Another list of thoughts from a 1st timer - Attractions

[lsumatt72]

Some of you may have read my other thread about my thoughts/observations from a WDW vet and 1st timer to DLR.

While it's still fresh in my mind, I'd like to also add my 2 cents on DLR attractions and how they compare to their WDW counterparts. I'm am only going to focus on the rides that are the exact same between the 2 parks, not similar ones, (ie. RSR vs TT, Guardians vs ToT, etc) I'm sure I'm beating a dead horse, but.....

DL

- Peter Pan: I'll call it even. I felt DL's version's lighting and colors within just popped better. However, WDW's obviously has the more immersive queue.

- Autopia/Speedway: Advantage to Autopia. The obvious advantage here is that that area of the park doesn;t choke you with gas fumes like WDW's does. I also felt Autopia had better theming and more to see throughout the course.

- IASW: Obvious advantage to DL. Besides being the original, there is SO much more to see here and with having the Disney/Pixar characters added throughout really made this enjoyable (and this is coming from someone who LOATHES the WDW version)

- Teacups: I can't really say because I haven't ridden the WDW teacups in probably 20-25 years. I will say that I feel the DL version is more immersive due to the area in which it is located.

- Space Mtn: DL was closed

- Star Tours: did not get a chance to ride the DL version

- Buzz Lightyear: I will give WDW the edge due to the simple fact that at DL our car's guns quit firing halfway through. Have never had that happen at WDW

- Railroad: Soooo much more to see on the DL version

- Mark Twain: Have actually never ridden the WDW version, but did enjoy the DL version

- BTMR: DL wins for the simple facts of the added effects in the mine.

- Splash: WDW easy. The DL version's AAs are pretty bad, the ride moves you through REALLY fast and I got drenched both times I rode it, way moreso than I ever have on the WDW version

- Dumbo: Have not ridden the WDW version in 20-25 years and did not ride the DL version

- HM: This is a tough one, but I feel that I like the WDW version slightly better. The DL version was very dark and made it hard to see a lot of things. Also, I like the added staircase scene in the WDW version. But then again, I did love the Hatbox Ghost.....

- Pirates: DL a million times over. Better theming with the bayou at the beginning and the extra scenes makes the story flow so much better

- Pooh: WDW. The ride vehicles seem more active in the WDW version

- Jungle Cruise: WDW. I think going inside the temple at WDW gives that one the edge.

- Carousel: DL due to Jingles haha

DCA

- Soarin: This one was exactly even for me

- TSMM: Same as above. I maxpassed this one each time so did not get to check out the queue.

- Little Mermaid: Exact same ride. Will give WDW the edge due to the excellently themed queue.


Did I miss any???

 

[tink too]

I never bother with the Speedway at WDW - too much fumes for my liking, too. When DD was little, she always wanted to go on them so DH took her and I waited in the grandstand. We might give Autopia a try this summer for the nostalgia though thanks to your observations.

 

[agamble]

Space is better at DL. Sorry it was closed.

Star Tours is identical.

Since you gave Mermaid the win for its queue I will say that although the rides are identical Dumbo and Midway Mania have more detailed queue experiences at WDW.

 

[midnight star]

Did you do any rides unique to DL? Like Matterhorn?

 

[lsumatt72]

Did you do any rides unique to DL? Like Matterhorn?

Yes I loved Matterhorn. DW wasn’t fond of how it jerks you around so much. Didn’t get a chance to do the Nemo subs but from what I can tell I’m not missing out on much there.

Incredicoaster was great and I’m not a huge coaster fan. On that note, goofys sky school is terrifying haha! And Indiana Jones may be my favorite DL ride with RSR a close second.

On another note, I never do tiki room at WDW but did it at DL just because it is something Walt has a hand in. Sorry to say, I won’t be doing it likely ever again at either park

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

I agree with most of your ride comparisons except for Buzz. At DL the laser guns can be removed from their mounts to allow for more accurate shooting.

 

[lsumatt72]

I agree with most of your ride comparisons except for Buzz. At DL the laser guns can be removed from their mounts to allow for more accurate shooting.

True. I totally overlooked that fact!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You have a lot of support for your observation on Splash and the drenching factor: Just Back - Obsevations from this Trip. This recent thread has an ongoing discussion on "Drench Mt."!

 

[Mike_M]

...Didn’t get a chance to do the Nemo subs but from what I can tell I’m not missing out on much there...

It could be my strong sense of nostalgia, but I’ve always enjoyed the subs, both the original from my childhood and the Nemo version of my kid’s youth.

The portholes are small, the seats are narrow and it’s a bit claustrophobic (if that’s something you experience), but for me it’s an extremely unique experience that I love.

A dark ride under water.

Doesn’t hurt either that I enjoyed Finding Nemo and find this ride to have one of the best narrative experiences of any of the dark rides. We are following Nemo on a short adventure and there is a proper beginning, middle and end to it. No jumping straight to the happily ever after on this one cause we ran out of track.

As long as the subs are sailing, I’ll take a ride along every trip.

 

[DnA2010]

It could be my strong sense of nostalgia, but I’ve always enjoyed the subs, both the original from my childhood and the Nemo version of my kid’s youth.

The portholes are small, the seats are narrow and it’s a bit claustrophobic (if that’s something you experience), but for me it’s an extremely unique experience that I love.

A dark ride under water.

Doesn’t hurt either that I enjoyed Finding Nemo and find this ride to have one of the best narrative experiences of any of the dark rides. We are following Nemo on a short adventure and there is a proper beginning, middle and end to it. No jumping straight to the happily ever after on this one cause we ran out of track.

As long as the subs are sailing, I’ll take a ride along every trip.

Echo this entirely