After months of being closed for refurbishment, Expedition Everest has a reopening date at long last: April 16, 2022.
Each year, Walt Disney World temporarily closes some of its attractions for much-needed maintenance. Fresh paint and nice tidy-up can do a ride some good.
Unfortunately for guests, that means their favorite attraction may not be open during their visit. One of Animal Kingdom’s most popular rides, Expedition Everest, has been closed since Jan. 4.
Disney told us that Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain would reopen in mid-April, but we never got a firm date. Turns out, Disney’s estimate hit the nail on the head. The beloved roller coaster reopens on April 16, just past the month’s halfway mark.
Expedition Everest Reopens, Disco Yeti Remains
Disney still hasn’t officially released the Expedition Everest reopening date, but astute fans noticed on the Disney World website that the ride suddenly had opening times posted on Saturday, April 16 — and every day after.
Expedition Everest reopens April 16. Screenshot: Disney
On the first day of reopening, Expedition Everest will welcome guests starting at 7 AM as part of early entry hours (resort guests only). The ride will then operate from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM that Saturday.
The Yeti is still immobile after Expedition Everest refurbishments. Photo by Cliff Wang
Alas, if you were hoping that this 3.5-month closure meant that Disney would finally fix the structural issues preventing the Yeti Audio-Animatronic from terrorizing riders, you’ll be disappointed. The Yeti remains immobile — and likely always will.
Expedition Everest Joins Genie+
Earlier this year, Disney modified its list of Individual Lightning Lane Selections. When Genie+ launched in October 2021, each of the four parks had two of its most popular rides listed as a la carte Lightning Lane selections, meaning paying the $15 for Genie+ could not get you Lightning Lane access to those.
But in an effort to spread out the insane crowds the parks have been experiencing lately, Disney removed one Individual Lightning Lane ride and added it to the Genie+ list at EPCOT (Frozen Ever After), Hollywood Studios (Runaway Railway), and Magic Kingdom (Space Mountain).
Expedition Everest will join Genie+ list for the summer. Photo by Laurie Sapp
Because Expedition Everest was one of the two Individual Lightning Lane Selections at Animal Kingdom and has been out of commission for months, Disney did not make any changes to the Genie+ lineup there.
But with Expedition Everest reopening, Disney is moving the roller coaster over to the Genie+ lineup until Aug. 7, meaning you won’t have to pay extra for Lightning Lane access to this returning coaster. Avatar Flight of Passage will be Animal Kingdom’s only Individual Lightning Lane ride.
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