Is DisneyLAND as Magical as DisneyWORLD

[SamatBCV]

Ok people, don't get mad for what I'm about to say. Remember, this is just my OPINION.

Overall, I think DL sux compared to WDW. That is by comparison. On a stand alone basis, DL/DCA is a good amusement park, but it just doesn't compare well at all to WDW. I say this for several reasons:

1. Isolation - DL/DCA is in the middle of a built up area. Walt couldn't go back and change that, so he fixed it when he built WDW. That makes WDW seem more of an escape than DL which ends up feeling like just a great Six Flags.

2. Size - My family was amazed when we looked at a map for attractions in DL. We'd say, "Wow, Pirates is waaaaaaayyy over there from tomorrow land" but it was more like 50 feet (an exageration I know). In our heads we kept thinking on the scale of MK, but DL is so much more compact.

3. Service - You'd never hear or see things from cast members in WDW that we saw in DL/DCA. This includes cast members talking to friends as they strolled through the park in costume, and the worst was when we heard a CM at DCA yell across a plaza to a coworker and refered to the food stand he was working at as "Casa Sewer."

Those are my main reasons. There are others of course. I will say that DL has some great rides that aren't at WDW, but if I never go there again, I won't be disappointed.

REMEMBER, THIS IS MY OPINION!!!

 

[Merlin]

Originally posted by SamatBCV
Ok people, don't get mad for what I'm about to say. Remember, this is just my OPINION.

Overall, I think DL sux compared to WDW. That is by comparison. On a stand alone basis, DL/DCA is a good amusement park, but it just doesn't compare well at all to WDW. I say this for several reasons:

1. Isolation - DL/DCA is in the middle of a built up area. Walt couldn't go back and change that, so he fixed it when he built WDW. That makes WDW seem more of an escape than DL which ends up feeling like just a great Six Flags.

2. Size - My family was amazed when we looked at a map for attractions in DL. We'd say, "Wow, Pirates is waaaaaaayyy over there from tomorrow land" but it was more like 50 feet (an exageration I know). In our heads we kept thinking on the scale of MK, but DL is so much more compact.

3. Service - You'd never hear or see things from cast members in WDW that we saw in DL/DCA. This includes cast members talking to friends as they strolled through the park in costume, and the worst was when we heard a CM at DCA yell across a plaza to a coworker and refered to the food stand he was working at as "Casa Sewer."

Those are my main reasons. There are others of course. I will say that DL has some great rides that aren't at WDW, but if I never go there again, I won't be disappointed.

REMEMBER, THIS IS MY OPINION!!!

Absolutely agree! DL on it's own is still a great park (especially when compared to Six Flags). But it just doesn't hold a candle to MK. The thing is, though, it COULD. I find the attention to detail at DL to generally be better in many of the attractions. But by comparison, DL just seems kind of dirty actually and it doesn't seem as well kept up. Plus the CMs (overall) seem inferior to those at MK. I've often wondered if it has to do with the differing clientele between the two parks. MK caters more to vacationing families who are there on their big trip. Whereas DL tends to cater more to locals (even though the company has tried to turn it into a true resort destination, I think locals are still their biggest guest-base).

 

[Djali999]

yeah. aren't something like 60% of DL's visitors repeat guests? compared to 60% of WDW'as vinistors being first time guests? or something...

I do think calling DL a great Six Flags is a bit extreme, but oh well.... it all comes down to preferences, I guess.

I'd still choose WDW over DL for no other reason than that you get allllll the other parks and resorts too. I just think DL beats out MK on a 'single park' basis. nice place to visit, but I need my giant golf ball (with wand bearing arm) and chinese theatre (obscured by an enormous Mickey hat). =)

 

[Chris]

We have always been partial to WDW but DL has a magical charm to it. Although it is certainly not as expansive as WDW that is part of it's beauty. Everything is within walking distance from your hotel. DL, DCL and DTD are all RIGHT THERE. It is also kind of neat to see the differences in the attractions. It is also great to walk where Walt walked and know the DL was his baby.

WDW will always be my first love though.


36 Days, 19 Hours, 51 Minutes, 43 Seconds

 

[Merlin]

Originally posted by Djali999
I do think calling DL a great Six Flags is a bit extreme, but oh well.... it all comes down to preferences, I guess.

I think that was someone else who made that reference. What I said was that DL was "still a great park (especially compared to Six Flags)". However, I don't think it would be entirely inaccurate to use that as a description for DCA (except that I generally think Six Flags is superior to DCA....Sorry to all the DCA fans, but it is just not that great of a park).

 

[SamatBCV]

Originally posted by Chris
It is also kind of neat to see the differences in the attractions.

I did forget that I do like some of the DL versions of the rides better like POTC. However, in the end it cancels out cause Small World is so much longer in DL than MK. Going on Small World in DL could be used as punishment to terrorists to give up information.

 

[civileng68]

my opinion

Originally posted by Chris
We have always been partial to WDW but DL has a magical charm to it. Although it is certainly not as expansive as WDW that is part of it's beauty. Everything is within walking distance from your hotel. DL, DCL and DTD are all RIGHT THERE. It is also kind of neat to see the differences in the attractions. It is also great to walk where Walt walked and know the DL was his baby.

WDW will always be my first love though.


36 Days, 19 Hours, 51 Minutes, 43 Seconds

I've never been to DL but, you see, the main thing I like about WDW is that it's away from everything. Honestly, when im in the MK, I don't feel like I am in reality. I feel forever away from the rest of the world. If iwere walking distance to the park from the "main drag" I would not get that feeling.

Also I hear that the park is nothing like Walt left it, except for Main Street, but I wouldnt know for myself.

Also, from pictures I've seen, it definately looks like an old park.

Also, the pics of the castle I've seen just "dont do it" for me. I mean that's nothing of a centerpiece like MK and you have to admit that as a first time visitor to the MK, that castle is nearly breathtaking.

 

[xfkirsten]

I think DL is just as magical was WDW.

DL is the park Walt built. It was his original, he was there during construction, he even lived there sometimes. (Look over the firehouse on Main St. to see his apartment). Yes, I know he was heavily involved in planning WDW, but it just doesn't seem the same that he wasn't there for its opening, and to oversee the construction, and watch the guests. Somehow, DL seems a bit more to be like Walt's park.

I like Fantasyland at DL much better. It has a more fantasy-like atmosphere. Feels like a quaint medieval town. Indiana Jones is the best ride ever. Same system as Dinosaur, a million times better execution. Splash and HM are about even. Pirates at DL is a million times better. And Fantasmic at Disneyland is muuuuch more impressive, although WDW has the better venue. DL has the Matterhorn, which is great if you didn't just eat lunch. And how can you not love the toked up dragon in DL's IASW?? :sohappy: Toontown at DL seems more... toonish. It really feels like you're in a cartoon world.

That's all not to say that WDW doesn't have some stuff on DL. WDW definitely has the advantage of size. DL doesn't. Although that doesn't make it less magical in my mind, just less time it'll take to see most everything. At the moment, WDW has the advantage of having rides open, while much of DL is closed for refurbs. Cinderella Castle is more impressive than Sleeping Beauty Castle (and Sleeping Beauty Castle is in dire need of a new coat of paint).

And DCA may not be that "magical" but it's still fun. There's some great stuff in there, I don't care what anyone says. Aladdin is better than both Hunchback and BatB from the Studios. Soarin' is, of course, amazing! The ANimation Building is very interactive and fun. Youo may not get to see the animators at work, but it's a ton of fun giving your voice to a Disney character! And Screamin' is great and rarely has a long wait, even on busy days. (At least that's been my experience)

Just my two cents!

-Kirsten
(who if you can't tell is a DL APholder. )

 

[Merlin]

Originally posted by xfkirsten
Soarin' is, of course, amazing!

This comment always baffles me. What is it about this attraction that seems to impress so many Disney fans? It's not that it's a BAD attraction, but I think it is absolutely the most overrated of any Disney attraction. It has no pre-show whatsoever, nothing to help build the anticipation or help pass the time (as if there's ever a wait for it anyway). When you walk into the theater, it clearly IS a theater. The first thing you see is a big movie screen and a bunch of seats dangling from the ceiling. They didn't even try to create the illusion that it's not a movie you're watching. And then in the movie itself, there are no transitions from one scene to the next. Disney attractions have always been about illusions and great storytelling, and Soarin' has neither of those. So I don't get why people always say it is "Amazing" or "The best attraction ever!" Sorry for the semi thread drift, but can someone explain why this attraction is so popular with Disney fans?

 

[Djali999]

you know, you have a valid point. for an attraction supposedly about flight, well, it's pretty obviously.... an attraction.

but it kind of stirs and surprises as pure presentation. yeah, I'll admit that to simply present something cool isn't Disney's way, but it has legs. it's beautifully shot and scored.

I also like it because it's about harmony and gentle beauty, which is nice since Disney seems to like to clonk us over the head alot with faster, more expensive, easier to break tech toys. the presentation may not work as an attraction, but it works fantastically as "come here, I'm gonna show you something you've never seen before..."

I was struck that Disney finally perfected a simulation of motion. from the fairly crude camera tilts in the 360-degree movies to the more advanced Star Tours type vehicles, they finally got it exactly right - and used it to showcase aerial photography. I find it difficult to remember that I'm on an attraction once those seats fly up and the screen lights up...

of course, that's just my overdevolped, undersubstantiated opinion. =)

 

[Merlin]

Originally posted by Djali999
you know, you have a valid point. for an attraction supposedly about flight, well, it's pretty obviously.... an attraction.

but it kind of stirs and surprises as pure presentation. yeah, I'll admit that to simply present something cool isn't Disney's way, but it has legs. it's beautifully shot and scored.

I also like it because it's about harmony and gentle beauty, which is nice since Disney seems to like to clonk us over the head alot with faster, more expensive, easier to break tech toys. the presentation may not work as an attraction, but it works fantastically as "come here, I'm gonna show you something you've never seen before..."

I was struck that Disney finally perfected a simulation of motion. from the fairly crude camera tilts in the 360-degree movies to the more advanced Star Tours type vehicles, they finally got it exactly right - and used it to showcase aerial photography. I find it difficult to remember that I'm on an attraction once those seats fly up and the screen lights up...

of course, that's just my overdevolped, undersubstantiated opinion. =)

No that's actually a great way to put it in perspective. Thank you!

You are right that it is a beautifully shot film and the sync between the film and the motion is dead on. I suppose my problem with it is that I wish they'd gone a few steps further and had a great set up for it. Some elaborate props in queue would have been cool, or maybe a set up to the story of the attraction. Something that told you that you would be gliding all over the golden state (maybe a preshow film or something). Then when you get into the actual theater, I wish they would do something like Universal did with Back to the Future. They could have had something in front of the screen to hide it and then made a point of telling you that you were getting into some new innovative type of hang glider or something. Then they could have used a fog effect (again, like they do on Back to the Future) to unveil the screen. As the fog cleared, it could have been like you were descending through the clouds and then you'd see images of California on the screen. Also they could have brought the clouds back (not necessarily the full fledged fog effect) every time they wanted to transition to another scene. The way they have it now, it always breaks the illusion (albeit briefly) every time they change what they're showing on the screen.

 

[TP2000]

As a SoCal Native and Disneyland AP holder, I'll take a crack at this...

Disneyland the "Park" is much better overall compared to it's sister park in WDW, "The Magic Kingdom Park". But Disneyland the "Resort" in Anaheim isn't nearly as immersive or huge as WDW. But then, what Resort is bigger or more impressive than WDW? Only Tokyo Disneyland Resort could give it a run for it's money when it comes to great attractions, but Tokyo is also hurt by an Anaheim-like lack of sprawling space to use up.

But when you compare Disneyland Park to the Magic Kingdom Park in WDW, it's not much of a contest. There are a few rides at Magic Kingdom that come off better than the Disneyland version, most noteably Splash Mountain and Hall of Presidents compared to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

But there are more attractions at Disneyland that are better than their WDW versions. Pirates at Disneyland is vastly superior, and about 7 minutes longer, than the short and dropless WDW version. Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is better overall, and actually has stretching rooms that descend below ground instead of just rooms with moving ceilings. Mickey's Toontown is a separate land with the excellent Roger Rabbit spinning dark ride. It's A Small World is wonderful and beautiful at Disneyland, with an outdoor loading area and flumeway that goes past topiary gardens before it passes beneath the giant clock and into the impressive facade of the ride. Indiana Jones simply rocks.

Plus, there's the whole "Christmas at Disneyland" thing that has sprung up in the past five years. Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday are just incredible remakes of already excellent attractions. Ever seen a two hour wait for Small World? Check out Disneyland at Christmas, and amazingly they do such a great job with Small World Holiday it's actually worth that wait. The Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks show is considered to be even better than the regular Believe show, and the snowfall at the end is truly high drama for Southern Californians. Disneyland at Christmas is over-the-top gorgeous insanity.

And Fantasyland at Disneyland has several major and minor attractions that oddly missed the cut in Florida; The iconic Matterhorn Bobsleds, the charming and very detailed StorybookLand Canal Boats, the rollicking Casey Jr. Circus Train that goes all around StorybookLand (sit in the Monkey Cage for the most fun), Pinnochio's Daring Journey dark ride, and the unique Alice In Wonderland indoor/outdoor dark ride.

The Rivers of America at Disneyland is much better than the Florida version. Disneyland has the venerable Mark Twain, plus the fantastic Sailing Ship Columbia on weekends and other busy periods, the Rafts to Tom Sawyer's Island, and the daily-operating Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes to get you around the river. I think WDW only offers one lone riverboat to get you around the Rivers of America, where Disneyland has three separate and very different ways to experience a trip around the River, plus the Rafts to the Island itself. And the Island just got a very neat remodeling job this past winter with lots of new "Tom Sawyer" themed play areas installed.

The look and feel of Disneyland overall is quite different, and a lot of that has to do with the climate. Disneyland has many outdoor queue's, and even several outdoor attractions like StorybookLand and Small World that would be simply impossible in rainy and humid Florida. But things like lots of outdoor patio seating, outdoor bandstands and dancefloors, and generally uncovered walkways and sidewalks all make for a much different "feel" to the place.

Not everything in Disneyland compares favorably to WDW though. Right now Disneyland's Tomorrowland is a complete basket case of a land. And it won't be until at least 2005 when Space and Buzz and the Carousel Theater 50th Show opens before it begins to improve. When it's busy at Disneyland, the walkways and Park infrastructure can be overwhelmed, as many of the walkways and restrooms are the same size as they were when they were built in the 1950's and 60's when Disneyland hosted smaller crowds.

It's also important to remember that Disneyland is a "local park" for the 25 Million people that live within 2 hours drive of Anaheim. Disneyland sits in the middle of one of the planet's most populated metropolitan areas, and it's the neighborhood theme park for 25 Million people from San Diego to Santa Barbara. WDW is in the middle of a swamp, and the city or Orlando only has about 500,000 or so, with another half million an hour west in Tampa. The vast bulk of the people at WDW are tourists from eastern North America and Europe. As such, the "Guest Demographic" is vastly different between the two places, and I've always been able to tell just by looking at the horrible sunburns on most of the people wandering around WDW compared to the tanned locals wandering around Disneyland.

Overall, if I was given just one day to spend in a Disney theme park, I'd pick Disneyland easily. But if I was given one week to spend at a Disney "Resort", I'd pick WDW.

 

[Merlin]

Originally posted by TP2000
As a SoCal Native and Disneyland AP holder, I'll take a crack at this...

Disneyland the "Park" is much better overall compared to it's sister park in WDW, "The Magic Kingdom Park". But Disneyland the "Resort" in Anaheim isn't nearly as immersive or huge as WDW. But then, what Resort is bigger or more impressive than WDW? Only Tokyo Disneyland Resort could give it a run for it's money when it comes to great attractions, but Tokyo is also hurt by an Anaheim-like lack of sprawling space to use up.

But when you compare Disneyland Park to the Magic Kingdom Park in WDW, it's not much of a contest. There are a few rides at Magic Kingdom that come off better than the Disneyland version, most noteably Splash Mountain and Hall of Presidents compared to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

But there are more attractions at Disneyland that are better than their WDW versions. Pirates at Disneyland is vastly superior, and about 7 minutes longer, than the short and dropless WDW version. Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is better overall, and actually has stretching rooms that descend below ground instead of just rooms with moving ceilings. Mickey's Toontown is a separate land with the excellent Roger Rabbit spinning dark ride. It's A Small World is wonderful and beautiful at Disneyland, with an outdoor loading area and flumeway that goes past topiary gardens before it passes beneath the giant clock and into the impressive facade of the ride. Indiana Jones simply rocks.

Plus, there's the whole "Christmas at Disneyland" thing that has sprung up in the past five years. Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday are just incredible remakes of already excellent attractions. Ever seen a two hour wait for Small World? Check out Disneyland at Christmas, and amazingly they do such a great job with Small World Holiday it's actually worth that wait. The Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks show is considered to be even better than the regular Believe show, and the snowfall at the end is truly high drama for Southern Californians. Disneyland at Christmas is over-the-top gorgeous insanity.

And Fantasyland at Disneyland has several major and minor attractions that oddly missed the cut in Florida; The iconic Matterhorn Bobsleds, the charming and very detailed StorybookLand Canal Boats, the rollicking Casey Jr. Circus Train that goes all around StorybookLand (sit in the Monkey Cage for the most fun), Pinnochio's Daring Journey dark ride, and the unique Alice In Wonderland indoor/outdoor dark ride.

The Rivers of America at Disneyland is much better than the Florida version. Disneyland has the venerable Mark Twain, plus the fantastic Sailing Ship Columbia on weekends and other busy periods, the Rafts to Tom Sawyer's Island, and the daily-operating Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes to get you around the river. I think WDW only offers one lone riverboat to get you around the Rivers of America, where Disneyland has three separate and very different ways to experience a trip around the River, plus the Rafts to the Island itself. And the Island just got a very neat remodeling job this past winter with lots of new "Tom Sawyer" themed play areas installed.

The look and feel of Disneyland overall is quite different, and a lot of that has to do with the climate. Disneyland has many outdoor queue's, and even several outdoor attractions like StorybookLand and Small World that would be simply impossible in rainy and humid Florida. But things like lots of outdoor patio seating, outdoor bandstands and dancefloors, and generally uncovered walkways and sidewalks all make for a much different "feel" to the place.

Not everything in Disneyland compares favorably to WDW though. Right now Disneyland's Tomorrowland is a complete basket case of a land. And it won't be until at least 2005 when Space and Buzz and the Carousel Theater 50th Show opens before it begins to improve. When it's busy at Disneyland, the walkways and Park infrastructure can be overwhelmed, as many of the walkways and restrooms are the same size as they were when they were built in the 1950's and 60's when Disneyland hosted smaller crowds.

It's also important to remember that Disneyland is a "local park" for the 25 Million people that live within 2 hours drive of Anaheim. Disneyland sits in the middle of one of the planet's most populated metropolitan areas, and it's the neighborhood theme park for 25 Million people from San Diego to Santa Barbara. WDW is in the middle of a swamp, and the city or Orlando only has about 500,000 or so, with another half million an hour west in Tampa. The vast bulk of the people at WDW are tourists from eastern North America and Europe. As such, the "Guest Demographic" is vastly different between the two places, and I've always been able to tell just by looking at the horrible sunburns on most of the people wandering around WDW compared to the tanned locals wandering around Disneyland.

Overall, if I was given just one day to spend in a Disney theme park, I'd pick Disneyland easily. But if I was given one week to spend at a Disney "Resort", I'd pick WDW.

Very well written! So much so that you almost had me agreeing that DL was better. But then I came to my senses and, no offense intended, I still would choose MK in a heartbeat.

I did overlook two things in my own comparison of the two parks though. Both of which are worth noting:

1. Fantasmic is infinitely better at DL. The MGM version was such a tremendous letdown by comparison. If you've seen Fantasmic at MGM, and were impressed by it, then the DL version will absolutely blow you away. MGM has a seemingly better venue, but for some reason I think that's part of what ruins it to some degree. The venue is so much larger than the show itself that it makes the show less impressive. At DL, the show is much more "in your face". Also, while the seating isn't that great, there's something about it that makes it more intimate and magical.

2. New Orleans Square!! I can't believe I forgot this in my comparison. Disney parks have many sections that are re-creations of the real thing, and I've been fortunate enough to actually visit the real thing in many cases. What I've generally found is that the Disney version captures the essence of the real place but doesn't truly look like it. A good example would be the Germany pavilion in Epcot. However, I had the opportunity to visit the real New Orleans for the first time ever this past summer and I was amazed at how much it resembled New Orleans Square at DL. In fact, I jokingly kept asking people if they could direct me to Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

[TP2000]

Originally posted by Merlin


1. Fantasmic is infinitely better at DL. The MGM version was such a tremendous letdown by comparison. If you've seen Fantasmic at MGM, and were impressed by it, then the DL version will absolutely blow you away. MGM has a seemingly better venue, but for some reason I think that's part of what ruins it to some degree. The venue is so much larger than the show itself that it makes the show less impressive. At DL, the show is much more "in your face". Also, while the seating isn't that great, there's something about it that makes it more intimate and magical.

I agree that the MGM version of Fantasmic! is a "letdown". My dear, sweet Mom summed it up best as we were leaving the MGM Fantasmic! amphitheater after seeing the show when she said.... "That was pathetic. They shouldn't try to copy Disneyland if they aren't even going to try very hard."

I go back and forth on the different Fantasmic! seating arrangements. I do think that it's awfully nice to be able to sit on a real seat for the hour leading up to the show at MGM. But the overall atmosphere of the MGM version is clearly an uninspired "Outdoor Amphitheater At A Theme Park". While you can easily lose all feeling in your legs waiting for the Disneyland Fantasmic! to start, the New Orleans Square/Rivers of America atmosphere is incomparable. It's also fun to see the Columbia burst on to the scene as Captain Hook's Pirate Ship and say "Hey, we rode on that this afternoon!".

The MGM Fantasmic! finale' with the "Mark Twain" made out of what looks to be plywood and PVC pipe bought at Home Depot made my family laugh out loud. If they just dressed up the amphitheater a bit and spruced up some of the watercraft being used, the MGM version would be vastly improved from it's current form. But if you've never seen the Disneyland version, you have no idea what your missing I suppose.

Merlin's comments about Disneyland CM's being less polite and polished than WDW CM's were right on the nose though. But that speaks to the fact that Disneyland is in the middle of a huge metropolitan area, and the small town feel of Orlando is nowhere to be found in Anaheim. Orange County has more attitude and edginess to it than some entire states, and it's increasingly evident in the Disneyland CM's.

Sadly though, the Disneyland CM's are shining stars compared to their counterparts at the local malls 10 minutes down the freeway from Disneyland. I was just at a major upscale retailer tonight where the sales help felt it was appropriate to use four letter words while speaking about the parties they were planning on going to this weekend while they simultaneously rang up customers at the cash register. The fact that Disneyland CM's don't use profanity at work or have a metal spike in their nose and tatoo's on their neck make them look like angelic oddities in Southern California. Welcome to the 21st century.

 

[xfkirsten]

I can see what you mean by it. The presentation is not the most 'beautiful" by Disney's standards. However, the real wonder in this ride lies not in what you see going on, but what you experience while the ride is going. From the first time I went on it, I was absolutely amazed at how real it all felt. I really felt like I was flying on a hang glider, more so than any motion simulator I'd ever been on. That's the real draw.

-Kirsten