15 can’t-miss attractions at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of Disney’s Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Across the lagoon from Dinosaur is one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s cornerstone attractions, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. The attraction takes guests through the fictional village of Anandapur, which means “place of all delights.” While walking up to the attraction, you’ll notice prayer flags in multiple colors, and the ominous forbidden mountain in the background.

Once you enter the queue, you’ll go through a maze of outdoor offering areas to the Yeti. Guests have even started to give their own offering by tossing coins into the cups that are throughout the outdoor queue. Every once in a while, Disney comes to pick all of these coins up and donate the money to local charities! You’ll also hear the sound of bells throughout the queue before you enter an inside room filled with artifacts of the Yeti and people’s expeditions to Mount Everest.

Throughout the museum-like space, you’ll see photos, masks, old camping gear and so much more. Some of the items look to be in pretty bad shape and destroyed by the Yeti himself. Once you get placed into your train, you’ll travel up to the tallest mountain where you’ll see more offerings to the Yeti along with one of Disney’s most intricate murals telling you what you’re about to experience.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a high-speed thrill ride great for older kids and families. It is highly recommended that you try to get a FastPass+ reservation. If you cannot, consider going in the single rider line for a shorter wait.