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| image=EverestAnimalKingdomAsia.jpg| theme- Himalayan Adventure| caption='''Expedition Everest takes place in and around The Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to the Township of Anandapur, as well as the Forbidden Mountain. Photo by Rhys A.'''| landtheme= Southeast Asia| cost=100,000,000| drop= 80Village| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom | duration= 2:50| audio-animatronics=2| soft_opened= January 26, 2006| opened= April 7, 2006| height_requirement=441999| custom_label_1 = FastPass +Number of Attractions| custom_value_1 = YesFour}}Expedition Everest Asia is an attraction a land located in [[Asia]] within [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]].==Attraction History==The creation ===Conception===Although not read for opening day, an Asia section of Expedition Everest actually traces its roots back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom had been on the original design drawing board since the genesis of the project <ref name= "book"> Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal KingdomTheme Park. The initial plans for New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print. </ref>. To research the park called for real animalsregion, dinosaursImagineers visited: India, Singapore, Bhutan, Bali, Java and mythical animals to be featured Nepal <ref name= "jackbook"/>. By the summer of 1997, Imagineers were already hard at work constructing Asia’s safari ride<ref name= "book"/>.. Although initially viewed as a water based alternative to the [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]], the attraction eventually evolved into a white-water rafting thrill ride called "Tiger River Run". The attraction continued to be tinkered with, eventually opening as Kali River Rapids <ref> http://landwww.allearsparkeology.net/blogs/jackspencecom/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t_2run-tiger-run.html </ref>. To this end, a ===History Since Opening Day===The Asia section of the park, known as Beastly Kingdom was set aside as the location for the mythical animals finally opened to guests in 1999 <ref name= "livemap"> http://www. However with Animal Kingdom already over budget, Disney decided to make Beastly Kingdom part of "phase II" florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-march-05.jpg </ref>. On the land’s opening day it featured three attractions: the bird show [[Flight of Wonder]], the park [[Maharajah Jungle Trek]] walking trail, and the [[Kali River Rapids]]<ref name= "jackmap"/>. A temporary land, Camp Minnie-Mickey Also present was created on the land set aside for Beastly Kingdom, with short-lived [[Discovery River Boats]] dock <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm </ref>. Following the idea that closure of the mythological animals would soon join boats on August 21, 1999, the parkdock was briefly turned into the Upcountry Landing Bar <ref> http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-november-04.jpg </ref>, before being permanently used as a character meet and greet location <ref name= "jackwayback"> https://web.archive.org/web/20040603180109/http://www.wdwblues.com/ak/no.boats.html </ref>.

Although Beastly Kingdom was never built for a variety of reasons, Disney knew that the park needed an "E ticket" attraction, The first major expansion to help boost its popularity. On Asia came on April 227, 2003, and in celebration of Animal Kingdom's fifth anniversary, Disney announced that they would be building a new roller coaster2006, when Expedition Everest, in the Asia portion of the park opened <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/expedition-everest/news/22apr2003-disney-announces07apr2006-expedition-everest-opening-day-press-release.htm </ref>. The new attraction takes guests on a high speed adventure through the Forbidden Mountain, where they come face to face with the mythical yeti. Besides adding a new attraction to Asia, the Expedition Everest expansion also allowed guests to visit the mountainside village of Serka Zong (which translates to "fortress of the chasm") <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t_2.html </ref>. Opening with Expedition Everest on April 7, 2006 was Serka Zong Bazaar, a gift shop <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/serka-zong-bazaar/ </ref>.

Taking some inspiration from In 2007, the Matterhorn in Disneyland, Imagineers decided Yak and Yeti restaurant opened to set the new roller coaster in the Himalayan Mountains of Asiaguests <ref name= "jackwdwradio"/>. Like the abominable snowman Built in the Matterhornformer location of the two quick service restaurants- Sunaulo Toren Fries and Chakranadi Chicken Shop, this new attraction would feature the Yak and Yeti, who has long been rumored to live within the mountainswas Animal Kingdom's first table service restaurant <ref name= "jackwdwradio"/> http://www. Since most people are most familiar with Mount Everest (the tallest peak in the world) Imagineers wanted to base the attraction on the famous summitwdwradio. Due to Mount Everest’s lack of distinctive shape however, Imagineer Joe Rohde chose to create a mountain range with Everest in the backgroundcom/2013/09/disney-twenty-something-yak-yeti-restaurant/ </ref name= "jack"/>. The attraction itself would instead take place in the Forbidden Mountain.

In order to design an authentic attractionOn December 14, Disney Imagineers flew to Nepal, Tibet2015, Thirsty River Bar and China Snacks opened in order to get a feel for the culture former location of [[Expedition Everest]]'s FastPass distribution location <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/thirsty-river-bar-and architecture -trek-snacks/news/14dec2015-photos---thirsty-river-bar-and-trek-snacks-now-open-near-expedition-everest-at-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm </ref>. The new quick service stand sells a variety of the areafood, and also contains a bar <ref>http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/thirsty-river-bar-and-trek-snacks/news/14dec2015-photos---thirsty-river-bar-and-trek-snacks-now-open-near-expedition-everest-at-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm </ref>. In 2016, two of Asia's quick service stands underwent renovations <ref name= "jackwdw"/>http://www. A lot of research also went into the creation of the Yeti wdwmagic.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/news/21jan2016-photos---new-names-and-looks-for the attraction-snack-kiosks-at-disneys-animal-kingdom. In order to create a plausible creaturehtm M </ref>. At this time, Imagineers studied various primates"Bradley Falls" was renamed "Caravan Road", whose attributes and movements were combined to create the Yeti"Maharajah Pretzel" was renamed "Chakranadi" <ref name= "jackwdw"/>. When commenting on the creation of Expedition Everest, Imagineer Joe Rohde noted:

{{Quotation==Backstory==[[Image:Anandapur.jpg|""Expedition Everest adds a new dimension 400px|thumb|A map of Anandapur. Photo by Jeremy Thompson]] According to our storytelling in Disneythe land's Animal Kingdombackstory, Anandapur was founded ages ago by Anata, a wise ruler who knew the importance of living in harmony with animals <ref name= "Jack"> http://land. It's allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/10/does_this_couple_look_familiar_1.html </ref>. In 1544 however, King Bhima Disampati decreed that the forest near Anandapur was to be home to a thrilling adventure themed royal hunting preserve <ref name= "Jack"/> . In order to the tradition make hunting easier, King Disampati built a lodge and enclosed much of the mysterious yetiarea, in an attempt to trap his prey.Ironically, King Disampati was killed by a tiger, and his successors (remembering Anata's teachings) transformed the enclosure into a nature preserve <ref name= "}} Jack"/>.

The construction For many years, Anandapur (and much of Expedition Everest Southeast Asia) was a laborious task for Disneyunder British colonial rule. Imagineers went through twenty four different designs before finally settling on a model <ref name= "machine"> http://machinedesign.com/recreation/engineering-expedition-everest-complete-yeti </ref>. After choosing the final designIn 1948 however, Imagineers created a six foot model which Anandapur was then uploaded to a computer<ref name= "jack"/>. At this stage, Imagineers could tinker with the track design before construction on the track itself began<ref name= "jack"/>. Expedition Everest is actually made up of three different foundations: the track, the mountain, granted their independence and the yeti, which are supported separately<ref name= "jack"/>. During forest preserve was given to the construction of the track, Disney used 25,000 pieces of steel, which together weighed 1,800 tonspeople <ref name= "jack"/>. To create the mountain itself, 18.7 million pounds of concrete and 2,000 gallons of paint were used<ref name= "jack"/>. Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountain officially opened on April 7, 2006 (previews for the attraction had begun on January 26) <ref name= "wdw"> http://wwwland.wdwmagicallears.comnet/attractionsblogs/expedition-everestjackspence/news2009/07apr2006-expedition-everest-opening-day-press-release10/maharajah_jungle_trek_1.htm html </ref>. On hand for the festivities were Disney CEO Bob Iger and Jay Rasulo, the chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts <ref name= "wdw"/>.

==Attraction Plot=====Backstory===With the addition of Expedition Everest takes place inside the fictional Forbidden Mountainin 2006, one of the seven peaks of the Himalayas. At the foot of the mountain lies Disney expanded Asia to include the village of Serka Zong. In previous times, According to the villageattraction's economy backstory, Serka Zong was supported by originally a local thriving tea plantation, equipped with steam trains used to transport crops to Anandapur <ref name= "everst"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/04/expedition_everest_legend_of_t. When guests see the village html </ref>. For unknown reasons however, they will notice that the plantation has been boarded up, was shut down and the trains which once transported the tea have stopped running. Although the cause of the closures is not known, local villagers believe that the Yeti has stopped the trade, and they have built various monuments ceased to the creature in an attempt to pacify itrun <ref name= "everst"/>. Long after the tea trade had left the area, Norbu and Bob refurbished the buildings Due to fit their new business- Himalayan Escapes: Tours and Expeditions. The new company took guests into rumors that the Himalayan Mountains mythical yeti was responsible for adventure and thrills. ===Queue===The queue for Expedition Everest begins in the Himalayan Escapeplantation's booking office. The structure that houses the office was formally the headquarters for the Royal Anadapur Tea Company. The office is littered with old furniture and appliancesdemise, as well as a board which shows the whereabouts number of the current tours. After passing through the booking office, guests pass by a ravished courtyard before reaching the Yeti Mandir. The Mandir is small temple which has been dedicated to the yeti as a sign of respect. The structure is decorated with various carvings and bells. A plaque on the Mandir states:[[Image:deadend2.jpg|350px|thumb|The dead end on Expedition Everest. Photo by Jennifer Lynn]]{{Quotation| VISITORS PLEASE RESPECT ANCIENT MANDIR PAGODA WHICH HONORS YETI- PROTECTOR OF THE SACRED MOUNTAIN. CARVINGS DATE BACK TO THE REIGN OF HIS MAJESTY KING PARTHIVA SANKARA GAVAMPATI 17TH CENTURY. }}Following the Mandir, guess enter Tashi's Trek and Tongba Shop. This store proudly states, "We provide the finest shrines were constructed in mountaineer equipment for all needs new and old”. Exiting the shop, guests reach the Yeti Museum, which contains artifacts that show both order to appease the creature<ref name= "scientificeverst" Yeti and the "mythical" Yeti. The structure that holds the museum was once a tea storage warehouse. A sign on the wall reads:{{Quotation| WELCOME TO THE YETI MUSEUM- DEDICATED TO THE SERIOUS STUDY OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE MYSTERIOUS CREATURE KNOWN AND REVERED THROUGHOUT THE HIMALAYAS AS THE YETI.}}After passing through the museum, guests reach the train station. On the wall to their left, guests can see pictures of the various exploration employees, and what job title they hold. Guests then board the train and head off for the Himalayas/>.

===Main Ride===Expedition Everest begins as the train pulls out of the stationMany years later, Norbu and goes down a small drop. On route Bob came to the mountains, various birds can be heard area and repurposed the plantation buildings and trains for use in the distance. The train then goes down another drop as it passes a waterfall. After crossing flatlands, the train takes a sharp turn before starting up into the mountain. As guests go up the incline, they can see a ceremonial stairway which leads to an ancient temple that guests then pass under. From inside the temple, the sound of drums, gongstheir new business, "Himalayan Escapes- Tours and horns seem to indicate that some sort of ceremony is taking placeExpeditions<ref name= "everst"/>. On This expedition service sets the wall beneath the temple, guests can see mural of the mythical Yeti, which appears to tell that the temple itself is dedicated to the creature. After reaching the top of the incline (110 ft. in the air), guests travel across the mountainstage for guest's crest before curving downhill into a cavernadventure on [[Expedition Everest]].

When guests pop out of the cavern, they begin climbing when the train stops suddenly. The tracks look as if they have been ripped apart, so the train cannot continue forward. As the train sits stationary, guests can see the footprints of a large creature in the nearby snow. While stopped, a large Audio Animatronic bird appears near the end of the tracks. Although still not moving, the train suddenly begins to shake and rattle. It seems that the pull ==Attractions=='''[[Flights of gravity is too much for the trainWonders]]'s brakes, and the vehicle begins to fall back down into the ice cavern. After going back deep into the mountain, the train once again stops. At ''- In this stopshow, guests can see the shadow of the Yeti, as he rips up more train tracks. After getting a glimpse of the creature, the train begins to move, this time once again traveling forward. As it exits the cave, the train goes down an 80 foot drop, before traveling through a forest and back into another cave. After passing through this cave, guests emerge on the opposite side of the mountain. Here, the train goes through another forest before entering a dark cavern. On a perch above the track, guests finally come face to face with the Yeti, who reaches out to grab them. After barely making it out of the cave, the train arrives back at the station, ending the ridevarious tricks performed by exotic birds.

==Post Show==After unloading from the train, '''[[Maharajah Jungle Trek]]'''- This walking trail takes guests enter through the Serka Zong Bazaarruins of an ancient palace. This shop is themed to look like a tourist store. Guests can buy hand crafted items as well as Expedition Everest merchandise. Exiting the shopsHere, guests can wander around a large courtyard which features Yeti shrines encounter giant fruit bats, Komodo dragons and even a dry riverbedtigers.

==The Yeti=='''[[Image:EverestYeti.jpg|350px|thumb|The dead end on Expedition Everest.Kali River Rapids]]Although the focal point of the attraction, the Yeti in Expedition Everest has not operated in “A-Mode” since mid-2009 <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/expedition-everest/news/03jul2009-expedition-everest-yeti-returns-to-full-motion.htm '''Editors Note: - This is the last confirmed instance of the Yeti running in A Mode'''</ref> . While in “A-Mode” the Yeti’s arm lunges out at raft ride takes guests as their train speeds by. Due to a crack in the creatures support structure however, Disney has turned the movement effects of the Animatronic off <ref> http://www.mainstgazette.com/2011/04/guardian-of-mountain.html </ref>. Instead, down the Yeti currently runs Chakranadi River in “B-Mode”true whitewater fashion. The “B-Mode” yeti does not move, however strobe light effects are used to give Kali River Rapids also shows guests the illusion danger of movement <ref> http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-08-01/business/os-disney-expedition-everest-yeti-080110_1_expedition-everest-real-yeti-walt-disney-world-spokeswoman </ref>. “B-Mode” yeti has been given the nickname “Disco Yeti” by many in the Disney communityillegal logging and habitat destruction.

===Technical Details===* The Yeti is almost 25 feet tall <ref name= "article"> http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010'''[[Expedition Everest]]'''-08-01/business/os-disney-expedition-everest-yeti-080110_1_expedition-everest-real-yeti-walt-disney-world-spokeswoman </ref>* The Yeti weighs 20,000 pounds <ref name= "article"/>* When operating in "A-mode" it can move 5 feet horizontally and 2 feet vertically <ref name= "jack"/>.* The Yeti's "skin" measures 1,000 sq. feet <ref name= "machine"/>.* 1,000 snaps and 250 zippers keep This high speed roller coaster takes guests on a frantic journey through the skin in place <ref name= "machine"/>.* The Yeti has 19 different axes of motion and moving parts <ref name= "machine"/>. * In A Mode Forbidden Mountain as they search for the mythical Yeti can produce more thrust then a 747 jet airliner <ref name= "article"/>. * The Yeti's fur was made up of 6,000 pounds of different furs, which were woven together <Ref> http://www.disneydispatch.com/content/columns/the-626/2011/05-one-mans-yearning-for-a-yeti/ </ref>.

==Fun Facts and TriviaRestaurants==* When Expedition Everest opened, a mist effect was used at the loading station. Due to problems cause by the precipitation however the effect is almost always turned off. As of 2015 however, the mist effect is seemingly operational once again <ref> http[[Image://forumsyakandyeti.wdwmagicjpg|400px|thumb|The Yak and Yeti can be found in Asia.com/threads/expeditionPhoto by HarshLight]] '''Yak and Yeti-everest-effects-status-watch.171808/page''' This table service restaurant features a Pan-128 </ref>Asian menu.

*900 bamboo plants, 10 different species of trees, '''Yak and 110 species Yeti Local Foods Café-''' This counter service restaurant offers guests a variety of shrubs were planted for Expedition Everest <ref> http://wdwnews.com/releases/2006/03/15/landscape-architects-create-authentic-scenery-to-heighten-storyline-at-expedition-everest-at-walt-disney-worldPan-resort/ </ref>Asian entrees.

*Expedition Everest is '''Mr. Kamals-''' This quick service stand originally sold burgers; however it now features an entirely vegetarian menu. Located on the tallest pathway between Asia and Africa. '''Caravan Road-''' Located across from Mr. Kamals, Caravan Road is a quick service stand. The dining location was previously known as Bradley Falls.  '''Royal Anandapur Tea Company-''' This Joffery's stand specializes in pastries, coffee and (obviously) tea.  '''The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck-''' This quick service stand offers gusts frozen drinks and ice cream. '''Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks'''- Located near Expedition Everst, this dining location serves as a quick service stand and a full bar. ==Former Restaurants=='''Upcountry Landing Bar'''- This short-lived bar sold various spirits while giving guests a great view of all the mountains Tree of Life <ref> http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1999-november-04.jpg </ref> <ref name= "wayback"/> '''Chakranadi Chicken Shop'''- This counter service restaurant opened in Walt Disney World 2000 <ref> The restaurant first appears on Animal Kingdom maps in early 2000 http://www.wdwinfoflorida-project.com/wdwinfoimages/guidesguidemaps/animalkingdomdak/akdisneys-asiaanimal-kingdom-guidemap-2000-march-expedition04.htm jpg </ref> and closed for good on June 4, 2006 to make way for the Yak and Yeti <ref> http://blog.touringplans.com/2006/06/01/chakranadi-chicken-shop-to-close-june-4th-making-way-for-asia/ </ref>. ''' Sunaulo Toren Fries'''- Located next to Chakranadi Chicken Shop, Sunaulo Toren Fries closed in 2006 and was replaced by the Yak and Yeti. ==Shopping=='''Mandala Gifts-''' This stand sells authentic Asian crafts and souvenirs.  '''Serka Zong Bazaar-''' This shop sells Expedition Everest and other Animal Kingdom merchandise.==Fun Facts and Trivia==* Anandapur means "place of delight" in Sanskrit <ref name= "Jack"/>.

*Imagineers used chainsaws, blowtorches and hammers to "age" A portrait of the wood Royal Couple of Anandapur can be found throughout Expedition Everest in each shop within the township <ref name= "jackJack"/>.

*Since Imagineer Joe Rohde spent so much time researching The sarcophagus of Ananta (Anandapur's founder) can be found on the Yeti for Expedition Everest, he became known as a “Yeti-ologist" [[Maharajah Jungle Trek]] <ref> http:name= "Jack"//school.discoveryeducation.com/everest/explore_yetimyth.html </ref>.