Walt Disney World Ride Reviews: Expedition Everest

Even though it's one of the newest attractions in the Disney Parks collection of thrill rides, Expedition Everest can't be overlooked. It towers over the trees that surround the park - looming in the distance like a guardian of the park.

It's not only an instant attention-grabber, but it sets the tone for the content of the ride itself - a thrilling whip through the Himalayas and a face-to-face (or hand/paw) encounter with the legendary guardian of the mountain: the Yeti.

As far as theming goes, the Imagineers hit a home run with Expedition Everest - one of the most engrossing and submersive rides in all of Disney World. It begins as you approach the ride, walking through the outskirts of a Tibetan village, where tiny, colorful flags flap in the breeze, suspended from horizontal wires. Behind them looms the Giant - a beautiful replica of the mountain (despite the intermittent shrieking of high-pitched voices). In spots, pre-recorded voices can occasionally be heard from the nearby buildings - like the Yeti Hotel.

As you enter the actual queue area, the sense of something ominous begins to creep over you. Chimes ding as eager riders reach up to slap at the iron bells suspended overhead. A large idol bearing the image of a frightening creature sits in the center of a dug-out square area, hundreds of coins scattered around its rim and on the ground nearby.

Many overlook the more sinister details as they pass through the winding queue - like the gloves, picks and other paraphernalia that hangs overhead in one of the small rooms through which riders pass. Those items are - in most cases - the only things found of parties who have gone snooping around the mountain and never returned.

Entering the Yeti museum, a fearsome pointy-headed creature snarls from the face of a bright red painting that hangs on the wall. A variety of masks of varying degrees of ominousness - from creepy to horrifying - adorn the walls. Photos, books, and cultural art honoring the Yeti are kept in cases and shelves scattered around the room.