2008 Woodie Awards
Expedition Everest Excitement Expands Walt Disney World's Mountain Range
Joshua Benesh
Issue date: 4/21/06 Section: Life & Times
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April 7 marked the grand opening and dedication ceremony of Walt Disney World's newest thrill ride, Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney's variation of Mount Everest soars to a staggering height of just under 200 feet, joining Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain as the first of Walt Disney World's mountain range outside the Magic Kingdom.
Mount Everest is home to Disney's newest coaster, Expedition Everest. The steel coaster features dramatic twists and turns as it careens throughout the mountain's icy caverns. The track, measuring nearly a mile in length, includes a multi-directional surprise, Disney's first in a North American theme park.
At the base of the mountain is the Himalayan village of Serka Zong, the starting off point of the trek into the unknown that lies within the mountain. The village consists of a maze of temples, mountaineering establishments, and a museum devoted to the study of the mythical yeti. The elements of the village, down to the architectural adornments, carvings, color choices and materials used on external surfaces, feature the work of native Himalayan artisans or authentic recreations of building materials and techniques. All of this creates the perfect ambiance, transporting the visitor far away from Central Florida reality and into the mythical mountainous world of the Himalayas.
Riders board a worn and ragged mountain train consisting of 17 rows seating two passengers each. The railway carries the badging of the Anandapur Rail Service and is built in the style of mountain trains used throughout the Himalayas. The train's detail goes so far as to feature a steam effect, covering the platform in smoky whiteness upon pulling into the station.
Once aboard, riders journey up a lift hill and through a maze of bamboo forest and greenery located at the temperate base of the mountain. The primary lift hill takes the train high above Disney's Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World resulting in a spectacular view of all of the park and property. At the top of the hill, riders pass through a temple devoted to the yeti, the mythical creature and spiritual protector of nature, surrounded by carvings, prayer bells, and devotional objects.
Mount Everest is home to Disney's newest coaster, Expedition Everest. The steel coaster features dramatic twists and turns as it careens throughout the mountain's icy caverns. The track, measuring nearly a mile in length, includes a multi-directional surprise, Disney's first in a North American theme park.
At the base of the mountain is the Himalayan village of Serka Zong, the starting off point of the trek into the unknown that lies within the mountain. The village consists of a maze of temples, mountaineering establishments, and a museum devoted to the study of the mythical yeti. The elements of the village, down to the architectural adornments, carvings, color choices and materials used on external surfaces, feature the work of native Himalayan artisans or authentic recreations of building materials and techniques. All of this creates the perfect ambiance, transporting the visitor far away from Central Florida reality and into the mythical mountainous world of the Himalayas.
Riders board a worn and ragged mountain train consisting of 17 rows seating two passengers each. The railway carries the badging of the Anandapur Rail Service and is built in the style of mountain trains used throughout the Himalayas. The train's detail goes so far as to feature a steam effect, covering the platform in smoky whiteness upon pulling into the station.
Once aboard, riders journey up a lift hill and through a maze of bamboo forest and greenery located at the temperate base of the mountain. The primary lift hill takes the train high above Disney's Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World resulting in a spectacular view of all of the park and property. At the top of the hill, riders pass through a temple devoted to the yeti, the mythical creature and spiritual protector of nature, surrounded by carvings, prayer bells, and devotional objects.
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