Disneyland suggestions for WDW people

[ars13]

My (future) wife and I are stopping by Disneyland on our way to Aulani. We are only going to be there for 1 full day . This is our first time going to Disneyland.

We are frequent guests of WDW and we were wondering what the top attractions/must dos are for Disneyland specifically for WDW people. For example, I know pirates is very different from WDWs so I would love to do that. On the other hand, i hear all of Galaxy's Edge is exactly the same as WDW so we are going to avoid that. We are going to be getting a park hopper so DL and DCA suggests would be helpful.

My apologies if there is already a thread on this topic. If there is, feel free to point me in that direction and yell at me for wasting everyone time lol.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Pirates is about 20x better at DL. Guardians is fun because it's different than TOT, and a totally different vibe. Don't miss Indiana Jones, RS Racers (or Carsland in general). You can take a hard pass on Splash Mtn, it's much better at WDW. Big Thunder is great, shorter than the WDW version, but a bit different in a good way.

 

[Kit Jackson]

If you are looking for something that can only be experienced at Disneyland, I would say CarsLand is an absolute must. The theming of the area is incredible and Radiator Springs Racers is a fantastic ride.

 

[ars13]

Guardians is fun because it's different than TOT

This might be the only way I can get my wife to go back on TOT!

You can take a hard pass on Splash Mtn

Good to know!

Big Thunder is great, shorter than the WDW version, but a bit different in a good way.

We will put this on the list! Thank you these were very helpful. Also Indiana Jones I’m looking forward to.

I’m also looking forward to oldies like Mr. Toad which I remember the WDW version from when I was young. The classics like it’s a small world, are those any different?

 

[ars13]

I would say CarsLand is an absolute must.

Thanks!

 

[SherylLC]

WDW doesn't have Matterhorn, but skip if you have back/neck issues!
You can park hop in 3 minutes at DL/DCA.
I think Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin is also only DL?
Space Mountain is better at DL.
Incredicoaster is unique to DL/DCA.
For kiddies: Mr. Toad & Storybook Boats. Snow White.

 

[mouschievous]

We are Disneyland people who recently returned from our first WDW trip. Here are the things we missed from DL

• Pirates - the DL version is sooooo much better
• Haunted Mansion - the exterior is quite different. The interior seemed different as well, but it had been 3 years and it's possible the exterior just really threw me off
• BTMRR is better at DL, I think. More to see
• Great Moments with Mr Lincoln - Hall of Presidents at WDW is awesome, but so is this one
• Indiana Jones
• All of Carsland at DCA, especially Radiator Springs Racers
• I missed seeing the Matterhorn, but I don't ride it so I didn't miss riding it ;-)

Things you can skip because they're identical

• All of Star Wars, including Star Tours
• Much of Fantasyland (Peter Pan, tea cups, etc)
• Jungle Cruise (not identical, this is one ride that I think is better at WDW, to be honest!)
• Space Mountain (not totally identical, but I don't like this ride no matter which park I'm in!)
• Soarin'

 

[karrit2000]

Small World is definitely better at DL. It's the original from the 1964-1965 Worlds Fair in NY with a few fairly recent updates to add some IP characters. Pirates is way better than WDW other than the queue, I wish they could combine the WDW Queue with the DL ride. Haunted Mansion is also different enough to make it worthwhile to check out. Love all the Fantasyland rides which don't exist in WDW other than Peter Pan which does have some subtle differences. Toad is different from the old WDW version, single track as opposed to the dual one they had at WDW and the scenes are mostly different. Snow White is also totally different than the old WDW version, haven't seen the update yet but was definitely a bit darker than WDW was.

Definitely do Carsland in DCA. I haven't been since Avengers Campus opened so that will be new for me. Soarin is essentially the same other than the indoor queue area is unique replicating an airplane Hangar and showcasing aviation history & way more interesting to me than WDW. Little Mermaid is the same other than the entrance queue. TSMM again essentially the same other than queue. Haven't been on Incredicoaster re-theme yet but loved the original ride. Hate the Ferris wheel unless riding in one of the more fixed cages, the sliding/moving ones are not fun for me. Grizzly River is fun if you like water rides like Kali.

I hate the Nemo Subs because they are very cramped & uncomfortable if you have long legs like me or are claustrophobic. They were a one & done for me.

Buzz is a bit different from WDW also. I can't ride Space Mt. at WDW anymore because of their rocket configuration but I love doing it at DL. Indy is one of my absolute favorites. Jungle Cruise has some differences also but I personally wouldn't waste limited time when there is so much other stuff to see. Star Tours is exactly the same other than some differences in the queue so with limited time a definite skip.

It won't be easy trying to fit it all in in one day.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Since Space Mountain is one of my favorite rides, I will say that I think the one at DL is a better ride than Magic Kingdom. Music is better. You sit two by two, not singles. I think it is smoother for some reason too.

 

[Gypsybear]

You must do Pirates!! Sooooo much better than WDW version.

Def. do Carsland; and Avengers Campus is definitely fun.

We always start our MK day at Indiana Jones....think Dinosaurs jeep....it can be rough on your back/neck, so be aware.

I agree with a previous poster who said that Batuu is the same stuff as at WDW.

We like to switch up our trips between both coasts. So we enjoy different things at each.

 

[miksicnarf]

I'm a DL local and frequent WDW visitor for 25 years. DL's small world, Haunted Mansion and Pirates are much better. Radiator Springs is a must-do, and I like the Incredicoaster too. Both of those have single-rider lines if you want to cut the wait way down. Indiana Jones is the same ride as Dinosaur but with a better theme. WEBslingers isn't worth the wait or the extra fee in my opinion, but if you're into Avengers you may feel differently. I'd skip Peter Pan, as it always has a long wait, no Lightning Lane, and it's basically the same at WDW. But I am a fan of most of the other Fantasyland rides, especially Alice--very underrated. I don't do Space Mtn. at either park anymore but DL's is a much smoother ride. I don't do Mickey's Fun Wheel either but it's unique. And don't do Goofy's Sky School unless you want to ruin the rest of your vacation!
Have fun!

 

[bwvBound]

On a different note -- keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly. California enjoys cool evenings year round; locals often keep a light jacket/hoodie handy!

If there is rain ... well ... things get crazy. Be doubly cautious -- especially if driving.

 

[Lumpy1106]

We are Disneyland people who recently returned from our first WDW trip. Here are the things we missed from DL

• Pirates - the DL version is sooooo much better
• Haunted Mansion - the exterior is quite different. The interior seemed different as well, but it had been 3 years and it's possible the exterior just really threw me off
• BTMRR is better at DL, I think. More to see
• Great Moments with Mr Lincoln - Hall of Presidents at WDW is awesome, but so is this one
• Indiana Jones
• All of Carsland at DCA, especially Radiator Springs Racers
• I missed seeing the Matterhorn, but I don't ride it so I didn't miss riding it ;-)

Things you can skip because they're identical

• All of Star Wars, including Star Tours
• Much of Fantasyland (Peter Pan, tea cups, etc)
• Jungle Cruise (not identical, this is one ride that I think is better at WDW, to be honest!)
• Space Mountain (not totally identical, but I don't like this ride no matter which park I'm in!)
• Soarin'

Disagree on Space Mountain - MUCH better in DL. Jungle Cruise also - it's the original, a much smaller footprint so the skippers have to stop at each scene for the punchline (i.e. you can hear them!) - just better pacing, and a MUCH, MUCH shorter line! Everything else, spot-on, though I do like the WDW version of BTMRR better (marginally).

Autopia is also much better than Tomorrowland Speedway.

Grizzly River Rapids is much better than Kali River Rapids.

Small World in DL is better, but really just the outside. Inside is pretty indistinguishable.

You can skip all of Toontown. Roger Rabbits has aged poorly and has an incredibly long (time-wise), slow moving line. Gadgets coaster is just so-so and everything else back there has been shuttered or soon will be for the re-do.

Don't forget Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

For maybe the best, "you will only ever see this in DL" experience, give Casey Jr.'s Train a try.

 

[Dr. G]

Here are my thoughts by land. Just my opinions of course. If you have Genie + it will make getting on the big rides a lot easier.

Main Street: Nothing to worry about here except just enjoy the ambiance and the smaller castle. If you have time to burn (doubt it) could ride a vehicle. Main thing here if you are big Disney fans would be to just enjoy Walt's original area. Say "hi" to the lamp above the fire station.
Railroad: Only if you like it or need a place to sit and rest. Some parts have nice views, some don't. For the unique part you could take it from Tomorrowland to Main Street to see the indoor scenes

Adventureland:
Tiki Room: only do if you have time left. Mostly the same
Jungle Cruise: only if you have time left. I like WDW better
Indiana Jones: Must do. Unique to Disneyland (though same vehicles and layout as AK Dinosaur)
Tarzan Treehouse: pass unless you really like Tarzan and have time. Swiss Family Treehouse at WDW much better

New Orleans Square:
This area is unique to DL so fun to explore if time
Pirates: Much better at DL and worth the time
Haunted Mansion: Basically similar experience-ish so only if time. Or if a huge fan

Critter Country:
Winnie the Pooh: similar enough to pass
Splash Mountain: pass unless a huge fan of the ride. WDW is better

Frontierland:
Big Thunder: pass unless a fan of the ride. Fairly similar. That said, one of our favorite rides
Mark Twain Riverboat: pass unless desired. Pretty ride and good view of the area. I'd only do this if you have extra time or need a short break from the lines

Toontown:
As adults I'd probably just walk through this area briefly to see it before it gets remodeled.
Roger Rabbit: unique to DL. Lines can get really long. Probably only if a fan of the movie or have extra time

Galaxy's Edge:
As you stated it is basically the same as WDW, just flipped. I'd only do if you have time and are a huge fan.

Fantasyland:
These are basically the same (yes, some differences) and I'd pass: Peter Pan, Dumbo, Carrousel, Tea Party
Mr. Toad: unique to DL. Where else can you drive crazy, die and go to he** at Disney?
Matterhorn: basic coaster but unique. Very rough. Fun for history (first tubular coaster) but not a must do
Casey Jr: fun and great view of the Storybookland area. Not a must do but fun if line is short
Storybookland Canal Boats: unique to DL and worth doing if like that type of thing. We do. Most pretty at night.
Small World: not different enough to make it worth it. But it is worth walking by to see the front (which is much better at DL) at night
Pinocchio: unique and OK if short line just to say you did it.
Alice: unique to DL and worth doing. Line can get a bit long
Snow White: same as Pinocchio. We like the new version better now
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-through: Doesn't take long and unique to DL. Nice to do when crowds/lines are long elsewhere

Tomorrowland:
Buzz Lightyear. Same idea as WDW but you can remove your gun and aim better. Only do if a big fan of the ride
Autopia. Pass. similar
Star Tours: Pass. similar
Space Mountain. Pass. similar
Finding Nemo Subs: unique to DL and worth it if a fan of Finding Nemo
Astro Orbiter. Pass
Monorail. Pass

Pixar Pier/Paradise Gardens:
Incredicoaster is just a roller coaster. Could do single-rider line if wish (quicker)
Toy Story Midway Mania: pass. similar
Little Mermaid. Similar. pass.
Everything else. I'd pass. Basically just themed carnival rides

Grizzly Peak:
Redwood Creek: No rides here but very pretty and worth a quick walk through to see if. Best to do when crowded/long lines elsewhere
Grizzly River Run. Basically like Kali River Rapids. Pass
Soarin. Same. pass.

Hollywood:
Mickey's Philharmagic. Pass. Better/bigger at WDW
Monsters Inc: Unique to DL. Do if a fan of the movie and line is short
Animation Building: Unique and worth walking in to see. Don't have to spend much time unless want to explore.

Avengers Campus
Unique to DL and at least worth a walk through.
See shows only if huge Avengers fan
If your stomach and head can handle Tower of Terror at WDW, definitely do Guardians.
Webslingers: unique to DL and probably worth just paying the extra fee to bypass the line

Cars land:
Must do. Unique to DL. Gorgeous at night. If it works to time it, fun to be there at official "sunset" when they light the buildings and they play "Sha-Boom"
At least do Radiator Springs Racers. If you want to ride together probably pay the extra to bypass the line. If okay in separate cars, do Single Rider
Maters: Similar to Alien Saucers so can pass. Cute to watch for a minute though
Luigi's: Unique to DL. Cute to watch for a minute. If it looks interesting do it. Otherwise move on

Shows:
Fantasmic is better at DL but harder to see due to crowds
World of Color is unique to DL/DCA and worth it if playing
Parades. Sure if a fan. Otherwise can create shorter lines to do rides instead

Going quickly. May have missed some but hopefully a helpful overview.

 

[mdmost]

Do not skip Haunted Mansion as the DLR version is the only one that has the Hatbox Ghost.

 

[Kit Jackson]

If Soarin' is the California version, which they sometimes have for special events, then it is something new and diffrent from what you are used to at WDW. I think the California better is far superior (it looks better and I like the scents better) to the around the world version. If they are doing the regular around the world version, that is the same as the one at WDW.

 

[ktlm]

On our first trip to DLR since we were kids, DH and I only had 1 day when I was on a business trip. We were able to get a ton done (there is more to do now- that was pre-Carsland; Avengers campus, and Galaxy's Edge). We have been to DLR a whole lot of times since then as we fell in love with it. If you get there at opening- and use Genie +/LL, you should be able to see a lot.

Here are my thoughts on must dos and possible must dos based on you looking only for things different from WDW as someone who was a WDW vet for years.

Main Street:
The railroad if you get a chance. A good part of the area between Toontown and back to Main Street is indoors and it has scenes- which to me are just Classic Disneyland.
Don't forget to glance at the Fire Station to see the lamp in Walt's apartment.

Adventureland
Indiana Jones is a must do--- it uses the same track and vehicle system as Dinosaur, but I HATE Dinosaur and I love Indy.

New Orleans Square

POTC is an absolute must do--- MUCH superior to WDW's version- a lot longer too.
Haunted Mansion- similar but slightly different and has the hatbox ghost. You aren't far from it when you do pirates, so in my mind this would be a must do unless the line is ridiculously long

Frontierland
Big thunder is very similar, but for some reason I just love DL's version more.


Fantasyland
Alice is a must do.
Castle walk through--- you are walking in the castle and there is never a line and it is fun to walk through- must do for the DLR experience in my opinion - will just take you a few minutes.
Small World--- to us that would be a must do unless you are a purist that hates the fact they sprinkled Disney characters through it-- we love seeing the Disney characters mixed in and you can only do that at DLR.
Mr. Toad - unique to DLR now--- you may ride it and say--- now why was I so upset when WDW removed that one?
Pinocchio-- unique to DLR. Not our favorite, but it is one you won't see at WDW and the line is usually short.
Snow White--- no longer have it at WDW, and it has always been different. The line is longer since the redo- but it is worth a ride.
Matterhorn ------ Ouch--- enough said. If you like being painfully thrown around on a very rough track then go for it.
Casey Jr ------- really kind of a kiddie train--- unique to DLR and nice views, but you can cut it out if you don't have time.
Storybookland Canal Boats------ unique to DLR. A nice relaxing boat ride. Pretty. Not a must do if you ruin out of time, but nice.


Tomorrowland:
Space Mountain---- Must do at DLR--- so much better than WDW. Side by side seating and very smooth. We love Space at DLR, and are not big fans of it at WDW.
Finding Nemo Subs if they re-open--- classic disney 20,000 Leagues under the sea ride which is gone from WDW. Definitely worth doing. If it is summer and hot, you want to do this one in the morning. Those subs get hot.


California Adventure.

Pixar Pier
Incredicoaster ----- this is RNRC outside. The Incredibles addition is cute. If they are doing single rider, you can typically get on pretty fast.
Inside out ride- line is typically too long to be worth it.
Ferris Wheel has good views- but those views also take you out of the Disney bubble--- no way you could get any of us on the swinging cars. I wouldn't consider it worth the time for one day.
Zephyer and Swings--- we just kind of like those--- carnival type rides, but if the line is short and you have time might as well.
World of Color--- if it is showing it is worth it- although with only one day you might not find the time--- if they bring the dessert party back and you can afford the cost-- that can save time because you have a spot reserved and don't have to stake anything out.

Grizzly Peak
Soarin---- if they are running the California version, it would be on my must do list. I miss that one so much. Last time we were there it was only the World version. The time before CA was in the mix.

Hollywood

Monsters Inc. ride- very cute dark ride you can't find at WDW. I would put that on the must do list.
Animation Academy- if you need to sit for 20 minutes--- drawing the characters is quite fun at DLR because they post the list of who they are drawing when, so you can pick exactly who you want to draw.

Carsland
Must do to see the land itself- the theming is great.
Radiator Springs Racers-- one of our absolute favorite rides at WDW/DLR combined. This is a must do. Worth paying for to get it in on a one day trip. Also, they have a single rider line which usually works great. It can take 15 minutes when the standby is 90 minutes. Definitely worth it if you don't mind sitting separate.
Luigi's--- a really fun little ride and different from anything at WDW.
Carsland at night-- beautiful--- at some point either day or night-- you should enter from the pier-- the view is beautiful. We have done pics there at night and people did not realize we were in a theme park- wanted to know where we were with the beautiful scenery.
Mater--- ehhh---- we haven't ridden it since the time a swarm of gnats chased around our car the whole time.

Avengers Campus
The show times for all the mini shows are posted--- you need to at least catch Spiderman. It isn't hard to just walk up and find a spot.
If you are Dr. Strange fans, his is fun to watch--- but it also is the only one you kind of have to commit to-- the others you can stand there a couple of minutes and move on-- his you are in a designated seating/standing area.
The others with limited time, you can pretty much stop a couple of minutes and watch and then move on.
Web Slingers--- unique to DLR and a fun ride. Honestly, we prefer the Spiderman ride at Universal in Florida--- but Webslingers is fun and cute.

Those are my thoughts on the main things to try to catch with one day only--- if you can, I would plan on going open to close. The first 2 hours at DLR are always the best crowd wise. The locals arrive a little later.

 

[Chickinvic]

As others say, Pirates is far better. Space Mountain is also way better at DL. I don't find the WDW Splash to be way better. If you like Splash, I'd try DL version and see what you think of it. The train is superior at DL. I'm sure I'm missing a lot of stuff, but those definitely come to my mind. Of course, things like Indiana Jones and anything else that doesn't exist at WDW should be on your list.

 

[Wedgeout]

Sure rides are fun but for a first visit with one day… walk, explore, and visually absorb the resort area and parks.

 

[Jason2015]

WDW doesn't have Matterhorn, but skip if you have back/neck issues!
You can park hop in 3 minutes at DL/DCA.
I think Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin is also only DL?
Space Mountain is better at DL.
Incredicoaster is unique to DL/DCA.
For kiddies: Mr. Toad & Storybook Boats. Snow White.

Mr. Toad scared my kids more then the Hunted Mansion. They are all older teens and still won't ride Toad.