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

[Mike S]

Took these when I first walked into the park. Don't know why I didn't post them.

Couldn't get BVS at night because my phone was dead by then.

 

[OSUgirl77]

Great photos! They are making me so excited to finally see Carsland this year! Have fun at DL today!

 

[ljs1691]

@Mike S, we certainly have similar thoughts on everything you posted. The Swings for us might have been the cherry on top because DH and I both have fond memories of riding The Tennessee Waltz at Opryland in Nashville as kids. It is the same ride; however, it was not built on a platform so the experience at DCA was even more enjoyable being that far from the ground.

TSMM glitches annoyed me a bit but the shorter line was wonderful. I might have like Monsters a little more than you did as I thought I was very well done for what it is. I just wish it was not so hidden away. We also did not participate in Frozen Fun goings on as it is not really of interest to us overall.

So, I can't wait to hear today's assessment of Space Mtn. I liked it so much I don't even think you can compare the WDW version to the much cooler DL counterpart. I did miss the relaxing ride of TTA though. It seems like such a corny thing but seeing the track there makes you want to see things from that perspective.

Have fun!

 

[Mike S]

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I prefer Tower at WDW. Queue is way better, line moves faster (everyone says that DCA was designed for more efficient loading and thereby faster-moving lines, but it always takes me forever in the boiling room) and a superior ride. When I first did the DCA version, I was shocked that the elevator immediately started moving backwards as though it functioned like a turbolift on a starship. At MGM, it functions like a normal elevator until, out of nowhere, you start moving forward through what looks like one of the opening sequences of the show. DCA doesn't have that at all and feels like a CliffsNotes version.

By the way, Disneyland was so empty last night after DCA closed, although it seemed like everything was either down for refurbishment or broken down. There were like 4 other people in Haunted Mansion with us and we got our own boat on "it's a small world", which has now returned from holiday moratorium.

 

[cosmicray]

A little late to the party, just saw this thread haha. LOVING your trip report Mike, definitely the best one I've ever read! Sorry for the barrage of "like" notifications, I just read through the entire thread so far and love the photos! Really makes me want to finally make it out to California and Disneyland one day, so jealous. Have fun at Disneyland today

 

[Mike S]

While I wait in a 40 minute line for Alice in Wonderland I thought I'd pop in for a bit with some of my thoughts on Disneyland first up some Main Street pics.

You all know where I went first

 

[Mike S]

Indiana Jones Adventure!!!!!

As you can see I got the first row and absolutely LOVED IT!!!!!! New favorite Disney ride!!!!!!! The sets and effects are outstanding, especially the Boulder room!!!! Can't wait for my next ride on it!!!!!!!!!

One downside. The bamboo pole in the queue didn't work

 

[Californian Elitist]

Silly Symphony Swings is my favorite Paradise Pier attraction, too.

Honestly, I'm a little shocked the wait time for Alice is 40 minutes at this time of the day.

 

[OSUgirl77]

Indiana Jones Adventure!!!!!
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As you can see I got the first row and absolutely LOVED IT!!!!!! New favorite Disney ride!!!!!!! The sets and effects are outstanding, especially the Boulder room!!!! Can't wait for my next ride on it!!!!!!!!!

One downside. The bamboo pole in the queue didn't work

Yay! It doesn't get any better than that, I'm so glad you loved it.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Did you pull the pole REALLY hard? It takes some force to get the effect to work.

 

[Mike S]

Silly Symphony Swings is my favorite Paradise Pier attraction, too.

Honestly, I'm a little shocked the wait time for Alice is 40 minutes at this time of the day.

Did you pull the pole REALLY hard? It takes some force to get the effect to work.

It said 40 but it was actually much shorter. I pulled the pole as far as it would go. I'll try again next time.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

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

 

[Mike S]

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

Bummer........... At least I finally went on the ride.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Honestly, and I know I'll get e-pummeled for this, but I actually kinda prefer Countdown to Extinction...

 

[Mike S]

Now that I'm sitting and taking a break its time for more thoughts. First comes the Jungle Cruise.

Both versions of the ride have their own unique touches and I like both but I'm giving the slight edge to WDW for our temple and downed plane, especially my favorite joke about said plane Now for the land of opposites: New Orleans Square.

You guys clearly have the MUCH better version of Pirates of the Caribbean hands down, but in the same way we (WDW fans) have the better Haunted Mansion. It seriously felt like the entire beginning of the ride was cut out even though this one is the original. I wish I came while the Haunted Mansion Holiday was still here so I could've seen something new. Anyway back to Pirates I don't think I'll ever view the Magic Kingdom version the same way ever again. Now across the Rivers of America to Frontierland for Big Thunder Mountain.

Loved the explosion effects. I think the MK version is a bit longer but I'm not sure. If/when we get the new effects I think we'll have the superior version of this ride.

 

[Sage of Time]

I have no idea how you went to DCA before you went to Disneyland. HAHAH. The anticipation levels....

Have we all eaten at that Denny's, or what?

I have. I don't even like Denny's, but I'd eat at that one again. Best Denny's ever.

^^^ THIS. Hahahah. Though, I think I prefer the one a bit more south on Harbor. It's quieter.

 

[Mike S]

Before moving on to my thoughts on Fantasyland, a post dedicated to the closures around the park.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is closed? It's a must-see. One of my top Disneyland attractions along with The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, "it's a small world" and the Disneyland Railroad through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World.

Regarding Mansion, I'll always disagree with the postulation that WDW's is superior. Ever since I emerged from the stretching room into that changing portrait hallway, I've known that Disneyland's is the superior version.

 

[Mike S]

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is closed? It's a must-see. One of my top Disneyland attractions along with The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, "it's a small world" and the Disneyland Railroad through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World.

Regarding Mansion, I'll always disagree with the postulation that WDW's is superior. Ever since I emerged from the stretching room into that changing portrait hallway, I've known that Disneyland's is the superior version.

Lincoln is closed till Monday for cast meetings or something. About Mansion, we'll just have to agree to disagree. I prefer seeing the Portrait Hallway on the ride along with the Library, Conservatory, and Stairway scenes. Without them the ride felt rushed.