Originally Posted By TDLFAN Well, the rumors were true... even though the dates were a bit too optimistic. The APers will be able to preview Expedition: Everest late January. The invitation reads like this: ""As one of our most valued Passholders, you're invited to a special preview of our thrilling new Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain™ attraction happening January 26 through 29...before the grand opening—and you'll also receive a free gift! The adventure sets forth from Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Here, you'll be allowed behind the construction wall where a small village rests in the shadow of an imposing mountain. Then, you'll board a train on a hair-raising, high-speed journey through the misty Himalayan unknown. And the wind won't be the only thing howling. The mountain has a guardian—the fierce, fabled Yeti (a.k.a. the Abominable Snowman)! All you have to do to enjoy this behind-the-scenes event is present your valid Passholder I.D. In addition to enjoying the adventure, you will receive a complimentary Expedition Everest lanyard and pin at the attraction as a memento.* So come ride the legend before its Grand Opening in Spring 2006. It's just one of the new additions to Walt Disney World® Resort during the Happiest Celebration On Earth! "" Anyone attending besides G-Fan and I???
Originally Posted By basas Wow...lucky! I'll be at AK Feb 1...wonder if it'll be open to anyone then?
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy TDLFAN -- What does the announcement say about APer's bringing guests? Yes? No? I have 5 good friends coming into town from New Jersey during the Jan 26-29 time frame. They would KILL to go on Everest while they were here. Heck, I'm a CM and I want to ride it then too. I haven't heard anything yet about any CM previews. My friends will gladly buy you lunch.
Originally Posted By nate5881 Shoot, I'll be there in the middle of the month. Martin Luther King holiday weekend.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>What does the announcement say about APer's bringing guests? Yes? No?<< What I pasted above is all the info I got and nothing is said about bringing guests. My guess would be "no", since I am sure they are expecting a lot of APers to show up and will be handing a free pin and lanyard, which I am sure they won't be willing to give to guests of APers...
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> My guess would be "no" << Honestly, that would be my guess too. And it makes sense. They'll probably only let people in who actually have an AP pass in hand, or are DVC owners. Though in the case of "DVC owners" what does that mean? How many members of your family can go? Dad + Mom? Plus all the kids? How many is that? Some families are a lot larger than others.
Originally Posted By nate5881 TDLFAN, was the invitation mailed to you or did you receive it via email?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Anyone attending besides G-Fan and I??? I am going to try and schedule a quick 'biz trip' for this-- I just got my invitation also. <They'll probably only let people in who actually have an AP pass in hand, or are DVC owners. < that would be my question also as I am an AP and a DVC owner -- I am sure Mrs vbdad also considers herself a DVC owner and the deed says exactly that....it will be interesting
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>TDLFAN, was the invitation mailed to you or did you receive it via email?<< It was sent via email. WDW does not spend any money anymore in being more formal than that. We only get the AP newsletter Mickey Monitor via post mail.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 My last Mickey Monitor was August -I'm getting ready to call about that also -- as I never got the November issue -- I have yet to hear from DVC re: a ride preview but....did get notified that as of January 1, DVC members can now get the DDE card without having an AP......
Originally Posted By TDLFAN If I am not mistaken..the DVCers will preview during the same days as the APers...so there is no animosity about that. However... I still believe the is a good chance that regular park guests will be riding Everest before the Ap and DVC previews... only a matter of being there at the right time...during the 2nd and 3rd week in Jan... Only rumor though...
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I would think you are right - no different than MS or Soarin' -- those 'soft opening' opportunities are great if one has the proper timing...
Originally Posted By Crazy4WDW We went down for the AP weekend when Mission Space. If you didn't have a annual pass you didn't get on. I just wish they would have released the dates earlier. I made plans to go down 1/4. I would have waited for the AP dates to go instead.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Reportedly, DVC members will be able to bring up to 3 guests. Presumably, this covers the situation of a family where not every member has a DVC ID, so the situation with AP holders and guests may be different. Also, reportedly FastPass will be operational during this preview, so they would seem to be braced for crowds.
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy My next question is about CM previews. I haven't heard anything definite yet, and CM's usually get a chance at the brand new earlier than the guest. There's only a few weeks between now and Jan 26-29. I heard a rumor that CM's were supposed to go Jan 9-10. But that this is now "iffy."
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys My son just called me from work. He is a CM at MGM and supposedley CM's will be able to test out EX next week. He also said that they will be doing film shots of the attraction as well. We'll see.
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys I'm also a DVC member and this was posted on the website: Be among the first to experience Expedition Everestâ„¢ Members can enjoy a sneak "peak" of Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountainâ„¢, before its official opening. Attend a special attraction preview January 26 - 29, 2006 and also receive a complimentary lanyard and pin.
