Hi, I actually just got back from WDW, spent two weeks visiting all the Disney parks. Here's what I noticed - first no Pinocchio ride unless I'm mistaken.
~ Soarin' is located at Epcot center, and the movie itself and ride motions are exactly the same. Getting to the actual ride is a little tricky and not very friendly if you are in a wheelchair or scooter, a bit of a pain. It's located in a building on the lower level.
~ Nemo is also located at Epcot, similar concept to the submarine images - it's not in a submarine. But it's different enough so do see it if you go, and check out the aquarium at the exit, very cool.
~ Pirates ride is at the Magic Kingdom, sorry WDW fans but the DL Pirates ride is a gazillion times better! DL is a lot longer and has more scenes, WDW is shorter, less scenes, and a single very weak waterfall drop.
~ Snow White ride at WDW is a lot longer and very different, similar spooky woods adventure but different scenery plus you see the Witch and Snow White a lot more. DL's ride is shorter and I feel a lot scarier.
~ Space Mountain's vehicles are different, very similar to the Matterhorn bobsleds only more compact and uncomfortable. Personally I liked the DL Space Mountain more, seemed smoother and faster.
~ For the most part the Haunted Mansion is very, very similar, there's some differences in the scenes and the soundtrack. Personally I prefer the DL HM.
~ Tiki Room is different, the inside is the same but the actual show is very different, total 180 but it's pretty fun so check it out.
~ Yes, Peter Pan has fast passes and do get them because the line at WDW is just as nutty as the DL line. It's a little different and a lot longer.
~ Star Tours is at Disney's Hollywood Studio, but as the DL ride it too is currently closed .
~ It's Tough to Be a Bug is at Animal Kingdom and is the same, the walk there is extremely beautiful!
~ Captain E.O. is at Epcot, same movie and effects however I felt the DL's version has a louder soundtrack and more vibrant effects and lighting.
~ Small World is under refurb so didn't see it.
~ Didn't ride Big Thunder or Splash Mountain.
~ The train ride around the park is terrible! It's literally just for transportation, you really don't get to see much while you are traveling on it.
~ They still have the People Mover - which DL should totally bring back!
~ Tower of Terror is different and located at Hollywood Studios. Hotel is the same, the drops for the most part are the same, but the entire car moves and travels down a hallway to get into position for the drops, while you are traveling you see props and scenes from Twilight Zone episodes.
~ Toy Story is at Hollywood Studios, but had a two-hour wait the entire day so didn't see it, Fast Passes sold out so if you go get passes right away.
~ Winnie the Pooh is also at WDW but we didn't go in.
~ Also saw the Electrical Parade while there but we had a terrible last minute spot so I didn't enjoy the experience.
And now for the fireworks show..........saw the regular nighttime show and the Halloween show, and the
Disneyland fireworks blows both WDW shows out of the sky! A gazillion and one times better! Yes, they are still nice compared to non-Disney theme parks, but the DL presentation is way better! DL has more UMPH and capability for more lighting and effects, plus we've added fire! We also have the Matterhorn which makes for an awesome Tinkerbell flight! WDW is still a one way zip line, and the costume Tinkerbell had on made her look more like a green UFO. The DL Halloween Fireworks show I believe is originally based on the WDW show but we've made it a lot better, everything from the effects to the soundtrack. No Jack Skellington during the WDW show.
Almost forgot about the Jedi Training Academy, which is located at Hollywood Studios. The DL show is way better, hands down! DL has a better stage, the selection process is more cut-throat but yet makes it more exciting for others watching, brings more energy to the show and kids. Hollywood Studios the kids line up and it's a first come first serve process, during the show the kids did seem a little less enthusiastic and not as intimidated, did seem a little weak and wussy. DL show is just more high energy.
Oh and one last thing, if you are a Disneyland annul pass holder "DO-DO-DO" bring your pass along especially if it has parking included. We were able to use it for free parking, we didn't think it would work but on our first park day we asked the attendant - he inspected the pass, looked it over twice, absolutely did know it was for DL only, and said "YES"
. About once or twice a castmember did say "this is for Disneyland" but when we explained that we had already used it they would just say "Oh okay, go right on in". We didn't do anything sneaky, the attendants were well aware it was for DL, and really didn't have any problem accepting it. One thing I noticed is that they would never scan the card, they would just look at it and let us in.
DL annual pass did not work for Food discounts, however we were able to use it for a merchandise discount but I think that was just a lucky thing. The cashier wasn't sure and there was a supervisor type person in the area so the cashier asked her. The supervisor seemed a little unsure as well but ended up saying yes - I did over hear her ask how we were paying, which was with cash so I'm not sure if that influenced her decision.
But never hurts to ask, bring it along anyway just in case! Parking is $14.00 for cars by the way.
But thank you VERY much for your post.
