Originally Posted By CTXRover <<but they are having trouble with EE only saying a BIG issue has yet to be resolved wich could hinder the DVC AP preview >> I'm interested to see what you find out by Sunday night, but I still think the AP/DVC previews will happen as scheduled. Although its possible everything won't be functioning 100% of the time during these previews, that goes along with the idea of being a "preview". In addition, Disney announced Cast previews for Expedition Everest today. They will be held the weekend before the AP/DVC previews from January 20-23rd. Based on that fact, it seems as if the ride is definetely ready enough for previews.
Originally Posted By CTXRover Apparently the recent 72 hour test performed by WDI over this past week of Everest went well and WDI is expected to turn Everest over to WDW operations starting tomorrow morning. Another indication that the previews should go on as scheduled, with the exception of unexpected downtime that should almost come as no surprise during the initial preview weekends/months.
Originally Posted By CTXRover ^^No, the next 2 weeks/weekends are filled with finishing any training with the opening cast, scheduled previews for Imagineers and family, previews for DAK cast, previews for all WDW cast members and then finally the AP/DVC previews from the 26-29 of January. There are some times in between where I imagine its possible for random guest previews, but as always don't expect it. By the beginning of February though, regular guest previews seem very likely.
Originally Posted By LuvDatDisney ^^WDI held its big bash at Everest today for the building/design crew and family members. They all appeared to be having a great time, which was saying something because it was COLD (mid 50s with 30 MPH winds which added windchill). I saw a couple of poor CMs at the entrance take some abuse because some guests weren't happy they didn't get invited to the party. And I got stuck on Dinosaur for the first time ever ... just felt like adding that.
Originally Posted By dixielandings The problems were worked out and i heard they were going to start some castmember previews on Tuesday the 16th
Originally Posted By dixielandings evidently the big issues were no more than the special effects and audio problems that were mentioned in post 32 I'm still getting mixed opinions on what is really wrong so Im going to shut up until i can get something more concrete
Originally Posted By Tiggirl Oooh! I hope they are having soft openings in early Feb since I'll be there at that time! My friend is doing the college program and she's working at DAK and she said she's get to ride either today or tomorrow. Lucky girl!
Originally Posted By Dlmusic I rode Everest today and thought it was pretty good. Overall, it's a much more similar experience to the Matterhorn or Big Thunder Mountain with emphasis on place and atmosphere than with elaborate show effects or "wow" moments. There are some fun surprises that are really neat and I think the ride will be a big hit with the guests. This attraction is definately the best attraction to be built at WDW since Kilminjaro Safari.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I have 2 kids who have been reading about Everest every day ..what about the backwards experience, how different is that ? On a 'thrill scale' are you saying it is similar to BTMRR ? thanks for your thoughts on this...they are trying to gauge as a coaster where it stacks up to others already there
Originally Posted By Blackie Pueblo Counting down! My wife and I have a hotel room reserved and had planned a nice long weekend. Everest will just be an added bonus. What are the rules on picture taking right now? Any stipulation for passholders that say no video or pics? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our newest short is in preproduction! <a href="http://www.newlineagefilms.com" target="_blank">http://www.newlineagefilms.com</a>
Originally Posted By Dlmusic <<I have 2 kids who have been reading about Everest every day ..what about the backwards experience, how different is that ?>> It is probably the most unique part of the attraction in terms of the way the ride feels. Some people I know have gotten queasy during that part, it didn't phase me at all though. <<On a 'thrill scale' are you saying it is similar to BTMRR ? >> That's a toughie. Because it does go considerably faster than BTMRR. However, it is silky smooth. Much smoother than California Screamin' at DCA even. Also, the ride is more about vistas and swooping turns than about jarring side-to-side and plunging action. While it does have it's share of thrill, in many ways to me it doesn't feel quite as out-of-control and wild as any of the other Disney coasters. It's a strange attraction to place, because the roller coaster element of it is different than just about any other ride.
Originally Posted By Dlmusic Oh, and I'm a wimp when it comes to drops. I love going upside-down, but I hate big drops. I almost never ride Splash Mountain for that reason. Everest's big drop in the front didn't really bother me at all, felt almost as bad as Primeval Whirl. Everest's drop in the back was considerably more impressive, but still nowhere strong enough to bother me.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 thanks for descriptions -- I am a srop person ( love 'em) and hate inversions ( too old I think to have my behind over my head on a ride without getting dizzy ) - so this is a good description -- I think I can sell this at home -- sothere are two drops - the one in the back about like Splash I would imagine given the height of the attraction -- cool !
Originally Posted By Dlmusic I should clarify. I meant where you are sitting in the vehicle by "in the front" and "in the back."
Originally Posted By jkayjs My daughter just arrived at AKL to ride EE. I'll let you all know what she says.
Originally Posted By jkayjs Well she just called me back. This review will be short and sweet. I haven't read any of the details, nor did she give me any because I want to experience it "like a virgin". LOL. So here is her review without details. "It may be the coolest ride I've ever been on. Very rich in theme with a great repeat factor." I can't tell you what high praise this is as she is quite a daredevil and has been on many rides and attractions all over the country. So there you are not as much info as some may want but enough for me.
