Rides that are similar but different between DL and WDW?

[helenb]

I agree with most of what has already been said. Pirates and IASW in particular are not to be missed!

Just a couple of things that have not yet been mentioned... I like Peter Pan better at WDW, because when you fly over London you can see the little lights moving down in the city below and it feels more real. Other than that, the rides are pretty much the same, though. Also, Splash IS different at DL because of the 'track'. There is a 'mini-hill' inside (in the dark) where you go around a corner that has just enough zip to keep you excited. There isn't really anything like this at the WDW version.

I'll add my vote for you to try Buzz Lightyear at DL too. While the ride itself is pretty much the same, being able to take the guns out of the holsters and see the laser beams as you shoot adds a whole new dimension, and makes it easy for people like me to get better scores.

Also, if you are nostalgic for the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride, you should go on Nemo's Submarines! I know some people give the ride a bad rap, but it's really fun, and such a wonderful memory of the original submarine ride I loved as a kid.

The Monorail might be worth a ride as well, just for the novelty of getting off in/boarding in Tomorrowland!

As far as FP goes, there are no FP for Little Mermaid. Last summer the special FP given out to resort guests could be used on Little Mermaid, but AFAIK, that's over and there are no Little Mermaid FP now. In any case, you don't need them because the ride moves people through quickly (like HM, or the WDW version of the Nemo ride) and there shouldn't be much of a wait.

FP for WOC are actually not 'fastpasses' per se, but more like 'advance tickets' to different viewing areas for the show that evening. You can get these 'FP' even if you hold other FP at the time.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Something I should have mentioned...Toontown! WDW was blah, but DL Toontown is absolutely wonderful!

 

[DLR29]

Also I would totally trust advice from the DIS above anything Birnbaum says. There's plenty of good info in there, but at the same time there's some stuff that's not necessarily accurate or up to date.

 

[marciemi]

Also I would totally trust advice from the DIS above anything Birnbaum says. There's plenty of good info in there, but at the same time there's some stuff that's not necessarily accurate or up to date.

Thanks! Yes, I've been here over 12 years (gasp!) and am definitely a DIS "pro" (and have all the shirts to prove it) so I'm just using Birnbaum's for the overall "feel" and to have something easy for a 16 year old to read and offer his opinion on without losing his attention (you know how that goes!).

I should probably start a new thread, but since people are here , some more questions:

1) No nighttime parades? I know we saw MSEP here in early 2003. Of the evening things, can you do more than one in an evening? Which are best? I was thinking WoC was a must but if I only have one night with my son, would you choose that one? Can you do fireworks and Fantasmic in the same night? Or get from one park to another?

2) Wow - really, no FP's for TSMM? Never would have expected that. Many people have mentioned the queues for various ride but we're definitely ropedrop, FP, TGM-type people who do all we can to avoid the queues so I can't say I've ever stood in a Soarin' queue line other than down by the theater itself. So that may not be as critical.

3) Does anyone have any touring plans for 2 parks in the same day? DL usually opens earlier, right? Is there a chance of hitting both rope drops or is that impossible? I just ordered the Unofficial Guide but haven't gotten it yet but can't find a 2 park itinerary on Touring Plans. And how do the early mornings work? Obviously we'll be offsite but if I buy a 5 day ticket for me and a 3 day for my son my understanding is that we get one early morning. This is just at DL? And what days of the week? I didn't see that at all in the Birnbaum's. Also, these tickets are expiring (just the standard 5-day through Disney itself) but don't have to be used consecutive days? Anywhere better to buy? I'm seeing $237 for an adult 5 day hopper through Entertainment.com - anyone used them?

4) How bad are lines for Star Tours these days? SHOULD we be ropedropping TSMM? Are the lines crazy for it otherwise like at HS? Is Aladdin still running? Thought I'd seen something about it closing. What about the Monsters Inc ride - big lines or not?

5) Tiki birds are still the original? Not the Jose and whoever else in the "under new management" version?

6) Is Maliboomer gone? I don't recall seeing it in the book. What other DCA attractions are a lot different than they were in 2003 - ie I know the Sun Wheel has a new name but is it the same ride? Are the Silly Symphony swings worth doing? How about this Jellyfish ride (I'm sure that wasn't there!)!

7) How far of a walk is it from the gates to "real" restaurants? As I look at hotels (we're just planning right now one night at a cheap Super 8 between the days I'm there with my son; the rest will be at friends or relatives' houses), they all say they're "walking distance to the parks" but also right by places like Cheesecake Factory - can you really walk out of the parks for a late lunch or dinner or is it just too far?

I'm sure I'll think of more but thanks so much and for any more help as I figure this out!

 

[helenb]

I haven't seen an official 2 park 1 day touring plan, but yes, right now with DCA open at 10 am (officially) it is possible to make 2 rope drops.

Let's presume you're going to MM at DL, which starts at 7am. here's roughly what we do (give or take):

At rope drop run for Peter Pan. (Or Dumbo if you want this ride, but it looks like you don't have kids small enough to make it worthwhile).

Ride PP, ride it again if you liked it.
Ride Snow White, Pinnochio, Mr. Toad, Alice In Wonderland.
Ride Mad Tea Party.
(Note, I'm skipping Matterhorn as it will be closed for a loooong time, but if your'e there when Matterhorn is open, consider doing this before the Alice/Tea Party rides.)

Around this time, MM should be coming to a close. If you have time, ride Buzz Lightyear.

The moment it hits 8 am/normal park opening time, grab FP for Star Tours. You'll be in a better position to get these than people coming from the gate.

Run to Indiana Jones, ride.
Ride Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, Pirates, HM. If still time before 9 am, ride BTMRR.

Around 9 am, head for DCA, grabbing Space Mountain FP on your way out.

9-9:15 am, line up at DCA. If you want the dedicated hotel entrance, go into GCH a few minutes early, buy breakfast/a muffin/coffee at Whitewater Snacks and show receipt to use Resort guest entrance.

Entering DCA at 9:30 am, have everyone except FP runner go to rope drop for TSMM (it will be inside the park, at the bridge, outside of the Little Mermaid Ride). FP runner get FP for WOC (if desired) and Soarin' (if available, sometimes FP aren't handed out until 10am). FP runner meet rest of family at rope drop area.

10 am, go to TSMM.

If Soarin' FP not obtained, grab FP for California Screamin'. If Soarin' FP obtained, ride California Screamin' now.

Run to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Ride.
Ride Monsters Inc.
Ride Soarin' if you did not get FP earlier.
Head back down to Paradise Pier, ride anything that looks good, starting with Goofy's Flight School and/or Little Mermaid. Grab FP for desired rides as your windows come open.

It should be around noon by now. Grab lunch at a counter service (or head to sit-down reservation). Head back to DL. Immediately obtain FP for any desired ride. If your'e having lunch at DL, do this before going to lunch. Remember, you can have DL and DCA FP at same time - they are separate systems.

Spend afternoon surfing FP (i.e. Star Tours, Space Mountain, any others you can pick up). This is a good time to do Buzz Lightyear and BTMRR if you didn't earlier. If lines are 30 min or less, try for Nemo's submarines, but likely it will be too long - that's a sacrifice you make with one day and 2 parks.

When done with major rides/attractions, head back to DCA and surf those FP. This is also a good time to see the shows (Bug movie, Muppetvision, etc.).

Have dinner, head to WOC viewing area and line up (if going to WOC). If not going to WOC, head back to DL for fireworks and/or Fantasmic.



So, I'm sure many people here will have different opinions, but if I had one day for both parks, that's how I'd do it. Keep in mind the opening times I am assuming here. I'm also assuming that it is a 'typical' day, in the sense that the parks aren't too crowded before 11 am (when many of the locals arrive en masse) which allows you to pack in a ton of rides during those first few hours.

HTH!

 

[HydroGuy]

1) No nighttime parades? I know we saw MSEP here in early 2003. Of the evening things, can you do more than one in an evening? Which are best? I was thinking WoC was a must but if I only have one night with my son, would you choose that one? Can you do fireworks and Fantasmic in the same night? Or get from one park to another?

You can do DL fireworks and Fantasmic on the same night if there are two F! showings. If you do WOC that is really the only show you could do in a night.

If you have just one night I would say skip WOC.

2) Wow - really, no FP's for TSMM? Never would have expected that. Many people have mentioned the queues for various ride but we're definitely ropedrop, FP, TGM-type people who do all we can to avoid the queues so I can't say I've ever stood in a Soarin' queue line other than down by the theater itself. So that may not be as critical.

No, the TSMM dynamic at DCA is totally different than DHS. Folks at DCA complain about 40 minute lines, while folks at DHS would kill for a line that short.

3) Does anyone have any touring plans for 2 parks in the same day? DL usually opens earlier, right? Is there a chance of hitting both rope drops or is that impossible? I just ordered the Unofficial Guide but haven't gotten it yet but can't find a 2 park itinerary on Touring Plans. And how do the early mornings work? Obviously we'll be offsite but if I buy a 5 day ticket for me and a 3 day for my son my understanding is that we get one early morning. This is just at DL? And what days of the week? I didn't see that at all in the Birnbaum's. Also, these tickets are expiring (just the standard 5-day through Disney itself) but don't have to be used consecutive days? Anywhere better to buy? I'm seeing $237 for an adult 5 day hopper through Entertainment.com - anyone used them?

Check out RideMax www.ridemax.com. See "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

Tickets do not have to be used on consecutive days. I usually get discounted tix at www.arestravel.com. Some folks like www.getawaytoday.com.

4) How bad are lines for Star Tours these days? SHOULD we be ropedropping TSMM? Are the lines crazy for it otherwise like at HS? Is Aladdin still running? Thought I'd seen something about it closing. What about the Monsters Inc ride - big lines or not?

ST is not too bad anymore but you can get a FP. There are two schools of thought around here on TSMM and rope drop held by equally experienced folks. I am firmly in the camp to not do TSMM at rope drop. This could change this summer if DCA starts opening the same time as DL as has been rumored.

MI does not usually have very long lines. Also consider subscribing to www.touringplans.com as they have decent data on ride wait times.

5) Tiki birds are still the original? Not the Jose and whoever else in the "under new management" version?

Original Tiki Room as built by Walt Disney himself! Where the birdies sing and the flowers croon, in the tiki, tiki,tiki, tiki, tiki room!

6) Is Maliboomer gone? I don't recall seeing it in the book. What other DCA attractions are a lot different than they were in 2003 - ie I know the Sun Wheel has a new name but is it the same ride? Are the Silly Symphony swings worth doing? How about this Jellyfish ride (I'm sure that wasn't there!)!

MB is gone. Goofy's Sky School and Silly Symphony Swings (both at DCA) are updated versions of other rides that had weaker themes.

7) How far of a walk is it from the gates to "real" restaurants? As I look at hotels (we're just planning right now one night at a cheap Super 8 between the days I'm there with my son; the rest will be at friends or relatives' houses), they all say they're "walking distance to the parks" but also right by places like Cheesecake Factory - can you really walk out of the parks for a late lunch or dinner or is it just too far?

Real as in DTD real? About a 3-5 minute walk. To non-Disney? Also about 5 minutes out onto Harbor Blvd.

Be careful of hotels that claim they are walking distance or "across the street from DL" or "one block from DL".

These links may help:

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b


Have a great trip!

 

[marciemi]

WOW!!! Thanks so much helenb and Hydroguy - both those posts (and plans and links) are incredibly helpful!!

While I could (and have for friends) do this for WDW, without TGM I feel totally lost. I really appreciate the insider knowledge!

I do have Touring Plans (DL for now since my WDW one expired) and was a frequent Lines user and contributor on my last trip so plan to as much as possible this time.

Helen - would you say that during Easter week (this would be Wed or Thu) that these plans won't work since it'll be so crowded (well, I know they'll work better than not having a plan but will Easter week crowds be that invasive that early?)? Do you think there will be early mornings every day that week or even earlier hours like at WDW? Never been during a holiday (although summer many times at WDW) so not sure what to expect. After a mid-January trip to WDW last year, I'm sure everything will seem super crowded to us!

Thanks again for all the time you put into these great replies!