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Disney’s Animal Kingdom has definitely changed throughout the years. Today join us in celebrating the iconic coaster that helped expand this beautiful Park.
Expanding Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom first welcomed Guests in 1998. At that time the framework of the Park was much smaller and it did not include a roller coaster. Guests greatly enjoyed this immersive experience, but many left wanting a bit more thrill and excitement.
Today, we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. This coaster was definitely a first for Walt Disney World as it allowed Guests to enjoy it both forward and backward as they searched for the elusive Yeti.
Expedition Everest
The addition of Expedition Everest not only introduced the first roller coaster to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it also greatly increased the size of the Land of Asia. Since that time, the Animal Kingdom has also expanded with the addition of the Land of Pandora.
Disney Imagineer, Zach Riddley, shares this photo of the construction of Expedition Everest on his Instagram account. Riddley shares that Expedition Everest is the highest of any of the Disney “peaks” found across the Walt Disney World Resort as it measures in at 200 feet tall.
Today we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Expedition Everest. This was not only Animal Kingdom’s first coaster, but it also expanded the Land of Asia.
Want to learn more about Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain? You can learn about this great coaster and also discover why the “Disco Yeti” is still around HERE.
Always Re-imagining
Imagineer, Zach Riddley, shares, “Many of our additions serve as new visual icons – helping draw Guests to the new experiences but also serve as important master planning goals as we grow and balance our parks over their lives.”
As Walt Disney once stated, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” This saying is still true at all Disney Parks.
“Many of our additions serve as new visual icons – helping draw Guests to the new experiences but also serve as important master planning goals as we grow and balance our parks over their lives.”
Zach Riddley, Disney Imagineer
Each Disney Theme Park continues to expand and grow to create new and lasting memories for Guests year after year. It truly is what brings Disney fans back to the Parks year after year.
Do you enjoy Expedition Everest? What is your favorite Park addition over the years? Share you thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.
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