Disney's Everest Ride

After the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Haunted Mansion (about which, we blogged recently...to some controversy), probably my favorite ride at Disneyland is the Matterhorn. The reasons for this have as much to do with the fun quotient of the ride itself (about a 6.4) as with heart-warming childhood memories of going to Disneyland. You see, the Matterhorn rises above the valley in Anaheim and is easily spotted from Interstate 5 from miles away. Therefore, it was always the first thing you saw that let you know you were near the Magic Kingdom. In fact, when I was a kid going to Disneyland with the family, we'd place bets on who could spot it first. The winner got to punch whomever he wanted in the arm.

Well, now Disney is one-upping itself and creating an all new ride to beat even the Matterhorn. Except this one is in Florida at Disneyworld. Called Expedition Everest, the 200-foot ride will launch in April, and will offer guests the opportunity to "trek" to a Tibetan village as well as to hike a miniature version of the Hillary Step. Of course, trek is in quotes because you know the marketing people are concerned that legions of obese Americans will see the word and react negatively. When they say trek, that is, they mean you will ride in a train.

Now what's interesting about the ride is that the Imagineering folks really went all out to make sure the new ride is authentic. Check out this site detailing the group's trip to Nepal to nail down certain details. Rather impressive. And here is a photo gallery about the ride showing construction and the faux Everest.

So I have to say I’m intrigued. I like the idea of another Disney ride with some substance and a story behind it. The white-knuckle rides of the recent past seem to lack a narrative, so I’m glad to see this ride will have a bit more to it than a looping coaster.

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