Three Days Only - No Hoppers!!!

[mom22boys]

As DL veterans, I’d skip Space Mountain. We were very disappointed in it after riding the one at DL.

I don't know if I would skip Space, but DL's is definitely much better in my humble opinion!

 

[bryanb]

Your first time in the Magic Kingdom might feel a little disorienting if you're a Disneyland vet. It's at once familiar and yet some bizarro alternative place. The architecture is unmistakably Disney, but just built on a bigger scale. You might find yourself thinking that something is out of place here and there.

Physically the park is much larger than the original "Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom," Disneyland. They learned a lot from the first park, and the walkways are wider. The central hub is far larger. Everything's a slightly longer walk. The number of actual attractions at MK are fewer than Disneyland. Attendance is greater than Disneyland on average. So you might not be able to get as many attractions done. But the feeling of being in the Disney bubble is much greater. The castle projections (during the nightly fireworks) are something that just can't be done in Anaheim on that scale.

I will always love Disneyland most, but MK is special in its own way. I can't wait to see the other parks around the world to experience how Walt Disney's original concept has continued to morph.

 

[Haley R]

I don't know if I would skip Space, but DL's is definitely much better in my humble opinion!

I've never been to Disneyland. What's so much better about SM there?

 

[dwheaton]

In response to the original question, I'll agree with others that you skip Hollywood Studios. We're doing the same thing in January - a three-day trip with no park hoppers. And it's not even a question given the small number of attractions at the Studios. Animal Kingdom is definitely worth the day.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I've never been to Disneyland. What's so much better about SM there?

It's a lot smoother. The cars are MUCH better in my opinion. They seat 2 to a row instead of just back to back like the Matterhorn bobsleds at Disneyland.

 

[Haley R]

It's a lot smoother. The cars are MUCH better in my opinion. They seat 2 to a row instead of just back to back like the Matterhorn bobsleds at Disneyland.

Oh okay. We wanted to go to DL this year, but the plane tickets were just too expensive and we didn't feel like driving that far. So we did DW two years in a row

 

[juliekzp]

I've never been to Disneyland. What's so much better about SM there?

Also much better music on SM in Disneyland!

I think one day is plenty for MK if you are very familiar with DL rides and are happy doing everything new just once. I'd probably skip Small World at WDW -- it's very similar in most respects but missing the Disney movie character appearances that Disneyland has. Pirates of the Caribbean is also not as good. Could probably also skip Buzz Lightyear, because it's very similar and also lame IMO.

I suggest getting FPs for Space Mountain, Mine Train, and Jungle Cruise. Get Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion done at rope drop.

 

[Haley R]

Also much better music on SM in Disneyland!

I think one day is plenty for MK if you are very familiar with DL rides and are happy doing everything new just once. I'd probably skip Small World at WDW -- it's very similar in most respects but missing the Disney movie character appearances that Disneyland has. Pirates of the Caribbean is also not as good. Could probably also skip Buzz Lightyear, because it's very similar and also lame IMO.

I suggest getting FPs for Space Mountain, Mine Train, and Jungle Cruise. Get Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion done at rope drop.

I don't like Buzz Lightyear, either. It's pretty outdated and Toy Story Mania is much better. They have Disney characters in Small World in DL?

Edit: I just watched a full ride video of Small World at DL because I was curious lol. The Disney characters are so cute! Why would they not include them at DW?

 

[juliekzp]

I don't like Buzz Lightyear, either. It's pretty outdated and Toy Story Mania is much better. They have Disney characters in Small World in DL?

Yes, it's super cute and makes me much more excited to ride Small World in DL than in MK! They are in the style of the regular Small World dolls and kinda blend into the scenery (except for Ariel, who gets her own mermaid shrine), so you need to be on the lookout. They are all in the places of the world you'd expect -- like Mulan in China, Alice in England, etc. Can see them all here if you're interested -- http://findingmickey.squarespace.com/iasw-disney-characters/

 

[Haley R]

Yes, it's super cute and makes me much more excited to ride Small World in DL than in MK! They are in the style of the regular Small World dolls and kinda blend into the scenery (except for Ariel, who gets her own mermaid shrine), so you need to be on the lookout. They are all in the places of the world you'd expect -- like Mulan in China, Alice in England, etc. Can see them all here if you're interested -- http://findingmickey.squarespace.com/iasw-disney-characters/

I missed some of those when I watched the video. Thanks for sending that! They are so cute. I love the Toy Story, Mulan, and Stitch characters the most!