DL attractions vs WDW

[jeeesss]

I'm going to Disneyland (for the first time in memory; went when I was 5 ) next year and I want to know if there are any significant differences between the attractions that both parks have.

In other words, I would like to spend more time doing things that I haven't "been on" (I work at WDW if that helps any). So like Splash, Peter Pan, Snow White, etc. I know we'll definitely be doing "it's a small world", Mansion, and PotC though.

 

[skiingfast]

Most rides have differences. Some better in DL, some better in WDW.

Some that are very similiar are, Bug's Life, Soarin, Dumbo.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

WDW doesn't have these:

DL:

Matterhorn
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Indiana Jones
Finding Nemo Submarines
Toontown
Pinocchio
Casey Jr.
Storybook Canal Boats
Tarzan's Tree House

California Adventure:

California Screamin'
Bugs Land
Cars Land (June)
Grizzly River Rapids
Monster's Inc.

IMHO:

Pirates is better in DL
Buzz Lightyear is better in DL
Small World is better in DL

Both Splash and BTMRR are different than in WDW

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

After our trip to WDW I was actually surprised on how much I like DL rides better. Even though they were the "same". In fact the only one I thought were really better was Space Mt.....I know, I'm in the minority. We liked Splash just as much, maybe slightly more in WDW. Not that we didn't enjoy all the rides, just that we almost never got off the ride and thought "wow that was better than at DL".

 

[KCmike]

Of course all of these are in my opinion:

Better in Disneyland
Space Mountain
Jungle Cruise is very similar but has different elements near the end
All of Fantasyland (so many rides and attractions)
Pirates
It's a Small World
Autotopia (aka Indy Speedway)
Tiki Room
Buzz Lightyear (guns are removable and an additional room)
Railroad
Haunted Mansion when its the overlay
Fantasmic!
Fireworks (RDCT and Magical)
Grizzly River Run

Better in WDW
Splash Mountain
Winnie the Pooh (ride vehicles bounce)
Snow White (too bad they are taking it out)
Haunted Mansion -normal version
Big Thunder

Same in Both Parks
Muppets
Soarin' (although better in California because its about California!)
Dumbo

There's probably more but that's all I can think of right now.

 

[jade1]

So is the Indiana ride worth checking out at DL? And I thought there was a L Mermaid ride-or is that just being built in MK all new. Also Cal Screamin sounds like a must do if only there once (maybe next weekend for one day).

 

[Carmatts]

So is the Indiana ride worth checking out at DL? And I thought there was a L Mermaid ride-or is that just being built in MK all new. Also Cal Screamin sounds like a must do if only there once (maybe next weekend for one day).

Indy is one of, if not the best ride in the park and has by far the best queue in the park.
Little Mermaid is in DCA and is a solid dark ride attraction.
Screamin is a very good roller coaster.

 

[GeneralTso]

I think the rides at Disneyland FAR surpass rides at WDW.
Small World and Pirates are the 2 biggest examples, in my opinion.

WDW is a huge Disney experience. Epcot is outstanding, as is Animal Kingdom. I think Magic Kingdom is the least impressive although it is getting a huge facelift.

I get a more thorough "Diney feel" at Disneyland. It's Main Street feels more authentic to me, all the lands are very complete and themed. For example, there isn't a New Orleans Square at WDW. That's such a nice part of DL.

There aren't nearly as many restaurants and shops. Downtown Disney in Orlando is just bigger and better.

Overall park exprience though, I'm a huge Disneyland fan. More manageable, more tangible, more of an immersive experience.

 

[HydroGuy]

So is the Indiana ride worth checking out at DL? And I thought there was a L Mermaid ride-or is that just being built in MK all new. Also Cal Screamin sounds like a must do if only there once (maybe next weekend for one day).

Indy? Worth it?

Yes, do not miss Indy - probably the most "not to be missed" ride for a WDW vet.

LM is up and running at DCA. Cute ride. Same as the one being built at MK but without as much detailed theming outside the building.

Screamin is a bit like RnR but outside and would be considered not to be missed.

 

[jade1]

Great to hear-will make a point of Indy and some others then, thanks.

 

[KCmike]

Gotta ride the teacups too! No roof and under the lights and stars from the sky make it a wonderful experience.

 

[keishashadow]

DL has a different overall 'vibe' vs WDW imo. Perhaps because WDW is my 'home' park, but it's more than that. DL has such history it's hard not to appreciate the charm of where it all began.

The CMs, especially those involved in entertainment, are so professional and polished. Alladin surpasses many touring broadway shows i've seen over the years.

I agree with KCmikes scorecard adding nods to WDW's:

Tower of Terror
Peter Pan's Flight
soarin (as to the whole complex including the food court).

We couldn't ride POC, Indy and many of the dark rides in Fantasyland @ DL enough for me during our 1st tripparticularly the Alice in Wonderland ride and Mr Toad. Didn't get to see small world (yes, i am a fan lol), hope the rehab is done in time for upcoming trip.

That saidI do think the fireworks are better @ WDW & i'm not a fan of standing to see Fantasmic. I understand "the why" just don't like standing that long - packed in so tightly, just too claustraphobic for me.

 

[jlmarr]

Great to hear-will make a point of Indy and some others then, thanks.

Note that it's a rough ride (same ride vehicle as Dinosaur @ AKL) but if you're ok with that it's definitely a Must See. Ditto Aladdin, mentioned by PP.

 

[pixiewings71]

I would also suggest that in addition to riding Indy you actually walk the outside queue (if there isn't a huge line out there) because it's really neat outside too.

 

[aan1701]

Here is my opinion. I just want to say, yes it may seem biased but I do go to WDW for 2-3 weeks every year. Here I would skip Soring unless you want to see the pics of historic aircraft and aviators in our line. Also skip our ToT. Sucks compared to the WDW version and I am being nice about that. You can also skip Muppets and It's tough to be a bug. Same show. Don't miss our Pirates. Blows WDW out of the water. My opinion of Space Mountian is I like the track at WDW better but we have sound in the cars not when you go by speaker in the WDW version. So to me I acctuly like WDW better as I think track layout is more important. All of Fantasy land rocks compared to WDW. Don't miss Indy. Our Fireworks, especially Remember Dreams Come True make wishes look cheep. Finally Fantasmic, if you see the DL version, you just may never want to see the lame excuse of a show they have the nerve to call Fantasmic at WDW again. I think that says it all.

 

[Huff]

i'm not a fan of standing to see Fantasmic. I understand "the why" just don't like standing that long - packed in so tightly, just too claustraphobic for me.

Thats why they built the stadium at HS in WDW for Fantasmic. Trouble is, I feel the show there has been seriously reduced. The lack of the Mark Twain and Peter Pan on Captain Hooks ship is bad enough but much of the rest of the show is lacking in comparison. While having a seat is nice, its been a massive cattle stampede getting back out of the stadium. All in all, I prefer DL's version but WDW's version is a must see as well. If you know the tricks, you can get a great view without a long wait.

 

[elaw]

Also skip our ToT. Sucks compared to the WDW version and I am being nice about that .... My opinion of Space Mountian is I like the track at WDW better but we have sound in the cars not when you go by speaker in the WDW version. So to me I acctuly like WDW better as I think track layout is more important.

I disagree about ToT .... I do not think ours (DL) sucks .... It's certainly not as sophisticated (going through the tower) but the actual up/down part, seat of the pants, is better at DL IMO

If the WDW version of space mountain was as smooth as DL I would agree ... but its not, so IMO, the nod goes to DL. The WDW version is almost Matterhorn like rough.

 

[aan1701]

I disagree about ToT .... I do not think ours (DL) sucks .... It's certainly not as sophisticated (going through the tower) but the actual up/down part, seat of the pants, is better at DL IMO

If the WDW version of space mountain was as smooth as DL I would agree ... but its not, so IMO, the nod goes to DL. The WDW version is almost Matterhorn like rough.

Well I guess we will disagree here. Since the drops at WDW are compleltly random and they are not at DL add that to no 5th demintion room, we have a budgeted down bad version. As for space, I can see that, but the layout is so much more thrilling. Now I will take Ghost Galaxy anyday over the WDW space.

 

[jade1]

Our Fireworks, especially Remember Dreams Come True make wishes look cheep. Finally Fantasmic, if you see the DL version, you just may never want to see the lame excuse of a show they have the nerve to call Fantasmic at WDW again. I think that says it all.

Good info, hey this Sun can I do the 9:15 Color deal and then make it to the 10:15 Fantasmic? Or is that not enough time? I also do not see the Dreams Come True so it must not have fireworks that night?

Hang on, I see Holiday firewroks are at 8:45 over the castle.

OK, how do I work in all 3?

Fantasmic 9 and 10:15
Fireworks 8:45
Color 8 and 9:15

 

[jade1]

Sorry to be hijacking this.

How about 8:45 Fireworks (watch near the MK exit), walk over to 9:15 Color, back for 10:15 Fantasmic?