Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout announced for Disney California Adventure

[Phroobar]

I don't think it will necessarily be better at DL. My understanding is the lands are exact duplicates.

Hense the reason to never go in the DHS version - no originality. Besides the transition between areas into SWL would suck compared to what we are getting at DL. You know they are going to use the movie set excuse for a crappy transition.

 

[180º]

It's cool to hate on the super urban-planned monster that is WDW, kinda like how it's recently cool to hate candy corn and mint chocolate chip ice cream. But there are some really charming parts of WDW. Columbia Harbour House and Liberty Tree Tavern come to mind. The Adventureland Verandah. Caribbean Plaza. The Country Bear Jamboree complex. The path from Fantasyland Station to Tomorrowland and the path from Crystal Palace to Liberty Square. In a way, their Space Mountain is quaint and quirky. Their Riverfront is rural, peaceful, dark, and quiet, unlike Disneyland's bustling riverfront.

This isn't to disparage Disneyland at all, but Disneyland gets so much love and fondness for its history, while Walt Disney World is criminally underappreciated for its own history. And I don't count people who just say "It's better because the castle is bigger" as appreciating WDW in the way people appreciate Disneyland.

 

[brb1006]

The synopsis above is fairly accurate for the current state of those Parks.
As to your guestion, I will answer as someone who visited WDW for 35+ years...from the late 70s up to 2013.
I became a Disneyland 'convert' in 2007, but it fully took root in 2013 and I have not returned to Florida since.

I would say for a Disneyland Vet / first timer, the immediate difference one will notice at Walt Disney World will be the seemingly enormous size and scope of the Parks themselves ( MK and Epcot especially ).

I will also say that a DL Vet will likely be amazed by the fully contained property as a whole which truly is a world all unto itself.
Instead of stepping out of the Parks and hitting the 'real world' across the street, you are instead surrounded by landscaping and themed Resort hotels.
Very different from the Anaheim Resort area immediately surrounding the Parks, and exspecially just beyond that!



The other aspect I feel that needs to be mentioned is that a DL Vet / first timer may miss the spontaneous moments they might take for granted at Disneyland.
Much of those same types of experiences have been lost or whittled away at WDW over the years.
Free roaming characters, live street side entertainment, a more laid back relaxed Park-like vibe are a few examples.
Disneyland also places less focus on the need for Dining Reservations, and does not require you to have to plan your day out so much in advance.
At Disneyland, you just walk in the front gate and decide on a whim what you feel like doing.
At WDW, if you really want to do anything as far as riding and dining goes it is a completely different story now.

Much is different between the two properties, the biggest being WDWs 'need' to make Guests feel they have to book all of their Park experiences months in advance.
Dining, most Attractions, Shows, you name it...most visitors now have to reserve these experiences well in advance to enjoy them during their visit via the FP+ system which limits your spontaneous freedom ( in my opinion ).
I think DL Vets will find that challanging and perhaps even ridiculous ( my personal view...i am not a FP+ fan by any means! )
Some may embrace the new system and love it.
Everyone is different.

For a DLR Vetern I would recommend visiting Epcot and Animal Kingdom.
The Magic Kingdom too..( prepare to marvel at the immense size of Cinderella Castle ) and Hollywood Studios lastly if need be.






As to the second part of your question, regarding Epcot and Hollywood Studios -
A new visitor will not at all likely notice anything 'missing' from those Parks since they did not get to experience them back when they were both fully fledged entities.
One tends to only notice 'what's missing' when having previously visited years ago.

DHS to me today is a waste of time...but I visited the Park back when it was a actual functioning film / tv / animation studio.
A lot was lost when those experiences were phased out or outright slammed closed ( Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida - ( sniff ).
But see, I only feel that way because I remember the experience beforehand.
Someone new to that Park today would likely have a good time and not even be aware of it's past production work.



So I say go and enjoy WDW for yourself and form your own opinion about the property......and make some memories, too!
There are still a lot of great things present at that property well worth enjoying.

My Disneyland Vet 'must do list' when visiting WDW -

Visit Epcot and experience -
'The American Adventure'
'Spaceship Earth'
Stroll the lakeside promenade at World Showcase
See 'Illuminations : Reflections of Earth' night time spectacle.
Monorail ride from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and back again.

Visit Animal Kingdom and experience -
'The World of Pandora' as a whole ( themed land and Attractions )
'Festival of The Lion King'
'Expedition Everest'
Stroll through both 'Asia' and 'Africa' and marvel at the themed settings.
'Rivers of Light' night time spectacle.
'Kilimanjaro Safaris'

Visit the Magic Kingdom and experience -
'Splash Mountain'
'The Haunted Mansion'
'The Country Bear Jamboree'
'The Hall of Presidents'
'Stitch's Great Escape' ( if not already closed )
'Festival of Fantasy' Parade
'Space Mountain'

If you visit Hollywood Studios -
'The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror'



-

At least roaming characters is still a thing in Tokyo Disneyland and Sea and a few characters at Disneyland such as the Mad Hatter and Peter Pan for example.

 

[mickEblu]

Personally I don't think WDW is that bad off, but things do not change much and that will probably be noticed by anyone. It actually has more of an old school feel than DL since they have not updated the parks as much. With the exception of New Fantasyland I find MK to be very retro Disneyland. Epcot's Future World is about 2 generations behind on what the future will be.

So yes you will notice the age and the lack of updates, but that is not necessarily a bad thing as a first timer. It is the repeat visitors that see the same ride and show over and over again for decades that complain about it. It is kind of funny to see some of the celebrities in the pre-show videos from way back when like Ellen.

It's interesting that you find MK to be retro Disneyland. Is that mostly because WDWs original Fantasyland hasn't been upgraded?

 

[mickEblu]

The synopsis above is fairly accurate for the current state of those Parks.
As to your guestion, I will answer as someone who visited WDW for 35+ years...from the late 70s up to 2013.
I became a Disneyland 'convert' in 2007, but it fully took root in 2013 and I have not returned to Florida since.

I would say for a Disneyland Vet / first timer, the immediate difference one will notice at Walt Disney World will be the seemingly enormous size and scope of the Parks themselves ( MK and Epcot especially ).

I will also say that a DL Vet will likely be amazed by the fully contained property as a whole which truly is a world all unto itself.
Instead of stepping out of the Parks and hitting the 'real world' across the street, you are instead surrounded by landscaping and themed Resort hotels.
Very different from the Anaheim Resort area immediately surrounding the Parks, and exspecially just beyond that!



The other aspect I feel that needs to be mentioned is that a DL Vet / first timer may miss the spontaneous moments they might take for granted at Disneyland.
Much of those same types of experiences have been lost or whittled away at WDW over the years.
Free roaming characters, live street side entertainment, a more laid back relaxed Park-like vibe are a few examples.
Disneyland also places less focus on the need for Dining Reservations, and does not require you to have to plan your day out so much in advance.
At Disneyland, you just walk in the front gate and decide on a whim what you feel like doing.
At WDW, if you really want to do anything as far as riding and dining goes it is a completely different story now.

Much is different between the two properties, the biggest being WDWs 'need' to make Guests feel they have to book all of their Park experiences months in advance.
Dining, most Attractions, Shows, you name it...most visitors now have to reserve these experiences well in advance to enjoy them during their visit via the FP+ system which limits your spontaneous freedom ( in my opinion ).
I think DL Vets will find that challanging and perhaps even ridiculous ( my personal view...i am not a FP+ fan by any means! )
Some may embrace the new system and love it.
Everyone is different.

For a DLR Vetern I would recommend visiting Epcot and Animal Kingdom.
The Magic Kingdom too..( prepare to marvel at the immense size of Cinderella Castle ) and Hollywood Studios lastly if need be.






As to the second part of your question, regarding Epcot and Hollywood Studios -
A new visitor will not at all likely notice anything 'missing' from those Parks since they did not get to experience them back when they were both fully fledged entities.
One tends to only notice 'what's missing' when having previously visited years ago.

DHS to me today is a waste of time...but I visited the Park back when it was a actual functioning film / tv / animation studio.
A lot was lost when those experiences were phased out or outright slammed closed ( Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida - ( sniff ).
But see, I only feel that way because I remember the experience beforehand.
Someone new to that Park today would likely have a good time and not even be aware of it's past production work.



So I say go and enjoy WDW for yourself and form your own opinion about the property......and make some memories, too!
There are still a lot of great things present at that property well worth enjoying.

My Disneyland Vet 'must do list' when visiting WDW -

Visit Epcot and experience -
'The American Adventure'
'Spaceship Earth'
Stroll the lakeside promenade at World Showcase
See 'Illuminations : Reflections of Earth' night time spectacle.
Monorail ride from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and back again.

Visit Animal Kingdom and experience -
'The World of Pandora' as a whole ( themed land and Attractions )
'Festival of The Lion King'
'Expedition Everest'
Stroll through both 'Asia' and 'Africa' and marvel at the themed settings.
'Rivers of Light' night time spectacle.
'Kilimanjaro Safaris'

Visit the Magic Kingdom and experience -
'Splash Mountain'
'The Haunted Mansion'
'The Country Bear Jamboree'
'The Hall of Presidents'
'Stitch's Great Escape' ( if not already closed )
'Festival of Fantasy' Parade
'Space Mountain'

If you visit Hollywood Studios -
'The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror'



-

Thanks! That's a lot of good info to chew on. I guess what I was trying to get at in my original post on this topic is that I think I will really enjoy my first trip to WDW and won't notice all of the issues that the WDW vets do because it's my first time and I'm not comparing it to any Golden Years that may have existed. The only caveat being, that I am a DLR vet and have that experience to compare to.

 

[mickEblu]

I don't think it will necessarily be better at DL. My understanding is the lands are exact duplicates.

I think he is referring to the paths and entrances leading into SWL. It seems like their may be a little more of a build up at DL with more trees and all the work they re doing to the ROA. Making it feel a little more immersive and like some separate world away from the rest of the park.

 

[October82]

It's interesting that you find MK to be retro Disneyland. Is that mostly because WDWs original Fantasyland hasn't been upgraded?

It goes beyond just fantasyland - there are many yesterland attractions still at the Magic Kingdom - Country Bear Jamboree, The Carousel of Progress, and the Peoplemover. Even some attractions with updates, like Space Mountain, are closer to their original incarnation at Disneyland.

 

[mickEblu]

I think it's all relative you your history with any given park. I never experienced early Epcot so it's pretty hard to make a judgement on whether it is better now or before...though I'm sure I would have loved rides like World of Motion or Horizons.

Magic Kingdom: Feels much more wide open...bigger spaces, and some rides are better, some not. Disneyland has a quaintness that the MK will never have but I've heard that is a downside for some people. DL wins for me.
Epcot: Absolutely love it, probably my second favorite Disney park.
DHS: We enjoyed both our visits but really have no desire to go back until after they finish the additions. I can understand people feeling like it's a half day park.
Animal Kingdom: Not sure where the needs more to do at night thing comes from. Pretty much all the rides that are open during the day are open at night and they've added a nighttime show and safari...keep in mind it was never open at night until recently. In any case, absolutely stunning park and would not hesitate to visit again.

As a first timer, ignore peoples complaints about what it used to be and just enjoy it for what it is since that's all you really know. There is really no way to know you would have loved what was there before anyways. We went in with an open mind and it was great.

As much as I think will prioritize all of the stuff that we don't have here at DLR, I also think it will be a blast just doing different versions of the stuff we do have here. I'm getting closer and closer to just making it an adult trip and not waiting til my 1.4 year old son gets older.

 

[mickEblu]

Even though things are rough in a lot of ways in Orlando, there are some true Disney gems that Disneyland simply doesn't have. Of course they have things like Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree that are truly unique and truly Disney experiences. Epcot in itself is still an amazing experience other then the dumbing down of Norway and the closing of some buildings. Rides like Spaceship Earth and American Adventure are pure classics and of course Orlando easily has the best Tower of Terror not to mention the great movie ride. Animal Kingdom as a park is a true experience and Pandora and Rivers of Light help solidify that. Overall, you would enjoy the trip. It's the constant price hikes, slow build times, and lack of upgrades that have upset many loyal fans

I have to say I am definitely the most intrigued by EPCOT for a few reasons. It's really the only park where I have no expectations and it seems like it would be a completely original experience for me. It's the only park where I haven't watched any of the ride throughs online for any of the attractions. I have no idea what it looks like and from what I have read it seems to be very retro and have some really unique attractions.

 

[mickEblu]

It goes beyond just fantasyland - there are many yesterland attractions still at the Magic Kingdom - Country Bear Jamboree, The Carousel of Progress, and the Peoplemover. Even some attractions with updates, like Space Mountain, are closer to their original incarnation at Disneyland.

Oh that's right. I forgot about all of that. The People Mover - that will be a blast from the past. Even though I think I only rode it once or twice. All of my memories as a kid are on the West side of the park.

Also looking forward to COP As they removed that at DL before I was born. It ll be interesting because I will be able to watch it without any nostalgia glasses on.

 

[Stevek]

As much as I think will prioritize all of the stuff that we don't have here at DLR, I also think it will be beast just doing different versions of the stuff we do have here. I'm getting closer and closer to just making it an adult trip and not waiting til my 1.4 year old son gets older.

We took 4 and 5 yr old girls our first time, it was amazing for all of us but very tough as we got there at park opening, left at closing...every day. We were exhausted to say the least but they were troopers. There are things you can easily skip but quite honestly, some of their stuff in the MK is different enough where I'd try to do it if I were you. Skip Pirates, Buzz, Mermaid, Tiki Room, maybe Space Mountain but I'd strongly suggest you see their Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Splash, Big Thunder, Tom Sawyer Island, Dumbo & Pan at least. That being said, we literally did everything over two days in the MK.

As for other parks...I'd skip Soarin & Star Tours but definitely do TOT if you make it there.

Of course there are the absolute must do's in the MK just for the historical significance...Country Bears, PeopleMover, Tree House & Carousel of Progress.

Just my 2 cents, others may have very different opinions.

 

[Stevek]

Oh that's right. I forgot about all of that. The People Mover - that will be a blast from the past. Even though I think I only rode it once or twice. All of my memories as a kid are on the West side of the park.

Also looking forward to COP As they removed that at DL before I was born. It ll be interesting because I will be able to watch it without any nostalgia glasses on.

The Peoplemover was the last ride we did on every trip to the MK.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Also looking forward to COP As they removed that at DL before I was born. It ll be interesting because I will be able to watch it without any nostalgia glasses on.

Just don't go in there if you're sleepy or tired.

 

[disneyC97]

I would do Tiki Room at MK if only for the original pre-show which is different than at DL.

 

[Dead2009]

It's cool to hate on the super urban-planned monster that is WDW, kinda like how it's recently cool to hate candy corn and mint chocolate chip ice cream. But there are some really charming parts of WDW. Columbia Harbour House and Liberty Tree Tavern come to mind. The Adventureland Verandah. Caribbean Plaza. The Country Bear Jamboree complex. The path from Fantasyland Station to Tomorrowland and the path from Crystal Palace to Liberty Square. In a way, their Space Mountain is quaint and quirky. Their Riverfront is rural, peaceful, dark, and quiet, unlike Disneyland's bustling riverfront.

This isn't to disparage Disneyland at all, but Disneyland gets so much love and fondness for its history, while Walt Disney World is criminally underappreciated for its own history. And I don't count people who just say "It's better because the castle is bigger" as appreciating WDW in the way people appreciate Disneyland.

Hold up, who's hating on mint chocolate chip ice cream?!

 

[mickEblu]

Just don't go in there if you're sleepy or tired.

So basically my first experience watching Lincoln at DL? Appreciate the historical significance but yeah.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

So basically my first experience watching Lincoln at DL? Appreciate the historical significance but yeah.

Just wait until you sit in a room with all 45 of presidents. Zzzzz.

 

[mickEblu]

We took 4 and 5 yr old girls our first time, it was amazing for all of us but very tough as we got there at park opening, left at closing...every day. We were exhausted to say the least but they were troopers. There are things you can easily skip but quite honestly, some of their stuff in the MK is different enough where I'd try to do it if I were you. Skip Pirates, Buzz, Mermaid, Tiki Room, maybe Space Mountain but I'd strongly suggest you see their Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Splash, Big Thunder, Tom Sawyer Island, Dumbo & Pan at least. That being said, we literally did everything over two days in the MK.

As for other parks...I'd skip Soarin & Star Tours but definitely do TOT if you make it there.

Of course there are the absolute must do's in the MK just for the historical significance...Country Bears, PeopleMover, Tree House & Carousel of Progress.

Just my 2 cents, others may have very different opinions.

Sounds like you made it work but I think I need to wait until he's old enough to go on the thrill rides because riding every single one alone on my first trip to WDW would suck.

Skip Space? I heard thats the more thrilling version with more drops. Although jerker. POTC is such an iconic ride I would have to ride the WDW version just to say I did. I need to check it off, especially if I ever get to do my bucket list of visiting all the Disney parks worldwide. I agree with all the others And TOT is a must do!

 

[Deleted member 107043]

I heard thats the more thrilling version with more drops.

It's basically a NASA themed version of The Matterhorn Bobsleds, complete with the inline seating, dual track, and parallel chain lifts. I recommend not missing it on your first visit because it's the original Space Mountain, but Disneyland's ride is better by a mile.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Definitely do Space and form your own opinion of it. I remember hating it as a child, but going back in 2014 Space was the sleeper hit of the trip. It definitely has more in common with the Matterhorn than any other version of Space Mountain, and it is definitely more of a roller coaster.

If you've been on several "real" roller coasters, you'll be fine. I wouldn't call it 'rough' necessarily but it's not super smooth like newer coasters and has more aggressive and abrupt turns and drops than DL's Space. It's hard to say which version is better because the two Space Mountains are so different.