The Best Time to Ride Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Ride Expedition Everest at 8 AM, when the average wait is about 7 min. That is a fraction of the 35 min average you will face at noon. These figures come from roughly two weeks of real wait readings taken across 784 data points between June 9 and June 22, 2026.
Waits climb fast once the park fills in. By 9 AM you are already at about 16 min, and by 11 AM the line is sitting at about 34 min. If you miss the morning window, late afternoon and evening bring real relief: waits drop back to about 22 min by 4 PM, about 16 min by 5 PM, and about 9 min by 6 PM. That closing-hour window is nearly as good as rope drop.
Tips
- Hit it first thing. Animal Kingdom opens early, and Expedition Everest is one of the fastest rides to warm up a crowd. Being in line at 8 AM puts you at about 7 min versus the 35 min typical noon peak.
- Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass if the morning window slips. A Multi Pass reservation can help you skip the midday queue when waits are at their worst, between 11 AM and 1 PM, where averages sit at about 34 to 35 min.
FAQ
What is the best time to ride Expedition Everest? 8 AM is the best hour, with an average wait of about 7 min. The second-best window is 6 PM at about 9 min.
How long is the wait? The typical wait across all hours is 24 min. Waits peak at about 35 min at noon and drop as low as about 7 min at 8 AM.
Is there a height requirement? Yes. Riders must be at least 44 inches tall to board. The ride itself runs about 3 minutes.