Animal Kingdom's high-thrill coaster — the world's most elaborately-themed roller coaster when it opened in 2006. Features a dramatic backwards segment and, in theory, a giant animatronic yeti.
Expedition Everest opened in 2006 as Animal Kingdom's thrill centerpiece. It's a launched steel coaster built inside a massive faux-mountain — at 200 feet tall, Everest is the park's visual anchor. The ride tells a story: you're on a tea-train into the Himalayas, but the yeti has torn up the track. The ride features forward and backward segments, a 80-foot drop, moderate g-forces, and one of the most impressive animatronic figures Disney has built (more on that below).
You must be at least 44″ (112cm) to ride Expedition Everest.
Rider Switch (child swap) is available for parties with kids under the height requirement. If your child is close to the line, the cast member at the queue entrance will measure them against the post.
The ride lift takes you up the mountain, then launches you onto the forward track. Midway, you hit a "torn-up" section and the coaster reverses — you go backwards into a dark cave section, then launch forward again out of the mountain for the final drop and loop-back.
Speed peaks around 50 mph. No inversions, but the drops are significant and the lateral Gs are strong. Much smoother than Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or Space Mountain.
Expedition Everest is a standard Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction. Waits are typically moderate — the single-rider line also keeps standby shorter than at other Disney coasters.
If you're solo or willing to split up, the single-rider line is dramatically faster (often 10-15 minutes vs. 45+ standby).
Average standby wait by season (observed over 2024-2025 data):
| Season | Morning | Midday | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | 25 min | 45 min | 30 min |
| Moderate | 35 min | 65 min | 40 min |
| High season | 55 min | 95 min | 55 min |
| Holiday peaks | 70 min | 120+ min | 70 min |
Morning or late afternoon. Animal Kingdom guests typically hit Flight of Passage first, which gives Expedition Everest a 20-30 minute mid-morning lull around 10am. Late afternoon (3-4pm) also sees reduced waits as guests head to dinner.
Animal Kingdom closes earlier than other parks, so "evening" at AK is around 6-8pm.
Faster than Big Thunder, smoother than Space Mountain. One of Disney's better coasters.
The ride system, theming, and set pieces make this an "Imagineering at its peak" attraction. The single-rider line lets enthusiasts re-ride efficiently.
The backwards-launch segment is in near-darkness. Motion-sensitive guests sometimes struggle.
No rider-swap alternative coaster in the park for younger kids — Animal Kingdom is thinner on family coasters than the other parks.
Use the single-rider line if you're willing to split up. It's the fastest way on. Cast members assign you to whatever single open seat is available, so you might end up riding with your group anyway.
Look for the yeti. In the final indoor section, there's a massive animatronic yeti. Since 2008 it's been stationary with flashing lights simulating motion (the so-called "B-mode"). Most guests don't realize — look up.
Backpacks in lockers. Disney's free bag lockers are at the ride entrance. Loose items absolutely will go flying on the backwards segment.
Ride once forward-facing (back row), once backward-facing. You'll experience different thrill profiles. Back row has better forward airtime; front row has better backward-facing visibility.
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