Disney World Map Feature: Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom

I was flying home today from a meeting in California, and our route took us over the Rocky Mountains. As I looked out the window at the snowcapped mountains, I couldn't help thinking about the newest mountain on the Disney World map: Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Yes, I know that it's not a real mountain and that the white stuff clinging to the top of the mountain isn't real snow. But you don't go to Disney's Everest to ski or to take a real expedition to search for monsters.

You go to Expedition Everest for another type of adventure. The mountain is visible even before you enter the park… you'll see its snowy peak as you drive up to the park. Yes, it's very tall. As you walk up to the attraction, you'll hear the screams of other guests as the train whirls up, around and down the mountain. After you board the train, you'll begin the ascent up the mountain for your own thrilling search for the hidden secrets of Everest.

And as you race through the tunnels and come face to face with the yeti, you know that you are safe in world of Disney magic. That's part of the magic of Disney… it's an elegant blend of thrilling adventure and secure safety.

By the way, I've found that the best time to visit Expedition Everest is first thing in the morning. Arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom at least 15 minutes before the park opens so that you'll be one of the first guests in the park. Then head immediately to Asia… take a right at the Tree of Life and go over the bridge to Asia. (Don’t take the walkway to the far right to DinoLand USA. It takes a bit longer.) You can either get in the ride queue to ride or get in line for a FASTPASS. If the ride queue is less than 20 minutes, I get in line right away, then get a FASTPASS after my first ride. On other days, I get a FASTPASS ticket, then go ride another attraction and come back.

There's also a single-ride line, which is perfect if only one or two people in your group want to ride. It's typically much faster so your friends or family don't have to wait as long.

See what I mean? The magic of Disney makes it easy for everyone to have the perfect vacation… the thrill of adventure, the confidence of a safe environment, and theme park attractions designed to allow everyone to have the most fun possible!

So as you're planning your next vacation, be sure to locate Expedition Everest on your Disney World map and plan your own adventure.