Manifest Destiny: A Lifetime Walt Disney World Fan's First Trip To Disneyland

Mike S

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Ooh! You are right across the street from the Cosmopolitan! Make sure you go over there and at least wander through it all, if not have a drink or dinner; it's just a stunning complex.
I already had dinner there. It was great :hungry:
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Magenta Panther

Well-Known Member

Just occurred to me...in a way, Toontown is DL's Diagon Alley. Lots of detail, the feeling that you've entered a very different world...it's all there. And it's DISNEY. Oh, I hope it's not going away. Especially not for a non-Disney creation like Star Wars... :P
 

Mike S

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Here's the last of Mickey's House.
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Pretty standard kiddy coaster. Nothing special.
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The Disneyland version of the Tiki Room is another attraction that's superior to WDW's version. Longer show and that cool fountain. Next up some Tomorrowland night shots and the Monorail.
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While the inside of the Monorail cabin is nice the ride can't compare at all to WDW's Monorail. My next post will be my last about Disneyland.
 

Mike S

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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Star Tours was pretty much the same as it is at WDW so not much to say really.
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You know what I liked most about Disneyland's Buzz? Everything was working. Many things that I've seen simply remain not moving in MK was working here. Also the removable guns. Having to click the blaster each time rather than just holding it down was only a small inconvenience. Also there were some cool effects that don't exist in MK and the Buzz animatronic in the queue seemed much better.
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I'll take an Elvis cover band in Tomorrowland over blaring pop music for a dance party any day. What a refreshing change.
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The queue here was really nice. Almost reminded me of Alien. The ride itself had some cool effects, music, and the track was really smooth. However, the track layout at WDW is much better imo. DL's doesn't have any drops comparable to ours. Give our Space Mountain the full refurb it should've gotten in 2009 and there won't be any debate of which one is better.

Now some quick thoughts on DL overall. It is very different from my home of WDW, some better and some not. It is much smaller and the look and layout was very different which took some getting used to. After two days in the resort I really liked it a lot and can't wait to go again to see all that I missed on my first trip, but WDW will always be my home. I wonder how I'll view it on my first trip back after Disneyland.
 

Sage of Time

Well-Known Member
Just occurred to me...in a way, Toontown is DL's Diagon Alley. Lots of detail, the feeling that you've entered a very different world...it's all there. And it's DISNEY. Oh, I hope it's not going away. Especially not for a non-Disney creation like Star Wars... :p
I don't mean to be rude... but have you been to Diagon?

Because, as nice as DL Toontown is, the level of detail there does not compare at all to Diagon's organic and real world feel. DL Toontown is largely plastic and zany, and yes, self contained, but it's very different from Diagon's expansive and realistic texture.

The queue here was really nice. Almost reminded me of Alien. The ride itself had some cool effects, music, and the track was really smooth. However, the track layout at WDW is much better imo. DL's doesn't have any drops comparable to ours. Give our Space Mountain the full refurb it should've gotten in 2009 and there won't be any debate of which one is better.

Now some quick thoughts on DL overall. It is very different from my home of WDW, some better and some not. It is much smaller and the look and layout was very different which took some getting used to. After two days in the resort I really liked it a lot and can't wait to go again to see all that I missed on my first trip, but WDW will always be my home. I wonder how I'll view it on my first trip back after Disneyland.

If there is one ride that I think that Disneyland has the better version of, without question, it's Space Mountain. Music, projections, pure darkness, effects... I like it. WDW has the better facade, but that's about it for me.

And if you're anything like me.... MK will feel HUGE to you, next time. EPCOT will feel like a massive expanse. And you'll be wondering where the Matterhorn and NOS is, constantly. It's the weirdest feeling. :)
 

Furiated

Well-Known Member
I think he's right, the pole has been broken for a while.

What's the last time someone has seen the pole effect working? It's been literally years since the last time I saw it work. I'm always super excited to try it the first ride on Indy every trip to see if it's working again, but it's been quite a while. And as others said, you do have to give it a strong push/pull and it does need some reset time before it can be activated again. The rope effect further up the queue has been more reliable, that one has been working most of the time for me.
 

Mike S

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Overall, I like the WDW Tower better, but I really like the simple mirror trick in the DCA version.

Now back to the trip report (and day-dreaming about our trip in May)...
I really liked the mirror trick and I also agree that WDW's Tower is overall superior.
 

Skippy

Well-Known Member
I've seen on more than one occasion at DL, Alice (and sometimes the Hatter) take a kid at the front gate and lead it by the hand and walk them all the way back to the Tea Cups and take them for a spin <pun intended>. It amounts to 20 minutes or so of character interaction that happens spontaneously. That would never, ever happen at WDW.

I wouldn't say it 'would never, ever happen' at WDW. Someone mentioned it happening to their daughter in another thread a few days ago:
Is the clock ticking on the Sorcerer Mickey Hat icon at the Studios? YES!

These types of interactions are still probably rarer at WDW though.
 

Magenta Panther

Well-Known Member
I don't mean to be rude... but have you been to Diagon?

Because, as nice as DL Toontown is, the level of detail there does not compare at all to Diagon's organic and real world feel. DL Toontown is largely plastic and zany, and yes, self contained, but it's very different from Diagon's expansive and realistic texture.



If there is one ride that I think that Disneyland has the better version of, without question, it's Space Mountain. Music, projections, pure darkness, effects... I like it. WDW has the better facade, but that's about it for me.

And if you're anything like me.... MK will feel HUGE to you, next time. EPCOT will feel like a massive expanse. And you'll be wondering where the Matterhorn and NOS is, constantly. It's the weirdest feeling. :)

No, I haven't been to Diagon Alley yet. But I made the comparison because Toontown is a realized fantasy world. Not as detailed as Diagon for sure, and not as detailed as it SHOULD be in and of itself. But still a great concept that really ought to remain in a park based on Disney-created concepts, especially those revolving around animation. I'd hate to see it go.
 

George Lucas on a Bench

Well-Known Member
Still catching up here, but Space Mountain Vs. Space Mountain: I want to say that DL's is basically the preferred one of people who have experienced both, but I kinda prefer WDW. DL's just glides around and there's only one drop. Now, I'm not saying any of this is a deal breaker or that I don't like either version. They're basically both fun unless you're a super-tall person that can't fit into the WDW rockets.
 

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
?
( Regarding Disneyland*s version of *Space Mountain* )
.......
The queue here was really nice. Almost reminded me of Alien. The ride itself had some cool effects, music, and the track was really smooth. However, the track layout at WDW is much better imo. DL's doesn't have any drops comparable to ours. Give our Space Mountain the full refurb it should've gotten in 2009 and there won't be any debate of which one is better.

I am glad you mentioned this Mike, as for some time i have been wanting to get up the nerve to ride *Space Mountain* and i have yet to do it.
Outrageous confession of a serious Disney Theme Park fan - I have never experienced a ride on *Space Mountain* to date.
Shameful, i know.
I want to remedy this!

The main reason i have yet to ride is my dislike of *drops* and the sensations they create.
So i am a bit nervous about riding anything that might have such things.
It took me years to get over the fear i had of *Splash Mountain*s big drop...and i love that Attraction!


I absolutely love *Big Thunder Mountain Railroad* and finally tried the *Matterhorn Bobsleds* for the first time two years ago...but have yet to do *Space*.
I*m not a really big coaster fan, and anything more *intense* then those two i would probably not be able to handle.
Which one should i try first....
People tell me * Space Mountain* is basically *BTMR* in the dark...true, or false...?
I would like to hear your thoughts ..and anyone else*s who would like to share some insights.

Hearing you talk about DLs version having drops that have a lesser impact makes me consider riding when i return in April.
For a while i have heard that the DL version was slightly more intense then WDWs original.


Now some quick thoughts on DL overall. It is very different from my home of WDW, some better and some not. It is much smaller and the look and layout was very different which took some getting used to. After two days in the resort I really liked it a lot and can't wait to go again to see all that I missed on my first trip, but WDW will always be my home. I wonder how I'll view it on my first trip back after Disneyland.

Ditto.
WDW ( Epcot, in particular ) will always be *home*.....but man has Disneyland really taken me away from that in a big way.
Absolutely love it. Love the *differences* and the improved atmosphere and offerings.
It can take long term WDW Vets some time to get used to, but the payoff is so enriching on a enjoyment factor level.
 
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Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
The what? What did I miss in 2012 that I can not miss in October?

When you return to Disneyland and re-experience the *Indiana Jones Adventure*, there are some fun interactive surprises located within the legendary exquisite queue.

There are three spots to explore within the Temple queue while you are waiting to board your Transport to adventure.
I will tell you where they are, but it is up to you to discover what surprises await you!
Thus, this will be *spoiler free*.
;)

The first is a prominently placed bamboo pole located in the *Spike Room*.
There are several in this area that Dr. Jones has used to prop up the booby-trapped stone ceiling above to keep it from crushing visitors.
One bamboo pole has a sign on it noting it should not be pulled.
Pull HARD on this particular pole and if you trigger it off, you will be treated to a fun effect.
( NOTE - Do not be shy is REALLY pulling hard on this. It needs a good tug to set it off )

Next is the area immediately after the *Spike Room*.
This area features a stone floor with strange diamond shaped emblems on the floor and *Mara Eye* icons on the stone ceiling.
Again, a nearby sign tells you to only step on the diamond shapes.
If you step elsewhere....well....something might happen.
Don*t say i did*nt warn you!
( NOTE - Sadly THIS particular effect no longer seems to be active anymore, or is no longer used.)

The other element is located in a large rotunda room that features a striking painting of Mara and his worshipers on the circular ceiling.
Light filters in from precisely placed holes in the ceiling, down upon a elaborate stone tablet below in the center of the room.
The queue line will circle this tablet, and on one side is a rope that is suspended from above hanging down into a stone pit in the ground.
Once more, a small sign warns to not pull the rope as rare artifacts are being handled by archeologists below.
PULL on this rope and listen closely.
( This effect has different experiences, so be sure to pull it every time you pass by to hear them all! )

Enjoy exploring the Temple of The Forbidden Eye....long before you actually board your Transport and see the adventure that lies within!

:)
 

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
What's the last time someone has seen the pole effect working? It's been literally years since the last time I saw it work. I'm always super excited to try it the first ride on Indy every trip to see if it's working again, but it's been quite a while. And as others said, you do have to give it a strong push/pull and it does need some reset time before it can be activated again. The rope effect further up the queue has been more reliable, that one has been working most of the time for me.

Last time i personally witnessed the pole effect in IJA was April of last year one time i walked through.
It seems to come and go, but it is definitely effected by the amount of people pulling on it.
It tends to only fire off at random times, which in a way is good.
I mean, it would not be as special if it happened all the time, and every time.
Those poor skeletons....
 

Mike S

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
?

I am glad you mentioned this Mike, as for some time i have been wanting to get up the nerve to ride *Space Mountain* and i have yet to do it.
Outrageous confession of a serious Disney Theme Park fan - I have never experienced a ride on *Space Mountain* to date.
Shameful, i know.
I want to remedy this!

The main reason i have yet to ride is my dislike of *drops* and the sensations they create.
So i am a bit nervous about riding anything that might have such things.
It took me years to get over the fear i had of *Splash Mountain*s big drop...and i love that Attraction!


I absolutely love *Big Thunder Mountain Railroad* and finally tried the *Matterhorn Bobsleds* for the first time two years ago...but have yet to do *Space*.
I*m not a really big coaster fan, and anything more *intense* then those two i would probably not be able to handle.
Which one should i try first....
People tell me * Space Mountain* is basically *BTMR* in the dark...true, or false...?
I would like to hear your thoughts ..and anyone else*s who would like to share some insights.

Hearing you talk about DLs version having drops that have a lesser impact makes me consider riding when i return in April.
For a while i have heard that the DL version was slightly more intense then WDWs original.




Ditto.
WDW ( Epcot, in particular ) will always be *home*.....but man has Disneyland really taken me away from that in a big way.
Absolutely love it. Love the *differences* and the improved atmosphere and offerings.
It can take long term WDW Vets some time to get used to, but the payoff is so enriching on a enjoyment factor level.
I don't really know what to say besides not even thinking about it and just getting on the ride. That's how I, someone who never liked going upside down on a roller coaster, got myself on California Screamin' and it was a highlight of my trip. One of the few rides I did more than once.
Last time i personally witnessed the pole effect in IJA was April of last year one time i walked through.
It seems to come and go, but it is definitely effected by the amount of people pulling on it.
It tends to only fire off at random times, which in a way is good.
I mean, it would not be as special if it happened all the time, and every time.
Those poor skeletons....
I think I got it to work one time but it didn't move down very far. Is that what it's supposed to do?
 

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