Splash Mountain DL vs. MK

[disney_lover12]

Okay so my family is thinking about going to DL next summer instead of WDW. We've never been to DL. Well Splash Mt is my FAVORITE ride at WDW and I hear it's not so good at DL. Could someone give me their opinion and tell me the similarites and differences between the rides???? Thanks SOOOO much!!!!

 

[Husker Mickey]

Well I think you are in for a treat! We have been to WDW and DL and actually prefer DL. It is a much longer ride at DL and I also think there are more drops at DL. The logs are not double riders, they are single riders, meaning that you sit one behind the other. Whatever you do, remember to use fastpass. This saves you a tremendous amount of time at SM. At some other rides it saves you a little time, but this one is very worthwhile. I know other DISers will give you other information. Hope you decide to give it a try!

 

[jlmarr]

I'd always felt the consensus was that the WDW version was better - longer and with a coherent story line - but I've been hearing other opinions, such as the PP. So it sounds like the OP should give it a try and let us know what you think!

 

[Whidbey5]

I've been to both parks in the last 8 months, and my personal preference is the rides at Disneyland. In fact, I'd take the entire Disneyland experience over the Magic Kingdom any day!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I've always thought the Disneyland version sticks better to the storyline. At WDW in 2006, I remember thinking it odd that they suddenly go from happy Brer Rabbit straight to the impending doom of the briar patch. At Disneyland, there's a scene where you see everybody worrying about how he's been captured.

I prefer the Disneyland version myself, but the MK's version is great too. I think it may come down to personal preference on the two Splash Mountains. Splash is certainly not like POTC where the Disneyland version blows the MK version out of the water.

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

I've been to both parks in the last 8 months, and my personal preference is the rides at Disneyland. In fact, I'd take the entire Disneyland experience over the Magic Kingdom any day!

I have thought about going to WDW 1 day but everything I read now says disneyland rides are way better.

The only ride I heard that is a little better is tower of terror and that about sums it up.

I think I might stick with the land for rides.

What about the rest over there is it even worth checking into epcot and what else is there ?

 

[EnnEss]

Disneyland's SM is definately quite a bit shorter. Sm is one of the rare ones that is considered better at WDW, its not bad at DL, its just shorter though.

 

[mad hatter fan]

It may just be my perseptions, but the final drop at Disneyland seems much steeper than WDW's. I really don't like the final drop at DL but it doesn't really bother me at WDW. My kids just adore Splash mountain so go on it at least 2-3 times each DL trip anyway.

 

[daannzzz]

Been to DL 45 times and WDW 10 times. I live in California. I think WDW Splash Mountain is better all around...except the last hill. Fr some reason it doesn't feel quite as thrilling as the one at Disneyland. Otherwise the WDW has better sets and feels more complete.

 

[stopher1]

I lived in So. Cal most of my life (worked at DL in hs and college - was there for opening day of Splash...) - but also have been to WDW 30+ times - and I like aspects of both. WDW's version is brighter inside the show building, but DL's is more colorful, detailed and fun. I definitely prefer the single rider configuration of DL's - and the big hill/splash down is much better in Anaheim... but WDW's queue is a bit more fun. They're both very good.

 

[vettegirl]

Even thought I prefer DL, SP was was way better at WDW. It was longer and had more drops. It also followed the storyline better.

 

[HydroGuy]

After riding DL's Splash many times we rode MK's on our first trip there in 2006. We all were of the opinion that MK's was better. The story seemed more complete and the ride seemed longer. That is not to say that DL's version is disappointing. It's not. At least not in the way that MK's Space Mtn is disappointing after riding DL's version.

Anyway, when this was discussed a year or so ago on this forum someone argued convincingly that DL's version had more characters and was longer. MK's seemed longer because it goes slower. I would have sworn based on the ride experience that MK's Splash had 50% more AA characters but this person provided evidence that was not true.

Some posters here have stated an opinion that DL's rides are way better. I do not share that opinion. Several of the big rides are better at DLR than at WDW, but WDW has some that are better too.

Further, as a DLR vet I understand how DLR vets think about rides and how important they are. After a second trip to WDW I understand how rides are part of the experience, but there are other parts too. What I am saying is that at DLR it seems to me that rides are maybe 75% of the experience, while at WDW they are maybe 50% of the experience. WDW's live entertainment, dining options and other activities outside the parks makes rides seem a little less important. A DLR vet should not get too hung up on WDW's perceived ride deficiency as WDW shines in more areas and the experience is just different.

 

[Mskanga]

I like DL better than WDW.

 

[hurleysweety]

From my experience, WDW has much more inside whereas DL's boat travels outdoors a little more. The drop at DL is much better than WDW, so my DH loves it much better (he hates drops). Since I love thrills, I love DL so much more, WDW has more "atmosphere" and became a little boring for me after the 3rd time around. I just wanted the drops!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

What about the rest over there is it even worth checking into epcot and what else is there ?

By all means, yes!!! I think that sometimes that Disneyland defenders may appear to hate the MK and/or WDW. While I can't speak for all, I love WDW. It's just that in a park to park comparison, Disneyland is great while the MK is good.

WDW as a whole is a great experience. I really love the place, Epcot in particular. I know someone who took his family to WDW and Disneyland on a regular basis. They usually skipped the MK, but always experienced the other parks. I also knew an older gentleman who was going to Orlando for two days and asked me about WDW. I recommended Epcot for at least one of those days and when he returned, he thanked me for the tip because he and his wife both really enjoyed their time at Epcot.

In short, I think that people who choose to skip Disneyland because it's not WDW are really missing out on a tremendous experience. I feel equally strongly that skipping out on WDW because it's not Disneyland is missing out on an equally tremendous experience.

If you choose to go to WDW for more than one day, make sure to get a park hopper. The MK has some wonderful attractions(Mickey's PhilharMagic) and is worth checking out for a few hours even for the unabashed Disneyland afficiando.

HydroGuy, I think you make some great points. Out of curiousity, would you mind explaining why you think WDW's Splash tells the story better? I'm trying to figure out if my memory failed me on some aspect about Splash at WDW or if it's just a personal opinion thing.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GIq8CMAWy8&feature=related

here ya go.

 

[kcbroadway]

I must say that I think the WDW version of Splash Mountain is SOOOOO much better than DL. The first time I rode the DL version I was very disappointed. I thought that the logs moved too quickly (you couldn't get a feel for the story). I also thought that the WDW version had much better audio and the actual song was a bit catchier at WDW. I also like the logs better at WDW since you are sitting side-by-side with someone. They are wider, which makes the indoor of the attraction also seem wider. I really don't recall much about the drops at DL. My husband and I went on it once and that was it. We didn't even go on it last year when we went because of how disappointed we were the first time.

In all honesty though - That is the only ride that is not as good as the WDW version. I feel that all the other rides that are located at both parks are far better at DL.

 

[KCmike]

I don't like the single file rider boats. I prefer MK's two side by side better. With that being said you must know that I think Disneyland is far superior in almost everyway to WDW except for Epcot and the resorts.

Splash mountain at Disneyland you rush through the scenes with animatronics. You go down a hill and blow by the songs/scenes. At WDW the boat seems to slow down as you go through the scenes. It is more elaborate in my opinion at WDW as well. You also get VERY WET at Disneyland. My son was so drenched one time in took him several hours to get dry. This is his favorite ride and when I asked him if he wanted to go later in the day he said no because he didn't want to get so wet again.

Splash MTN is our families favorite ride as well but please don't give up going to Disneyland you won't be disappointed with everything else. The magic is so great there.

 

[HydroGuy]

HydroGuy, I think you make some great points. Out of curiousity, would you mind explaining why you think WDW's Splash tells the story better? I'm trying to figure out if my memory failed me on some aspect about Splash at WDW or if it's just a personal opinion thing.

We always felt that DL's Splash story was abbreviated somehow and ended too abruptly. The MK Splash seemed to tell a more complete story about Brer Rabbit.

Going by memory from the post of a year ago, I seem to remember that both versions of Splash were about the same length in time - 8 minutes or so. But that MK travelled at 3 mph on average while DL travelled 5 mph. Hence the DL version goes much further in distance over the 8 minutes. And DL has 20% more AA characters.

Having ridden Splash at MK 5-6 more times a few months ago, I still had the perception that it is more complete, has more characters and is longer. But apparently it is not true in fact. It was merely a perception.

With all that said, we like the MK version better but the DL version is still a family favorite.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Thanks. Does WDW actually have the scene where everybody is gloomy and singing "poor Brer Rabbit" and I just forgot that they did?