Expedition Everest - prediction

[dvcconvert]

I am *not* "reporting" anything.

I am 'simply predicting' that: Expedition Everest will start soft opening in Feb. '06 -- and will have an official opening on April 22nd (DAK's 8th anniversary).

:)

[jiggerj]

Hmmmm....very interesting....They must be getting it ready for our arrival for the end of April. :) Now that would be VERY cool! :bluebloun

[DSNY FN]

Well as long as it is open for when we get there in Dec 06 that is all I care about LOL.

[mamaprincess]

:bluebloun We're going in March! I hope it will be opened enough for us to get to ride it. Yippee!!! :beaniepro

[athenna]

I must be the only one that HATES thrill rides. Major motion sickness! :faint:

[jiggerj]

I must be the only one that HATES thrill rides. Major motion sickness! :faint:
???? How fast is this supposed to go? Drop me from the top of an elevator shaft..flip me upside down listening to Aerosmith and I am happy but just dont spin me around!..Teacups have to be the toughest ride at WDW!!! Followed by Dumbo and then Aladdin. :blech:

[athenna]

???? How fast is this supposed to go? Drop me from the top of an elevator shaft..flip me upside down listening to Aerosmith and I am happy but just dont spin me around!..Teacups have to be the toughest ride at WDW!!! Followed by Dumbo and then Aladdin. :blech:

Any fast is too fast for me! I don't even ride Big Thunder! I get nervous just looking at ToT and RRC!

[crisi]

Any fast is too fast for me! I don't even ride Big Thunder! I get nervous just looking at ToT and RRC!

You aren't alone. My husband will generally try anything once - and some things he will do for the theme (loves Mission:Space and Star Tours - he's a geek). But once was enough for all the Mountains, he has no interest in even trying RNRC. He's a good sport about it...if I need him to ride for the kids he will - fortunately for him, when Daddy is that much of a wimp I have a six and seven year old who are too darn scared to go near ToT or Space Mountain. I did get them both on BTMRR this year, and they loved it - but its one "big" ride at a time for them right now.

[UsedtobeSmith]

I hope it opens in March also... LOL

Everest is my only hope of getting my DH to AK. Cant wait for it to open up!!!

[Chip126]

Thanks for the "prediction". I am really looking forward to this ride! :bluebloun

[bavaria]

I'm hoping that this will be along the lines of my favourite Matterhorn at DL, but a tiny bit more thrilling, with more theming.

The older I get, the more chicken I seem to get... Can still do the Mountains, but prefer Space Mountain with some company!

[PoohsPal]

:( I know I'm dreaming but I'd love to be able to go in Jan on my trip.

Athenna, you are nto alone. My dh cannot do thrill rides. If we plan very carefully, he can do a max of 3 with me when we go to Cedar Point. At WDW we spread it out even more, because it's no good to be miserable at any time in Disney. He did "acidentally" conquer Space Mountain last trip though. Thought he was doing TTA. Oops. Good thing he ha dhis patch on in prep for the cruise! :beaniepro

[athenna]

:( I know I'm dreaming but I'd love to be able to go in Jan on my trip.

Athenna, you are nto alone. My dh cannot do thrill rides. If we plan very carefully, he can do a max of 3 with me when we go to Cedar Point. At WDW we spread it out even more, because it's no good to be miserable at any time in Disney. He did "acidentally" conquer Space Mountain last trip though. Thought he was doing TTA. Oops. Good thing he ha dhis patch on in prep for the cruise! :beaniepro

I actually tried Space Mountain , it was on my 16th birthday trip, only to shut up my aunt who loves it. I thought I was going to die :faint:

[PoohsPal]

I asked dh the before we got in line and the whole time we were in line if he was sure he wanted to do it. He just kept saying yes and looking at me like I was nuts (he does that often though). I would never force or shame him to go on anything, though. That is cruel.

[jaysue]

It would be great if we could get on in March for a soft opening ride

cheers
jaysue

[withdisneyspirit]

???? How fast is this supposed to go? Drop me from the top of an elevator shaft..flip me upside down listening to Aerosmith and I am happy but just dont spin me around!..Teacups have to be the toughest ride at WDW!!! Followed by Dumbo and then Aladdin. :blech:

YES!! That is exactly how I feel! Don't try to make me get on Body Wars or Star Tours :faint: I rode MS because I really wanted to know what it was like, but I didn't feel good for an hour afterward. :hammer:

[mickeyndvcfan]

???? How fast is this supposed to go? Drop me from the top of an elevator shaft..flip me upside down listening to Aerosmith and I am happy but just dont spin me around!..Teacups have to be the toughest ride at WDW!!! Followed by Dumbo and then Aladdin.


I'm with you jiggerj..... I tried MS and I can say that I will never be on there again. My DH loves MS but he won't get on Tot.

[vascubaguy]

I'm hoping they'll have a soft opening while we are there the last week of March and first week of April. Actually, one of those nights in April the conference I'm attending has rented out AK and it says all attractions will be open except the Safari. So, maybe I'll hold my breath that they'll let us go for a spin or 12. :bluebloun

[DSNY FN]

I'm hoping they'll have a soft opening while we are there the last week of March and first week of April. Actually, one of those nights in April the conference I'm attending has rented out AK and it says all attractions will be open except the Safari. So, maybe I'll hold my breath that they'll let us go for a spin or 12. :bluebloun


That would be cool and anyone going soon can you get some pictures of the current state of completion for us please.

[jaysue]

I'm with you jiggerj..... I tried MS and I can say that I will never be on there again. My DH loves MS but he won't get on Tot.

LOL - I love TOT and will not go again on MS, I love RNR as well - DW loves MS and TOT and hates RNR

Cheers
jaysue

:Pokepoke:

[gopherit]

What precisely is this ride supposed to be like? thrill? Simulator?

In any case -- but especially if it's a thrill ride - it sounds like AK will be a hot item for DH and ds9. Ds9 is our AK / MGM lover (animals and thrill rides are his faves). Maybe I'll just ride Kali over and over 'til they're done on Everest? ;)

[vascubaguy]

From what I saw of it when we were there, it looks like it will be similar to the Matterhorn.

[tjkraz]

SPOILER ALERT....

OK, you've been warned. If you want to be totally surprised when you ride EE for the first time, don't click on the link below.

Still with me?

Click here to visit a site with an animated preview of the EE ride system:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/animations.htm#

(To get it to work, click on the "Restraints" button then "Dispatch" and the cars will begin to move. You can also click on the "Mountain" and "Buildings" buttons to hide those features and see the entire track layout.)

Those of you who don't know much about EE will probably be in for a surprise. This ride does something that no other coaster at Disney currently does. You'll probably do a double-take the first time you watch the video, wondering if you really saw what you saw.

Anyway, I'm guessing these spoilers will leak out by the time the ride is open, but I didn't want to be the one to spoil it without warning. :)

[jnrrt]

Okay, that's nuts! And makes no sense unless you watch it without the mountain. That will be cool - I'm definitely looking forward to trying it, even though I don't love coasters. I just want to see it.

Thanks!

[dvcconvert]

The Pre-opening PRESS EVENT has been tenatively scheduled for
April 6-8, 2006!

:)

[dvcconvert]

PRESS RELEASE 11/08/06

Expedition Everest storyline walk-through

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Ancient legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.

Now that legend roars dramatically to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom in a new runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.

Expedition Everest is part of the 18-month "Happiest Celebration on Earth," the jubilee honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks and commemorating the 1955 opening of Disneyland. The celebration began May 5, 2005, with the launch of the largest lineup of new shows and attractions and continues through 2006.

Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome lore of the yeti when Expedition Everest peaks in early 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Aboard out-of-control railcars screaming forward and backward, white-knuckle adventurers swoop into the unknown, braving twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain leading to an unforgettable encounter.

"Expedition Everest adds a new dimension to our storytelling in Disney's Animal Kingdom," said Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the park. "It's a thrilling adventure themed to the tradition of the mysterious yeti."

The story begins when guests are transported to a distant world of exploration and the mythical village of Serka Zong. A canopy of prayer flags, an ornamental monastery, intricately carved totems, and a garden of stone carvings of the yeti clutching the mountain immerse guests in a far-off realm. The yeti's role as protector of the sacred mountain is reinforced in this detailed environment rich in culture and tradition.

"The Himalayan culture is full of ritualized architecture encouraging great harmony and structure," Rohde said. "The colors of the village, the carved animal heads on the doors, the totems -- it's all very symbolic and authentic."

Despite forewarnings, the proprietors of Himalayan Escapes tour company entice explorers to embark on a rugged train journey to the mystical Everest. First stop is Norbu and Bob's booking office to obtain permits, and then it's off to Tashi's General Store and Bar for needed supplies for the journey.

Next, explorers pass through an old tea warehouse that houses an elaborate museum run by Professor Pumba Dorjay, a conservation biologist who believes the yeti's existence is grounded in fact. The richly designed yeti museum showcases artifacts reflecting Nepalese culture, plus a history of the Himalayas and tales of the yeti. Photos show sherpas and others who have conquered the summit.

Now equipped to conquer the mountain, trekkers board the Anandapur Rail Service. This aging 34-passenger industrial railway, which was once used to transport tea, is now destined for the foot of Mount Everest.

As the steam train rolls through thick bamboo forests and fern groves up the first hill through a fortress, ritualized music signals riders to dangers ahead. En route a cluster of sacred yeti totems and a massive yeti mural crafted on the rockwork gives further warning to turn back.

The train continues across a teetering bridge into the mountain, dives into shimmering glacier valleys and then climbs up through the snow-capped peaks.

Skulking silhouettes and shadows of the lurking yeti, coupled with startling special effects and climate variations, enhance the attraction as the steam train darts in and out of the picturesque mountain range.

But suddenly the train screeches to a halt near a gnarled mass of twisted metal. In a fit of rage, the yeti has torn apart the track. The thrills intensify as the runaway train moves both forward and backward through darkened mountain caverns and icy canyons and guests head for an inevitable face-to-muzzle showdown with the towering yeti -- known to some as the abominable snowman.

The train accelerates at speeds up to 50 mph into a fog of spiral curves taking mountaineers down a 112-foot plummet to escape the wrath of the powerful yeti.

"Seeing the yeti will really startle the guests because it is so real, so convincing," said Rohde. "It is the most mammoth and sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering."

Expedition Everest, towering at nearly 200 feet high and occupying a 6.2-acre site, will be located in the Asia section of the theme park. It is one of 18 mountain attractions created by Walt Disney Imagineering at Disney theme parks worldwide.

Expedition Everest will feature Disney's FASTPASS -- offered at no charge to park guests -- designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Expedition Everest will have a height restriction of 44 inches.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a 500-acre theme park where the exciting worlds of wild and whimsical creatures come to life on an authentic African safari, in an Asian rain forest, on a trip back in time to the age of the dinosaurs and in other attractions and shows brimming with stories about animals and encounters with favorite Disney characters.

[jiggerj]

Thanks for the info DVCconvert it sounds like it is going to be...FANTASTIC! :)

[DSNY FN]

PRESS RELEASE 11/08/06

Expedition Everest storyline walk-through

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Ancient legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.

Now that legend roars dramatically to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom in a new runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.

Expedition Everest is part of the 18-month "Happiest Celebration on Earth," the jubilee honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks and commemorating the 1955 opening of Disneyland. The celebration began May 5, 2005, with the launch of the largest lineup of new shows and attractions and continues through 2006.

Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome lore of the yeti when Expedition Everest peaks in early 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Aboard out-of-control railcars screaming forward and backward, white-knuckle adventurers swoop into the unknown, braving twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain leading to an unforgettable encounter.

"Expedition Everest adds a new dimension to our storytelling in Disney's Animal Kingdom," said Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the park. "It's a thrilling adventure themed to the tradition of the mysterious yeti."

The story begins when guests are transported to a distant world of exploration and the mythical village of Serka Zong. A canopy of prayer flags, an ornamental monastery, intricately carved totems, and a garden of stone carvings of the yeti clutching the mountain immerse guests in a far-off realm. The yeti's role as protector of the sacred mountain is reinforced in this detailed environment rich in culture and tradition.

"The Himalayan culture is full of ritualized architecture encouraging great harmony and structure," Rohde said. "The colors of the village, the carved animal heads on the doors, the totems -- it's all very symbolic and authentic."

Despite forewarnings, the proprietors of Himalayan Escapes tour company entice explorers to embark on a rugged train journey to the mystical Everest. First stop is Norbu and Bob's booking office to obtain permits, and then it's off to Tashi's General Store and Bar for needed supplies for the journey.

Next, explorers pass through an old tea warehouse that houses an elaborate museum run by Professor Pumba Dorjay, a conservation biologist who believes the yeti's existence is grounded in fact. The richly designed yeti museum showcases artifacts reflecting Nepalese culture, plus a history of the Himalayas and tales of the yeti. Photos show sherpas and others who have conquered the summit.

Now equipped to conquer the mountain, trekkers board the Anandapur Rail Service. This aging 34-passenger industrial railway, which was once used to transport tea, is now destined for the foot of Mount Everest.

As the steam train rolls through thick bamboo forests and fern groves up the first hill through a fortress, ritualized music signals riders to dangers ahead. En route a cluster of sacred yeti totems and a massive yeti mural crafted on the rockwork gives further warning to turn back.

The train continues across a teetering bridge into the mountain, dives into shimmering glacier valleys and then climbs up through the snow-capped peaks.

Skulking silhouettes and shadows of the lurking yeti, coupled with startling special effects and climate variations, enhance the attraction as the steam train darts in and out of the picturesque mountain range.

But suddenly the train screeches to a halt near a gnarled mass of twisted metal. In a fit of rage, the yeti has torn apart the track. The thrills intensify as the runaway train moves both forward and backward through darkened mountain caverns and icy canyons and guests head for an inevitable face-to-muzzle showdown with the towering yeti -- known to some as the abominable snowman.

The train accelerates at speeds up to 50 mph into a fog of spiral curves taking mountaineers down a 112-foot plummet to escape the wrath of the powerful yeti.

"Seeing the yeti will really startle the guests because it is so real, so convincing," said Rohde. "It is the most mammoth and sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering."

Expedition Everest, towering at nearly 200 feet high and occupying a 6.2-acre site, will be located in the Asia section of the theme park. It is one of 18 mountain attractions created by Walt Disney Imagineering at Disney theme parks worldwide.

Expedition Everest will feature Disney's FASTPASS -- offered at no charge to park guests -- designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Expedition Everest will have a height restriction of 44 inches.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a 500-acre theme park where the exciting worlds of wild and whimsical creatures come to life on an authentic African safari, in an Asian rain forest, on a trip back in time to the age of the dinosaurs and in other attractions and shows brimming with stories about animals and encounters with favorite Disney characters.

Sure tease me with this now I can't wait to get there and try it out it sounds awesome.

[dvcconvert]

In case you're interested-- here's the new Expedition Everest Logo

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/dvcconvert/EElogo.jpg



:)

[DSNY FN]

Very cool I like it.

[PoohsPal]

Very cool convert!

[WDWSTAR]

I am also perdicting that us DVC members will get an invite to be the first to ride the ride. :beaniepro

[dianeschlicht]

Hopeing for an early March '06 soft opening when we are there! :bluebloun

[AFMom]

It's ver cool - and my DH and I will love it, I know - but I do wish Disney would put that kind of energy into more family oriented rides like they used to. Good thing they brought Soarin' to EPCOT! My kids absolutely HATE Dinosaur at AK, and my youngest DS probably won't go near EE(older DS is questionable), so it will really limit what he'll ride, as far as bigger rides, at AK. This always means for us, a parent switch,and DH and I can't ride together. I love thrill rides - but wish Disney would go back to what Walt wanted - a place families could spend the day together - not kid swapping!

[jnrrt]

I could not agree any more, AFMom. I love the big rides, but I also love being able to do everything TOGETHER, and wish there were some more creative energy thrown that way.

The only one I can think of lately is Crush, and it was down for rehab when we were there, so we still haven't seen it.

[AFMom]

Soarin' is a good one - there's a height limit - but as soon as they get there - they'll love it - not scary at all. I really think they could have avoided the height limit on that ride somehow though - there really isn't a need for it - except perhaps for infants.
Can't wait to try Crush - it wasn't there yet when we were there last! Sounds great!

[Rozzie]

if they offer a member only preview, I will take off work and fly down there for the day. Way too excited! :beaniepro

[greenban]

???? How fast is this supposed to go? Drop me from the top of an elevator shaft..flip me upside down listening to Aerosmith and I am happy but just dont spin me around!..Teacups have to be the toughest ride at WDW!!! Followed by Dumbo and then Aladdin. :blech:


ITA!!! :yes: :yes:

[gppnj]

I am *not* "reporting" anything.

I am 'simply predicting' that: Expedition Everest will start soft opening in Feb. '06 -- and will have an official opening on April 22nd (DAK's 8th anniversary).

:)

I hope you are correct. I'll be at WDW 2/12 - 2/15.

[Rozzie]

I also hope your correct. I'll be there Feb 4-7! :bluebloun

[tjkraz]

I just posted links to some Disney Auctions in this thread:

http://www.dvcboards.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9636#post9636

Of particular note is the "Yeti Dinner" party for EE. The dinner is scheduled for the night of February 3rd, 2006. While the auction listing doesn't specifically state that participants will be able to ride the attraction, I'm guessing most people will expect that for $1500 per couple.

I'm hoping this is further evidence that the ride will be complete (or at least well into its soft opening) by late-January.

[Colorado Belle]

I read on another site and it was also posted here...but I am too lazy to go find it...that DVC members ARE invited to ride it the end of January 26-29 and that they will even receive lanyards and pins for doing so. Fastpass will even be in use at that time.

I wanna go I wanna go!!!! BUt I think I will wait for May

[DarthGoofy]

How much do you think EE will change the flow of guest into the park? Will people still tend to go to the safari, or will they be making a bee-line for Asia?

What do you think?

[withdisneyspirit]

They will make a bee-line for Asia:crowded: :jawdroppi :bugeyed: :whistlebl

[DarthGoofy]

:jumpingbe I think so too. Which is great because we will still probably head for KS first thing in the morning. The animals seem to me more active first thing morning. Everest will be active all day long.

[withdisneyspirit]

I just got back and I am looking forward to having the problem of deciding which one to head for first:beaniepro By the way, if it is drizzly, be sure to go on KS then. The animals just love it when it is sprinkling outside:umbrella:

[Rozzie]

that's a hard one. What we do, is grap a FP for KS, then as we wait, we do the exploration trail next to it, we love seeing the birds eating breakfast and the animals active on that---and having the trail to ourselves without fighting anyone for the viewing spots... Then we hop on KS about 0945. I think one of us might run over to Asia during this time period and grab FPs for EE. That's a hike, though.....

I so am :fingerscr that there is a soft opening at beginning of Feb....

[jaysue]

I think you will see new guests coming to AK - more of the Space Mountain/RNR crowd looking to do EE - so not sure adding EE will help crowd distribution at AK - do not know if Disney thinks adding EE brings more people into WDW or more evenly distributes the existing guests amongst the parks and thus creates a better overall experience

I still think they need a sit down menu service eatery in AK somewhere

cheers
jaysue

[cap10squid]

We got an email today the Passholders will be able to do the late Jan Weekend special too. Free pins and lanyards too .


OH DARN DVC member one day and Passholders the next!:goodvibes


Squid

[dvcconvert]

UPDATE
The cast preview has just been completed -- and I can tell you that 90% + of those exiting were extremely thrilled! I must have heard "Awesome" at least 1000 times! Periodic soft openings for DAK guests are now likely during Feb and March. :)

[tjkraz]

Thanks! Can't wait. :jumpingbe

[jaysue]

UPDATE
The cast preview has just been completed -- and I can tell you that 90% + of those exiting were extremely thrilled! I must have heard "Awesome" at least 1000 times! Periodic soft openings for DAK guests are now likely during Feb and March. :)

Thanks for the update - maybe we will get lucky in March especially during an EMH evening maybe :wearenumb

cheers
jaysue