Unlike Jeff Corwin, I cannot honestly say that I have traveled to the Himalayas in search of the Yeti, otherwise known as the Abominable Snowman. However, after my latest trip to the “happiest place on earth”, I have come about as close as I ever will, most likely. If you have not guessed already, the trip was to Orlando, Florida and the place was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The ride was Expedition Everest.

Expedition Everest is the most recent addition to the Disney World theme parks, and in my opinion, they have outdone themselves. Visible from almost any angle in Animal Kingdom, the Imagineers at Disney have created a majestic mountain that truly looks like they took a chunk out of the Himalayas and placed it right in the park. Imagineers are the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. They are responsible for the creation — from concept initiation through installation — of all Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions.

It truly is an adventurous expedition. Disney has a motto stating that they are the “happiest place on earth.” I would argue that it is the most crowded place on earth. Either way, it is worth the trip and the struggle of the crowds to experience their latest creation.

Before my wife and I left on our vacation to Florida, we watched a special on the Discovery channel about Disney’s latest creation. The time, energy and money they have put in to creating Expedition Everest are impressive. Their Imagineers actually traveled to the Himalayas and studied the local culture and legends of the Yeti. They took pictures and made sketches of the local landscape, art and architecture. They brought all of this information back to the states and began the creation of a truly authentic looking piece of history.

As you make your way through the long line to ride this newest attraction, you will be impressed with the plethora of artwork and architecture that sets the scene and whets the appetite for the adventure that you are about to embark on. I had my Sony Handycam at the ready as my wife and I wound our way through the long line and I brought back a taste of what you can expect. There were several idol-like statues scattered about showing the image of a Yeti. At one place, I took a picture of one such statue that had goblets and fruit placed beneath it, as if it were some type of offering to the mountain creature. I could not help but chuckle and think about the parallels between that and the bait stations some sasquatch researchers make to try to lure an animal in for a picture.

The ride itself is also quite impressive and tells a story. I did my best to take pictures, but I must admit, it was quite difficult at times due to the speed and rough ride. As a participant of this ride, you are making your way through the Himalayas in search of the Yeti. You soon realize you are being watched.