Rides that are similar but different between DL and WDW?

marciemi

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We haven't been to Disneyland in nearly a decade (and the kids were much younger then) but have been to WDW many times before and since, including a 2011 trip. We're going out to California in April (unfortunately Easter week!) for a college visit/orientation for my DS16 and since he'll be tied up for several days, I plan to spend much of them at Disneyland (or DCA), along with at least one full day there with him.

My question is what rides that are at both WDW and DL/DCA are different enough to make them "key" to ride. We of course plan to hit any West Coast specific ones (Alice, Indiana Jones, etc.) and I can easily figure those out. But since we'll be limited on time/fending off crowds I'd like to know what would be even more fun to see and find the differences between the WDW/DL versions?

I know Space is different with the side by side seating, but is the ride different? Other than going outside, is Small World different? Haunted Mansion? Pirates? Toy Story Mania? Please offer any input or suggestions - thanks so much!
 
I think they're all worth trying because they are all a bit different. SM at WDW is a much rougher ride and a bigger track (2 tracks actually) HM is a bit different but I like the WDW better, pirates is way better at DL, TSMM is the same ride but a totally different queue.
 
Pirates!!!! Small World has dolls of Disney characters in their appropriate countries, plus the exterior is better.

TSMM, Soarin are exactly the same.
 

The DLR Haunted Mansion has a smaller exterior than the WDW Haunted Mansion and it does not feature an interactive queue. I don't think the DLR Haunted Mansion has as many special effects as the one over at WDW.

Splash Mountain at DLR is similar to the one at WDW with respect to the ride layout (though I believe the drop sequences are different). The major difference between the two is that the DLR version is a 6-seater where one person sits behind another whereas in the WDW version 8 people can ride with 2 people sitting side-by-side.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is similar, though track layout differs between the two rides.

Pirates of the Caribbean at DLR is twice as long (~15 minutes) as the version at WDW (~7 minutes). I personally think the DLR version is more fun due to the length, the details and the drops (more drops than WDW).

I consider the Jungle Cruise at DLR the 'prototype version' of the one at WDW. Both are similar, but the DLR version does not have WDW's ruined temple part of the ride which I really enjoy. The DLR version also doesn't have the little Jungle Cruise remote-control boat game which I love to play :)

Though I'm not 100% positive about the two versions of Space Mountain, I think the DLR version has a newer on-ride soundtrack? I prefer the one at DLR.

it's a small world at DLR, in my opinion, makes the one over at WDW look like a very cheap amusement park ride. The DLR version has better theming, is a bit longer, and it has plenty of Disney characters for your family to find. The WDW feels 'empty' compared to the DLR version, at least for my family.

If you plan on going on the Rivers of America, keep in mind that DLR offers two large ships you can ride (Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia aka 'The Pirate Ship') instead of just one ship like at WDW.

The dark rides at Fantasyland are similar, though I find the versions at WDW to be superior in terms of detail (not in terms of theming).

DLR's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has less exterior detail (different design) than the one at WDW. However, in my experience the version at DLR is faster and more extreme. The DLR version's ride scenes are much watered down though and completely omit the horizontal moving segment that WDW has. The DLR version does not have randomized drops. Lines move much faster too due to the DLR version's enhanced ride-vehicle loading system. WDW's version is better.

Soarin' and Toy Story Midway Mania are pretty much the same.

Oh! And the Disneyland Railroad has more to see than the Magic Kingdom Railroad. The DLR version has more stops making it a more efficient than the MK Railroad to go from one part of the park to another.

Hope your family has a great time down in SoCal!
 
It's much easier to say what is the same. Of course the queues are always different at least a little.

TSMM
Soarin
Muppet Vision
It's Tough to be a Bug
Star Tours
Turtle Talk
Captain EO


All things that use big screens.
 
DL IASW has an beautiful exterior and outdoor queue. The ride itself runs on a canal, unlike WDW where the water reaches the displays.

Pirates is far better than WDW. No debate.

Space is much smoother. It also has a soundtrack that plays in your vehicle. I'm in the minority, but I like WDW better.

I like the DL version of Buzz. The guns are not stationary. My family loves how the targets light up and make sounds at DL.

Splash has a shorter ride at DL and the vehicles are single riders. We fit my 7 in one vehicle, the back seat can fit an adult, plus child. You do get wet on the DL version!

HM, the DL version does not have the staircase rooms, or the new hitchhiking ghosts. It does have an amazing exterior.

BTMR is better in WDW, but love the DL version, maybe it's the location...more centrally located at DL.

Soarin is the same. Toy Story is the same, except there seems be more track between screens at DL.

TOT is better at WDW. DCA TOT does not move away from the elevator shaft. I don't find it as extreme as the WDW version.

Animation Studio...much larger seating area than WDW. No long waits.

Crush...larger studio at DL, smaller screen. Better turtle. :)

Something else to consider...rides that are very popular at WDW may not be as popular at DL or visa versa. Example Winnie the Pooh. There is never a wait for the DL version. IASW at DL can have a wait. Star Tours is still very busy at DL. Dumbo is always a reasonable wait. I've never waited more than one ride load ahead of me.
 
Definitely do Pirates and Space, DL's versions of both are better. Also, Fantasmic is better at DL, although no seating like at DHS. Buzz is different. I like DL's better because the blaster is not attached to the vehicle. I like the DL railroad better because it has the grand canyon diorama. Also, I prefer Autopia to WDW's speedway. Monorail, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder, and Tom Sawyer's Island all have differences compared to WDW, but you'll likely find some disagreement about which is better. In DCA, Grizzly River Run is better than Kali.

I think many agree that the following are better at WDW, so if you have to skip these, they include Splash, Pooh, Peter Pan, and Tower of Terror. I also think WDW's Jungle Cruise is better, but others may disagree.

Rides that are pretty much the same are Toy Story, Soarin', Captain EO, tea cups, and Dumbo.

Like you said, focus on the unique rides first and also the ones that are better at DL. If you have time, you can always do some of the rest.
 
I know Space is different with the side by side seating, but is the ride different?
Really, Space Mountain at DL is light years better than at MK. Disney spent 2 1/2 years upgrading it in 2003-2005. The launch sequence, music, darkness factor and ending are amazing. Before 2003 I always thought DL's Space Mtn was meh. Now it rocks. DON"T MISS IT!
 
TOT is better at WDW. DCA TOT does not move away from the elevator shaft. I don't find it as extreme as the WDW version.

I forgot about the horizontal sequence! @_@ Yeah, the WDW version is better. The drops are also randomized!
 
Halloweenqueen, I agree with you about Space. It was one of the few rides we preferred the WDW version of over the DL version (Splash was another). We can be in the minority together. :thumbsup2
 
Sorry to divert the thread a bit but does anyone know whether Space Mountain in DLR is similar to the one in Paris? I LOVED the one at WDW but I think the Paris one is horrendous, it's far too rough and actually made me feel quite sick. We're off to DLR in a month and I'd just like to know what I'm in for!
 
The dark rides at Fantasyland are similar, though I find the versions at WDW to be superior in terms of detail (not in terms of theming).

I'm a dark ride geek, & i disagree. FL is far superior at DLR...in 18 out of 20 ways.

No Pinocchio, Alice or Toadie at WDW. No small town in Europe feel. (& no Storybookland, Casey Junior, Matterhorn at all....or outdoor Tea Cups).

& IASW is much prettier (as i quickly walk by to avoid) at DL than it is at WDW. :lmao:

:)
 
Sorry to divert the thread a bit but does anyone know whether Space Mountain in DLR is similar to the one in Paris? I LOVED the one at WDW but I think the Paris one is horrendous, it's far too rough and actually made me feel quite sick. We're off to DLR in a month and I'd just like to know what I'm in for!
No, no. Space Mtn at DL is much closer to MK's than DLP's. No loop or anything like that at DL.

MK's Space Mtn is more similar to what DL's was before 2003. After the DL refurb the ride was improved in numerous ways and is just much better now.

Frankly I tried Space Mtn at DLP - twice - and did not care for it. Some do. I didn't.
 
Ah, thank you! I always try SM at DLP just in case it's magically changed since last time but no, still the same old bog standard could be anywhere roller coaster. Very excited to try it at DL.
 
Sorry to hijack the thread but is your DS coming to visit USC? I go there and if he wasn't going for a specific program or anything I'd love to give an unofficial tour or just give him a student's perspective on the school. :banana:

And what everyone else said is true. Space and Pirates...definitely ride them at DLR.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies - I'll be cutting and pasting and saving these replies as we try to make up our plans! I'll have one full day with my son and then the next morning until around 11am before we have to head over to the college (which incidentally is Caltech, not USC - sorry! :) ). This will be the Wed/Thu after Easter so I know it's going to be bad in terms of crowds. Unfortunately we have to fit in TSMM since he missed it on the trip last time (we were down with his HS band so he was on his own much of the time and didn't want to wait). I can skip Soarin' then (and would skip BTMR since I'm not a big fan of that) but am trying to make a gameplan for the rest of the rides. Good to know that Pooh isn't as popular there - we've done that ride first things on at least a couple days at WDW just to avoid lines! Star Tours is totally new though, right? Or is that only the WDW one? It was closed on our last trip so I haven't seen the new version.

FP's are the same as WDW, right? Just confused because I picked up my Birnbaum's yesterday and for the one day DCA plan it says "Begin your California adventure by snagging a FP for a ride on Soarin' and the Little Mermaid. If you plan to stay until the park closes, get a FP for World of Color". It then tells you to ride TSMM first (I'm abbreviating). Are those 3 FP's not connected somehow? Or is it assuming you know to grab each when you get in the window? When we went to DL more than 9 years ago we did have a special AAA package that allowed us to get unlimited FP's (1 per ride at a time) but I was pretty sure that was a one-time special, right?

Sorry on the delay in replying - I've had a horrible time getting on the DIS in the last day or two - just keeps timing out. On different computers and my phone so I'm not sure what the deal is!

Thanks again for all your suggestions and please let me know if you think of any more!
 
Better and Different at DL:
Pirates
Space Mtn (you will be blown away at how advanced it feels)
IASM - yes its the same ride but with Disney characters which I liked, and the outdoor beginning is worth the ride plus the history of the ride makes it noteworthy coming from the Worlds Fair
Almost all of Fantasyland like Hound stated earlier
Fantasmic! and Fireworks are light years better!
Buzz has removable guns and extra scene
Autotopia car ride is better than Indy speedway
Railroad is much better, ride the lilly belle car
Tiki Room - still the original
Tea Cups! Outdoors and views are incredible


Same or not as good in my opinion:
Winnie the pooh - WDW version is better
Snow White - WDW version is better (too bad their taking it away)
Splash - don't like the seating and the ride goes too fast thru the animatronic scenes, the different drops might make it worth it though, for me its still a great ride)
Big Thunder - Like WDW version better even though its close
Haunted Mansion is good but when the overlay comes out its phenomenal
Jungle Cruise - Dl version has piranhas near the end which were cool otherwise same ride

Absolutely NOT TO MISS:
Indy
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe
Aladdin stage show - see it twice
World of Color
Sleepy's Castle Walkthru
Screamin'
Fantasmic!
Remember Dreams Come True Fireworks (the best ever!)
Storybook Canal boat ride in Fanstasyland, you either love it or hate and I love it!

There's probably more but that's all that comes to mind. Have a great trip! The magic and nostalgia are just incredible there.
 
... Unfortunately we have to fit in TSMM since he missed it on the trip last time ....

..... It's a must do!!! try to make rope drop at 10:00 ... it'll save you time in the long run

I can skip Soarin' then

.... the queue is way better DCA .... worth trying

BTMR .... Its a tighter track and feels faster
....worth a try for sure

Good to know that Pooh isn't as popular there

.... skip it

Star Tours is totally new though, right?

.... Yes!

FP's are the same as WDW, right?

Pretty much .... but different availability (TSMM doesnt have fast passes)

Just confused because I picked up my Birnbaum's yesterday and for the one day DCA plan it says "Begin your California adventure by snagging a FP for a ride on Soarin' and the Little Mermaid.

.... Little mermaid doesnt have fast passes and doesnt really need them either ...almost always a short line
 
FP's are the same as WDW, right? Just confused because I picked up my Birnbaum's yesterday and for the one day DCA plan it says "Begin your California adventure by snagging a FP for a ride on Soarin' and the Little Mermaid. If you plan to stay until the park closes, get a FP for World of Color". It then tells you to ride TSMM first (I'm abbreviating). Are those 3 FP's not connected somehow? Or is it assuming you know to grab each when you get in the window? When we went to DL more than 9 years ago we did have a special AAA package that allowed us to get unlimited FP's (1 per ride at a time) but I was pretty sure that was a one-time special, right?

Sorry on the delay in replying - I've had a horrible time getting on the DIS in the last day or two - just keeps timing out. On different computers and my phone so I'm not sure what the deal is!

Thanks again for all your suggestions and please let me know if you think of any more!

FPs work the same, but like someone else said Little Mermaid does not have FP and doesn't need it. It will be a walk-on to short wait. The FPs for WOC are not connected to the FPs for rides.

DCA actually opens earlier than its official opening time. By 9:30am, you can enter DCA and grab a Soarin' FP and then I would grab a WOC FP since it is on your way to Little Mermaid. Ride Little Mermaid and then make your way over to TSMM.

This assumes you are not trying to rope drop TSMM. Have fun! :goodvibes
 









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