WDW fan about to try DL, need help.

[David S.]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Hall 71

DL compared to Mk:
better pirates
has Indiana Jones
soundtrack on space mountain
Autotopia
Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
toontown is amazing
after that it's pretty much the same.

Well, for me, the BIGGEST (and BEST, from a DL point of view) difference is that DL has the far superior Fantasyland!

They have a whooping SIX rides not found in the MK or anywhere in WDW:

Pinocchio's Daring Journey (indoor dark ride)
Alice In Wonderland (indoor dark ride)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (indoor dark ride)
Casey Jr. Circus Train (outdoor train)
Storybook Land Canal Boats (outdoor boat ride)
Matterhorn Bobsleds (mountain coaster)

These "missing six" as I like to call them, are what I am admitedly most envious of Disneyland about, so I just had to mention them!

Also, DL retains 6 of the 8 MK Fantasyland attractions, and a 7th (Pooh) can be found in Critter Country. So the only classic Fantasyland attraction Disneyland is missing is Mickey's Philharmagic, while MK is missing 6, and arguably 7 - because DL also has a charming walkthrough inside their Castle that tells the story of Sleeping Beauty. Although, it could be argued that our version of this is the beautiful Cinderella tile mosaics found inside our Castle, as they tell the story of Cinderella.

Also, the facades for the classic Fantasyland dark rides at DL have charming storybook architecture instead of the medieval "tournament tent" look found in the MK.

So they've definitely got the better Fantasyland IMO, which is important to me as that's my favorite "land".

Other than that, the biggest differences in favor of DL, IMO, are the larger Toontown, which includes a downtown section and Roger Rabbit dark ride, the ORIGINAL Tiki Room show instead of UNM, re-opened submarine ride, inclusion of the Indy ride, as well as a more kinetic river (with canoes and the Columbia), and the train dioramas (although the Primeval World one is similar to the dino scenes in Universe of Energy). Plus, their Main Street Cinema and Penny Arcade are still open!

However, there are a few things in the MKs favor, attraction-wise: Disneyland is missing four beloved, timeless, classics found at MK - the Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey's Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress and the Peoplemover. The Peoplemover track is still standing and the ride is rumored to be coming back, in some form.

[David S.]

Originally Posted by ScrapIron

Once I was turned away at Indy at 9:15 PM because the CM thought I was early with a 9:40 FP, but waived me right in when I pointed out it was 9:40AM.

That's actually happened to me at WDW, and I, too, got to ride with no problem when I pointed out that my FP was from the AM!

[TP2000]

Originally Posted by zifster

I agree. In it's current form, there is nothing unique or special about DCA. Basically, if you've been on most of the major attractions at the 4 parks in WDW, and you've also been to Six Flags and some carnivals,... then you've been to DCA.

While I have never been a DCA cheerleader (see my critical DCA posts under this same handle dating back to alt.disney.disneyland usenet forums circa 1997 on this topic), that has to be the most overly-simplistic and inaccurate summary of DCA I have ever read.

World of Color alone is the most unique and special nighttime show I have ever seen in any Disney theme park from Tokyo to Orlando in recent years.

But you also have Monsters Inc., California Screamin', Disney Animation, Flik's Fun Fair, and Blue Sky Cellar as some key attractions worth a look. Anyone with more than a passing interest in Disney theme parks could now find a full 8 to 10 hour days worth of entertainment in DCA. Five years ago I would have pegged that time commitment at 4 hours, but now it's at least 8 to 10, especially with World of Color.

DCA now stands up to, or surpasses, any secondary Disney theme park except Epcot or DisneySea. But DHS, DAK, or WDSP? Easily an equal or superior to those three options.

[dweezil78]

Originally Posted by TP2000

DCA now stands up to, or surpasses, any secondary Disney theme park except Epcot or DisneySea. But DHS, DAK, or WDSP? Easily an equal or superior to those three options.

DCA is definitely improving that's for sure. I still think the park has a little ways to go before it has a SOUL though. That's what's missing for me there. They're doing ok in the overall # of attractions, but you never quite feel like you're escaping from reality in that park which to me is just as important as the rides. It almost feels like an extension of Downtown Disney rather than a separate park at times. It's like a Disney studios park on steroids at this point, but a far cry from the theming seen at EPCOT or AK.

That said, they're definitely making progress and doing a lot to change that. Between Carsland, the new entrance/Carthay Circle, and all the work being done around the pier we'll be in pretty good shape come 2012. Thematically, the weakest link in the park will end up being the area where Soarin' resides as that whole area has always come across as very cheap. It's almost like they said, what can we get away with by just using airplane hangars and a few buckets of paint??

[Wilt Dasney]

Originally Posted by dweezil78

DCA is definitely improving that's for sure. I still think the park has a little ways to go before it has a SOUL though. That's what's missing for me there.

The changes seem to be heading in that direction. From the trolley car that evokes Walt Disney's Hollywood to the makeover of the GRR uniforms to the jazz/ragtime tunes at Paradise Pier replacing those bland Beach Boy MIDI renditions, DCA seems to be aiming for a "retro California" theme, with the early 20th century acting as the loose thematic glue. Even without all the new attractions, I think the park might have more of that "soulful" feel you're talking about if these changes turn out as good as they sound.