Compare the rides with the same name: DL vs. WDW

[Walt Disney1955]

No, this isn't a Disneyland vs. Disney World thread. I am making it clear I do not want it to turn into this since it has been done and there are other threads about it with good points on either side. I am looking to take a trip to California next year and while I have studied the differences in each of the flagship parks I still haven't seen DL's rides in person and am wondering about which versions are better:

Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan
Small World
Snow White
Splash
Space Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Mr. Toad (I was at the old one at WDW, so use that comparison)


Just tell me which version you prefer, and why if you want to. Or if there is no difference then tell me that. Thanks.

 

[Scuttle]

I haven't been to DL, but I've read a lot about this topic. Out of those rides the only ones with major differences are Space, Small World and Pirates.

 

[AswaySuller]

No, this isn't a Disneyland vs. Disney World thread. I am making it clear I do not want it to turn into this since it has been done and there are other threads about it with good points on either side. I am looking to take a trip to California next year and while I have studied the differences in each of the flagship parks I still haven't seen DL's rides in person and am wondering about which versions are better:

Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan
Small World
Snow White
Splash
Space Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Mr. Toad (I was at the old one at WDW, so use that comparison)


Just tell me which version you prefer, and why if you want to. Or if there is no difference then tell me that. Thanks.

I adore both... So much so I visit one every other year respectively. I still do not know which I prefer but since this thread isn't about that that's irrelevant.

Pirates: DL is better. The blue bayou restaurant is so nice to have in Pirates. The DL version is also longer and I think it flows better (if you'll pardon the pun!)

HM: I LOVE the new ending to WDW's (i'm not sure DL's has this) and also I think the building for WDW's is a better building than the New Orleans Square one. So this goes to WDW for me.

PP/Small World /Snow White are all fairly similar I believe.

Splash... as with Pirates the DL version is (or at least feels) longer... they're much of a muchness here really.... the only reason I'd say DL's is better is that it's been maintained better (as you'll find with the whole park).

Space mountain.... hmmmm toughy.... DL's is smooth, you sit side by side on it, it has snazzy digital projection and on board audio.... I was so bitterly disappointed by the upgrade to WDW's space... However, the music on board is so cheesy.... it makes it feel like a kiddy ride in parts.... I thnk WDW's wins this for me it's just old school cooler.

I don't really remember Mr Toad at WDW although I did ride it I was only young.

So you can see it's a pretty tough call.... for me at least. These are just my opinions and I hope it's given you a bit of an insight.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

This is how I depicted it.

Pirates
DL: 3 extended scenes of Bayou, Caverns and Fortress and 2 drops
MK: Smaller scene of cavern, 1 drop and condensed ending.

Haunted Mansion
MK: The new add on's and the Library & Staircase rooms
DL: Odd loading area and jumps right to the hallway

Peter Pan
DL: Long Lines
MK: Long Lines

Small World
DL: The addition of Disney characters spread out through the ride..Even tho they are and eyesore
MK: Still the same since 71..

Snow White
DL: Show scenes starts in Dwarf's house and then goes backwards.
WDW: Show scenes in order of Film..Sorta

Splash
DL: AA's Work better but look weird, Boat is single seat and it seems the ride goes quicker.
MK: AA's Work at times, Boat is 2 seater, Ride is a little slower and you can take a look at the show scenes.

Space Mountain
DL: Long Line, Boring interior, Smooth ride, Great onride music, Train is 2 seater.
MK: Interior Music is Memorable, Great interior, 1 chair bobsled trains, 2 Tracks Alpha & Omega but rather rough. And a remix version of Space Mountains Theme piped in through speakers planted through the mountain.

Thunder Mountain
DL: Mirror's the Layout of MK
MK: Mirror's the Layout of DL

Mr. Toad (I have experienced both versions)
DL: Ride through house, Town, Winky's Pub, Courthouse, Train Tunnel and Hell
MK: 2 versions
1) Ride Through House, Fire Place, Town, Winky's Pub, Court, Train Tunnel and Hell
2) Ride through House, Animal prize room,Town, Gyspy camp, weasles, Train Tunnel and Hell

The weird thing is as I rode the DL versions..I yearned to be back at WDW...The other big difference is CROWDS..They are Big and waits can be pretty long..

 

[Mansion Butler]

Pirates
Way better at Disneyland, but the disparity is overplayed. There are things Disney World does better.

Haunted Mansion
Pretty much on par, but WDW is a longer ride with a slightly better layout. If you don't even like hearing the new cemetery queue, DL has that for you. Same if you prefer well-kept antebellum mansion to a creepy New England mansion. Mostly, it's soft differences that make each awesome, and just unique enough to be awesome in their own ways.

I forgot Disneyland doesn't have the new Hitchhiking Ghosts yet, though. So that's one thing that seems to get universal praise that sets them apart.

Peter Pan
Better at DL.

Small World
Awesome facade in California, ruined with saturation of Disney characters and removal of jungle for American southwest. It's also a tight flume rather than the lake format of Florida, which is just up to your preference. Give me lake, but the facade made California my preferred version until the characters arrived.

Snow White
I don't actually know.

Splash
Significantly better in Florida, but still great in California. About 1:30 shorter, with fewer drops and less comfortable logs (and lower capacity, if I'm not mistaken). As far as what's up to preference, it's a more cartoony setting outside, rather than meant to be a real spot in the south.

Space Mountain
WDW purists will tell you it's factually Florida. DL purists (who way, way outnumber the former) will tell you it's factually California. It is factually neither, it is a matter of preference.

DL has a better, smoother, less visually-intrusive track, on-board audio, and nicer effects. WDW has two unique tracks, each with a far more exciting layout than DL, higher capacity, and a much better queue line and post show. Most people like on-board audio, but even that is a preference issue.

I'd imagine Space Mountain would test better with an audience in California right now, but I seriously doubt it would be as one-sided a "victory" as most on the Internet would tell you. Just ride it in California and decide which you like more.

Thunder Mountain
WDW is a larger, longer, more spread out version of the same ride.


Of the rides you gave, Pirates (by a lot) and Peter Pan are the only ones I prefer the DL version of, but then I never go on Peter Pan. None of the DL versions are as far behind their WDW counterparts as WDW is behind DL's Pirates.

Again, though, some of those attractions are preference deals. I can easily understand how someone might prefer Space, Small World, or even Thunder and Mansion in California.

As far as some you didn't mention, give me Florida's Tower of Terror, Tom Sawyer's Island, Astro Orbiter, and People Mover (heh), and give me California's Soarin' just because it fits better, and I'd give most other attractions they have in common the slight edge. Also, give me California's Jungle Cruise post refurb, but the temple and an actual waterfall for Schweiter Falls will give Florida the edge when they catch up.

 

[WondersOfLife]

No, this isn't a Disneyland vs. Disney World thread. I am making it clear I do not want it to turn into this since it has been done and there are other threads about it with good points on either side. I am looking to take a trip to California next year and while I have studied the differences in each of the flagship parks I still haven't seen DL's rides in person and am wondering about which versions are better:

Pirates --- Disneyland
Haunted Mansion --- Magic Kingdom
Peter Pan --- Either
Small World --- Disney World (disneylands too long!)
Snow White --- Either
Splash --- Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain --- Disneyland
Thunder Mountain --- Either
Mr. Toad (I was at the old one at WDW, so use that comparison) --- Either
Buzz Lightyear --- Disneyland
Mad Tea Party --- Disneyland
Railroad --- Disneyland
Innoventions --- EPCOT
Jungle Cruise --- Either
Ariel's Undersea Adventure --- When finished, im sure its Magic Kingdom
Tower of Terror --- Either
Enchanted Tiki Room --- Disneyland



Just tell me which version you prefer, and why if you want to. Or if there is no difference then tell me that. Thanks.

-WondersOfLife


The last original pavilion. :king:

 

[the-reason14]

Pirates- better in DL. Longer and what the one in WDW should have been like.
Haunted Mansion- I didn't get to ride this in DL, but from what I've seen and heard, I think it's better in WDW.
Peter Pan- I'd probably say DL here. I like how their's stop, and how the windows open and it's better maintained and looks nicer.
Small World- Outside is better at DL, but the inside seems a bit cluttered and things are higher up and stationed awkwardly. I still think it's better at DL overall, but most of the inside looks better in WDW.
Snow White- DL's has a nicer exterior, but I think the ride itself is better in WDW, so WDW.
Splash- DL's is nice, has more AAs in it, but you float by them so fast that it makes it a bit redundant to have so many AAs. It's maintained better, but I'd still say it's better in WDW.
Space Mountain- WDW all the way. DL's is a better ride, but it fails as a coaster as it's not thrilling at all. So definitely WDW, no contest.
Thunder Mountain- I'd say WDW again here. I like the 'sinking town' and it just seems grander at WDW.
Mr. Toad- Never rode the one at WDW, but from what I hear it was better than the DL one.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

This is just me saying this, but Small World (on the outside) looks insanely bigger at DL than at WDW. It almost looks the size of the White House if you know what I mean, Are these pictures just deceptive or something?

 

[WDWGoof07]

When reading the comparisons, keep in mind that I love both parks and enjoy both versions of these rides. If I sound negative about one version, it is unintentional.

POTC: The ride portion is longer at DL, but the WDW version has an amazing queue. Slight edge to DL.

Haunted Mansion: At WDW, the exterior is creepier, the loading area is nicer, and the ride has everything that DL has and more (Escher staircases, new hitchhiking ghosts, library, sound effects/moving Ghost Host in the stretching room, etc.). Even Constance turned out better in WDW. WDW by a long shot.

Peter Pan: I think DL's ride had some new effects installed since it opened, while WDW's ride is pretty much the same since it opened. Unlike most fans, I actually like the Fantasyland tents in WDW, but I do prefer DL's facades. DL is the winner here.

Small World: DL's facade makes an impressive weenie, and I love it when the train goes by, especially at night. The visual impact from afar is about all that version has going for it. WDW has just about the same facade now, too, under the roof, and I prefer the "flooded look" at WDW to the DL flume because it feels more organic. My biggest complaint with the DL version is the character invasion. I don't mind the figures themselves, but incorporating music from the movies into the ride's soundtrack is just too obnoxious and greatly diminishes the experience. The destruction of the rainforest scene in DL was also a shame. WDW by a long shot.

Snow White: DL's version has the nice new Fantasyland facade, but the ending of the ride is much more satisfying at WDW. Slight edge to WDW.

Space: I might get flamed for this, but WDW's ride is way better. The queue is far more interesting. I love the soundtrack at DL (I'm a big Giacchino fan), but the coaster itself at WDW is lightyears ahead of the DL version. The intimate seating at WDW serves to give the ride portion more of an edge. WDW also has the cute, little post-show. WDW by a long shot.

Splash: I agree with the poster who said the ride feels quicker at DL. You can appreciate the scenery more in the slower WDW flume, and WDW has a better queue (shadow Brer Frog), smoother-flowing narrative, better AA's, and special effects that DL doesn't have (hopping Brer Rabbit). I also prefer the more bluegrass-like soundtrack at WDW to the big band sound at DL. WDW by a long shot.

Big Thunder Mountain: DL has a nice queue, but WDW has the flooded town scene that DL doesn't have. WDW is the winner here.

Mr. Toad: Once again, DL's version has the new Fantasyland facade going for it. I like the ride portion at WDW better because the two tracks offered different experiences. I remember the WDW ride to be wilder because of the near-misses with cars on the other track. WDW by a long shot (but I like that DL's is still with us today).

Final score: WDW 7 (6 if not counting Toad), DL 2

There are other attractions with the same name in the parks, but I'll just leave it at the ones you asked for.

 

[Lee]

Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan
Small World
Snow White
Splash
Space Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Mr. Toad (I was at the old one at WDW, so use that comparison)

Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain are better at MK.
Everything else...I prefer the Disneyland version.
In addition, I would add Disneyland's Jungle Cruise and Tiki Birds.

All purely my personal preference...

 

[Thrill]

Pirates - Disneyland is better. The ride is about twice as long. Granted, much of that is caves, but the caves are highly detailed. A lot of people say that Disneyland's Pirates is so much better, but I don't think it's by the wide margin that most people say. WDW has a far better queue, which makes up for it, to an extent.
Haunted Mansion - WDW. It's a longer ride and I prefer the darker exterior (though that queue >_<). Also, WDW has a better sound system, and I like the new Hitchhiking Ghosts.
Peter Pan - Don't remember the details of the ride at DL, but it's better maintained there, so.
Small World - Was closed when I went to DL, but it's better at DL. The exterior is great, and the ride is longer.
Snow White - I don't remember the differences other than the exterior (superior at Disneyland), but I know that DL has some enhanced effects that WDW doesn't have. DL.
Splash - Not sure.
Space Mountain - WDW. I might be one of three people who would say this, but WDW has a better queue, a post show, and a more fun coaster. Yes, DL has the onboard audio, but it doesn't do much for the fact that the coaster is kinda bland.
Thunder Mountain - Disneyland wins on maintenance. The rides themselves are similar, the queues are similar. I think DL might have some other minor details that are missing in WDW, though.
Mr. Toad (I was at the old one at WDW, so use that comparison) - Never went on it at WDW.

DL 5, WDW 2, I don't know about the other 2.

And if we add Jungle Cruise and Tiki Room, as Lee suggested, I'm not sure about Jungle Cruise, but DL's Tiki Room is better. It has the fountain, the addition of one song, and (in my opinion) a better pre-show.

 

[SeaBase86]

No, this isn't a Disneyland vs. Disney World thread. I am making it clear I do not want it to turn into this since it has been done and there are other threads about it with good points on either side. I am looking to take a trip to California next year and while I have studied the differences in each of the flagship parks I still haven't seen DL's rides in person and am wondering about which versions are better:

Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan
Small World
Snow White
Splash
Space Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Mr. Toad (I was at the old one at WDW, so use that comparison)


Just tell me which version you prefer, and why if you want to. Or if there is no difference then tell me that. Thanks.

When it comes down to Pirates, DL is better. That can be due to the fact that WDW's was rushed however.

WDW's Haunted Mansion is better especially with the new enhancements.

WDW's Peter Pan is better. DL's is a little to short for me.

DL's Small World is pretty incredible. The facade makes it look like a stand alone castle and I enjoy the outside portion so I'd say that one is better.

Snow Whites are about equal in my opinion. I'd give the edge to the DL though because of its facade. So DL wins that one.

WDW's Spalsh is better because it goes by slower and one can enjoy the sights. I feel every time I'm on the DL version I'm being rushed through the story. Oh and the side by side seating beats the single file any day.

Ok so we've made it to Space Mountain and yes DL's is better. I won't say way better but it is better. The inboard audio along with the effects make it a pretty epic journey.

When it comes down to Thunder Mountain it's a tie for me. They both have their pros and cons but they're a tie. Both have great theming and offer a great experience.

Mr. Toad in DL wins just because he exists there

 

[Mansion Butler]

This is just me saying this, but Small World (on the outside) looks insanely bigger at DL than at WDW. It almost looks the size of the White House if you know what I mean, Are these pictures just deceptive or something?

Nope, it's huge. Small World is a huge ride with a big, big show building, so you need something big to hide it.

Small World in Anaheim dominates its corner of the park the way the castle dominates the hub. And that is a plus, not an admonishment.

 

[ChristianG]

Pirates - Disneyland's is longer (too long for my liking) but overall it's better than WDW's version. BUT, WDW's version has the far superior queue. Disneyland

Haunted Mansion - WDW's version is better. But I loved DL's version as well. Something about WDW's HM makes it seem more real (despite the new queue). Maybe it's the exterior. It's just a very eerie location in the park! I love it! And don't get me started on the new Hitch-Hiking Ghosts! They are simply amazing! WDW

Peter Pan - WDW's version is longer, and I like it that way. Disneyland's version is a little too short. WDW

Small World - Disneyland's facade is just amazing. It wins in that category. But, WDW's actual ride is better IMO. The Disney Characters added to DL are nice, but they ruined some scenes with the movie songs added into the soundtrack. Plus, the rainforest scene cut out? WDW - Ride, Disneyland - Exterior

Snow White - Once again, Disneyland has the nicer exterior, but WDW's ride flows better. WDW

Splash - As many people have been saying, Disneyland's version goes by way to fast. You don't get to examine the scenery and AA's all around you! And for some reason, I like WDW's laughing place a lot better. WDW

Space Mountain - Many people would say Disneyland wins, but I think that WDW has the overall better experience. WDW's tracks are very thrilling! And a lot of people will say that onboard speakers are better, but I just love the way the audio in WDW's version echo's throughout the dome! I also love the triggered sound effects you hear when you turn! It's very thrilling! WDW

Thunder Mountain - I like WDW's story a lot better. It's very unique. As for the ride, it's pretty much the same on both coasts. So I'm going to go ahead and say that they both share the same experience. Both

Mr. Toad - I never experienced Mr. Toad at WDW, but I loved the version at Disneyland! WDW's version looked very fun, especially when you would have a near miss with another car, as someone stated before. But since WDW's is no more, and Disneyland obviously has the better facade, Disneyland wins this one. Disneyland

Score:

WDW - 7 (If you want to count BTM)

Disneyland - 4 (If you want to count BTM and IASW)

So my overall preference is WDW. But Disneyland offers some good rides as well.

 

[AswaySuller]

Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain are better at MK.
Everything else...I prefer the Disneyland version.
In addition, I would add Disneyland's Jungle Cruise and Tiki Birds.

All purely my personal preference...

I love the pirahana's on DL's Jungle Cruise

 

[AswaySuller]

I also thought I'd add this as it caught me out...

On Splash Mountain in DisneyLand... You Will Get SOAKED!
For some reason unlike the MK one where you do just get splashed you will get really wet.

Does anyone know if this is intentional? Can the splash level be turned up?
Or is it just due to different boat design etc...

 

[MichWolv]

No, this isn't a Disneyland vs. Disney World thread. I am making it clear I do not want it to turn into this since it has been done and there are other threads about it with good points on either side. I am looking to take a trip to California next year and while I have studied the differences in each of the flagship parks I still haven't seen DL's rides in person and am wondering about which versions are better:

Just tell me which version you prefer, and why if you want to. Or if there is no difference then tell me that. Thanks.

I will be brief, and I've added a few to the list. I've experienced both versions (except Toad) multiple times in the past year. Follow-up if you want specifics as to why.

Pirates -- Prefer DL. DL ride longer and with a couple of great visual. WDW line much more interesting.

Haunted Mansion -- Prefer WDW. More recent updates are noticeable anbd significant.

Peter Pan -- Prefer DL. Longer (I think) and just in better condition.
Small World -- DL's building and loading area are better. Otherwise, basically the same.
Snow White -- No preference.
Splash -- Prefer WDW. More comfortable seating arrangement and higher capacity. Ride experience about the same.
Space Mountain -- Love them both. Different enough ride that I have trouble saying which I prefer.
Thunder Mountain -- Prefer WDW, if the darned effects are working. Otherwise, little difference.
Mr. Toad -- Based on memory, about the same.

Winnie the Pooh -- WDW version far superior. Ride is longer, and with better scenes.
Tower of Terror -- Prefer WDW. The horizontal motion of the vehicle and longer buildup to the drop make it better.
Star Tours -- Same experience with a longer line at DL. Prefer WDW.
Toy Story -- Same experience, but a terrible queue at DCA. Prefer WDW.
Jungle Cruise -- Prefer WDW. I like the temple.
Tikis -- Haven't seen WDW's new version of the original, but I prefer DL's because of the Dole Whip stand.
Astro-Jets -- WDW because of its location.
Buzz Lighyear -- DL's version has removable guns and targets with different shapes and point values. Significantly more enjoyable that way.
Soarin' (over California) -- Same experience but with a shorter line at DCA.

 

[Chrononymous]

I have been to both parks many times, and while I love DL slightly more than the MK, I have to agree with many assessments so far...

Pirates~ DL's is simply more immersive, the huge caverns and the build up to the story is better. Coupled with the Blue Bayou, this one always seems more intense and superior.
Though since the movie upgrade, I do think the scenes with Jack Sparrow are better placed in terms of story in WDW than in DL. But that aside, the DL ride is just more enjoyable to me.

Haunted Mansion~ Since WDW did all the tweaking and upgrading , their Mansion is more technically advanced more interesting and more fun. I do like that DL's stretching room actually moves, but they haven't got the amazing advancements that the WDW mansion has.

Peter Pan~ Again, I like DL's slightly better...although they are very similar. In WDW's it seems like I can always spot things that need to be repainted, or cleaned.

Small World~DL's exterior is huge, and the characters are a really cute addition.WDW's never seemed quite as big or interesting as the one in California, even though there is a wider waterway to glide through. I dunno...I think you can feel more immersed in the DL version.

Snow White~ I like WDW's more...because the story just seems to make more sense than DL's. And for some reason WDW's seems a little more scary. Though like all Fantasyland rides, DL's has a better show building by far.

Splash~ WDW's is superior in many many ways. The ride is longer, the extra effects are more brilliant, the progression of the story is easier to follow. (I still don't get the lamenting mother Rabbit's song in DLs version)
This is one of the rare instances when I feel that WDW's is larger and more exciting than the California version.

Space Mountain~ No question...DL's is a better ride. Smoother, more cool effects, and better sound. I do agree that the WDW one has a better queue...but I get a raging headache every time I ride it, and feel like I am being tossed around like a ragdoll. I also like the cards better in DL.

Thunder Mountain~ It's weird I like them both about the same, though it feels like WDW's is a longer ride. The mining town scenes are cooler than in DL's ...but I like the dinosaur fossils in the DL version, and it seems like a faster ride in every sense of the word. Still...I can't really choose one over another.

Mr. Toad~ I remember them both ...and DL wins only because you can still ride it! Though I really do think that WDW had the superior ride...but only if you got to ride both tracks and see the different story scenes.