Ahh, Expedition Everest. Isn’t it incredible? One of the most thrilling rides in Disney World even with our sweet yeti stuck in an eternal B-mode disco.

But as much as I’ve loved this iconic ride, I’ve had to make the tough decision to start skipping it—and you might need to as well.
Now what makes this SO painful is that Expedition Everest is certainly a must-do in Disney’s Animal Kingdom as you can see in my video here…
…but at least there are still 19 other must-dos I can experience.
Why I Loved Expedition Everest
Now let me preface by saying I LOVED Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Who wouldn’t? It’s one of the most thrilling rides in Disney World taking you high in the air, shooting you backwards, and bringing you face to face with a massive yeti.

It opened in 2006, the same year I turned 10 years old, and I remember how jaw-dropping the yeti animatronic was when she still moved. Betty might be frozen now (Yes, that’s her real name.), but I still think she’s awesome to see hanging over you. But as much as I love it, I am starting to skip this ride. And soon, it might be time for me to say goodbye to Betty forever.
If you want the story of Betty the Disco Yeti, click here!
Why I’m Skipping It Now
I’ve always had some motion sickness issues and I know which rides tend to bring me some discomfort. Up until recently, Expedition Everest was not one of them. But, as I get into my late 20s, I’ve started to get a bit more sensitive. And yes, I know late 20s is still very young — if I already can’t ride Everest, what will be next?

For me, Everest now causes headaches that can bug me for a big part of my day. So honestly, it was an easy choice to start skipping it. Say goodbye to one ride I love or let it always ruin the rest of my Animal Kingdom day? I do still ride Everest every now and again — like when I attempt to ride everything in Disney World in one day — but honestly, I don’t miss it. I’ve had to learn that sometimes your must-do won’t stay that way forever.
How It Could Happen To You
You might be reading this and thinking, “Yeah, welcome to aging, kid,” or maybe you’re thinking, “Now, hang on. I’m 65 and I can ride Expedition Everest without a hitch! You sure you’re 28?” And, I hear ya.

But there are a lot of reasons that you might have to make the call to start skipping a favorite of yours! Health and physical comfort, sensitivity to motion, and even your preferences can significantly change over time. It can be hard to make that decision that a ride you once loved just isn’t right for you anymore, but I can at least say that I’m loving my Animal Kingdom days a lot more now that I’m skipping it.
What I’m Doing Instead
There are certainly alternatives to riding Everest four times in a row like I used to! Of course, Animal Kingdom has other wonderful rides like Na’vi River Journey or Kilimanjaro Safaris (which I now tend to ride at least twice in a day).

Plus, skipping Everest gives me more time to explore the animal trails or become a Wilderness Explorer. And, I still love Everest, just now from the outside. It’s hard to find Disney World views as beautiful as Everest at night!

So, if you start to notice changes in how you feel on or about a ride, don’t be too afraid to adjust your park habits. We change a lot and skipping Everest could unlock your new favorite way to see the parks.
Need some Lightning Lane tips for Disney World? I’ve got you covered. Click here!
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!

Have you ever had to skip a favorite Disney ride? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear about it!
2 years ago I started getting a lurching feeling in my stomach as you do the steep downward swoop outside. I’m going to ride this as often as I can now as I realise that one day, I might not be able to.
Not motion sickness but I sometimes get balance issues after going on this ride buti I’m still going on it! Love this ride.