[Question] Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

[garcianegro]

Hi... My name is carlos and im from chile... I visit disney world every year... But this year im going to disneyland and disneyworld.... Well... This is my first visit to disneyland and i want to know the ride differences to make the most of my trip (i would like to spend my time in l.a. In diferent rides)... So the question is... Wish rides are exact copies and wish have differences... Please focus your answers in major rides and shows (space mouuntain, splash mountain, pirates, jungle cruise, big thunder, tower of terror, star tours, small world, buzz lightyear, fantasmic, midway mania...etc)... Please help.... If anyone know about universal (mummy, jurassic) your tips will be welcome... I know is a big question but all your help is valious

sorry if the english is not that good

[Coolwowzer]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

First I have to say in Disneyland everything is different, the feeling of Disney world and the feeling of Disneyland is very different, this is because Disneyland has a city built directly round it and Disney world is more secluded and is much larger. In Disneyland the main differences it there is a giant Mountian to the left of the castle, star tours is in Tomorrowland, Indiana jones is an awesome ride not show ( the same system is used with dinosaur in AK but this is much better), and the monorail goes into the park and stops in Tomorrowland. Most of the iconic rides in the magic kingdom are either duplicated concept from Disneyland or have been duplicated from WDW to Disneyland. Space Mountian, Splash Mountian and Big Thunder are in DL but they are different rides. Pirates is a DL original that has been duplicated in MK except DL has one more waterfall drop. Fantasmic is located along the rivers of America. Sleeping Beauty castle is short but still a classic. Small World is more elaborate in the exterior and it's beautiful. As for tower and toy story mania they reside in disneyland's sister park Disney California Adventure where you will find the original Soarn' and Little Mermid attractions. DCA also has tower which is about the same expirence, and toy story Mania which is the same ride. DCA also has California Screamn' which is a huge roller coaster with a loop and Radiator Springs Racers in the all new cars land. As for shows Fantasmic is shorter by a bit in DL and is about the same, I would suggest seeing World of Color in DCA which is a a great show. In Universal terms I've only been to the one in Florida but I heard the studio tour is worth the trip I would deffinently check it out!

[0ranos]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

Look, Carlos - we could sit here for literally hours listing off all the major differences between the parks. But here's the quick version:

1. Disneyland Resort is much more compact - all the rides are much closer together, and rides like Big Thunder Mountain or the Jungle Cruise, even the Sleeping Beauty Castle, are smaller.

2. Disneyland has a unique land: New Orleans Square. This contains two of the best, most classic rides in the park - the originals of the rides that you've ridden in Disney World. These are Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. There's no Liberty Square land.

3. The major rides that do not have any analogues in the Magic Kingdom are Indiana Jones, the Matterhorn, and the Submarines. A warning: Indiana Jones is extremely popular, and when paired with its tendency to break down can create long lines.

4. Disney's California Adventure (I'll never get rid of the apostrophe 's'!) is a fairly unique park. You will recognize some of the attractions from Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Tower of Terror, Toy Story Midway Mania, the Animation pavilion, the Muppets show... these are essentially the same as the ones you know. Soarin' Over California is also exactly the same as in Epcot. However, everything else in that park is pretty darn unique, especially with the new expansions.

5. As you probably know, the Disneyland Resort recently got a huge expansion in DCA. Crowds there are still pretty darn high. Be careful, and make sure you prioritize rides and fastpass properly.

These are the very basic main differences and similarities you will find. Good luck!

[ttintagel]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

I've been to both - the thing that struck me the most is that the crowds in Disneyland seem a lot more mellow.

[MANEATINGWREATH]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

Things found in Disneyland and DCA that are not found in WDW are:

- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- Alice in Wonderland
- Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
- Mickey's Toontown
- Critter Country
- New Orleans Square
- Grand Canyon Diorama
- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
- Pinocchio's Daring Journey
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer's Island
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Autopia (Tomorrowland Raceway or whatever is different although the same ride system/concept)
- Many of the restaurants and shops are different
- Red Car Trolleys
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
- Frances' Ladybug Boogie
- Flik's Flyers
- Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies
- Princess Dot Puddle Park
- Grizzly River Run
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- Goofy's Sky School
- Jumpin' Jellyfish
- Golden Zephyr
- King Triton's Carousel
- California Screamin'
- World of Color
- Mickey's Fun Wheel
- Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
- Luigi's Flying Tires
- Radiator Springs Racers
- All of the lands in DCA except for Hollywood Land which is pretty much a spin-off of DHS. The Carthay Circle Theater is also found in DCA and DHS, but the one in DCA is bigger and better

Some of the attractions are similar while others not-so-much. Others like Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, and the Jungle Cruise all have differences in them unique to DLR and not WDW. Many of the attractions in DL are the originals and can often be considered the best with some minor exceptions.

[mco65]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

^ nice list of attractions. The one attraction that stood out for me at DL that is not in WDW is Alladin's show. It was great.. wish it were in Orlando. Another I noticed was the Castle.. not that its that big a deal but the Castle in Orlando is nearly twice as big as the one in SoCal.

[Joshnyah]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

I think I am with everyone on here, Everything was very simular and quite different. Like the Haunted Mansion and Midway Mania small differences but in a huge way, I hope you will see the differences and love the nostalgia of Disneyland, and I hope you Love Carsland, It is fantastic.
Have a great trip.

[Buh]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

I think MANEATINGWREATH compiled a good list there.

Most of the differences lie in the rides themselves, so here's just some differences in the rides themselves.


*Pirates is around 15 minutes long, as opposed to WDW's 7 - 8 minute ride, and DL's queue is partially outdoors, and partially indoors (WDW's queue is more detailed).

*Haunted Mansion has a much different exterior. After exiting the stretching room, DL's exits out into a hallway with paintings, busts and stormy windows. WDW incorporates this hallway portion into a scene in the ride.

*Splash Mountain is almost completely different in the dark ride scenes (save for the "Zip a dee doo dah" scene at the end which is nearly identical). DL's ride moves faster than WDW's.

*Space Mountain is completely different at both parks. WDW has two tracks, DL has one. DL has an onboard soundtrack and a much different first lift featuring screens with stars. Both parks also have very different queues and load/unload areas.

*Buzz Lightyear in DL has movable laser guns attached by long rubber tubey things, plus the show scenes are very different.

*Big Thunder Mountain is largely the same. WDW's moves the opposite direction as DL's. WDW's load is indoors, DL's is in an outdoor station. The queue is different (bigger queue at WDW, more detailed at DL), and DL's version of the ride ends in a mining town, as opposed to the geysers.

*It's a Small World is a bit longer at DL, and features an outdoor portion that goes around the shrubbery of the exterior area. Biggest difference is the exterior, which is much larger at DL, and doesn't start indoors. DL also now has Disney characters peppered throughout.

*Jungle Cruise is in a different order at both parks. Some similar show scenes, some different. There is no indoor temple portion at DL, instead an outdoor temple ruins section at the very beginning. DL's features piranhas at the end. WDW's is longer.

*Railroad at DL features a portion with a grand canyon diorama, and a "Primeval world" portion that goes past animatronic dinosaurs.


And there's differences everywhere else too. You'll be shocked at how different but similar the parks are.

[MANEATINGWREATH]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

One thing that has been mentioned is the fact that DLR is much more intimate than WDW when it comes to size and location. Other than the fact a massive city filled with hotels and tourist traps surrounds the resort (I'd recommend going out of Anaheim as well to see Universal, Knott's, and the beach at some point, you'd have a perfect vacation that way), DLR is built in very close quarters and just has a wonderful feeling of nostalgia to it. WDW has nostalgia as well but it is much bigger and much less intimate. For some that could be a good thing or a bad thing. Personally I prefer both. I grew up with Disneyland and to this day enjoy wandering around the resort aimlessly. I love exploring the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel. That on its own is an adventure which you could accomplish for free. Park at Downtown Disney, wander around Downtown Disney and the hotels if possible, then make your way back to the parking lot before your time is up before you have to pay. A perfect two hours of fun.

I haven't been to WDW since the early 2000's (I think 2002) and for the first time in 1999 so I fully remember every wonderful aspect of WDW. I remember what was left of the old Future World and its sense of intrigue, I remember the sheer size of the resort, I remember riding buses everywhere in addition to the family car, and I remember exploring countless areas in the resort, such as the World of Sports area, Downtown Disney, DisneyQuest, Fort Wilderness with the Hoop-Dee-Doo-Revue, and even some random little seafood restaurant located along a pier. That's the kind of stuff that makes WDW magical with its separation from the outside world and its enormous size. I will always prefer DLR though. It's just too memorable and nostalgic to me that it'll always be my home theme park.

[jcruise86]

Sorry: sloppy post below--with formatting issues


Garcianegro, you asked us to focus on major rides and shows, so I've added my notes in red to some of the items on the impressive list by maneatingwreath. Also, I would add to to some of the excellent posts above:
Relax and watch movie clips in the large lobby of the Animation building--the most underrated room at the Disneyland Resort.
Don't miss walking around the Grand Californian Lobby and consider having a meal at that hotel.
And eat at the BLUE BAYOU (HAVE A RESERVATION) in New Orleans Square.
SMALL WORLD--longer with Disney characters added. Note how (like the teacups) the loading area is outdoors. This is because Southern California has the best climate in the continental US, excluding the fires, smog, earthquakes, and arrogance of its residents who believe it has the best climate in the U.S.
Go on our better Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
See our FANTASMIC!

--SEE THE ENDANGERED FISH BEFORE THEY GO AWAY. . . FOREVER![/COLOR]

- Alice in Wonderland--NICE, SMALL DARK RIDE

- Casey Jr. Circus Train--ONE OF MY FAVORITE, CLASSIC LITTLE RIDES

- Indiana Jones Adventure--DON'T MISS--PERHAPS YOUR FIRST MAGIC KINGDOM FASTPASS

- Matterhorn Bobsleds--DON'T MISS, UNLESS YOU VALUE COMFORT

- Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular--NO MORE FLYING CARPET (I THINK) BUT DON'T MISS IT FOR THE GENIE

- Grizzly River Run--OFF THE SHELF, BUT OFF THE TOP SHELF. (Yes, I used to bartend.)

- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail--MY KID LIKES IT AND YOU MAY WISH TO SPEND A FEW MINUTES HERE SINCE IT MIGHT BE REMOVED, AND IT'S POSSIBLE THAT SOMEDAY SOMEONE ON MICEAGE WILL CLAIM THAT HAD BEEN ONE OF THE BEST THINGS EVER. THEN AGAIN, I FOLLOWED THE REVIEWS AND SKIPPED SUPERSTAR LIMO, WHICH WAS CLOSED AT DCA, AND FROM THE YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THIS RIDE, I'M GLAD I DIDN'T RIDE IT BECAUSE IT MAY HAVE REDUCED MY LOVE OF DISNEY.

- California Screamin'--SMOOTHER AND SMALLER THAN THE AVERAGE COASTER. I LIKE IT.

- World of Color--DON'T MISS

- Mickey's Fun Wheel--A NICE VIEW OF THE RESORT

- Radiator Springs Racers--DON'T MISS--MAKE THIS YOUR FIRST FASTPASS OF THE DAY AND TRY TO RIDE IT AT NIGHT TOO . . .

[traumwelt]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

You will find that the lighting and overall artistic execution of the scenes in the Disneyland rides is much better than the Disney World counterpart. It seems like more attention to detail is paid to Disneyland attractions.

[garcianegro]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

h

---------- Post added 07-10-2012 at 12:41 PM ----------

First i want to thank you all for your tips and comments
This year im going with my wife and 3 children (13.8.6)
Our schedule is kind of crazy, thats why i want to know exactly what to especially in l.a.
OUR SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE IS
16. TOUR IN L.A.
17. DISNEYLAND
18. CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
19. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (NIGHT FLIGHT TO ORLANDO)
20. THYPOON LAGOON
21. MAGIC KINGDOM
22. EPCOT
23. ANIMAL KINGDOM
24. BLIZZARD BEACH
25. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO.
26. AQUATICA
27. HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
28. ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
29. SEA WORLD
WE ALSO INCLUDED... LA NOUBA, HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS (WE DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT OUR KIDS), AND MICKEYS HALLOWEEN PARTY
YES ... I KNOW... WE ARE A CRAZY FAMILY

[Koutesu]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

Things found in Disneyland and DCA that are not found in WDW are:

- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- Alice in Wonderland
- Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
- Mickey's Toontown
- Critter Country
- New Orleans Square
- Grand Canyon Diorama
- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
- Pinocchio's Daring Journey
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer's Island
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Autopia (Tomorrowland Raceway or whatever is different although the same ride system/concept)
- Many of the restaurants and shops are different
- Red Car Trolleys
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
- Frances' Ladybug Boogie
- Flik's Flyers
- Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies
- Princess Dot Puddle Park
- Grizzly River Run
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- Goofy's Sky School
- Jumpin' Jellyfish
- Golden Zephyr
- King Triton's Carousel
- California Screamin'
- World of Color
- Mickey's Fun Wheel
- Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
- Luigi's Flying Tires
- Radiator Springs Racers
- All of the lands in DCA except for Hollywood Land which is pretty much a spin-off of DHS. The Carthay Circle Theater is also found in DCA and DHS, but the one in DCA is bigger and better

Some of the attractions are similar while others not-so-much. Others like Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, and the Jungle Cruise all have differences in them unique to DLR and not WDW. Many of the attractions in DL are the originals and can often be considered the best with some minor exceptions.

Not to throw salt in the wound, but WDW recently closed Snow White's Scary Adventures, which will be replaced by a princess meet and greet. It can still be found at Disneyland. The attraction at Disneyland got new digital projectors in 2010 for the Queen's transformation effect (makes the whole room change) and the climatic scenes where the dwarfs are chasing the Queen up a cliff (rain effects).

Also found at Disneyland but not WDW are the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, which are seasonal. Paddle around the Rivers of America in a canoe sums up the experience.

[Susan Hughes]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

A one week vacation at WDW is completely that...Walt Disney World. You never leave the resort because it's designed to keep the guests on site. Starting at the airport, you never pay for any transportation. In addition to buses are the monorails and ferries. There's no reason to rent a car, thus, no reason to leave the property.
The Disneyland Resort on the other hand is part of an overall Southern California vacation. A week spent there will also include the beaches, Los Angeles/Hollywood, San Diego, the mountains, the deserts. For some folks even an overnighter to Las Vegas.
You can have the same theme park experience at The Disneyland Resort as you would at Walt Disney World. In many ways, a better experience than WDW now that Cars Land is open. But you don't have to travel 48 square miles to accomplish that.
One other difference I noticed is The Disneyland Resort looks and feels brand new. That's because they are constantly updating and improving the resort. And it's clean, clean, clean. On my first trip to Walt Disney World, the one thing I noticed is how old and outdated everything looked. And maintenance is something lacking over there. Lots of wear and tear.

[jcruise86]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

---------- Post added 07-10-2012 at 12:41 PM ----------

First i want to thank you all for your tips and comments
This year im going with my wife and 3 children (13.8.6)
Our schedule is kind of crazy, thats why i want to know exactly what to especially in l.a.
OUR SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE IS
16. TOUR IN L.A.
17. DISNEYLAND
18. CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
19. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (NIGHT FLIGHT TO ORLANDO)
20. THYPOON LAGOON
21. MAGIC KINGDOM
22. EPCOT
23. ANIMAL KINGDOM
24. BLIZZARD BEACH
25. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO.
26. AQUATICA
27. HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
28. ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
29. SEA WORLD
WE ALSO INCLUDED... LA NOUBA, HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS (WE DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT OUR KIDS), AND MICKEYS HALLOWEEN PARTY
YES ... I KNOW... WE ARE A CRAZY FAMILY

Thirteen days in a row of theme parks? :thumbdown :beg: :bang:
How about if you just go to California and also visit some of the places that you only see film of on Soarin'?
Then go to Florida the following year with a few days at a beach;
then visit national parks in 2014,
and Washington, D.C. & NYC in 2015,
then return to me for further instructions. )

[SarahAnne]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

I know a lot of people have said similar things, but I'd like to emphasize the difference in experience at the resort... Disneyland has a lot more charm than Disney World does, and there are a lot more details in every aspect of the park, from the lighting and signage to walkways and architecture. My biggest piece of advice to fans of both parks is to take advantage of that atmosphere and spend some time just wandering the park and taking in all of the details outside of the rides, rather than focusing all of your time and energy towards getting to the rides. Disneyland doesn't have the wide walkways that Disney World does, and so it can get more crowded, but it also feels less like a theme park because of this design element. Another note; the Fantasyland dark rides that are in both parks are much more impressive at Disneyland. I think they are slightly darker in Disneyland, and the rooms themselves seem smaller (less floor space showing between your ride vehicle and the animatronics), which for some reason really helps to sell the illusion.

Plus, as I'm sure you know, Disneyland has an entire park that Disney World does not have, California Adventure. There is some ride overlap between the Disney World resort, but the feel of the park is very unique, and with its recent expansion, there are some really impressive moments to be had. I highly recommend a trip to the Carthay Circle Restaurant, and leave yourself some extra time to relax in the lounge downstairs. It does not feel like a theme park, and it's absolutely gorgeous; a truly magical Disneyland-exclusive experience.

I realize I probably sound biased, and I'm not; I love both resorts and would never have to choose between them. When friends who have only been to one or the other ask about the difference, I find the easiest way to explain it is to tell them that Disneyland has all of the detail and charm that make Disney parks feel really special, but Disney World's scale is impressive, and it has the virtue of always feeling like there is something new to see right around the corner; it's easy to walk through all of the two Disneyland parks in a few hours (if you're not stopping to do anything!) and feel like you've seen the resort.

[Homan]

Re: Disneyland v/s disneyworld: Differences

h

---------- Post added 07-10-2012 at 12:41 PM ----------

First i want to thank you all for your tips and comments
This year im going with my wife and 3 children (13.8.6)
Our schedule is kind of crazy, thats why i want to know exactly what to especially in l.a.
OUR SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE IS
16. TOUR IN L.A.
17. DISNEYLAND
18. CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
19. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (NIGHT FLIGHT TO ORLANDO)
20. THYPOON LAGOON
21. MAGIC KINGDOM
22. EPCOT
23. ANIMAL KINGDOM
24. BLIZZARD BEACH
25. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO.
26. AQUATICA
27. HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
28. ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
29. SEA WORLD
WE ALSO INCLUDED... LA NOUBA, HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS (WE DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT OUR KIDS), AND MICKEYS HALLOWEEN PARTY
YES ... I KNOW... WE ARE A CRAZY FAMILY

This sounds like a fun but tiring time. I wish I was doing this trip.