Is Expedition Everest Scary? A Thrilling Comparison with Space Mountain
Thinking about braving a Disney roller coaster but not sure if you can handle the thrill?
Well, my friend, you’re not alone! 👏
Quick details about Expedition Everest:
Let’s look at the following in this post:
- What is Expedition Everest and how fast does it go?
- Expedition Everest vs. Space Mountain: Similarities and differences.
- Rider requirements and overall thrill factor of both.
- Some personal observations and tips to conquer your fears. 😱
Stick with me, thrill seekers!. It’s time to buckle up and conquer these roller coasters together. Let’s make sure your decisions are not just based on hearsay but from tried and true experiences. Ready for an exciting journey?
What is Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain?
Let’s first tackle the mammoth in the room, or should I say, the Yeti? Yes, I’m talking about Expedition Everest!
This particular ride, situated in the scenic landscape of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will undoubtedly get your heart racing, palms sweating, and adrenaline soaring❗One of the fastest rides at Disney World, it’s like a jumbo jet on a roller coaster track.
My braveheart daughter, bless her adventurous soul, jumps on it again and again through the single rider line for the rest of the day. And me? Well, I tried it once and decided that such excitement is best left to the daredevils among us. Particularly, I want to note, that it might not be the best choice if your stomach turns at the thought of motion.
If you’ve been on it, you’re probably nodding vigorously. Haven’t been on it? Oh, you’re in for a treat (or terror, depending on how you see it) 😱!
Don’t worry, no real Yetis are involved in the process of this ride. I hope…
Expedition Everest Details
This is a heart-pounding roller coaster that takes you on a chilling adventure through the Himalayan mountains, facing off with the legendary Yeti. Combining thrilling drops with backward segments, this ride is not just about speed, but also the unexpected twists and turns.
- One of the tallest Disney roller coasters, standing at 199.5 feet.
- Features the elusive and fearsome animatronic Yeti at Mount Everest.
- Unique backward ride segment through darkened mountain caverns.
- Inspired by the folklore of the Himalayan region.
- Offers breathtaking views of Animal Kingdom from its peak.
- Reaches a gut-wrenching 50 mph.
- Biggest drop is a mere 80 feet (it feels like more to me).
Expedition Everest vs Space Mountain
Let’s switch tracks for a bit… From the Himalayan heights of Expedition Everest, we’ll now zoom over to another roller coaster classic: Space Mountain. The perfect attraction for all the aspiring astronauts out there!
Flashback to 1975, at a time when bell bottoms were in vogue and disco was all the rage, Disney World unveiled one of its most iconic rides – Space Mountain. Located comfortably in the heart of the Magic Kingdom Theme Park, within the futuristic confines of Tomorrowland, Space Mountain has been filling thrill-seekers with awe for well over 4 decades now.
Unlike Expedition Everest, Space Mountain takes you on a journey into the unknown expanse of space. Literally. Because the entire ride takes place in the dark. Yes, you read that right: complete darkness. If you thought Yetis were scary, try navigating sharp turns and sudden drops without any light to guide you!
Requirements and Thrill Factor
Before we dig into the thrill factor, let’s cover the basics. Space Mountain, this dark, twisty adventure of an indoor roller coaster has one major requirement – you must be at least 44 inches tall to hop on board. Yep, that’s the height of a typical 6-year-old. 😬
Moving on to the adrenaline-rush part! Although just a little bit shy of the speed of a cheetah, Space Mountain rockets off at a top speed of 28 mph. Well okay, maybe not quite cheetah-speed, more like a galloping horse. Still fast enough to make your stomach do a little flip, trust me.
Now, comparing our dear Expedition Everest with Space Mountain is like comparing apples and … very scary apples 🍎😱. Expedition Everest is one of the top rides in Disney World, known for giving the bravest daredevils a run for their money. At 50 mph no less. Which one sends more chills down the spine? That largely depends on whether you’re more afraid of the dark or high speeds (or Yetis).
After my experience on Expedition Everest though, with my last breakfast nearly saying hello again thanks to the twisty turns, I can safely say it definitely has a higher ‘thrill factor’ – or, to some of us, ‘scream and hold on for dear life’ factor.
Personal Observations and Tips
Since we’re on the topic of thrill factors, let’s talk about personal experiences. I will never forget the first time my daughter went on Expedition Everest. She was all smiles and excitement beforehand, chatting about the big drop and twists. Then, the ride ends and out she comes – hair wild, eyes sparkling and ready to join the single rider line for round two. Talk about an adrenaline junkie! 😂
As for me? Well, I ventured onto Expedition Everest once and although I survived, I vowed “never again!” during the white knuckle grip moment, when I was certain my lunch was about to become an unsanitary addition to the parks decor! 💀 I was never so happy to get off that ride vehicle at the end of the ride.
So, here’s a light-hearted, yet very sincere piece of advice to my motion-sick friends: consider packing some anti-nausea tablets for Disney World rides… or stick to the PeopleMover. Trust me on this one! 🤢🙈
Conclusion
Wrapping up, let’s take a look at the thrill-filled ride that our Disney adventure has been, covering Expedition Everest and Space Mountain.
- 🏔️ Expedition Everest, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is one of the fastest rides, offering an adrenaline rush that might not be suitable for those with motion sickness.
- 🚀 Space Mountain, nestled in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, is an exhilarating indoor ride in complete darkness with sudden sharp turns.
- 🎢 Both rides have rider requirements to be at least 44 inches tall.
- 🌌 Space Mountain clocks a top speed of 28 mph, making it a thrilling experience in its own right while Expedition Everest is double the speed at 50 mph.
- 😂 Personal experience says it’s quite possible to laugh, scream and regret your decision, all at the same time, while riding these beasts.
- But overall, it’s a great experience for thrill-seekers, just maybe keep that bag for motion sickness handy!
Remember, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a newbie thrill-seeker, every ride at Disney World offers its own unique blend of magic and excitement. And, in case you’re wondering, yes, Expedition Everest is definitely one of the scary rides! But isn’t that part of the fun? Now, buckle up and enjoy your Disney adventure!
Expedition Everest vs Space Mountain FAQs
What is Expedition Everest?
Expedition Everest is one of the high-speed thrill rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Designed as a runaway train, the ride takes you through the Himalayan mountains while encountering a mythical creature known as the Yeti.
Is Expedition Everest dangerous for those with motion sickness?
Yes, Expedition Everest can be quite thrilling, and its high speed coupled with sudden movements can make it challenging for individuals prone to motion sickness. It’s always recommended for such individuals to take necessary precautions before embarking on the ride.
What is Space Mountain?
Space Mountain is a popular indoor roller coaster located in the Magic Kingdom Theme Park at Disney World. Known for being a completely dark ride with unexpected turns and sharp twists, it offers an exciting and scary experience of being in outer space.
Are there any rider requirements for Expedition Everest?
Yes, riders must be at least 44 inches tall to board Expedition Everest. This is a standard requirement by Disney to ensure rider safety on its faster, high-thrill attractions.
Which ride is more thrilling – Expedition Everest or Space Mountain?
Both rides offer unique thrills. Expedition Everest is one of Disney World’s fastest rides and involves encounters with a mythical creature, while Space Mountain provides an extraordinary roller coaster ride in complete darkness. It really comes down to personal preference!
Which of the Disney theme parks has the scariest rides?
While The Magic Kingdom has the most thrill rides out of any of the Disney parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has more attractions with steep drops and long lines. Rides such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash continuously have some of the longest wait time.
