For some Disney Parks fans, it’s a dream to evacuate an attraction–getting to see backstage areas or lit-up versions of dark rooms is one of the most unique experiences one can have at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
But when one group of Walt Disney World Resort guests recently got stuck at the top of Expedition Everest, they found that an in-show exit isn’t always all smiles and rainbows!
Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is the premier roller coaster at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Situated in the Asia area between Kali River Rapids and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond!, the ride takes guests on a Himalayan adventure searching for the mysterious Yeti. The attraction is one of few at Walt Disney World Resort to go backward.
Redditor u/queenith21 recently got stuck at one of the highest points at Expedition Everest, right before its largest drop. The attraction broke down just after a digitally projected Yeti “tears” the tracks, sending the coaster barreling forward downhill. They shared this photo of Disney cast members helping guests out of their ride vehicles:
Disney’s taking immersion to the next level. Yeti broke the track so we had to be evacuated. Expedition Everest
Disney’s taking immersion to the next level. Yeti broke the track so we had to be evacuated. Expedition Everest
byu/queenith21 inDisneyWorld
If you’re wondering how many flights of stairs Disney cast members had to ascend to help the trapped guests, the answer is 17!
“Kudos to the staff who sprinted up 17 flights of stairs to rescue us,” the Disney Park guest wrote. “We were stuck on the ride for about 20 minutes and had to walk down 17 flights.”
They commended Disney cast members for their handling of the evacuation.
“The staff knew exactly what to do and were keeping the kids calm,” the Disney Park guest recalled.
Disney cast members gave each guest a bottle of water and a complimentary Lighting Lane Pass. The Redditor was even able to switch the Lightning Lane Pass to a different Disney park after telling Guest Relations they were planning on leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park after riding Expedition Everest.
It’s unclear what caused this evacuation of Expedition Everest, but the attraction reopened shortly after and has operated normally since.
Have you evacuated a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments.
What would a guest with disabilities do in this situation???
I was wondering the same thing. We rode this a few months ago and my husband would not have been able to go down 17 flights of stairs with his knees.