antique maps, old canned goods, dented tinware and tapestries, museum artifacts, camping gear, college “diplomas,” and elaborate statuary; the details are woven together into a sprawling and evocative still life that transports us to this distant land – Anandapur.

Expedition Everest

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Guests must transfer from wheelchair to ride vehicle

Height restriction – 44 inches

Park admission required