WDW/DL comparisons

[goofy's friends]

We just got back from WDW and now have an opportunity to go to DL. We're wondering if our kids will get a unique experience. We're curious about the main dfferences and the little differences that may "be in the details". We really are looking forward to CA and my son didn't get to see his favorite characters (Mike and Sully)at MGM because of an unfortunate downpour on our last day. He wonders if he could meet them? We won't do a character meal unless there is something offered that is truly different than what we did in WDW (princesses in the castle and mickey and friends at Donald'sRestrauntasurus). So, give us all the comparisons that you can including mainly things that will help our experience at DL to be unique.

Thanks so much!

 

[babiesX2]

The Matterhorn makes DL unique.

Oooh, oooh, and back in Bear Country at the Winnie The Pooh shop there is a sweet treats shop that has Eeyore candy apples that are wonderful.

 

[goofy's friends]

The Matterhorn makes DL unique.

Oooh, oooh, and back in Bear Country at the Winnie The Pooh shop there is a sweet treats shop that has Eeyore candy apples that are wonderful.

Yum--what are these?

 

[babiesX2]

The sweet treats shop had huge cookies and brownies, too. The candy apples were humongous! It was a huge red, delicious apple dipped in caramel then a layer of white chocolate covered the outside. The white chocolate had been airbrushed with a shade of Eeyore purple and Eeyore's tail was attached -- so it looked like Eeyore's rear end! They were like $6.50 each but so worth every penny. My DD and I shared one and there was still alot left over for my DH. It makes a wonderful treat for Fantasmic. We are huge Eeyore fans here!

 

[lilpixie]

I grew up in Florida and went to WDW a few times each year. We moved when I was 19 and I haven't been back to FL since (hopefully soon). My husband and I just got back from a trip to DL with our girls. We loved it! I liked the fact that the park is more compact and not quite so spread out.
If your kids want to meet Sully -- head on over to California Adventure. My girls met him on the Hollywood Backlot. They also met the Incredibles and Chicken LIttle. We missed the characters from Toy Story there because the lines were soooo long. The other lines to meet characters weren't too bad! California Adventure was really fun! It has such a laid back, easy breezy feeling about it. My little ones loved the Bugs Life land, the muppet vision 3D, and Turtle talk with crush (I know they have the muppet vision and turtle talk at WDW, too). There is the Monster's Inc ride and an Aladdin musical over in DCA, too that are awesome.
As far as DL, there is an adorable show in Adventureland called Storytime with Aladdin and Jasmine at Aladdin's oasis. It is a 30 minute play that is so well done. The geenie was hilarious! Some of the kids get picked out of the audience (they sit at the front on carpets) to participate. My 3 yr. old daughter got picked to play Jafar the villian. What great memories. My girls loved the princess storytime at the Disney Princess shop outside the castle. I didn't see too many boys there, but a couple were there! The Matterhorn bobsleds are fun.
The only character meal we did was Ariels Grotto in DCA and LOVED it. I've heard the other ones are fun, too. There is an all you can eat dessert bar while watching Fantasmic with a great view (we didn't try this one), but it is spendy. I could go on and on.
Have a fun trip!!!!

 

[wackywexler]

Some of the rides that you don't have at Magic Kingdom vs Disneyland

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Matterhorn
Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin
Alice In Wonderland
Casey Jr. Circus Train

 

[goofy's friends]

I grew up in Florida and went to WDW a few times each year. We moved when I was 19 and I haven't been back to FL since (hopefully soon). My husband and I just got back from a trip to DL with our girls. We loved it! I liked the fact that the park is more compact and not quite so spread out.
If your kids want to meet Sully -- head on over to California Adventure. My girls met him on the Hollywood Backlot. They also met the Incredibles and Chicken LIttle. We missed the characters from Toy Story there because the lines were soooo long. The other lines to meet characters weren't too bad! California Adventure was really fun! It has such a laid back, easy breezy feeling about it. My little ones loved the Bugs Life land, the muppet vision 3D, and Turtle talk with crush (I know they have the muppet vision and turtle talk at WDW, too). There is the Monster's Inc ride and an Aladdin musical over in DCA, too that are awesome.
As far as DL, there is an adorable show in Adventureland called Storytime with Aladdin and Jasmine at Aladdin's oasis. It is a 30 minute play that is so well done. The geenie was hilarious! Some of the kids get picked out of the audience (they sit at the front on carpets) to participate. My 3 yr. old daughter got picked to play Jafar the villian. What great memories. My girls loved the princess storytime at the Disney Princess shop outside the castle. I didn't see too many boys there, but a couple were there! The Matterhorn bobsleds are fun.
The only character meal we did was Ariels Grotto in DCA and LOVED it. I've heard the other ones are fun, too. There is an all you can eat dessert bar while watching Fantasmic with a great view (we didn't try this one), but it is spendy. I could go on and on.
Have a fun trip!!!!

Yeah!!! Sulley and Mike would make my son's trip!!! And I'm so excited about Turtle Talk because it was down for refurbishment when we were atWDW. I love the idea of the Alladdin show, what fun. Bug's life is a favorite movie of my kids, so I really look forward to CA. Which characters are at Ariel's--is it Princesses ? or other characters? Thanks so much for all your ideas----any more anyone?

 

[goofy's friends]

Some of the rides that you don't have at Magic Kingdom vs Disneyland


Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin


What kind of ride is this?

 

[wackywexler]

Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin is in Toon Town. It has an elaborately themed queue and is a great ride. It is a typical inside ride, "dark ride", like you would find in Fantasyland but on a bit more adavanced level. You ride in taxi cabs and try to get away from the weazel who wants to spray you with dip. The bonus is that you can spin your car as it moves through the track like a tea cup, only not that fast. You do not have to spin though but it is an option for added fun. IIt is fun for all ages but may be a little intense for very young children.

 

[disneyholic family]

Some of the rides that you don't have at Magic Kingdom vs Disneyland

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Matterhorn
Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin
Alice In Wonderland
Casey Jr. Circus Train

you left out Indiana Jones - a really terrific amazing ride (with lines longer than you thought were possible....even the FP line was LONG)....it's kind of like dinosaur in the AK in terms of technology but a million times better....
we loved this ride and rode it several times (despite the wait)...

also i believe the tiki tiki room is the original one (not the revised one "under new management" in WDW)...
i love both of them so it's nice to see the original in DL.....
but i was last in DL 4 years ago....maybe it's been changed since then..

another difference is the castle....my kids were in shock as to how tiny it is....teenie tiny....

overall DL is prettier than the MK..
the New Orleans area is much nicer.....but all the areas are prettier...

as mentioned above there is this little train in fantasyland called Casey Jr. Circus Train....it doesn't seem like much but i have to admit it's one of my favorite rides in DL......we rode it 5 times when we were there....it's a sweet little thing....(as it goes up hill you can hear it saying "i think i can"...cute)..

 

[Anewman]

I know he mentioned Disneyland and not CA Adventure, but they do have a Monster INC ride going now. A must if your son is a big fan. The Alladin show is one of the best at any disney park.

 

[lilpixie]

As for the princesses as Ariel's Grotto (In DCA) -- we saw Mulan, Belle, Snow White, Ariel, the Fairy Godmother, and Hector (in sort of a prince type costume -- I think he is a paige to Ariel). Sometimes Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are there, too.
There is a Lilo and Stitch character meal, Goofy's Kitchen, Minnie and Friends, and a princess meal at the Plaza Inn as well. I have a book that lists them all if you want more info.
And, of course, there are different places to eat -- the Carnation Cafe and the Blue Bayou (I know they have the Bayou at WDW) take reservations. I think the Plaza Inn may take reservations also?? The restaurants in New Orleans square are fun -- like someone mentioned, it is a nice area.
In DCA, we really liked the Wharf cafe -- they have giant salads and soups served in yummy sourdough breadbowls.

 

[KPeterso]

Despite some rides at DL that are not at WDW, there are some that are just plain better. Small World, Pirates, and Space Mountain are all done much better. I am still trying to decide if I like this version of Buzz better or not. I do like that I can take the astro blaster out of the holder and hold it where I want it, but the ride feels shorter with fewer targets to me. So make sure to check these rides out too, because you will be amazed how much better these rides are done.

 

[disneyholic family]

there are some that are just plain better. Small World, Pirates, and Space Mountain are all done much better.

i forgot about pirates...
PotC is better in DL (it's twice as long) and of course there is the lovely Blue Bayou restaurant that is inside it.....the boats go by it.....just a lovely touch...i don't understand why they didn't build the WDW pirates that way....

another nice thing at DL - you can reserve seats on the balcony of the gallery to view Fantasmic (oh...and the Fantasmic at DL is better than the FAntasmic at MGM....)...the seats on the gallery balcony include a desert buffet......there are only 20 seats up there and they are without a doubt the best seats in the house...

also the fireworks are amazing....i forgot what they're called but it's the equivalent of the MK's Wishes.....but what tinkerbell does at DL is amazing...

let's see....i can't remember what else but i'm sure there's more....
there are some things in DL that are in other parks in WDW (not the MK - like fantasmic....also star tours, and some other things like that)....

 

[mickeysgal]

i forgot about pirates...
PotC is better in DL (it's twice as long) and of course there is the lovely Blue Bayou restaurant that is inside it.....the boats go by it.....just a lovely touch...i don't understand why they didn't build the WDW pirates that way....

I know...Pirates is so much better at DL!! We have an upcoming trip and I'm so sad that we're going to miss this and Blue Bayou since its closed for rehab. BUT...this is the only time we're able to go with everyone's schedules meshing, so we're thrilled to be able to go at all!! We'll just have to catch Pirates the next time.

 

[disneyholic family]

I know...Pirates is so much better at DL!! We have an upcoming trip and I'm so sad that we're going to miss this and Blue Bayou since its closed for rehab. BUT...this is the only time we're able to go with everyone's schedules meshing, so we're thrilled to be able to go at all!! We'll just have to catch Pirates the next time.

i can't understand why they built a worse one at the MK.....

 

[1000th happy haunt]

i can't understand why they built a worse one at the MK.....

They didn't set out to build a "worse" on at the MK. First, the one in Florida cannot have two drops because of the water table. And second, the one in California was origianally intended to be a walk-thru museum. When the newer boat technology emerged (thanks to the NY World's Fair), Walt wanted to go with it. The Imagineers asked what they should do with the area that was already intended to be the museum, and Walt responded to make caverns out of it (or something like that).

Disneyland also has StorybookLand Canal Boats, which is a wonderful ride if you need to rest your feet for a while.

And don't forget to visit the Haunted Mansion. While the ride itself is a bit shorter than the Magic Kingdom's version, it has newer, updated technology. And it has a real elevator.

And Jungle Cruise was refurbed last year with new effects.

But Indy is the absolute best (and it was built before Dinosaur).

 

[Alice28]

I read through most of the replies, nodding my head. I just have to repeat my favorite differences:

DEFINITELY Storybook Land Canal Boats- so darling. Casey Jr train circles this attractions.

Alice in Wonderland- a dark ride, like Snow White, but more elaborate.

Totally the Matterhorn and that whole area surrounding it (gives Fantasyland a more Alpine feel)

Indiana Jones

New Orleans Square- the rides like Pirates, the buildings, the shops, the restaurants (I like French Market myself). Lends a terrific atmosphere to the park.

The dinosaur diorama on the train - definitely ride the train between Tomorrowland and Main St for a unique Disneyland experience!

Toontown overall is just much more elaborately themed than WDW- you will enjoy it!

the It's a Small World facade is wonderful- nothing like WDW! Inside the ride is pretty much the same.

There is a back way between Fantasyland and Frontierland that can be nice and relaxing- there are usually some animals back there to look at or pet and just lends a nice atmosphere to the area. There used to be a fantastic BBQ restaurant back there, but I don't think it's there anymore.

The ORIGINAL Tiki Room!

I'm sure Mike and Sulley are around because of the new Monsters Inc ride in DCA.

The Bugs Life area is really cute! Little ones like it a lot. My 3 year old loved it when we went last time.

I just love all the detailing in Fantasyland- it's so beautiful to me compared to the MK one. Dumbo specifically is so nice- fountains, pretty lighting....I just love Fantasyland at DL, even though it gets soooo jam packed!

 

[mickeysgal]

Toontown overall is just much more elaborately themed than WDW- you will enjoy it!

The ORIGINAL Tiki Room!

I totally agree!

 

[maryfree]

Wow, reading all this has me so excited for our trip in August,now I wonder why it has taken me so long to finally make the trip...