Disney World, the happiest place on Earth, is home to a myriad of thrilling and magical attractions. One of the most popular among these is the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, commonly known as the Yeti Ride. This thrilling journey through the Himalayas is a must-visit for every Disney World guest. But how tall is the Yeti Ride at Disney World? Let’s delve into the details.
The Yeti Ride, also known as Expedition Everest, at Disney World stands impressively tall at 199.5 feet (60.8 m). This makes it the tallest attraction in the entire Walt Disney World Resort, surpassing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by just 6 inches.
The Height of the Yeti Ride
The Yeti Ride, or Expedition Everest, stands tall at 199.5 feet (60.8 m), making it the tallest attraction in the entire Walt Disney World Resort, surpassing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by a mere 6 inches.
The Height Requirement
Safety is always a priority at Disney World, and the Yeti Ride is no exception. To ride Expedition Everest, guests must meet a height requirement of 44 inches (112 cm). This is slightly higher than some other rides at Disney World, such as Kali River Rapids (38 inches) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40 inches), but lower than the Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (48 inches).
The Yeti Animatronic
One of the standout features of the Yeti Ride is the Yeti itself. This 25-foot-tall animatronic figure was the largest and most complex audio-animatronic figure ever built by Walt Disney Imagineering at the time of its construction. Its “skin” measures 1,000 square feet (93 m2), held in place by 1,000 snaps and 250 zippers. However, due to structural issues, the Yeti has been operating in a static mode, with a strobe light effect giving the illusion of movement, since a few months after the ride’s opening.
The Ride Experience
Expedition Everest, designed by Imagineer Joe Rohde, takes riders on a thrilling journey through the Himalayas. The ride vehicle, resembling an old mountain railway train, moves forward and backward, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. The track layout, featuring sudden stops and plunges, makes for an exhilarating experience. During the ride, guests can enjoy spectacular views of Disney World, including EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth and Coronado Springs Resort.
Fun Facts
Expedition Everest has a few interesting tidbits related to its height and construction. For one, the mountain’s top view forms a giant Hidden Mickey, although this was a coincidence based on the track layout. Additionally, the Yeti’s enormous size and weight compromised the foundation of the attraction, leading to its shutdown shortly after opening. Despite these challenges, Expedition Everest remains one of the most popular attractions at Disney World.
Conclusion
The Yeti Ride at Disney World, with its towering height and thrilling experience, continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Despite the challenges faced during its construction and operation, it stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Disney Imagineering. So, the next time you visit Disney World, don’t forget to take a ride on Expedition Everest and experience the thrill for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Yeti Ride at Disney World open?
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, also known as the Yeti Ride, opened to the public on April 7, 2006.
How long is the ride duration for the Yeti Ride?
The ride duration for Expedition Everest is approximately 2 minutes and 50 seconds.
Is the Yeti Ride suitable for people with motion sickness?
As Expedition Everest features sudden stops, plunges, and moves at high speeds, it might not be suitable for individuals prone to motion sickness.
Are there any age restrictions to ride the Yeti Ride?
There’s no specific age restriction for the Yeti Ride. However, due to the height requirement of 44 inches (112 cm), it may not be suitable for younger children.
Is the Yeti Ride accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, the Yeti Ride is accessible to guests with disabilities. Disney World provides detailed guidelines on accessibility for each of its attractions. Guests should refer to the official website or speak with a Cast Member for specific information.
Are there FastPass+ options for the Yeti Ride?
Yes, FastPass+ options were traditionally available for the Yeti Ride. However, Disney World has replaced the FastPass+ system with a new service called Disney Genie+. Guests should check the latest information on the official Disney World website.
