Differences Between Disneyland and Walt Disney World

[Agent]

Hello all!

I have been to WDW too many times to count. I have never been to DL, however. I am finally going in mid-July. I only have one day. What attractions are must sees? Specifically, I am looking for rides that are not at WDW (Toad [RIP], Casey, etc.) and those that are at WDW, but are different (Pirates, Space Mountain). I also plan to go to DCA since I have a 7 year old that will kill me if I don't take him to Carsland.

I appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks,

Doug

 

[Californian Elitist]

An early welcome to Disneyland.

Since you only have one day, will be careful in picking the attractions you should and should not see. It's good that you're getting a park-hopper.

Disneyland: Rides that aren't present in WDW

Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. A must-see. Just a warning, it can be a little scary for kids, but I don't think your seven-year old should have a problem. Is your son easily scared of things?

Tarzan's Treehouse. I say this attractions simply because it's different from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse in MK and you can get through it in a couple of minutes.

I would do every ride in Fantasyland that is not in Florida. This includes Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Casey Jr. (if the line is short, or if there are two trains operating) and Matterhorn. A warning, Matterhorn is a bumpy ride. If you want ride and you want a less bumpy experience, choose the right side, or the Fantasyland side. You'll know what I'm talking about once you get there and see it for yourself.

Toontown. I heard Florida's version was inferior. Toontown is great for kids. If the line is not too long, I'd recommend Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin.

Rides present at WDW, but are different:

Pirates of the Caribbean. You have to do it.

Space Mountain

Autopia

Innoventions, for the Iron Man Exhibit. Your son may be interested in that.

Buzz, but I believe the only differences are the noise-making, vibrating targets and the pick-up guns. I don't think it matters if you do this or not.

If you're staying the whole day, you should check out Fantasmic!.

There aren't many rides in California Adventure that are also in WDW. The only ones I can think of are Tower of Terror, Soarin' Over California and Toy Story Midway Mania. I say do what you can in California Adventure. If possible, try and catch a showing of World of Color.

 

[Figments Friend]

You will love Disneyland !

Regarding Toontown, yes, the DL version is far superior to WDWs version...even more so now since the FL Toontown Fair was removed and replaced with Storybook Circus last year!

DLs ToonTown is great. You feel like you have really stepped into a cartoon world.
Don*t miss Roger Rabbit*s Car-Toon Spin...the queue is worth waiting in line for if you are a Roger fan!

Enjoy you visit !

 

[lazyboy97o]

There aren't many rides in California Adventure that are also in WDW. The only ones I can think of are Tower of Terror, Soarin' Over California and Toy Story Midway Mania. I say do what you can in California Adventure. If possible, try and catch a showing of World of Color.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has a different ride profile with the Florida version often wing deemed superior. Muppet-Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug and The Little Mermaid are also at Walt Disney World and nearly identical.

 

[Californian Elitist]

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has a different ride profile with the Florida version often wing deemed superior. Muppet-Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug and The Little Mermaid are also at Walt Disney World and nearly identical.

I don't know how I forgot Mermaid. Oh wait, yes I do. The ride is overrated and just okay. The great thing about DCA's Mermaid is it's always a walk on. The wait is never long. But yes, Mermaid is in WDW.

I left the shows out purposely, since the OP only has one day. I didn't even bother with the shows.

 

[TP2000]

One day at both parks is going to take careful planning and the expectation that you will miss out on many major attractions and entertainment.

Disneyland/DCA are two separate parks crammed into roughly the same space as Epcot. Imagine Disneyland existing inside the space of Future World and DCA existing inside the space of World Showcase, with a small turnstile plaza in the middle connecting the two. Now imagine that both of those parks are packed with 65 different rides. 15 of those rides are major E Ticket attractions, and a half dozen of those don't exist in WDW (and likely never will). In those two parks each day there are two different major parades, two major night water shows, plus two major theater shows, plus fireworks. Plus all the usual small theater shows, street dance parties or small parade cavalcades, atmosphere entertainment, short daytime water shows, etc., etc.

Now, you will have time to do perhaps a dozen of those attractions, maybe 15 if you really plan things and keep moving. You will need to miss out on several major E Tickets, and Radiator Springs Racers is going to have to be a priority if you want a Fastpass for it. (They are gone for the day within 90 minutes of DCA park opening). Otherwise, be prepared for a two hour Standby wait for Racers and then you just gave up on going on several other attractions out of your dozen or so for the day.

You'll need to decide which night water show you will see, if you see one at all. World of Color offers Fastpass, Fantasmic! does not but offers extra-cost dessert buffet seating. Otherwise, waiting for a water show will eat into your time. There are several famous table-service restaurants in both parks, some quite fancy and the Blue Bayou inside Pirates of the Caribbean that your boat will float right past. But you need to stick to fast counter-service meals and Anaheim has many excellent choices there. (The food is generally better overall in Anaheim parks compared to Orlando parks).

The good news is the parks are very walkable. Again, you'll be spending your day inside a footprint the size of Epcot, but that is packed with 65 rides which is nearly the same amount that all four WDW parks have combined. Plus just as much major and minor daily entertainment as the four WDW parks offer, except for the missing MSEP in Anaheim.

Just go in knowing you will be skipping many major attractions, many unique Anaheim attractions, and many unique entertainment offerings and small Walt Disney-designed details that you will only see in Anaheim. You just have to accept that you will miss out on a lot of that, and then your mind can relax and enjoy what few things you will be able to accomplish and see in one day. Do some research and create a battle plan, and you'll be fine!

 

[Californian Elitist]

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has a different ride profile with the Florida version often wing deemed superior. Muppet-Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug and The Little Mermaid are also at Walt Disney World and nearly identical.

I forgot to mention Tower of Terror!

OP, California Adventure's version of Tower of Terror is generally thought to be way inferior to DHS' version. Might want to skip it!

 

[TP2000]

Off the top of my head, and in no particular order, here are the 28 rides that exist in Anaheim's two parks that don't exist in WDW's four parks;

Disneyland Park
Matterhorn Bobsleds = E Ticket
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage = E Ticket
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Alice In Wonderland
Sailing Ship Columbia
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
Indiana Jones Adventure = E Ticket

DCA Park
Red Car Trolley
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley To The Rescue!
Grizzly River Run = E Ticket
Goofy's Sky School
Golden Zephyr
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Silly Symphony Swings
Mickey's Fun Wheel
California Screamin' = E Ticket
Radiator Springs Racers = E Ticket
Luigi's Flying Tires
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
Flik's Flyers
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
Francis' Ladybug Boogie
Tuck & Roll's Bumper Cars

And also off the top of my head, and in no particular order, here are the 10 attractions that technically exist in both Anaheim and WDW, but that are majorly different or artistically superior in Anaheim;

Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
Space Mountain
Peter Pan's Flight
Rafts to Pirate's Lair (Tom Sawyer Island)
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Disneyland Railroad thru Grand Canyon Diorama and Primeval World
Tarzan's Treehouse
Splash Mountain

And then there are the 20 attractions that are basically the same thing and same experience in Anaheim and WDW, with only minor queue or aesthetic differences;

Main Street Vehicles
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Mark Twain Riverboat
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party (teacups)
King Arthur's Carousel
Gadgets' Go Coaster (Barnstormer)
Star Tours
Captain EO
Astro Orbiter
Soarin' Over California
Tower of Terror (generally considered aesthetically inferior in Anaheim)
Turtle Talk
Animation Academy
MuppetVision
It's Tough To Be A Bug
The Little Mermaid ride
King Triton's Carousel

Then there are a handful of one-offs, from major activity areas to minor petting zoos or walking tours. From the excellent Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, to the quirky Big Thunder Ranch Petting Zoo, to the charming little things like Sleeping Beauty Castle Diorama Tour or Main Street Cinema or Blue Sky Cellar, to the odd but still there Boudin Bakery Tour. With a 7 year old, most of that can be skipped except for the Challenge Trail could be a major draw.

So sift through that list above, find your top 12 to 15 attractions that you really want to see in one day, then weigh those against any attempt at seeing one of the night water shows or spectaculars. You should probably not attempt any of the parades or major stage shows like Aladdin A Musical Spectacular or Mickey & The Magical Lamp.

 

[pluto13]

Hey, Agent here is a full list of Disneyland attractions that WDW does not have and rides that have major differences:

Rides that do not exist at WDW:
Disneyland Park:
Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Ranch
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Chip 'n Dale Treehouse
Davy's Crockett's Explorer Canoes (RIP)
Donald's Boat (RIP)
Fantasy Faire
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Goofy's Playhouse
Indiana Jones Adventure
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mickey's House and Meet Mickey (RIP)
Minnie's House (RIP)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (RIP)
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Sailing Ship Columbia
Snow White's Scary Adventures (RIP)
Storybook Land Canal Boats

DCA:

California Screamin
Disney's Aladdin, The Musical
Flik's Flyers
Francis' Ladybug Boogie
Games of the Boardwalk
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School
Grizzly River Run
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
Jumpin Jellyfish
Luigi's Flying Tires
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
Mickey's Fun Wheel
Monsters, Inc.- Mike and Sully to the Rescue
Radiator Springs Racers
Red Car Trolley
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Silly Symphony Swings
Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies

Rides that physically exist at both parks, but have major differences:

Disneyland:
Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters
Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Tarzan's Treehouse (Swiss Family Treehouse)
Disneyland Railroad

Hope this helps! Have fun! Also, there are lots more attractions to do so check them out to!

 

[RandomPrincess]

Since your son is 7 - I would skip Bug's Land in DCA. It's all small kiddie rides more for the kids who haven't hit 40 inches yet.

 

[Agent]

Everyone - Thanks for the quick, and detailed, responses. It is why I like this site and have visited it for 10 years.

"She Who Must Be Obeyed" has added an extra day to the trip. So I figure splitting it up with one day at each park (with a parkhopper option). As a result, we may be able to see the Aladdin show, which I have heard is great (my wife and I love the Beauty and the Beast show at DHS).

Again, thank you for the prompt responses. Keep 'em coming!

 

[Californian Elitist]

Two days are even better.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Yay for two days! One day for a first trip to DLR is like when you hear about someone going to WDW for the first time for two or three days. You won't be able to see everything, especially in the summer, but I think since you're a WDW vet, you'll be in good shape.

Everyone had really good responses so far, but I can't resist offering up my own list. This is a list for someone who feels they can skip the clones or the inferior versions:

Disneyland
1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
- You won't believe this is basically the same ride as Dinosaur.
2. Space Mountain
-A smooth, modern coaster with a ride-synchronized soundtrack by Michael Giacchino.
3. Pirates
- So much more to it in CA: more drops, the bayou scene, the better audio, and MORE RIDE.
4. Toontown
-Roger Rabbit is a good dark ride and the whole land is neat. It's the version that woulda coulda shoulda gone to DHS off of Sunset Blvd.
5. Fantasmic!
-When you only had one night, I was going to suggest skipping this, but it really is a lot better than Florida's. It has clearer water projections, a cool Peter Pan scene, and an IMPRESSIVE dragon. I haven't bothered to go to the DHS version in a while, but I love the DL version.
6. Buzz
-This is another one that I don't love in Florida, but am crazy about in California (just look at my username/avatar if you don't believe me!). It is a very similar ride, but it has several smallish touches that really let the ride live up to its potential... makes it a completely different experience for me!
7. Autopia and Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer Island
-I bunched these together for two reasons: your 7YO will probably really enjoy these even though you wouldn't be going on them if you were on a solo trip, and these attractions would never be built like this today. The piratey additions to the Island are actually worthwhile, and make sure you check out the caves: they're different than the ones in MK and there's actually some tight squeezes! They are anti-ADA. It makes it feel a little more like you're really exploring; there was at least one spot where my 6YO could fit, but I couldn't (I haven't missed any meals, but I'm not a really big guy). The Autopia is SO much more than the four left turns you get on the Tomorrowland Speedway. There's bridges and underpasses, the cars take different routes through a very green area, and the monorail goes right overhead. I don't remember whether it was the monorail track or another part of the Autopia, but there was an overpass over our car that was low enough to easily touch. You'd never build something like that today!

California Adventure Must-Sees
1. Radiator Springs Racers
-It MUST be experienced! Get in line for Fastpasses before the park opens.
2. World of Color
-I recommend getting some counter service food and getting there as soon as the Fastpass return window opens; being right next to the water made it a completely different experience for me. The show towers over you! For a daytime taste, check out Instant Concert-- Just Add Water!
3. Aladdin
-It's easy to skip because there's only so many shows and you may not find yourself in that corner of the park at the right time. I myself spent three weeks' worth of time at DLR before I actually saw this show... now I regret it! Especially since you have two days and especially since your wife likes the Beauty and the Beast show... don't make the same mistake I did!
4. Monsters, Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! and Mermaid
-both high quality (though not mind-blowing) dark rides that shouldn't have long lines. Monsters, in particular, holds a special spot in my heart because it is a creative retheme of a disastrous ride called Superstar Limo. Look it up on Youtube after you ride Monsters! Monsters has a lot of "tricks" packed into a little ride: projection mapping, multiple scents, as well as an interactive animatronic.
5. California Screamin'
-Spiritual sibling to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: a launched steel coaster with an inversion. This one is completely outdoors with a long track and unique layout, though, so it's obviously different. Try the single rider line if your 7YO isn't tall enough.
6. Animation Building
-Even if you don't do any of the activities, it's worth it just to look at the beautiful screens in the lobby filled with backgrounds, concept art, clips and sketches that showcase various animated movies one at a time. Plus, the air conditioning will feel pretty good in July.
7. Cars Land lighting ceremony
-Grab yourself a snack at the Cozy Cone, find a spot on a bench right at sunset and wait for "Shh-Boom" to start.

 

[fbb]

As a WDW vet and DL newbie, I figured I'd give my two cents.

Pirates and Space Mtn are much, much better in DL.
Jungle Cruise is much better at WDW.
Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Tower of Terror are slightly better at WDW.
Buzz is better at DL, though Tomorrowland at DL is kind of a mess. I would never ride Astro Orbiters in either park, but they add to the experience at WDW while detracting from it at DL.
Fantasyland at DL blows WDW away.
TSMM and Soarin are better experiences at DL because you don't have to plan your day around them.
WDW has nothing like Indy, it's awesome.
Counter service better at DL, table service better at WDW.
The train around the park is much better at DL.
The monorail and castle will be underwhelming to a WDW vet.
Cars Land is absolutely great.
We made the trip to California as a one-off, to see Cars Land, but found enough differentiation to begin splitting our future trips between the two coasts.

edit: When I consider the relative lines at Soarin, TSMM, and Mermaid (Raven is right, it's a walk-on at DL), I really feel that you get more for a day's admission in California.

 

[TP2000]

Listen to Cosmic Commando above, that's some great advice there.

Two days! I am feeling way less stressed about your trip now.

Two days will be frenzied and fast and fun, but you'll at least have a shot of seeing the highlights and important stuff in each park now.

Trying to do both Disneyland and DCA in one day with a 7 year old boy in tow who wants to see Cars Land bordered on cruel and unusual punishment for both parents and child.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

The train around the park is much better at DL.

It's silly, but I absolutely love the DL railroad. The Tomorrowland station makes it feel like a more complete tour, with stops at 9, 12, 3, and 6 o'clock. The morse code telegraphy of Walt's opening day speech at New Orleans Square, the journey along the facade of it's a small world, and the Grand Canyon diorama are all unique touches. Combined with the familiar aspects from WDW like going through Splash Mountain and checking out "natives" on the banks of the river in Frontierland, it really feels like you've gotten a sampler of everything Disneyland is all about. I could walk in the park, board the railroad at Main Street, take one revolution around the park, and leave feeling like it had been a great day.

 

[WED99]

As a WDW vet and DL newbie, I figured I'd give my two cents.

Pirates and Space Mtn are much, much better in DL.
Jungle Cruise is much better at WDW.
Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Tower of Terror are slightly better at WDW.
Buzz is better at DL, though Tomorrowland at DL is kind of a mess. I would never ride Astro Orbiters in either park, but they add to the experience at WDW while detracting from it at DL.
Fantasyland at DL blows WDW away.
TSMM and Soarin are better experiences at DL because you don't have to plan your day around them.
WDW has nothing like Indy, it's awesome.
Counter service better at DL, table service better at WDW.
The train around the park is much better at DL.
The monorail and castle will be underwhelming to a WDW vet.
Cars Land is absolutely great.
We made the trip to California as a one-off, to see Cars Land, but found enough differentiation to begin splitting our future trips between the two coasts.

edit: When I consider the relative lines at Soarin, TSMM, and Mermaid (Raven is right, it's a walk-on at DL), I really feel that you get more for a day's admission in California.

I agree with all of this, except the TL is a mess part. I feel it's the other way around.

WDW's Tomorrowland feels too much like an alien Las Vegas in my opinion. DL's version however really sets you up for an adventure and the attractions then compliment this nicely. Oh, and did I forget to mention the Nemo Subs

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Oh, and did I forget to mention the Nemo Subs

The ride system is undeniably cool. If nothing else, it's nice to have the subs running and adding to the atmosphere in Tomorrowland. The problem that I have with gushing about the Nemo Subs to a WDW regular is that I think the enjoyment/wait time ratio is much higher for the Nemo omnimover at Epcot. The wait time for Nemo at Epcot is usually just the two minutes it takes to walk through the queue, and I think it's an underrated ride. I hate saying anything bad about the Subs, because I do appreciate seeing the sets in actual water (how often do you hear complaints that Disney is too fake or sanitized?). I just don't think the actual ride experience is really much of an improvement over the Epcot ride.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Our Tomorrowland sucks, layout-wise and when it comes to aesthetics. I think DL has a good attraction line-up (except Innoventions) but Tomorrowland itself could look MUCH better. The empty PeopleMover/Rocket Rods tracks don't help. Although it's neat, the Starcade doesn't help, either. I played those same games when I was a child, years ago. Tomorrowland needs a new look.

BTW, if Astro Orbitor is going to up top, the chances of me riding it again will be slim to none. The rockets are already too high from the ground.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

BTW, if Astro Orbitor is going to up top, the chances of me riding it again will be slim to none. The rockets are already too high from the ground.

Good. One fewer person in line means the wait will be 10 minutes shorter.