How has DL changed since 1989?

[VA_mouseman]

I haven't been to DL since 1989. We've been to WDW numerous times in recent years however.

In the "it's never too early to start planning" category, I know that we'll be in the LA area next May for a relative's graduation. Wife and I want to take two DS's (who will be 7 and 4 at the time) to DL.

Obviously, DCA is new. Otherwise, what has changed since my last visit in 1989? How 'easy' or 'hard' is it to see both parks in a single day? Likely, we'll be there on a Saturday or Sunday. If the crowds are demonstrably smaller, we'll modify our plans and visit on a Friday.

 

[iceskatejen]

1989 is when Splash Mountain opened. Since then, I believe Toontown is new (I can't remember when it opened, but I think it was in the early 90s), so Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin and Gadget's Go Coaster are also new for you. Our Toontown is much larger and has more to do than the one at WDW. Indiana Jones Adventure is obviously new, The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse has been made over into Tarzan's Treehouse. Winnie the Pooh would be the newest ride--it's where the Country Bears used to be. In May we'll have our own Buzz Lightyear ride (where Circle Vision used to be). They moved where the Astro Orbiter is when they redid Tomorrowland (it's now at the entrance). Fantasmic opened in 1991 or 92 and it's much better than the one at WDW. I think that's all the major ones for DL. Obviously, DCA, the GCH and DTD are all where the parking lot used to be. I don't know if you can do everything at both parks in one day but you can hit some of the highlights.

 

[Firefly777]

In addition to iceskatejen's things:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Skyway has been removed since then (like at the Magic Kingdom).

The Submarine Voyage and Peoplemover aren't running anymore.

Autopia has been redone since 2000 and looks much nicer.

Innoventions is in the America Sings/Carousel of Progress building.

Small World has been painted back to it's original colors (white and gold, although it could have been those colors in '89 too).