The Animal Kingdom desperately needs more restaurants, particularly restaurants that provide full service.  The Yak & Yeti will fill that gap and bring a unique, Asian menu to the park.  The Anandapur Yak & Yeti Restaurant is scheduled to open in 2007.  I can’t wait to try it!

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The scenery around the exterior of the Expedition Everest attraction captures every detail of a Himalayan village.  Linger just a few minutes, and you’ll be surprised to see a train filled with expedition riders burst out of the mountain and plummet down the icy slope.  This is a great photo opportunity! 

 As you wait in line, you’ll be winding your way through the Himalayan village and the expedition base camp.  You’ll see artifacts telling a story of an ancient creature called the Yeti (also known as the Abominable Snowman).  Guests are warned that legend claims the Yeti protects the mountain and does not like visitors.

When your turn to climb the mountain arrives, you’ll board a train and begin your ascent.  Your ride quickly turns into a fast-paced rollercoaster with sharp turns and drops as your train evades the dreaded Yeti.  Just when you think you’re safe, the train shoots backwards and the chase is on again.  Eventually, your train makes it back to base camp safely, and the Yeti is left to wait for the next train of riders to pursue.

I love rollercoasters, and I enjoyed this ride.  It seems faster than Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom but milder than Rockin’ Rollercoaster at Disney-MGM Studios.  The height requirement is 44″, and the ride is definitely not for the timid or faint-of-heart.  The story that accompanies the ride is extremely well done and would take several rides to fully comprehend.  In fact, this is one of those rides that you could ride a hundred times and still see something new.  My only complaint is I wish the ride were a bit longer, but that might simply be because the train is moving so fast, the ride seems to end too soon. 

Bottomline, if you think you can take the action and suspense then you won’t want to miss this first-rate thrill ride.  If rollercoasters aren’t for you, then you won’t want to miss Expedition Everest simply to take some unique pictures and enjoy the detailed environment that the Disney Imagineers created so well.

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The basic storyline was left intact, and for the most part, the songs are enjoyable. However, in some parts, the songs seem to run long and the plot drags. The visual effects and action do make up for any negatives the music may present to the overall show. The costumes are brilliantly designed with vibrant colors and creative twists on what guests expect to see from the characters. Throughout the show, performers run through the audience with oversized puppets representing different kinds of fish much to the delight of the children watching. The action even takes to the sky at certain points during the show as performers fly through the air on wires to represent swimming.

The new Finding Nemo – The Musical attraction is located in the Theater in the Wild building which underwent extensive renovations to accomodate the anticipated popularity of the new musical. The building, which used to present the Tarzan Rocks show, has been fully enclosed. A new stage and seating were built to expand the theater’s capacity. The new theater is very comfortable and any seat is a good one. As Disney expected, this new attraction is very popular. Even though the theater is large, guests should arrive significantly early to ensure seating is available.

Finding Nemo – The Musical opened almost concurrently with a new ride called The Seas with Nemo and Friends at the Living Seas Pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. Thanks to the new musical and ride, the “Finding Nemo” movie should see a resurgance of popularity. Could a sequel be in the works?

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