DisneyDoug23
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2025
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After many trips to WDW over the past several years, I finally visited Disneyland for the very first time last week. We had a wonderful time, and I wanted to share some comparisons of the rides and rope drops between the two parks. These are my hot takes, and I'd love to hear which side of the great coast-to-coast debate you fall on!
Enjoy!
I just finished writing my deep dive comparing the 'Happiest Place on Earth' (DLR) and the 'Most Magical Place on Earth' (WDW). Which one is truly better?
Space Mountain - Edge - Disneyland
I’ve ridden Space Mountain at WDW, both tracks, probably more than any other ride, and I must say, Space Mountain at DL is better. The ride is smoother, there’s music in the car, more projections and stars, and overall I think it’s even faster. The car is the biggest difference. I think it may be built on the same chassis as Rock and Roller Coaster? I was almost expecting it to do an upside-down loop-de-loop! Which brings me to…
The Matterhorn – I know, I know, this ride is unique to Disneyland, but the cars are the same as the ones at Space Mountain WDW. Same three-car “toboggan/rocket” with your feet forward on the floor, and the same jerkiness. The ride was cool, but my body was hurting afterward. The ride that most closely resembles this at WDW in look and feel, but not in ride quality, is Expedition Everest)
It’s a Small World – Okay, I know this will be contentious and probably a case of everyone liking the one they know best. Here’s my unbiased, on-the-fence opinion. The outside of the ride is no contest—Disneyland by a mile. It’s beautiful, well decorated, with thoughtful landscaping and a much better overall presentation than the almost carnival-like exterior at WDW. However, once you’re inside, the edge definitely goes to WDW. I know die-hard California residents will never agree, and you could argue this ride is straight outta the NYC World’s Fair that started it all—vintage Disney. But I gotta tell you, you are disillusioned. This is not the original ride, because it has Pixar and classic Disney character vignettes peppered throughout. While it’s fun to hunt for these Disney Easter Eggs, the sets and intricate designs of the WDW version are lacking. There's just way more going on, and the iconic mid-century aesthetic that makes the WDW attraction so endearing gives WDW the edge here. Most noticeable is the missing room towards the end with the Hot air balloon and Ferris wheel, it s the big finish that is missing at DL. (Plus, I love the Don Quixote vignette at the Magic Kingdom, tilting at windmills.)
Pirates of the Caribbean – Edge – Disneyland. Maybe it’s because I’m riding it for the first time, but it seems longer, more vintage, and less Johnny Deppified, though he’s still in three vignettes. The best part is seeing the Blue Bayou restaurant, where Walt himself used to dine, even before the Pirates ride opened. I had the luck and pleasure to dine there later that evening. It’s a Disneyland pirates’ life for me!
The Haunted Mansion – What can I say? This is probably the other ride I’ve done more than any other at WDW. I do it 2-3 times per visit. I was able to ride twice last week at Disneyland. Both versions are great! The outsides are different. The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay was tremendous, and that will NEVER happen at WDW.
I need to go back when the regular ride is in session. The outside of Disneyland is very impressive, and more visible than the WDW Hm. Edge for the better facade goes to Disneyland. For the actual ride? UNDECIDED!
Overall, I’d say: The stretching elevator – at WDW , you really cannot tell if you are dropping or the walls are stretching (meaning going up). At Disneyland, you can definitely tell, as you can feel it drop as it begins its decent.
As for the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay:
Stretching Elevator Room- Meh for overlay
Séance Room: Madame Leota’s crystal ball becomes a glass midcentury Christmas ornament- a very nice touch! And giant cards depicting the 12 Nightmares of Chritmas floating in the room
The ballroom scene- This is the highlight of the ride in any rendition, and the overlay did not disappoint. A gingerbread house, a huge Christmas tree made of dead wood branches with jack o lantern ornaments, was impressive to say the least. There was even a Hidden Micky place setting. And ghosts of course.
The hitchhiking ghosts at the end left a lot to be desired. Sorry, overlay.
Overall, the overlay was very detailed, and the number of changes was impressive and way more than I was expecting. A lot f actaual physical sets were exchanged for the Orignals (no, not the Hat Box ghost, he remained intact). Any Disney Park fan needs to put this on their bucket list!
Guardians of the Galaxy/Twilight of Terror
The outside and lead up to the ride is way better at Twilight of Terror in WDW. There is just way more detail and immersion.
The ride itself: We rode it twice at DL, on different levels and elevators. At WDW, when you enter the elevator, it moves forward on a track and immerses you through the twilight zone BEFORE you end up in the shaft where you plunge up and down. I found the DW ride lacking by omitting this part. The ride itself was fun, and I’d say they are equal in that respect. You DL aficionados need to check out the Cosmic Rewind coaster at Epcot, though, it's probably the best coaster I have ever ridden.
Rope Drop- Ok, here’s the most important item, the rope Drop!
I’ve done countless rope drops at WDW, at all 4 parks, and I say my 2 rope drops at DL and CA were both easier and better than any I have done at WDW (despite the fact that the ride we were dropping to went down right before entry! Which happens every time we rope drop at WDW). Maybe it’s the smaller size and ease of getting from land to land. I mean we still got run over by dudes with jogging strollers, but that's just a Disney tradition at all parks, am I right? I’m thinking about picking one up just for the edge it gives you and as a great place to stash all my park merch, but I digress. With a multipass and a rope drop strategy, we were able to ride everything we wanted, including twice for some,and never waited more than 30 minutes for only a couple of rides. Overall, the edge goes to DL.
Star Wars Land- Its literally the same layout in every respect in DL as it is at WDW, including the location and layout of the rides, the queues, the droid depot, Olgas,etc.
Radiator Springs- This area was way cool and immersive, and I can’t wait for it to be added to WDW. It was gibving me a big time vibe of Sunset strip at Hollywood studios as it leads up to the Rockin Rollercoaster and the amphitheater. The Cars ride was really cool, and we got to ride it twice. There was no Lightning Lane available, so we did the single rider line, which was way faster than the regular line, and never waited more than 15 -20 minutes.
Indiana Jones- It’s the Dinosaur Ride with an Indiana Jones overlay! That ride is going away at WDW, so if you are a fan, come ride Indy at Disney!
Finding Nemo-It’s the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride that I remember from my youth at WDW. I was delighted to get to ride this again. I remember the magic of believing we were actually diving deep into the sea. Edge, Disneyland
Magic Bands+ Since we are avid WDW fans, of course, we had our magic bands plus with us. They were great, and tapping in was sooo much easier than all of the families and groups we saw struggling to tap in to ther lightning lanes with their phones. Despite seeing them for sale at every kiosk and gift shop, I never saw one person with a magic band other than us. California stubborn, I guess. It was amazing how many people would mill around in front of the tap in kiosks as if they didn't know what they were. Edge: Magic Band! +If you have a lighting lane multi-pass, these are a must and a big time saver when entering the rides.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar/Grog Grotto- No Disney trip is complete without going to Trader Sams! While the Disneyland Hotel’s version was similar to the Polynesian Villages Grog Grotto, it was smaller, but with more bar seats. We sat at the bar, which is preferable, and it was a good time. The Florida bar has more drinks that trigger interactive experiences, and the most notable one is ordering a Krakatowa, which sets off a volcanic eruption that shakes the entire room. The California one had multiple mugs to offer for sale, something the Florida one is lacking in, and these mugs are very collectible. Edge: Undecide. I’ll have to go back and do more research!
The Castle- Well, we don’t talk about the castles, but let me say this. Californians, at the Magic Kingdom's Fantasy land, that feeling when you see the outside of It’s a Small World for the first time, and the disappointment that something that is such a landmark at Disneyland is relegated to a strip, with the facade and loading inside. That’s how it feels when you walk down Main Street and see the Disneyland Castle. It doesn’t hold the magic and mystique that the Magic Kingdom’s Castle holds. It’s the centerpiece of the entire park In the end, the beauty and reverence is still in the eye of the beholder, and to each their own when it comes to castle rating.
Enjoy!
I just finished writing my deep dive comparing the 'Happiest Place on Earth' (DLR) and the 'Most Magical Place on Earth' (WDW). Which one is truly better?
Space Mountain - Edge - Disneyland
I’ve ridden Space Mountain at WDW, both tracks, probably more than any other ride, and I must say, Space Mountain at DL is better. The ride is smoother, there’s music in the car, more projections and stars, and overall I think it’s even faster. The car is the biggest difference. I think it may be built on the same chassis as Rock and Roller Coaster? I was almost expecting it to do an upside-down loop-de-loop! Which brings me to…
The Matterhorn – I know, I know, this ride is unique to Disneyland, but the cars are the same as the ones at Space Mountain WDW. Same three-car “toboggan/rocket” with your feet forward on the floor, and the same jerkiness. The ride was cool, but my body was hurting afterward. The ride that most closely resembles this at WDW in look and feel, but not in ride quality, is Expedition Everest)
It’s a Small World – Okay, I know this will be contentious and probably a case of everyone liking the one they know best. Here’s my unbiased, on-the-fence opinion. The outside of the ride is no contest—Disneyland by a mile. It’s beautiful, well decorated, with thoughtful landscaping and a much better overall presentation than the almost carnival-like exterior at WDW. However, once you’re inside, the edge definitely goes to WDW. I know die-hard California residents will never agree, and you could argue this ride is straight outta the NYC World’s Fair that started it all—vintage Disney. But I gotta tell you, you are disillusioned. This is not the original ride, because it has Pixar and classic Disney character vignettes peppered throughout. While it’s fun to hunt for these Disney Easter Eggs, the sets and intricate designs of the WDW version are lacking. There's just way more going on, and the iconic mid-century aesthetic that makes the WDW attraction so endearing gives WDW the edge here. Most noticeable is the missing room towards the end with the Hot air balloon and Ferris wheel, it s the big finish that is missing at DL. (Plus, I love the Don Quixote vignette at the Magic Kingdom, tilting at windmills.)
Pirates of the Caribbean – Edge – Disneyland. Maybe it’s because I’m riding it for the first time, but it seems longer, more vintage, and less Johnny Deppified, though he’s still in three vignettes. The best part is seeing the Blue Bayou restaurant, where Walt himself used to dine, even before the Pirates ride opened. I had the luck and pleasure to dine there later that evening. It’s a Disneyland pirates’ life for me!
The Haunted Mansion – What can I say? This is probably the other ride I’ve done more than any other at WDW. I do it 2-3 times per visit. I was able to ride twice last week at Disneyland. Both versions are great! The outsides are different. The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay was tremendous, and that will NEVER happen at WDW.
I need to go back when the regular ride is in session. The outside of Disneyland is very impressive, and more visible than the WDW Hm. Edge for the better facade goes to Disneyland. For the actual ride? UNDECIDED!
Overall, I’d say: The stretching elevator – at WDW , you really cannot tell if you are dropping or the walls are stretching (meaning going up). At Disneyland, you can definitely tell, as you can feel it drop as it begins its decent.
As for the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay:
Stretching Elevator Room- Meh for overlay
Séance Room: Madame Leota’s crystal ball becomes a glass midcentury Christmas ornament- a very nice touch! And giant cards depicting the 12 Nightmares of Chritmas floating in the room
The ballroom scene- This is the highlight of the ride in any rendition, and the overlay did not disappoint. A gingerbread house, a huge Christmas tree made of dead wood branches with jack o lantern ornaments, was impressive to say the least. There was even a Hidden Micky place setting. And ghosts of course.
The hitchhiking ghosts at the end left a lot to be desired. Sorry, overlay.
Overall, the overlay was very detailed, and the number of changes was impressive and way more than I was expecting. A lot f actaual physical sets were exchanged for the Orignals (no, not the Hat Box ghost, he remained intact). Any Disney Park fan needs to put this on their bucket list!
Guardians of the Galaxy/Twilight of Terror
The outside and lead up to the ride is way better at Twilight of Terror in WDW. There is just way more detail and immersion.
The ride itself: We rode it twice at DL, on different levels and elevators. At WDW, when you enter the elevator, it moves forward on a track and immerses you through the twilight zone BEFORE you end up in the shaft where you plunge up and down. I found the DW ride lacking by omitting this part. The ride itself was fun, and I’d say they are equal in that respect. You DL aficionados need to check out the Cosmic Rewind coaster at Epcot, though, it's probably the best coaster I have ever ridden.
Rope Drop- Ok, here’s the most important item, the rope Drop!
I’ve done countless rope drops at WDW, at all 4 parks, and I say my 2 rope drops at DL and CA were both easier and better than any I have done at WDW (despite the fact that the ride we were dropping to went down right before entry! Which happens every time we rope drop at WDW). Maybe it’s the smaller size and ease of getting from land to land. I mean we still got run over by dudes with jogging strollers, but that's just a Disney tradition at all parks, am I right? I’m thinking about picking one up just for the edge it gives you and as a great place to stash all my park merch, but I digress. With a multipass and a rope drop strategy, we were able to ride everything we wanted, including twice for some,and never waited more than 30 minutes for only a couple of rides. Overall, the edge goes to DL.
Star Wars Land- Its literally the same layout in every respect in DL as it is at WDW, including the location and layout of the rides, the queues, the droid depot, Olgas,etc.
Radiator Springs- This area was way cool and immersive, and I can’t wait for it to be added to WDW. It was gibving me a big time vibe of Sunset strip at Hollywood studios as it leads up to the Rockin Rollercoaster and the amphitheater. The Cars ride was really cool, and we got to ride it twice. There was no Lightning Lane available, so we did the single rider line, which was way faster than the regular line, and never waited more than 15 -20 minutes.
Indiana Jones- It’s the Dinosaur Ride with an Indiana Jones overlay! That ride is going away at WDW, so if you are a fan, come ride Indy at Disney!
Finding Nemo-It’s the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride that I remember from my youth at WDW. I was delighted to get to ride this again. I remember the magic of believing we were actually diving deep into the sea. Edge, Disneyland
Magic Bands+ Since we are avid WDW fans, of course, we had our magic bands plus with us. They were great, and tapping in was sooo much easier than all of the families and groups we saw struggling to tap in to ther lightning lanes with their phones. Despite seeing them for sale at every kiosk and gift shop, I never saw one person with a magic band other than us. California stubborn, I guess. It was amazing how many people would mill around in front of the tap in kiosks as if they didn't know what they were. Edge: Magic Band! +If you have a lighting lane multi-pass, these are a must and a big time saver when entering the rides.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar/Grog Grotto- No Disney trip is complete without going to Trader Sams! While the Disneyland Hotel’s version was similar to the Polynesian Villages Grog Grotto, it was smaller, but with more bar seats. We sat at the bar, which is preferable, and it was a good time. The Florida bar has more drinks that trigger interactive experiences, and the most notable one is ordering a Krakatowa, which sets off a volcanic eruption that shakes the entire room. The California one had multiple mugs to offer for sale, something the Florida one is lacking in, and these mugs are very collectible. Edge: Undecide. I’ll have to go back and do more research!
The Castle- Well, we don’t talk about the castles, but let me say this. Californians, at the Magic Kingdom's Fantasy land, that feeling when you see the outside of It’s a Small World for the first time, and the disappointment that something that is such a landmark at Disneyland is relegated to a strip, with the facade and loading inside. That’s how it feels when you walk down Main Street and see the Disneyland Castle. It doesn’t hold the magic and mystique that the Magic Kingdom’s Castle holds. It’s the centerpiece of the entire park In the end, the beauty and reverence is still in the eye of the beholder, and to each their own when it comes to castle rating.
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