A routine day at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in Florida took an unexpected turn when guests aboard the Expedition Everest roller coaster experienced a prolonged halt.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, December 14, 2023, left riders stranded on the ride’s steep incline for about 30 minutes.
Expedition Everest, renowned for being the tallest roller coaster across Disney theme parks, stands at an impressive 199.5 feet. The ride, famous for its thrilling ascent up a mountain and encounters with an animatronic Yeti, faced “technical delays,” according to a Disney employee, referred to as a Cast Member. The delays resulted in two separate coasters being temporarily unable to move.
Reports from The Disney Food Blog, an unofficial Disney Park news site, indicated that one of the coaster cars was stuck during its ascent up the mountain, a moment known for its heart-stopping thrill. Simultaneously, the other coaster car halted at a segment of the ride where it typically begins to move backward.
The incident was documented and shared on social media platforms, drawing a variety of reactions from the online community. Some riders, finding themselves in a unique position, commented on the spectacular views they were afforded due to the stoppage.
However, not all shared this sentiment; several people expressed discomfort, particularly those with a fear of heights. A rider commented on their dislike for that specific section of the ride, noting they would have been particularly displeased if stuck there.
This is not the first instance of unusual occurrences at Disney World in recent times. Last month, guests witnessed a man being detained for removing his clothes on a ride. Additionally, there was an incident involving an animatronic malfunction at the Magic Kingdom, where Snow White’s arm appeared to be ripped off by the character Dopey.
As of the latest updates, Disney World has not provided a formal response to inquiries about the Expedition Everest incident. The ride, however, resumed normal operation the following day, as indicated by the official Disney World app showing a typical wait time.