Disneyland vs Disney world

[TP2000]

Finally, there's just a feeling of character that Disneyland has, and sometimes feels WDW is lacking. My family and I talked about this, too - when we were sitting in a cafe in New Orleans Square, while I was sipping the legendary Mint Julep (which I think cost me just over a dollar), the Sailing Ship Columbia sailed by, which was quickly followed by a bunch of paddling guests in their canoes. Meanwhile, we were being entertained by a live Dixieland jazz band playing at the cafe, all as we were surrounded by the beautiful wrought-iron New Orleans architecture. I think it was that moment specifically where it occurred to us that Disneyland has quite a different character from the Magic Kingdom.

Great thoughts there, but that Rivers of America issue stuck out the most.

I've always found the Rivers of America to be the perfect example of the difference between Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. Disneyland has kept all of these wonderfully unique ways to get around the River, and then kept it fresh and updated along the riverbanks as well. The result is a Rivers of America that is teeming with activity and motion and excitement and beauty.

And that's just before the sun goes down and they turn it all into Fantasmic! at night!

Compare and contrast that to the Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom, with just one riverboat and usually one raft going to a rather neglected island. The vegetation is overgrown and dense, the props and structures are tired looking, the water is stagnant and very still for most of the time, and the overall vibe is of a well maintained drainage canal rather than a themed showplace that creates experiences.

Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom Park

It's amazing how these two nearly identical, and major, portions of similar theme parks operated by the same company have developed into such wildly different experiences and conditions. The two Rivers of America locations in the two American theme parks couldn't be more different when it comes to their operation and appearance.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Pooh has booted classic residents from both parks, but it was the Country Bears who felt his wrath at DL, not Mr. Toad.

I think I would have enjoyed Mr. Toad, but I guess the cardboard cut-outs (like the animatronic for Food Rocks) would make it look even more out-dated than the Country Bears, or would the both be equal? Either way, I'm just glad they got rid of the country bears THERE and not HERE!

Keep in mind, Disney World got it first! :animwink:

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Either way, I'm just glad they got rid of the country bears THERE and not HERE!

Keep in mind, Disney World got it first! :animwink:

The Country Bears' absence from DL is easier to stomach when you realize that the original CBJ show had already been removed from DL years before the final wrecking ball. What was left at the end was the far inferior (IMO) Country Bear Vacation Hoedown. Maybe it was best Disney put that show out of its misery. :lol:

And you're right, CBJ was a WDW original. In fact, it was one of the few major opening day attractions (excluding stuff like the Swan Boats) that was not only original to the park, but also wasn't just an improved version of something at DL — like 20K and HoP. (The only other attraction I can think of that would also fit the bill was the Mickey Mouse Revue.)

 

[spock]

And you're right, CBJ was a WDW original.

Yep, and originally it wasn't intended to go into either park. It was initially envisioned as a show that would take place in the ski lodge at Disney's planned ski resort at Mineral King.