It can be seen as similar to the mummy, but with a lift hill, and the mechanism for making the train go backwards is very different. I would argue that everest does "launch" because both show stops are done using about twenty pairs of tires that (after the vekoma style switch rotates and the show elements are played and the following block is clear) "launch" the train on its way. The yeti at the end of the ride is impressive, however this is a great example of an idea that was taken too far. You see the yeti for a few seconds, the effect could have been done for far less money if the figure were simplified; It appears to have several controlled axis, similar to stitch in Stitch's Great Escape, however stitch is visible on and off for over 8 minutes.
..matt