differences between DLR and MK?

[JayLaLa]

We've gone to DLR the past two years. Our plan at MK is to start with the rides that DLR doesn't have. But I've heard some of the rides the two parks share are different? Haunted mansion and Pirates are the two I read were different. Pirates is our all time fave, so we'll do that one for sure. Are there others that are different?

 

[rwdavis2]

Space Mtn. has different seating. In Orlando it's tandem and not 2 per row.

 

[figment_jii]

I recommend checking out HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. While it is more designed for guests that are familiar with WDW, it does go through the similarities and differences between the two resorts, including some of the attractions.

In general, there are very few attractions that are identical copies in both resorts. Some have the same attraction (for the most part), but different queues (e.g., The Little Mermaid, Star Tours, Soarin', etc.). Others have the same name, but may include very different scenes or order of scenes (e.g., Haunted Mansion, PotC, IaSW, etc.).

 

[EmmasGrammy]

If this is your first trip to WDW and you are used to DLR the most important difference is the amount of walking you will do between the attractions . You will definitely do ALOT more walking in Florida ! ! DLR is compact . Even getting to the other parks is a huge difference . Disneyland to the California Adventure is a quick stroll across the esplanade . Getting from Magic Kingdom to say Epcot is a 20 minute (on a good day ) trip .

I personally love both WDW and DLR but they are 2 completely different experiences .

Have a great time but definitely plan on putting some mileage on your sneakers .

 

[hakepb]

I agree with the Hydroguy resource.

Splash, Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise are generally considered "better" in WDW.

The dual Dumbos are different.
Astro Orbiter is above a snack stand for a different "feel" but same ride.
Pooh is a more complete story.
WDW has a hall of Presidents instead of "just" Abe.
And, of course any WDW-only attraction like 7DMT, PhilharMagic and a few classics CoP, and Country Bears

 

[sunshine1]

DLR doesnt have the 'intense' atmosphere like MK does.
Probably due to Disneyland being a locals park.

 

[starjazz]

For us, ride density is the biggest difference. They're packed in at DLR, which I frankly enjoy. But the "bigness" of WDW is also enjoyable. The Matterhorn is the centerpiece in DLR, while Cindy's Castle is the centerpiece of MK. If Pirates is your fave, prepare for a bit of disappointment - its much better at DLR, but still fun at MK for sure. Tomorrowland in MK is a better experience than DLR mainly because it left Astro Orbiter where it was up high, and People Mover and CoP are still around. No Marvel in MK, if you're into that - Uni has the rights east of the Mississippi, sadly. Fewer characters wandering in MK, but more meet and greets and they're generally a bit more elaborate, its seems like.

Those are the things I can think of. We go to both places and thoroughly love them both for their uniqueness.

 

[goodeats]

I would skip Pirates - the MK version is downright pathetic in comparison. Plus with FP+ waits are considerably longer at WDW.

Haunted Mansion, IASW, BTMR, and Splash are worth doing.

 

[BrianL]

Pirates is worse at MK. Space Mountain is bigger with a much more in-depth queue, but the ride isn't as smooth (it's basically Matterhorn in the dark, maybe a bit faster). Peter Pan is slightly longer I think, as is HM (with a better queue too). Splash has side-by side seating and bigger logs (drop is slightly higher too I think). At other parks, Tower of Terror is much better at DHS than the one at DCA. You might think they're the same, but they aren't. TSMM, Star Tours, Soarin' - all identical. Test Track uses similar tech to Radiator Springs, but is actually a bit faster (but a lot shorter). I personally love checking out where all the little differences are, so have fun!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

I think being surrounded by the "world" will make your question kind of moot. Disneyland is no Disneyworld.

 

[scrapquitler]

We've gone to DLR the past two years. Our plan at MK is to start with the rides that DLR doesn't have. But I've heard some of the rides the two parks share are different? Haunted mansion and Pirates are the two I read were different. Pirates is our all time fave, so we'll do that one for sure. Are there others that are different?

Small world is all indoors at WDW, I don't know if it's different.

I'll know next month

 

[figment_jii]

Small world is all indoors at WDW, I don't know if it's different.

The attraction itself is different. There are some similar scenes, but there are also some different scenes. I personally like the DL version better, but the MK one is worth seeing at least once.

Regarding Pirates...I agree that the DL version is overall better, but the MK version does have some unique elements (e.g., the Mermaids) making it worth going at least once.

 

[pa. dad]

Some of the attractions are different but I think the main differences are
1. DL has more attractions and less space so less walking.
2. Some different attractions exclusive to DL , at least in the US
3. The other park, DCA in ca., is just right next door.

I think for the most part if you like a particular attraction, you like it at both places even though one might be a little better. Often new attractions get shoehorned into existing parks and the space available in each location might differ so the ride canbe longer or shorter depending on the space available.

 

[Karin Witherell]

Let's see, the ability to plug into RideMax the night before or on the walk over to plan the day. No 60 day out FP+, no 180 day out ADR's, you can stay closer and less expensive off property, want to see most characters: just stand in a short line...
Gee, can you tell I've had enough of WDW and we don't even leave for 29 days? I'm sure this trip is going to be winderful, but I'm really over the planning.

 

[JayLaLa]

Thanks everyone! I've been to WDW once, almost 15 years ago. But this will be the first time with kids. We aren't doing hoppers, so distance between parks won't be an issue. I remember being overwhelmed by how BIG wdw was. It's SO different than DLR, though we love it there too! And since we're in AZ with family in CA, it's much more doable for us. But, my kids actually gave up a DLR vacation this year so we could do WDW next year!

 

[GaryDis]

DLR doesnt have the 'intense' atmosphere like MK does.

I think I know what you mean, but I'm not sure I'd use the word 'intense'. DLR feels more intense to me because of the compact size, but the WDW guests are probably more intense.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I think I know what you mean, but I'm not sure I'd use the word 'intense'. DLR feels more intense to me because of the compact size, but the WDW guests are probably more intense.

I get what she's saying. My sister lives 15 minutes from DLR. We went to DL and DCA when I went out to visit her. I came prepared with my printed touring plans, phone apps, rope drop strategy, ADRs booked in advance…She laughed at me! She thought I had lost my mind. DLR is so much more laid back. We didn't need to rope drop at DCA on July 4th, didn't need FP for Grizzly River Run (like Kali River Rapids), walked on Soarin and waited only 30 minutes for TTM.

She took her family to WDW for the first time in November and was shocked by how much planning and strategy it required. WDW is way more intense!

 

[RAPstar]

Disneyland is better in practically every way. Even the Dole Whips taste better.

 

[GaryDis]

I get what she's saying. My sister lives 15 minutes from DLR. We went to DL and DCA when I went out to visit her. I came prepared with my printed touring plans, phone apps, rope drop strategy, ADRs booked in advance…She laughed at me! She thought I had lost my mind. DLR is so much more laid back. We didn't need to rope drop at DCA on July 4th, didn't need FP for Grizzly River Run (like Kali River Rapids), walked on Soarin and waited only 30 minutes for TTM.

She took her family to WDW for the first time in November and was shocked by how much planning and strategy it required. WDW is way more intense!

I'm reminded of the planning and strategy that it took last time I was at DLR. Back then, the Fantasmic! dessert package was on the balcony of the old Disney Gallery (now the Dream Suite), there were about 15 seats per show, and tickets went on sale at RD. So not only did it mean making RD, but being one the earliest for RD and then fast-walking past the Blue Bayou to get to the little counter where they took reservations. Or maybe that's just research, not planning.

I wouldn't judge planning by locals, at either DLR or WDW. When you go frequently, there's no need to maximize each trip. Next time at DLR, I wouldn't necessarily do RD, but I'd still have plans for what to see and where to eat.