WDW vs DLR Haunted Mansion

[Lothlórien]

What are the major differences and which is better? I googled, but it seems some of the things I read are from people are going on what they have heard and not from experience. I am looking for somebody who has been to both to tell me. I could watch YouTube videos, but it is dark and does not give me the best idea.

 

[mesaboy2]

They are similar, most differences would be termed minor by non-HM nerds. I enjoy them both.

 

[MissKIA]

One obvious difference is the exterior of the actual "house'. They are very different.

The hallway that you line up in after the (actual working) elevator at DL has pictures on the walls and busts that actually "watch" you and you move along. It's very cool.

DL also still has the old holographic hitchhiking ghosts, where MK has the new images, which are much more realistic looking. (sorry, I don't know the actual term for what they use now)

There really aren't huge differences to the actual rides.

 

[BrianL]

WDW has the busts in the library scene near the beginning of the ride portion which is not in the DL version plus the changing portraits are on-ride rather than in the hallway before the loading area (WDW stretching room opens right into the loading area). Also the conservatory scene has the organ player instead of him being in the attic. These first couple of scenes make the WDW ride portion slightly longer than the DL version.

The new effects were added to the Hitchhiking Ghosts at WDW, plus there is the interactive queue portion as well. They are otherwise mostly the same.

 

[Princess_Kirky]

DLR has the new/old Hat Box Ghost and he is amazing! DLR does the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay during Halloween and into Christmas... The hitchhiking ghosts are much better at WDW. Exteriors are vastly different from each other.

 

[rajak73]

One stretch room goes up, one goes down.

 

[Angel Ariel]

WDW has the busts in the library scene near the beginning of the ride portion which is not in the DL version plus the changing portraits are on-ride rather than in the hallway before the loading area (WDW stretching room opens right into the loading area).

Just to clarify this, the DL version does have the busts, they are just part of the queue like the changing portraits are, not on the ride itself.

As someone else said also, the DL version just added the Hatbox ghost this year which is really cool (and really close to the doombuggies!).

WDW has an endless staircase scene (inspired by the artist Escher, IIRC) that DL doesn't have.

It really comes down to personal preference more than major differences. I personally prefer the New Orleans Square setting over the Liberty Square setting, plus the holiday overlay at DL rocks! (We saw it for the first time this year, and even my 3 y/o loved it!)

 

[BrianL]

Just to clarify this, the DL version does have the busts, they are just part of the queue like the changing portraits are, not on the rude itself.

Right. Someone mentioned above that DL had them in the hallway, but WDW did not...but they are on the ride along with the changing portraits. I really want to see Hatbox Ghost sometime!

 

[MrsDuck]

Really, the only advantage DL has, in my opinion, is the Hat Box Ghost! I prefer WDW's building, queue, and track.

 

[SureAsLiz]

WDW has an endless staircase scene (inspired by the artist Escher, IIRC) that DL doesn't have.

It is actually inspired by the Winchester Mystery House - the story of that place actually ties in really well with the HM story which is pretty cool

 

[Pesky]

And DLR has the NBC makeover starting around Halloween. The queue is definitely better at WDW. I've preferred the WDW version of HM and the DLR version of POTC. I'm not sure it matters really, just personal preference.

 

[zaccaglin]

HAT BOX GHOST at DLR And that's about all that matters to me. I do love the Nightmare before Xmas retheme there as well.