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7 April 2006: Expedition Everest Opening Day press release
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 7, 2006) -- Ancient
legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous
creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.
In Florida, the legend of the ferocious yeti dramatically roared to life
today at Walt Disney World Resort with the official opening of
Expedition Everest, a runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like
thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.
"Expedition Everest is a shining example of what we do best at Disney --
create unique, high-quality and innovative experiences to delight our
guests from around the world," said Bob Iger, president and CEO of The
Walt Disney Company, who presided at the opening. "Though our mountain
may be slightly smaller in scale to the one you find in Asia, it is
remarkable in its authenticity.
"The same is true of our base camp's attention to detail," he continued.
"These elements are all part of the magic of our storytelling so our
guests feel literally and figuratively transported to another world -- a
world where fantasy is real and the reality is fantastic."
The screams of six youthful stars from the smash-hit Disney Channel
original movie "High School Musical" attested to just how fantastic.
They were part of the first train out of the station to officially
launch the attraction following a ceremonial garland cutting by Winter
Olympics snowboard halfpipe gold medalist Hannah Teter.
Following the dedication of Expedition Everest, Disney officials
provided an update on what's next for the vacation kingdom--including a
new attraction coming to Epcot in fall 2006 and a new stage spectacular
coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in late 2006.
But for now, the new fun involves out-of-control railcars that race
forward and backward, sending Disney's Animal Kingdom guests swooping
into the unknown to brave twists, turns and drops inside and outside a
mighty mountain. It all leads to an unforgettable encounter with the
yeti.
Expedition Everest's trains depart from the mythical village of Serka
Zong -- like the mountain a marvel of authentic detail. The village
consists of several buildings, including a hotel, Internet café and
trekking supply store, all reflective of today's Nepalese architecture.
A canopy of prayer flags, an ornamental monastery, intricately carved
totems, and a garden of stone carvings of the yeti clutching the
mountain immerse guests in a far-off realm.
The yeti's role as protector of the sacred mountain is reinforced in
this detail-rich environment as a result of extensive research that
included an expedition to the region.
"This extraordinary expedition is another example of the lengths to
which Walt Disney Imagineering will go to research subject matter in
developing our story lines," said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman
Jay Rasulo. "Our passion for bringing great stories to life has taken
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to amazing places over the past 50 years.
Over the next 50 years, we will continue to scale new heights in our
ongoing quest to create great experiences for our guests."
The opening of Expedition Everest is part of the "Happiest Celebration
on Earth" honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks and commemorating the
1955 opening of Disneyland. The celebration began in May 2005 with the
launch of new shows and attractions at Disney parks around the world.
Towering nearly 200 feet high and occupying a 6.2-acre site, Expedition
Everest is located in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme
park. It is one of 18 mountain attractions created by Walt Disney
Imagineering at Disney theme parks worldwide.
The creation of Expedition Everest is among the topics explored through
Discovery Networks original programming that takes viewers behind the
scenes and above the clouds to explore the majesty and mystery of Mount
Everest and the exhaustive Disney Imagineering efforts to achieve
authenticity. Here's what's debuting in April:
Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands -- April 9 at 8 p.m. ET
(Travel Channel)
Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest -- April 10 at 9 p.m. ET (The
Science Channel) and April 12 at 8 p.m. ET (Discovery Channel)
Corwin's Quest: Realm of the Yeti -- April 15 at 8 p.m. ET (Animal
Planet)
15 February 2006: Everest in the City
New page dedicated to Everest in the City
15 February 2006: Everest in the City video
The official WDW Podcast will have video of the New York City Expedition Everest event taking place today. It will be available on http://www.disneyworld.com/podcast and ITunes http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=124803299
10 February 2006: Everest in the City
COPYRIGHT 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
NEW YORK -- New York City's famed Times Square
will be transformed into the legendary Mount Everest on Feb. 15-16 by
Walt Disney World Resort. A 57-story spectacular brings the Himalayas to
life, with powerful avalanche effects, daytime pyrotechnics and the
ferocious roar of the yeti, plus world-renowned aerialist acrobats
performing a never-seen-before display of vertical acrobatics.
The two-day show, "Everest in the City," will take place hundreds of
feet above Times Square to celebrate the launch of the thrilling new
Walt Disney World attraction Expedition Everest, grand opening in April
at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Project Bandaloop, featuring the world's most creative aerial acrobats,
will fly through the sky as they perform off a pair of towering
billboards spanning two skyscrapers at Broadway and 47th Street. Serving
as the dramatic backdrop, the billboards feature a runaway train racing
through snow-covered mountains, just narrowly escaping the wrath of the
fearsome red-eyed yeti, legendary protector of the Himalayas.
The brave climbers will face the wintry elements as they navigate the
mountain while performing an exhilarating acrobatic ballet accompanied
by an original musical score. New Yorkers and visitors to Times Square
in February will have the chance to view the incredible mountain
billboard.
To broaden "Everest in the City" beyond a traditional billboard, Walt
Disney World Resort partnered with industry leaders including Sylvania,
Hip Cricket and AOL. Sylvania gives the yeti his glowing red eyes using
the new OSRAM LED-powered light technology. Each of the yeti's two
30-inch-diameter eyes will be lit with six OSRAM DRAGONchain® LED
modules, making the fearsome protector's glare visible from hundreds of
yards away.
While Sylvania is responsible for giving the yeti his eyes, Hip Cricket
will control their stare. Thanks to technology provided by Hip Cricket,
visitors to Times Square can use their wireless phones to interact
directly and in real time with the yeti by texting the word DISNEY to
the short code "4YETI", which will make the yeti's eyes flash at a
specific time.
For anyone not able to view the spectacular show in person, AOL will
feature the event. Visitors on AOL also can enter an online contest that
will award 25 lucky visitors to the site a trip for four to Walt Disney
World Resort to experience an exclusive tour of Expedition Everest.
9 December 2005: Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- To build a mountain you
start with the Roof of the World...the Himalayas where Earth's mightiest
peaks scrape the heavens. When those mountains also are steeped in deep
lore and legend, including a fearsome creature, it only adds to the
mountain you are building, the story you are telling.
That quest is what inspired Joe Rohde, creative executive with Walt
Disney Imagineering.
With the just-completed Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas, the Walt
Disney Company joined with Conservation International and Discovery
Networks on a cultural and scientific journey from one end of the
eastern Himalayas to the other.
The team searched for new plants and animals not yet discovered in the
eastern Himalayan region from China to Nepal, one of the most
botanically rich temperate regions in the world with an estimated 12,000
plant species, including 3,500 found nowhere else.
Rohde joined the unique journey to investigate the powerful legend of
the yeti, the environs and architecture of the Himalayas and the people
and culture. His goal was to bring a new level of authenticity to
Expedition Everest, an exciting attraction opening spring 2006 at
Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Premiering the week of April 9, 2006, on the Travel Channel, "Expedition
Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands" follows the journeys and discoveries
of Rohde as he embarks on his adventure to Everest. Providing
unprecedented coverage of this artist's journey to reveal this complex
and unique region, the special will cover the miles traveled to research
and replicate so accurately the culture, architecture and customs of
Nepal for the newest Disney attraction.
"Imagineers are renowned for our passionate approach to creating the
legendary experiences guests have come to expect from Disney," said
Rohde. "We are going to incredible lengths to tell this story to our
guests: researching cultural and spiritual legends through local people
who have reported sightings of the yeti, and governments who preserve
pristine lands in the name of the creature known as 'protector of the
mountains.' "
Rohde is quite familiar with that part of the world, having traveled
there on numerous occasions. In 2004, Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering
architect Stefan Hellwig and production manager Chris Kelly went to the
Nepalese Himalayas to study the lands, architecture, colors and culture
to shape their design for the mythical village area of the attraction
they were creating.
After a journey by jet, surrey, helicopter and donkey, the trio reached
their destination -- a 1,000-year-old monastery near Mustang. The goal
was to immerse themselves in the region, to gain a sense of place that
is not possible from looking at photographs or even films. They returned
with an understanding of what it feels like to be in the Himalayan
culture and environment. And as the Expedition Everest design team
focused on creating that "sense of place," it was invaluable.
"Touching the prayer wheels, hearing the tonal spectrum of animal bells,
experiencing a 360-degree view from the mountaintop monastery and seeing
how the local people applied color to their homes left a deep impression
on us," said Rohde. "This experience allowed us to approach this project
with an insight and authenticity we could attain only by being there."
When Walt Disney World guests approach the village area that signals the
entry to Expedition Everest, they will see how the research efforts paid
off. They will be transported to the Himalayan region as they walk by
colorful flags looping from building to building and pole to pole.
Emblazoned with animal symbols, the banners are inspired by the
Himalayan prayer flags that send thoughts and prayers to the wind.
Throughout the village area, the yeti appears in architectural details,
revealing its dual existence as earthly creature and mythological
legend. And the adornments couldn't be more real: Nepalese carvers
created these special pieces based on their beliefs and local stories.
At the Mandir, a traditional Himalayan shrine structure, wooden doors
depict the creature in his very real realm, coming down from the
mountain to snatch up a yak.
The team talked with local Himalayan monks about earth-based pigments,
studied the carved details of local earthen, rock and wooden buildings
and researched cultural iconography -- all with the goal of creating an
experience that would be so extraordinarily immersive and real, that
guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom would believe, if even for just a
moment, that they'd been transported to the other side of the world.
The team also was interested in learning about the beliefs and culture
of the region.
For thousands of years, diverse cultures along the Himalayan mountain
range have believed in the yeti -- some as a real, living being and
others as a spiritual protector. Many believe that sightings of this
mysterious, hairy creature mean the forest is pure, pristine and
undisturbed, and as the great forests disappear, so, too, does the yeti.
Nonetheless, its spirit lives today as a great, mythological creature,
important and essential to the Himalayan people.
Local people told Rohde of animal carcasses tossed high in trees, yak
skulls broken in half with amazing force, and tufts of bluish hair
caught on branches. All these were attributed to the yeti. Many others
told stories of yetis eating Spanish moss, a sign of a pristine habitat
and underlying signal that the yeti seeks our natural areas to protect.
To learn more about these beliefs, Imagineers made a special visit to
the Ding Guo Shan monastery, known for its preservation of sacred lands
and belief in the yeti. Accessed by a narrow slippery road with sheer
drop-offs, the thousand-year-old Ding Guo Shan sits atop a mountain,
surrounded by undulating wreaths of clouds. As the team approached, the
clouds parted to reveal the forested mountain surrounding the meadow and
the monastery. Young monks were playing on the long trumpets and shawms
(ancient woodwinds) as the trekkers approached: the community had come
out in full dress to greet the team.
The team stayed at the monastery and joined the monks for meals for
three days. Rohde interviewed the Rinpoche, a sacred man known as "the
living Buddha," about Ding Guo Shan and the yeti. The Rinpoche said that
the last sighting was in June.
The monks described the yeti by placing both hands above their heads in
a flattened cone shape to indicate the distinctive shape of the high
domed ridge of the yeti's head, which is part of many descriptions. They
described the hair of the yeti as radiating from its belly. The older
monk tried to indicate the stride of the yeti, which seemed to be about
five to six feet. They described its feet as being quite long. Rohde
reports, "I asked the Living Buddha point blank what he thought the yeti
was. He replied that it was two things at once. A real animal and an
immortal, a deity."
Later in the journey, the team reached the Qinling mountains, near Xian,
the area known for the buried terra cotta army of the first Chinese
Emperor. Dr. Anne Savage, specialist in Golden Monkeys and primatologist
from Disney's Animal Kingdom, arranged for the team to hike into a
reserve that is home to Golden Monkeys, the animals providing the
inspiration for Expedition Everest's yeti. Conservation International
President Russ Mittemeier, internationally renowned primatologist,
joined the team for this special opportunity.
With strange, haunting faces covered in hair everywhere but the smallest
areas around the eyes and nose, blue skin, and unfathomable dark eyes,
the Golden Monkeys are a perfect model of a cold-climate primate. "Our
yeti is like a huge scary version of one of these monkeys...yet the size
of an ape," said Rohde. Seeing these rare animals in their native
habitat provides a new perspective on the authenticity of the images the
team has blended into the attraction in Florida. The work by Rohde and
the Imagineering team to create a believable world around the exciting
new attraction continues the real-life storytelling that is the hallmark
of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Guests who visit Disney's Animal Kingdom are transported into animal
worlds both real and imaginary. Forests, jungles and rivers dominate the
landscape, seeming to overpower the buildings themselves. Animals appear
to roam without boundaries. The storytellers of Walt Disney Imagineering
set out to create a place of striking realism and authenticity, a place
that feels so real, that real adventures might happen.
1 December 2005: Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas-The Collection auction
 COPYRIGHT 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY |
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney, joined
by Conservation International (CI) and Discovery Networks,
recently embarked on an extraordinary scientific and cultural
journey to explore some of the planet's richest and most
biologically diverse regions in the shadow of the Himalayas.
Together, they formed Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas -- a
search for new species and exploration of ancient legends. To commemorate this expedition, a unique collection of experiences and artifacts is up for auction online on www.DisneyAuctions.com from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, with proceeds going to the work of Conservation International to study the world's biodiversity hotspots. "Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas-The Collection" auction items include a one-of-a-kind trip deep into the jungles of Peru led by Conservation International staff, behind-the-scenes tours and dinner experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, and seats to CI's 10th Los Angeles Fundraising Gala and a photograph with actor and CI board member Harrison Ford, and behind-the-scenes tours and dinner experiences. |
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Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas focused on regions that harbor a wealth of biological, cultural and spiritual treasures. Findings and results of the expedition -- including any new species discoveries -- will be shared with the scientific and conservation community as well as be incorporated into Expedition Everest, an exciting new adventure attraction coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. One of the auction items will be the opportunity to be among the first to experience Expedition Everest. The exploration into the Himalayas furthers the commitment to wildlife conservation that is a hallmark of Disney's Animal Kingdom and its long-time relationship with Conservation International. Several significant projects led by the respected group have been supported through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF). Since Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, the DWCF has awarded more than $8 million to CI and other non-profit conservation organizations working around the world to protect areas rich in plant and animal life at risk of imminent destruction. Expedition Everest, the attraction, is a high-speed runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the folklore of the yeti. Guests will depart from a Himalayan village and venture to the snowy heights of the vast Asian peaks. Yet a run-in with the yeti -- the guardian of the mountain -- will send travelers on a forward and backward hair-raising escape. With a peak nearly 200 feet high, Expedition Everest will open officially in April 2006 in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas and key marine ecosystems. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents. For more information about CI, visit www.conservation.org. To learn more about Conservation International's work in the Himalayan region visit www.conservation.org/himalaya. For more information on items up for auction, or to place a bid, log on to www.DisneyAuctions.com and click on the "Theme-Park Artifacts" button at the top of the page or type in "Theme-Park Artifacts" in the search box. |
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6 May 2005: Joe Rohde briefing press on Expedition Everest
Joe Rohde, executive designer for Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, gives journalists a preview of the newest thrill ride coming to the park in 2006 -- Expedition Everest -- during a media event May 6.
6 May 2005: Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Friday, May 6, 2005) -- Disney today announced Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas -- an extraordinary expedition to the mountains of the Himalayas to explore the legendary "realm of the yeti." Conservation International and Discovery Networks will join Disney in the search for new species and ancient legends on this scientific and cultural journey to China and the eastern Himalayas.
 COPYRIGHT 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY |
As construction on the mountain-themed roller coaster continues behind him, Joe Rohde (second from left), executive designer for Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., talks about the newest thrill ride roller coaster to be added to the park -- Expedition Everest. Joining Rohde on the tour are (L-R): Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Dr. Leeanne Alonso, vice president for Conservation International, and Clark Bunting, executive vice president of Discovery U.S Networks Group. |
"This extraordinary expedition, in collaboration with
Conservation International and Discovery Networks, is another
example of the lengths to which Walt Disney Imagineering will go to
research subject matter in developing our story lines," said Walt
Disney Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo. "Our passion for
bringing great stories to life has taken Walt Disney Parks and
Resorts to amazing places over the past 50 years. Over the next 50
years, we will continue to scale new heights in our ongoing quest to
create great experiences for our guests."
Scientists from global conservation leader Conservation
International and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park will search for
undiscovered species likely to live in these remote regions known as
biodiversity hot spots, the Earth's biologically richest and most
threatened places. The team of internationally renowned biologists,
botanists and technical experts will conduct a scientific inventory
of plant and animal species in areas that are little-known but
potentially important conservation sites. "Due to the fact that this
region has gone largely unexplored, we believe that, in all
likelihood, new species of plants and animals not yet known to
science will be discovered," according to Dr. Russell Mittermeier,
the world's foremost primatologist and President of Conservation
International.
Imagineers are joining the unique journey to investigate the
powerful legend of the yeti, bringing a new level of authenticity to
Expedition Everest, the massive attraction under development at
Disney's Animal Kingdom. "Imagineers are renowned for our passionate
approach to creating the legendary experiences guests have come to
expect from Disney," said Imagineering Creative Executive Joe Rohde.
"We are going to incredible lengths to tell this story to our
guests. The creators of Disney parks will research cultural and
spiritual legends through local people who have reported sightings
of the yeti, and governments who preserve pristine lands in the name
of the creature known as "protector of the mountains."
Discovery Networks, renowned for compelling, real-world
storytelling, will track the expedition to share the unique
adventure story with audiences throughout the globe. "The unusual
exploration for new species and ancient legends is the kind of story
that both Disney and Discovery can create and tell so well," said
Clark Bunting, executive vice president, Discovery U.S. Networks
Group. "We look forward to collaborating with Conservation
International and Walt Disney Imagineering to inspire, educate and
entertain millions around the world about all things Everest."
The expedition furthers the commitment to wildlife conservation that
is a hallmark of Disney's Animal Kingdom and its longtime
relationship with Conservation International. Established in 1995
with the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Wildlife
Conservation Fund sponsors global programs for the study and
protection of the world's wildlife and ecosystems, including a
number of significant projects led by Conservation International.
The Fund has awarded more than $8 million to non-profit conservation
projects in global areas rich in plant and animal life at risk of
imminent destruction.
Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas is planned for August through
October 2005 in regions of China and the eastern Himalayas that
harbor a wealth of biological, cultural and spiritual treasures.
Findings and results of the expedition -- including any new species
discoveries -- will be shared with the scientific and conservation
community as well as be incorporated into Expedition Everest.
Expedition Everest, the attraction, is a high-speed adventure that
combines coaster-like thrills with the folklore of the yeti. Guests
will depart from a Tibetan village on a train journey into the snowy
heights of the vast Himalayan peak. Yet a run-in with the yeti --
the guardian of the mountain -- will send travelers on a forward and
backward hair-raising escape. At nearly 200 feet high, Expedition
Everest will open in 2006 in the Asia section of Disney's Animal
Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista,
Fla.
2 May 2005: Joe Rohde - A Quest for Authenticity
A Quest for Authenticity -- Joe Rohde, Executive Designer and Vice President, Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, collaborates with a monk in Nepal to learn the art of mining the raw earth to create colors. This unique method will be used to apply color and create authenticity to the buildings being created in the mythical village at Expedition Everest, the thrill adventure opening in Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2006. Walt Disney Imagineers went to great lengths to research the legends, architecture and lore of the areas they explored near Mount Everest to create a rich environment that reflects the spirit of the Himalayas . Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
22 April 2003: Disney Announces Expedition EVEREST
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (April 22, 2003) -- Legend
holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature
that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.
Now that legend comes dramatically to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
in a new high-speed train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills
with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.
Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome
legend of the yeti when Expedition EVEREST opens in 2006 at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom theme park. The new thrill attraction was announced
today during the park’s 5th anniversary festivities at Walt Disney
World Resort in Florida.
 Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY |
"Expedition EVEREST adds a new
dimension to our storytelling in Disney's
Animal Kingdom," said Joe Rohde,
executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead
designer of the park. "It's
a thrilling adventure themed to the folklore of the
mysterious yeti." In Expedition EVEREST, guests board an old mountain railway destined for the foot of Mount Everest. The train rolls through thick bamboo forests, past thundering waterfalls, along shimmering glacier fields and climbs higher and higher through the snow-capped peaks. But suddenly the track ends in a gnarled mass of twisted metal and the thrills intensify as the train races both forward and backward through mountain caverns and icy canyons and guests head for an inevitable face-to-muzzle showdown with the mysterious yeti -- known to some as the abominable snowman. Expedition EVEREST will be located in the Asia section of the theme park. At nearly 200 feet high, it will be the tallest mountain in Florida. Expedition EVEREST will feature Disney's FASTPASS, an innovative system -- offered at no charge to park guests -- designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. |
20 March 2003: Forbidden Mountain Officially Announced!
Michael Eisner has officially announced the new AK E-Ride at The Walt Disney Company 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, held Wednesday, March 19, 2003. Official details remain sketchy, but it appears to put great weight behind the details revealed below in previous updates.
Click Here to listen to the interview