These are the Biggest Changes You May Experience When Riding Expedition Everest in a Reopened Animal Kingdom

We’ve been hopping around Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom during Cast Member and Annual Passholder previews this week.

Expedition Everest

Some attractions are missing major scenes while others have remained about the same. Every attraction is receiving extra sanitation and most are spacing out seating to create distance between travel groups. We headed to Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to experience the thrill ride under the new conditions.

The first thing we noticed was the social distancing markers located on the ground. Guests are asked to stand on the marks to stay their distance from others.

Expedition Everest Entrance

Every once in awhile, Cast Members will stop the ride to clean the ride vehicle seats.

Expedition Everest

Once we got to the front of the line we were given our line number. Plexiglass was put in place between the numbered lines to separate us from other guests.

Everest with Line Barriers

The first time we rode Everest we were spaced out from another group. The row between us was left empty. The second time, we were sat behind another group. We will continue to monitor this once the parks reopen to see which process they are implementing.

Riding Everest

The Rider Switch and Disability Access Service are operating as normal. Guests using either service will enter through the line that is usually designated for FastPass.

DAS and Rider Switch

Despite some enhanced safety and sanitation measures, our ride was very similar to past experiences. (And yes, the Yeti still makes an appearance!) Just make sure you secure your face mask properly while on the ride. Guests are still required to wear them while riding roller coasters and other attractions on property.

Curious about what it’s like riding water rides under the new conditions? Learn about our experience here!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today!