Happy 5th birthday to Expedition Everest

Disney's Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest is 5 years old today!

Walt Disney World's most recent e-ticket attraction began soft openings in January 2006, and officially opened on April 7 2006.  Initially announced by Michael Eisner at The Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders on March 19 2003, and then officially unveiled on April 22 2003, construction began in July 2003.

Expedition Everest, at just under 200ft, is one of the tallest mountains in Florida. Notable features include an 80ft drop on nearly a mile of track including a backwards sections to the ride. It has become one of Walt Disney World's most popular attractions and a cornerstone of Animal Kingdom's offerings.

Click here for a look back at 3 years of construction photos and updates.