Disneylands Frontierland vs WDW Frontierland

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Growing up with it doesn't make a difference. I didn't grow up with The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. In fact, you could say it was my adulthood.

 

[TheOrangeBird01]

Growing up with it doesn't make a difference. I didn't grow up with The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. In fact, you could say it was my adulthood.

I agree, but someone could argue that I have a nostalgic connection to it (which I do).

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I have a nostalgic connection to the smell of the E.T. ride.

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

I seem to have stepped on a lot of toes. It was to be expected though. Splash Mountain is the sacred cow for WDW fans and any whisper that Disneyland's version might be better for X, Y, Z reason will unleash an army of ed off swamp vets.

Though I must say I appreciate the detailed and logical responses I received from posters that prefer the DW version. It's much better than the Kira Nerys classic silly arguments such as, "I disagree," or "I prefer this" without having anything to back it up. Or even sillier, "the queue is better than the whole ride" nonsense.

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

So what's the problem? That sounds like the greatest recipe for a thrill/ water ride. An E ticket Fantasy Land style dark ride with thrills. True, lighting isn't great but I think it kind of adds to the FL style dark ride charm and gives the attraction more of an ethereal effect. TBH I never notice the broken AAs as much as I read about them on these boards. Maybe cuz the logs are going so fast which I also think adds to the excitement (along with the tight turns) and repeatability of DLs version.

I haven't been on the WDW version but just from the ride through on YouTube i can see it has the better show. But to me it just has more of "I'm on a Magic Kingdom ride " vibe and less of the charming qualities of DLs that make you feel like you ve been transported to another world. Like the mood setting lighting or lack thereof and that overall Alice in Wonderland type of weirdness/ zaniness. Another way to put it - the Disney X factor magic that's hard to define or pull off. Not to mention I like how in DL s you feel like your in some world within the mountain (almost like a Tolkien book) which makes more sense since you are splashing INSIDE the mountain. With WDW, they make the interior look like a bright shiny day which I think is better reserved for the Zipidee Doo Dah scene which creates a greater tonal difference from the rest of the darker attraction in DL and therefore plays off of our human emotions more than the linear story and consistently bright settings at WDW can.

When I think of Disneys greatest attractions they re all kind of dark, mysterious and other worldly. POTC, HM, Indy, DLs Splash Mountain ,TOT, the FL style dark rides etc.

It really just comes down to what type of ride experience people prefer. And just because everything goes back to burgers... WDWs is liek getting a restaurant burger. Has all the quality ingredients but is missing that X factor or love that you ll get at the hole in the wall down the street that's been serving burgers since the 60s.

Bravo, sir! You nailed it. I'm thinking of adding an addendum to my original Top Ten list why I think DL Splash is better and including some of your points along with other fantastic points that have been made.

 

[shortstop]

I seem to have stepped on a lot of toes. It was to be expected though. Splash Mountain is the sacred cow for WDW fans and any whisper that Disneyland's version might be better for X, Y, Z reason will unleash an army of ****ed off swamp vets.

Though I must say I appreciate the detailed and logical responses I received from posters that prefer the DW version. It's much better than the Kira Nerys classic silly arguments such as, "I disagree," or "I prefer this" without having anything to back it up. Or even sillier, "the queue is better than the whole ride" nonsense.

But I think that's the thing. This is a DL forum, so the fact that people hold these opinions is telling! I'd say for the majority of attractions that are on each coast, I find the DL version better.

That said, this has been a fun debate to have, and I certainly understand your point of view now!

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

But I think that's the thing. This is a DL forum, so the fact that people hold these opinions is telling! I'd say for the majority of attractions that are on each coast, I find the DL version better.

That said, this has been a fun debate to have, and I certainly understand your point of view now!

I'm a Disney nerd, so I enjoy these kind of debates. Hehe

 

[mickEblu]

Bravo, sir! You nailed it. I'm thinking of adding an addendum to my original Top Ten list why I think DL Splash is better and including some of your points along with other fantastic points that have been made.

Thank you! And please do.

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

I found that there was a lot more unnecessary splashing in the DL’s mountain.

So Splash Mountain has too much Splashing? Nice...

 

[dweezil78]

WDWs is liek getting a restaurant burger. Has all the quality ingredients but is missing that X factor or love that you ll get at the hole in the wall down the street that's been serving burgers since the 60s.

Nah, they're both like getting restaurant burgers. Only one has a better patty, bun, and more toppings.

 

[shortstop]

So Splash Mountain has too much Splashing? Nice...

Count me in the hypocritical camp of disliking getting too much "splash" on Splash Mountain

 

[mickEblu]

Nah, they're both like getting restaurant burgers. Only one has a better patty, bun, and more toppings.

Haha no way. DLs is like Bills Burgers

 

[dweezil78]

Haha no way. DLs is like Bills Burgers

Still have never been!!! I think you brought up Bills once before... I literally lived 2 minutes down the road for years and never made it. Stupid week day hours only.

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

Count me in the hypocritical camp of disliking getting too much "splash" on Splash Mountain

Here's a secret. All you have to do is sit in the back rows and you will barely get wet. If you want to get soaked, sit in the front seat. You get to decide how much "splash" you actually want

DL Splash>DW Splash

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

Growing up with it doesn't make a difference. I didn't grow up with The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. In fact, you could say it was my adulthood.

We finally agree on something.

 

[Hattieboxghost110]

Because it's just not a big deal to me. Are you telling me you go to WDW and start complaining when you're in the vicinity of Splash Mountain?

No, but I'm a Disney nerd just like you who loves to analyze little details the general public would never even care about.

 

[Robbiem]

One other reason for the splash design changes could be the weather. In Florida and the overseas parks things are generally painted a bit more brightly to make up for the cloudy skies compared to California with its bright blue skies. To my eye this gives some areas a more toy like atmosphere rather than a realistic one.

 

[Phroobar]

It's been a long time since I've done the MK version. Watching a video, it looks like the ride is longer with lots of little scenes and details along the way. That doesn't necessarily make it better. I don't like the side by side seating. The single file is much more fun with a loved one in front of you. The best part is hitting the bottom and ducking so the person behind you get's a face full of water. Personally, I think Knott's Log Ride is better than both of them. Also, Knott's Ghost Town puts both Disney's Frontierlands to shame.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

The issue with the DL logs is that they smash into the trackway and it's uncomfortable to ride. A rough ride in an already uncomfortable seat. WDW logs look like plastic loafs of bread, but they're comfortable.

 

[Phroobar]

The issue with the DL logs is that they smash into the trackway and it's uncomfortable to ride. A rough ride in an already uncomfortable seat. WDW logs look like plastic loafs of bread, but they're comfortable.

They are logs in a flume. That is what they are suppose to do. What I find is amazing is that we are not wearing seat belts as we strattle our loved ones (or total strangers) from behind.