DISNEY WORLD vs. DISNEYLAND

[BuckeyeGuy28]

Just got back from the annual family trip to Disneyland! We live in Orlando, but we wanted to see 'World of Color' and try out the new Grand Californian villas so we were back to the California parks this year. I think Disneyland is better in almost all ways but this thread is for comparing rides in both places. Here's my comparisons, leave yours below :thumbsup2:

DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones > Dinosaur (Indy is my favorite ride in the world btw)
Matterhorn < Expedition Everest
Haunted Mansion < Haunted Mansion
BTTMR > BTTMR
Splash Mountain < Splash Mountain
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror < Tower of Terror
Screamin > Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise > Jungle Cruise
Soarin' > Soarin' (cheesier queue line)
ToonTown < ToonTown Fair
Grizzly River Run > Kali River Rapids

Those are the main ones I noticed, I think most other rides are the same in both parks. Anyways, leave your lists below

[aristocat65]

Just got back from the annual family trip to Disneyland! We live in Orlando, but we wanted to see 'World of Color' and try out the new Grand Californian villas so we were back to the California parks this year. I think Disneyland is better in almost all ways but this thread is for comparing rides in both places. Here's my comparisons, leave yours below :thumbsup2:

DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones > Dinosaur (Indy is my favorite ride in the world btw)
Matterhorn < Expedition Everest
Haunted Mansion < Haunted Mansion
BTTMR > BTTMR
Splash Mountain < Splash Mountain
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror < Tower of Terror
Screamin > Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise > Jungle Cruise
Soarin' > Soarin' (cheesier queue line)
ToonTown < ToonTown Fair
Grizzly River Run > Kali River Rapids

Those are the main ones I noticed, I think most other rides are the same in both parks. Anyways, leave your lists below

Ditto:thumbsup2

[Disney Dreams]

...
DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones > Dinosaur (Indy is my favorite ride in the world btw)
Matterhorn < Expedition Everest
Haunted Mansion < Haunted Mansion
BTTMR > BTTMR
Splash Mountain < Splash Mountain
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror < Tower of Terror
Screamin > Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise > Jungle Cruise
Soarin' > Soarin' (cheesier queue line)
ToonTown < ToonTown Fair
Grizzly River Run > Kali River Rapids

Those are the main ones I noticed, I think most other rides are the same in both parks. Anyways, leave your lists below

Glad you had a good time at Disneyland.

I agree with the above EXCEPT Jungle Cruise. We liked MK's better.

And don't forget all the attractions in Fantasyland at DL that don't exist at WDW's MK.

- Dreams

[KCmike]

You like WDW Toontown fair better than DL? Can't say that I agree with that but I agree with the rest.

Fantasyland at DL is far better than WDW as well. I know about the expansion but it only looks like a bunch of meet and greets.

Oh yeah what did you think of WOC?

What did you think of the Aladdin stage show?

[skiingfast]

Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones = Dinosaur, same ride system but different rides
Matterhorn = Expedition Everest, not the same to compare
Haunted Mansion < Haunted Mansion
BTTMR > BTTMR
Splash Mountain > Splash Mountain, like DL's much more
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror < Tower of Terror
Screamin = Rock N Rollercoaster, again not the same to compare
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise > Jungle Cruise
Soarin' > Soarin' (cheesier queue line)
ToonTown > ToonTown Fair, DL's is a real land, MK's is tacked on with a coaster
Grizzly River Run > Kali River Rapids

Also
Teacups>Teacups
Dumbo>Dumbo, wheres the water?
Autopia>Speedway
Fantasyland>Fantasyland, Hopefully when they expand the MK version they rehab the rest like they did in DL.
Tiki Room> Tikie room under new management

[kstand]

Just curious about HM. It's my favorite ride of all time, since I was little. I've only ever been to WDW so far. What makes DLR's mansion inferior?

[plutorules]

Just curious about HM. It's my favorite ride of all time, since I was little. I've only ever been to WDW so far. What makes DLR's mansion inferior?

We thought that DLR was inferior to WDW for this ride too. The main room where the crystal ball is--Madame Leota--- it's fixed in it's spot. I just looked bizarre to me, and my daughter was like "What's wrong with her head?"

Other than that, while we were there, the ride was malfunctioning quite a bit. I don't mind sitting in the doom buggy to take in all the scenery some more, but in the intro, the walls would start to move, but you'd have no commentary. It was sad

Shawn in AK

[skiingfast]

Just curious about HM. It's my favorite ride of all time, since I was little. I've only ever been to WDW so far. What makes DLR's mansion inferior?

Some things are just different. The style of the que and show buildings. The DL versions the stretching room is an elevator that drops, this is to get you under the railroad tracks.

The WDW version has been rehabed. Madam Leota's head floats up and down now, didn't always. Also it has the stairway escher room. These are the main pluses of the MK's version.

[BuckeyeGuy28]

You like WDW Toontown fair better than DL? Can't say that I agree with that but I agree with the rest.

Fantasyland at DL is far better than WDW as well. I know about the expansion but it only looks like a bunch of meet and greets.

Oh yeah what did you think of WOC?

What did you think of the Aladdin stage show?


Yes I forgot how much better Fantasyland is in California. I hate the MK one it's cheesy and doesn't have as many rides. Also I don't know why but Toontown at DL just seemed dirty or something, I don't know. It looked kind of like a rushed unplanned job or something. I don't know, I just didn't like being in there.
World of Color was amazing, the best show I've ever seen, it's really unbelievable what it's doing.
And the Aladdin show was surprisingly good. The genie was very funny and the production values were amazing!

[bluegrizzlies1]

just got back from disneyland the first 2 days Madam Leota's head was just sitting there the next 3 days her head was floating.

[brocklesnar69]

I love the Indiana Jones ride too, but I would put Dinosaur over it. I think Dino is better. It's darker, scarier, and much rougher! That, to me, makes it one hell of an excellent ride. The Indy ride is too soft. They need to make it more rough like Dinosaur.


Dont get me wrong. Indy has the far better queue and setting, but I just prefer the extra roughness of Dinosaur.

[MartinaC]

Yes I forgot how much better Fantasyland is in California. I hate the MK one it's cheesy and doesn't have as many rides. Also I don't know why but Toontown at DL just seemed dirty or something, I don't know. It looked kind of like a rushed unplanned job or something. I don't know, I just didn't like being in there.
World of Color was amazing, the best show I've ever seen, it's really unbelievable what it's doing.
And the Aladdin show was surprisingly good. The genie was very funny and the production values were amazing!

Hard choice. But, as an adult with 3 teen boys we find we spend much more time at WDW fantasyland than DL. We could watch Mickey's Philharmagic over and over.

[CADisneyMom]

I've always preferred DL over MK. But the list is pretty good and accurate.

There are some things that I noticed different between the 2 parks on certain rides.

Pirates - Long lines (majority of the time) at DL, no lines at MK
Jungle Cruise - Long lines at MK, no lines (majority of the time) at DL

[KCmike]

Hard choice. But, as an adult with 3 teen boys we find we spend much more time at WDW fantasyland than DL. We could watch Mickey's Philharmagic over and over.

I agree that Mickey's Phillharmagic is wonderful. But...

WDW has:
Peter Pan
IASM
Snow White
Pooh
Teacups
Dumbo
Carousel
and I think thats it for a total of seven attractions.

DL has:
Peter Pan
Pinocchio
Mr Toads
Snow White
Teacups
Matterhorn
IASM
Canal Boats
Casey Jr
Dumbo
Carousel
for a total of Eleven attractions.

I am doing this off the top of my head so I could have missed something. To me there is just so much more to do at DL and the atmosphere is wonderful. Love the Bavarian exterior look on the dark rides.

[wdwrich]

I love the Indiana Jones ride too, but I would put Dinosaur over it. I think Dino is better. It's darker, scarier, and much rougher! That, to me, makes it one hell of an excellent ride. The Indy ride is too soft. They need to make it more rough like Dinosaur.

IMHO, the dark stretches of Dinosaur are just empty space. Indy has much better visual sets throughout the entire ride which makes the whole experience that much better. Edge to DLR on this one.

[NewbieMouse]

I know it doesn't get mentioned much, but I just loved the Storybook Land Canal Boats at DL. I don't think DW has that (or at least I don't remember it).

I've now been to DLRP, WDW and DL, and I think I prefer DL.

[Malela9]

I love Disneyland! I am going in an hour today! I have been going to DL since I was 6 months old. (I am 42 now!) I have been an AP holder for 19 years.
To be fair to WDW, I have been a lot and enjoy it as well. Here are my favs at WDW :
1. Haunted Mansion. ( I love ours, but like the layout of theirs better.)
2. Rockin' Roller Coaster. ( Wish , wish, wish we had this!)
3. Test Track ( We are getting the cars ride! So excited!)
4. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
5. People Mover! ( I wish they would put ours back!)
6. Expedition Everest (We will never get this! But I love it!)

Other than that, I don't need to fly 2500 miles. Disneyland is my happy place. Not jealous of WDW folks at all.
Ps. I will be riding these 6 next month! Happy Riding!

[WdwforLife]

I prefer Disney World as a whole to Disneyland for many reasons but also Disneyland to Disney World for a whole other set.

I like the idea of being completely immersed in everything Disney when it comes to the Disney World Resort. It's exactly what Walt always wanted, to have complete control of his fantasies.

However, Disneyland being so small I also enjoy the close knit cozy feel of the resort. And I very much prefer Disneyland Park over the Magic Kingdom. If you visit the two, you can tell there's a difference.

Magic Kingdom is very planned out, almost scientifically to ensure theming etc. flows seamlessly throughout the park. And it's amazing. But with Disneyland, when Walt first opened it, he didn't have a master plan. When it came to adding new attractions and rides he just fit them in wherever he could and it gives the park this cozy feel to it. And even though it's smaller than the Magic Kingdom, to me it feels larger.

I guess they're both equal for their own reasons :goodvibes

[Melora]

By comparison I think MK has a better Tomorrowland. DL's has almost nothing in it and that makes me sad because it's my MOST favorite place.

I SO wish they would put back the people movers here at DL..... Why let the track sit empty all these years???

[melancholywings]

I think the face characters at DL are more visually in theme than at DW.
But DW has the CoP but they didn't mess up DL's Tiki Room like they did at DW.
They both have bad coffee.:banana:

[brocklesnar69]

I prefer DL > MK, but I love the extra space of MK. The extra space makes everything much more pleasent and enjoyable.

[BuckeyeGuy28]

By comparison I think MK has a better Tomorrowland. DL's has almost nothing in it and that makes me sad because it's my MOST favorite place.

I SO wish they would put back the people movers here at DL..... Why let the track sit empty all these years???

Yeah MK has a better Tomorrowland as far as enviornment goes--but the Monsters Inc show there does not make sense, and the Stitch thing is not as good as the Alien Encounter before it. Plus you gotta go to Hollywood Studios for Star Tours, Space Mountain pales in comparison to DL's, and the Carousel of Progress, IMO, is wasted space. I guess it's sort of a trade-off

[Sleepless Knight]

Whenever I visit Walt Disney World, I am reminded of how much I miss Disneyland. (And I also remember how cool and incredible Epcot is). Honestly, the MK does nothing for me. You know how everybody has that "I'm in Disney World moment" when they visit the parks? I never get that feeling in the MK, but I always get it when I see Spaceship Earth.

And somehow, Sleeping Beauty Castle always seems to take my breath away. Yes, I know it's smaller, but it symbolizes so much of what makes Disney special. Besides that, knowing that Walt himself walked through it makes it amazing.


Both have their strengths, but that light in the apartment over the Main Street Fire Department is only at Disneyland. And that makes all the difference in the world to me. MK only has 2 attractions that I'd like to see at the DLR. Mickey's PhilharMagic and Walt Disney's Carrousel of Progress. Some of the differences are cool and/or unique enough (HM, Hall of Presidents).

[jimsanfilippo]

I liked how the Small World ride at Disneyland started outside. The biggest difference my family noticed between Disneyland and WDW was the attitudes of people. They were much grumpier, and sometimes downright mean, at Disneyland during our 3 days there than any of our 11 trips to WDW. One old man pushing his elderly wife in a wheelchair even made a couple with their cancer-stricken daughter leave the handicapped section of the parade route at Disneyland!

[BuckeyeGuy28]

I liked how the Small World ride at Disneyland started outside. The biggest difference my family noticed between Disneyland and WDW was the attitudes of people. They were much grumpier, and sometimes downright mean, at Disneyland during our 3 days there than any of our 11 trips to WDW. One old man pushing his elderly wife in a wheelchair even made a couple with their cancer-stricken daughter leave the handicapped section of the parade route at Disneyland!

We found it to be opposite--I thought that Disneyland was more friendly than MK in general--I never once have had a bad experience there. I always thought the humidity at MK got to the staff and made them cranky. But since we live down the road from MK, we only go off-season when more crochety retirees are working:rotfl:. Also we've been to MK more so we've had more chances to see mean cast members. I don't know

[Onigun]

Just got back from the annual family trip to Disneyland! We live in Orlando, but we wanted to see 'World of Color' and try out the new Grand Californian villas so we were back to the California parks this year. I think Disneyland is better in almost all ways but this thread is for comparing rides in both places. Here's my comparisons, leave yours below :thumbsup2:

DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones > Dinosaur (Indy is my favorite ride in the world btw)
Matterhorn < Expedition Everest
Haunted Mansion < Haunted Mansion
BTTMR > BTTMR
Splash Mountain < Splash Mountain
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror < Tower of Terror
Screamin > Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise > Jungle Cruise
Soarin' > Soarin' (cheesier queue line)
ToonTown < ToonTown Fair
Grizzly River Run > Kali River Rapids

Those are the main ones I noticed, I think most other rides are the same in both parks. Anyways, leave your lists below

I agree with your list! :)

[WDWFWfan]

Don't mean to hijack, but I have a question along similar lines. We have been to WDW a number of times and typically stay two weeks. Even with that length of time we still don't see everything and we are in the parks for most of the day.

We are hoping to do to DL for the first time next year. How much time will it take to do a good tour? I know it's much smaller. Also, how disappointed will we be with DL after having been spoiled by WDW?

[Feistygirl916]

You like WDW Toontown fair better than DL? Can't say that I agree with that but I agree with the rest.



Took the words right out of my mouth.... :goodvibes

[Feistygirl916]

We thought that DLR was inferior to WDW for this ride too. The main room where the crystal ball is--Madame Leota--- it's fixed in it's spot. I just looked bizarre to me, and my daughter was like "What's wrong with her head?"

Other than that, while we were there, the ride was malfunctioning quite a bit. I don't mind sitting in the doom buggy to take in all the scenery some more, but in the intro, the walls would start to move, but you'd have no commentary. It was sad

Shawn in AK

What about October thru December? There is no comparison when Jack Skellington moves into the mansion at DL... Ahh, I could live in that ride :lovestruc

[DisneyMomma81]

DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones > Dinosaur *I closed my eyes the entire time on Dino!
Matterhorn < Expedition Everest I :lovestruc Matterhorn but Everest is awesome!
Haunted Mansion = Haunted Mansion
BTTMR = BTTMR
Splash Mountain > Splash Mountain *I prefer Brer Rabbit's voice at DL
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror - Tower of Terror *can't say didn't ride at WDW!
Screamin > Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise < Jungle Cruise *I liked the temple
Soarin' > Soarin' (cheesier queue line) *agree
ToonTown > ToonTown Fair
Grizzly River Run - Kali River Rapids *can't say, didn't ride KRR

[nana50]

Don't mean to hijack, but I have a question along similar lines. We have been to WDW a number of times and typically stay two weeks. Even with that length of time we still don't see everything and we are in the parks for most of the day.

We are hoping to do to DL for the first time next year. How much time will it take to do a good tour? I know it's much smaller. Also, how disappointed will we be with DL after having been spoiled by WDW?

One week is plenty. The parks are close together, but I doubt you will be disappointed. Many many people prefer "Walt's Park" over WDW. It feels more intimate and is less tiring.

[Michael623]

I agree that Mickey's Phillharmagic is wonderful. But...

WDW has:
Peter Pan
IASM
Snow White
Pooh
Teacups
Dumbo
Carousel
and I think thats it for a total of seven attractions.

DL has:
Peter Pan
Pinocchio
Mr Toads
Snow White
Teacups
Matterhorn
IASM
Canal Boats
Casey Jr
Dumbo
Carousel
for a total of Eleven attractions.

I am doing this off the top of my head so I could have missed something. To me there is just so much more to do at DL and the atmosphere is wonderful. Love the Bavarian exterior look on the dark rides.

You did miss one of my favorites at each park, Alice in Wonderland at DL and Philharmagic at WDW.

I just returned from a mediocre(at best) trip to Disneyland Paris and I'm really looking forward to my next Disney trip which will be DL in September. I can add to this discussion: DLP's Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain are both better than either ones in the US. HM at DLP is good but different, not better or worse than the US. Pirates is better than WDW but the DL version is still the best. The biggest downer is DLP doesn't have a Splash Mountain or Jungle Cruise.

[Hound 109]

You did miss one of my favorites at each park, Alice in Wonderland at DL and Philharmagic at WDW.



I agree. :thumbsup2

I'd love to see Philharmagic replace the Muppets. (I loved the Muppets the first 11 times i saw them though. :3dglasses)


One of my favorite areas of DLR is almost completely DL exclusive. Alice, Toady, Matterhorn, Storybookland & IASW's wonderful topiary & theming. (Plus the sausage shop next to the PFF)

[Huff]

We thought that DLR was inferior to WDW for this ride too. The main room where the crystal ball is--Madame Leota--- it's fixed in it's spot. I just looked bizarre to me, and my daughter was like "What's wrong with her head?"

Not always. Often she is floating but sometimes fixed. Not sure why they go back and forth with this. I did notice when floating I could clearly see the cables which was a distraction.

[BuckeyeGuy28]

You did miss one of my favorites at each park, Alice in Wonderland at DL and Philharmagic at WDW.

I just returned from a mediocre(at best) trip to Disneyland Paris and I'm really looking forward to my next Disney trip which will be DL in September. I can add to this discussion: DLP's Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain are both better than either ones in the US. HM at DLP is good but different, not better or worse than the US. Pirates is better than WDW but the DL version is still the best. The biggest downer is DLP doesn't have a Splash Mountain or Jungle Cruise.

How was the Indy roller coaster there? And doesnt Space Mountain there go upside-down? Sorry it was only mediocre

[Michael623]

What can I say, DLP is no WDW or DL. SM does loop at DLP, it is a very intense ride. The effects are awesome. Indy was closed this trip but I rode it 6 years ago and it didn't really leave much of an impression, kind of a boring, single loop coaster without a heck of a lot of theming. I'd much rather ride the Indy Ride at DL, a true E ticket attraction.

[WDWFWfan]

One week is plenty. The parks are close together, but I doubt you will be disappointed. Many many people prefer "Walt's Park" over WDW. It feels more intimate and is less tiring.

Thanks! So maybe 4-5 days would be enough then? We hope to have enough time to see some other sites on the west coast as well.

[dalstitch45]

I have been going to WDW for years, and too many times to count. I love the whole place. I started going to DL about three (3) years ago, and love it just as much for different reasons. Disney thank you for coming up with the Premier Pass. Here are my favs:

DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain - Space Mountain (better at DL)
Indiana Jones - Dinosaur (Indy is so much better)
*Matterhorn - Expedition Everest (It's a tie since they are two different rides)
Haunted Mansion - Haunted Mansion (It's a tie)
BTTMR - BTTMR (It's a tie)
Splash Mountain - Splash Mountain (Edge to WDW, I didn't ride at DL)
Small World - Small World (Hands down DL)
Tower of Terror - Tower of Terror (Edge to WDW, I didn't ride at DL)
*Screamin - Rock N Rollercoaster (I love RnR, and want to ride Screamin)
Pirates - Pirates (So much better at DL)
Jungle Cruise - Jungle Cruise (It's a tie)
Soarin' - Soarin' (Another tie)
ToonTown - ToonTown Fair (Somehow I like DL better)
Grizzly River Run - Kali River Rapids (Edge to GRR, but I like both)
Tiki Room - Tiki Room (I love the original version at DL)
TSM - TSM (I like Toy Story better at WDW)
Fantasmic - Fantasmic (Way better at DL)

*It is hard to compare these rides, because to me they are completely different attractions.

I remember seeing the castle at DL for the first time, and it just seemed so small compared to WDW. However, I love it now. I love both parks equally for very different reasons. WDW has things DL doesn't, but DL is Walt's original park. It makes it so magical for me. Plus, I get to see attractions we no longer have at WDW like, Mr. Toads Wild Ride. It was and still is one of the most beloved attractions for me. Of course, at WDW we have so many more parks, and a lot more to do. Everytime I ride the Finding Nemo Submarines, I so miss the 20,000 Leagues that used to be at WDW. The WDW Tomorrowland Transit Authority (People Mover) used to be so much better with the old narration. I wish they would bring back Mr. Tom Morrow!:rolleyes1 I think the fireworks are better at DL than at MK, but we have Illuminations at Epcot.

I can't wait to see the WOC!:woohoo:

[ryalluvdiz]

Please someone let me know if they agree...... the buzz ride is way better at DL because the guns come out and you can point them...the guns at buzz in WDW are stationary and they are very hard to aim.....

My sons noticed this...we always go to DL because we live in Vegas but went to WDW this past October.... they could't get over not picking the gun up to shoot...

[KCmike]

I agree with Buzz on the guns. Much better in that you can pull them out of the holster. I do think though that the ride is longer at WDW. Any thoughts?

[BuckeyeGuy28]

I agree with Buzz on the guns. Much better in that you can pull them out of the holster. I do think though that the ride is longer at WDW. Any thoughts?

Yeah DL Buzz is better because of its gun situation but WDW is a longer ride with better effects IMO. Honestly though, neither Buzz compares to Midway Mania (or if you live in Orlando, Men in Black, the best video game ride ever I think:thumbsup2). I think with Midway Mania right down the street they should replace Buzz; not only is it the same type of ride but it's also another Toy Story-theme, and Disney isn't supposed to just rehash like that

[hookedonears]

The more I've read, the more I think I'm going to like Disneyland. My biggest complaint about WDW is the shear size and the amount walking involved. Also, the heat and the time killed travelling between each park are just too much. I haven't been to Disneyland yet (well 39 years ago), but I already know that I'm going to miss Rock'in Roller Coaster. My second favorite ride in all of WDW. RR and Disneyland/CA seem that they would be a perfect fit. If DL/CA had same, I'm not sure we'd ever go back to WDW.

[KCmike]

The more I've read, the more I think I'm going to like Disneyland. My biggest complaint about WDW is the shear size and the amount walking involved. Also, the heat and the time killed travelling between each park are just too much. I haven't been to Disneyland yet (well 39 years ago), but I already know that I'm going to miss Rock'in Roller Coaster. My second favorite ride in all of WDW. RR and Disneyland/CA seem that they would be a perfect fit. If DL/CA had same, I'm not sure we would even go back to WDW.

Screamin' is very similar to RNR coaster at Hollywood Studios. Music is played while on the ride and the ride is sooo smooth. My wife prefers it over RNR coaster.

[quantumottle]

ToonTown < ToonTown Fair

Have to admit, I don't recall ever hearing anyone prefer WDW's TTF over DL TT. I've not yet read the entire thread and you may have covered this in other posts, but I'm curious as to why you prefer Faire?

PS - If you ever get to visit while the HM is in it's Nightmare Before Xmas stage, you'll proly change your vote on that ride. I sure did...

[NattysMom]

We just got back from DL for the 1st time as a family and we loved it! We usually go to WDW as we live on the East Coast.

I thought WDW's Jungle Cruise was better but I tend to agree with most of what everyone is saying. We really liked It's a Small World. It loads outside and it has got to be twice as long. Pirates was terrific, has two drops and is also twice as long. The queue around the mansion for the Haunted Mansion was very nice but I give a slight edge to WDW.
I enjoyed Screamin' about the same as RNRC.

The only thing I was disappointed in was the Matterhorn. Wow, that can barely even be classified as a roller coaster.

I liked the Finding Nemo the Musical better than the Aladdin show though. The Genie really makes that show tick. He was great.

Though you can't really compare them, The Nemo submarine ride was a better way to get your Nemo fix than the clam shell snoozefest in WDW.

We really enjoyed World of Color but I can't say that I'd do the dinner package and wait two hours in line again for it. Once was enough.

I'm so glad we made the trip!

[sewingmolly]

You did miss one of my favorites at each park, Alice in Wonderland at DL and Philharmagic at WDW.

I just returned from a mediocre(at best) trip to Disneyland Paris and I'm really looking forward to my next Disney trip which will be DL in September. I can add to this discussion: DLP's Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain are both better than either ones in the US. HM at DLP is good but different, not better or worse than the US. Pirates is better than WDW but the DL version is still the best. The biggest downer is DLP doesn't have a Splash Mountain or Jungle Cruise.

I'm really sorry that you didn't enjoy DLP. It was our first Disney experience and we loved it. Now we've been to DLR and WDW, one trip each. We still prefer DLP to DL or MK. The castle is sooo wonderful especially the dragon. ISASM is better with a delightful post ride area. The theming and details through out the park are much better than DL or MK. We also loved the Alice in Wonderland maze. The Crush ride at the studios is one of our all time favorite rides. We had dinner with the princesses with wine included. It was a truely magical time and introduced us to magic of Disney.

[dapoteete]

Love them both, but can't wait to get back to Disneyland. If both could have the French Quarter and Liberty Square it would be great.
BTMRR-DLR
Splash Mtn-DLR but with the side by side seats of WDW would make it perfect.
Space Mtn-DLR
HM-toss up, but I don't care for The Nightmare Before Christmas rendition.
Tomorrow Land-WDW hands down. Love the people mover and carousel of progress.
Toon Town-DLR
Fantasy Land-DLR, but do love Mickey's Philharmagic
Frontier Land-DLR
Pirates-DLR, rides seems longer, plus the Blue Bayou is stunning.
Also, oddly enough I can get almost twice as many days for my money coming from Washington State at WDW then flying to California.

[BuckeyeGuy28]

Have to admit, I don't recall ever hearing anyone prefer WDW's TTF over DL TT. I've not yet read the entire thread and you may have covered this in other posts, but I'm curious as to why you prefer Faire?

PS - If you ever get to visit while the HM is in it's Nightmare Before Xmas stage, you'll proly change your vote on that ride. I sure did...

I dont know Toontown is kind of sickly-looking to me. I just can't put my finger on it but I just don't like being in there, while I kind of enjoy the atmosphere of Toontown Fair more:confused3

[AmyPond]

Haven't read everyone elses responses yet but here are mine.

DISNEYLAND--------DISNEYWORLD
Space Mountain > Space Mountain
Indiana Jones > Dinosaur
Matterhorn < Expedition Everest
Haunted Mansion < Haunted Mansion
BTTMR < BTTMR (but really thees two are pretty close)
Splash Mountain = Splash Mountain (i haven't been on either in years so I can't really say.)
Small World > Small World
Tower of Terror < Tower of Terror
Screamin > Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates > Pirates
Jungle Cruise > Jungle Cruise (but I do like the extra cave part or whatever at WDW)
Soarin' > Soarin' (Never actually does it at WDW though.)
ToonTown > ToonTown Fair
Grizzly River Run > Kali River Rapids (never been on kali river)

[AmyPond]

I've always preferred DL over MK. But the list is pretty good and accurate.

There are some things that I noticed different between the 2 parks on certain rides.

Pirates - Long lines (majority of the time) at DL, no lines at MK
Jungle Cruise - Long lines at MK, no lines (majority of the time) at DL

Really? We always seem stuck in lines for Pirates at WDW and not at DL.

I agree that Mickey's Phillharmagic is wonderful. But...

WDW has:
Peter Pan
IASM
Snow White
Pooh
Teacups
Dumbo
Carousel
and I think thats it for a total of seven attractions.

DL has:
Peter Pan
Pinocchio
Mr Toads
Snow White
Teacups
Matterhorn
IASM
Canal Boats
Casey Jr
Dumbo
Carousel
for a total of Eleven attractions.

I am doing this off the top of my head so I could have missed something. To me there is just so much more to do at DL and the atmosphere is wonderful. Love the Bavarian exterior look on the dark rides.

You forgot Alice. Such a great ride.

Please someone let me know if they agree...... the buzz ride is way better at DL because the guns come out and you can point them...the guns at buzz in WDW are stationary and they are very hard to aim.....

My sons noticed this...we always go to DL because we live in Vegas but went to WDW this past October.... they could't get over not picking the gun up to shoot...

I agree that Buzz is better at Disneyland.

The more I've read, the more I think I'm going to like Disneyland. My biggest complaint about WDW is the shear size and the amount walking involved. Also, the heat and the time killed travelling between each park are just too much. I haven't been to Disneyland yet (well 39 years ago), but I already know that I'm going to miss Rock'in Roller Coaster. My second favorite ride in all of WDW. RR and Disneyland/CA seem that they would be a perfect fit. If DL/CA had same, I'm not sure we'd ever go back to WDW.

You will love being able to walk back and forth between parks. There is almost no wasted time.

California Screamin' is a blast. I prefer it over RnR because it's so much longer. RnR is fun but as soon as it starts, it seems to be over. California Screamin' doesn't have any corkscrews but it has a loop and nice launch. I love it.

We just got back from DL for the 1st time as a family and we loved it! We usually go to WDW as we live on the East Coast.

I thought WDW's Jungle Cruise was better but I tend to agree with most of what everyone is saying. We really liked It's a Small World. It loads outside and it has got to be twice as long. Pirates was terrific, has two drops and is also twice as long. The queue around the mansion for the Haunted Mansion was very nice but I give a slight edge to WDW.
I enjoyed Screamin' about the same as RNRC.

The only thing I was disappointed in was the Matterhorn. Wow, that can barely even be classified as a roller coaster.

I liked the Finding Nemo the Musical better than the Aladdin show though. The Genie really makes that show tick. He was great.

Though you can't really compare them, The Nemo submarine ride was a better way to get your Nemo fix than the clam shell snoozefest in WDW.

We really enjoyed World of Color but I can't say that I'd do the dinner package and wait two hours in line again for it. Once was enough.

I'm so glad we made the trip!

Why can it barely be classfied as a roller coaster? It is by definition a roller coaster. Not to mention it's the first tubular steel roller coaster.

[AmyPond]

Some more of my comparisons:

DL Fantasyland > MK Fantasyland
New Orleans Square > Liberty Square
Matterhorn > MK Space Mountain

California Adventure > Hollywood Studios

[NattysMom]

I understand that the Matterhorn is technically a roller coaster and an iconic part of the park. It just failed to impress me with barely any drops, surprises or adrenaline rushes you'd expect from the genre. Just my opinion.

[AmyPond]

I understand that the Matterhorn is technically a roller coaster and an iconic part of the park. It just failed to impress me with barely any drops, surprises or adrenaline rushes you'd expect from the genre. Just my opinion.

That's pretty much how I feel about Space Mountain at WDW. Well, that, plus the fact that it's insanely painful. LOL.

[hookedonears]

I understand that the Matterhorn is technically a roller coaster and an iconic part of the park. It just failed to impress me with barely any drops, surprises or adrenaline rushes you'd expect from the genre. Just my opinion.

I think the attraction was built for the whole family. Little ones as well.

[BuckeyeGuy28]

Thought of some more comparisons I missed before:

DISNEYLAND-------------DISNEY WORLD
Mulholland Madness < Primeval Whirl
Toy Story Mania > Toy Story Mania (like the carnival atmosphere better)
Non-Fantasyland dark rides < Great Movie Ride
World of Color > Illuminations/MK fireworks
Winnie the Pooh > Winnie the Pooh
Sleeping Beauty Castle < Cinderella Castle
Monorail < Monorail (more of a ride at DL)
Autopia > Tomorrowland Speedway (I think this was said)
Downtown Disney > Downtown Disney

[Funball]

i can't compare the two i have never been to WDW!! lol

[jimsanfilippo]

Don't mean to hijack, but I have a question along similar lines. We have been to WDW a number of times and typically stay two weeks. Even with that length of time we still don't see everything and we are in the parks for most of the day.

We are hoping to do to DL for the first time next year. How much time will it take to do a good tour? I know it's much smaller. Also, how disappointed will we be with DL after having been spoiled by WDW?
We went to the 2 DL parks for 3 days and did not cover everything. However, I honestly believe that if you try to do/see everything at EPCOT alone it would take nearly as much time as Disneyland and California Adventure combined. If you are really into trying to do/see EVERYTHING at DL during your trip, I think you could do that in 4-5 full days (including covering Downtown Disney). By the way, going from one park to another and to DTD takes no time at all compared to traveling around WDW, so hopping is VERY easy.
Also, I don't know that you'll be disappointed by DL. It's not really worse, it's just diferent with not as much to do. However, I was disappointed when I looked down Main Street and saw this tiny little thing they call a castle:).

[wdwfan22]

I agree with all the comparisons the OP made except for Toon Town. That's too bad you didn't like it. It really is a much bigger and more detailed land than at DW. Maybe because it was more crowded. I have found a lot more people go to DL's than DW's because there is more to see.

It has been a few years since DL, and I am so excited to go for 9 days this Nov. Then I can compare again!!

[jimsanfilippo]

We found it to be opposite--I thought that Disneyland was more friendly than MK in general--I never once have had a bad experience there. I always thought the humidity at MK got to the staff and made them cranky. But since we live down the road from MK, we only go off-season when more crochety retirees are working:rotfl:. Also we've been to MK more so we've had more chances to see mean cast members. I don't know
I'm not talking about the staff, I'm really talking about the fellow park-goers. In just three days at DL I accumulated several negative stories about fellow patrons ranging from people walking right in front of us in line and when questioned they stated, "if we walk to the end of the line it will just keep getting longer as we're walking there," to a lady with a stroller just pushing the wheel of her stroller into my foot repeatedly while staring me down instead of asking me to let her by (the park was VERY crowded and I was as stuck there as her), etc. The old guy and the girl with cancer was just the worst of many examples. LA is a very "different" place...

[AmyPond]

I'm not talking about the staff, I'm really talking about the fellow park-goers. In just three days at DL I accumulated several negative stories about fellow patrons ranging from people walking right in front of us in line and when questioned they stated, "if we walk to the end of the line it will just keep getting longer as we're walking there," to a lady with a stroller just pushing the wheel of her stroller into my foot repeatedly while staring me down instead of asking me to let her by (the park was VERY crowded and I was as stuck there as her), etc. The old guy and the girl with cancer was just the worst of many examples. LA is a very "different" place...

Disneyland isn't in L.A., thankfully.

I've encountered rude guests at ALL Disney parks I've been to. I try not to let it ruin my day.

[jimsanfilippo]

Disneyland isn't in L.A., thankfully.

I've encountered rude guests at ALL Disney parks I've been to. I try not to let it ruin my day.

I don't know how you can say Disneyland isn't in LA. OK, it's in a suburb of LA, but you're getting a LOT of people from LA in the park...

[Lissame]

One thing you have to keep in mind saying you can get everything done at DLR in 4-5 days is the ages of the kids in your family. My kids are 10 and 11, and we can do everything in 5 days, some things multiple times over.

But that was last year...and this year we had some young kids with us and that slowed things way down. With the child swaps and the general "young child" things...we were there 5 days and although we rode pretty much everything we wanted to (and some things WAY more times than we wanted to) we definitely didn't get to all of the shows/parades, etc.

[AmyPond]

I don't know how you can say Disneyland isn't in LA. OK, it's in a suburb of LA, but you're getting a LOT of people from LA in the park...

I can say it quite easily because it's a fact. Disneyland is located in Anaheim. Not even in the same county as Los Angeles.

Yes, you are going to get people from Los Angeles in the parks. You are also going to get people from Anaheim, Orange, Villa Park, Garden Grove, Riverside, Santa Ana, etc. As well as people from various cities and states throughout the United States.

I'm not quite sure what that has to do with anything though.

I was merely stating a fact. Disneyland is not in Los Angeles.