Wednesday, April 2, 2025
HomeParks and ResortsExpedition Everest: Building a Thrill Ride at Animal Kingdom (2006)

Expedition Everest: Building a Thrill Ride at Animal Kingdom (2006)

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Walt Disney World’s Expedition Everest was designed, built, and imagined. This one-of-a-kind attraction combines storytelling, engineering, and cultural research to deliver a thrilling experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006) Joe Rhode
Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006) Joe Rhode

Journey to the Real Everest

The adventure began with a trip to the real Mount Everest. Disney Imagineers traveled to Nepal to study the region’s culture, architecture, and landscape. These authentic details inspired every element of Expedition Everest. The research trip ensured that the attraction reflects the beauty and mystery of the Himalayas.

Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006)
Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006)

Engineering a Disney Masterpiece

Back at Walt Disney World, Imagineers transformed their research into reality. The engineering team faced the challenge of designing one of Disney’s most complex coasters. With tight turns, steep drops, and a backward section, the ride pushes the limits of theme park thrills. The structure had to be both visually stunning and structurally sound.

Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006)
Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006)

Constructing the Legendary Yeti

One of Expedition Everest’s most iconic elements is the Yeti. The animatronic figure was the largest and most complex Disney had ever created at the time. The documentary shows how the Yeti was designed to move realistically, adding a sense of danger and excitement. Even though the Yeti now operates in a limited mode, it remains a legendary part of the attraction.

Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006) Joe Rhode
Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest (2006) Joe Rhode

Blending Storytelling with Thrills

Expedition Everest offers more than drops and turns. It immerses guests in the legend of the Yeti, the mountain’s protector. From the queue’s detailed theming to the suspenseful ascent, every element contributes to a cohesive story. The ride proves how Disney blends narrative and thrills like no other.

This video is provided for historical and educational purposes. No copyright infringement is intended.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

LEGO Brand Retail
13,789FansLike
5,480FollowersFollow
57,042SubscribersSubscribe

Free Disney Coloring Pages

Most Popular

All