No flaming anyone in here...I just got back from a few days at Disneyland (my first visit) and can FINALLY put an informed comparison between the two. These are just opinions and nothing more, nothing less.
First off...let me say that people complain and think that DCA is bad...well, it's not. It's not a perfect park by any means...but it's not a bad park and, to be honest, I had a more enjoyable time at DCA than I did Disneyland.
Let's start with Disneyland since it can be most easily compared to the Magic Kingdom.
Main Street USA (DL) vs. Main Street USA (WDW)
No comparison whatsoever. Disneyland's seems cheap compared to its WDW counterpart. The one shining thing about Disneyland's Main Street is the little sitting area near the bakery.
The castle is a joke. Sure, it may hold nostalgic value but nostalgia aside...Sleeping Beauty's shack is nothing compared to Cinderella's. Unless you're on Main Street looking at it...you can't see it from anywhere in the park!
Tomorrowland DL vs. Tomorrowland WDW
The architecture of DL's Tomorrowland is better. WDW's went in the right direction with the Jules Verne look...but didn't pull it off well at all.
Star Tours fits in well...so that's a huge plus.
The Astro Orbiter right in the front doesn't work and seems like it was plopped there without any rhyme or reason.
No TTA? *shrug* I think I'd rather have a vacant lagoon than tracks unused about my head.
Why is the Imagination pavilion here?
I understand why they placed Space Mountain where they did but WDW's Space Mountain ride building is a LOT grander. The ride...well, I didn't know much about the Space Mountain refurb but I was under the assumption that they gutted it and started over with inversions and a launch (I have no idea where I got that from). I checked out Deb's review online and it said that the basic layout remained the same...so I got disappointed. After riding it...they don't need inversions...they don't need ANYTHING...I loved it...and want this at WDW! Space Mountain WDW is laughable after riding the DL version.
Buzz is better at DL due to the fact that you have free reign with the lasers.
The monorail going through it was a nice touch...but again, now out of place "theme-wise" due to the Year of a Million Dreams wrap on the trains.
Overall...aside from a few "out of place" attractions...DL's Tomorrowland is better.
Fantasyland DL vs. Fantasyland WDW
Matterhorn...what is everybody raving about this attraction for? It's a rough-riding lackluster attraction set in a mountain. Boo on all accounts. I, for one, am glad that WDW does not have it...save the room for something else.
DL definitely takes the cake as far as dark rides go. Alice, Pinocchio, and TOAD!
Storybook Land Canal Boats...um...what? That was the most pointless attraction in the park.
IASW was closed...but the exterior is far better than WDW's version.
Toontown vs. Mickey's Toontown Fair.
Honestly, I don't think this was even a match. Again, The Magic Kingdom's version is a joke.
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon spin was fun (and a bit of a workout LOL ).
New Orleans Square vs. Liberty Square.
Well, due to the fact that Pirates is located here...it's 2 big names vs. 1. Overall I like the feel of Liberty Square much more.
After hearing how much better Pirates is in DL...I can finally say that I agree with it. While WDW's version is good...it doesn't compare and it the "Curse of the Black Pearl" really followed the storyline of the DL version much more than what is in the WDW version.
I haven't been on the WDW version since the revamp...but I gotta say that aesthetically, the WDW's version is MUCH better. If the WDW version has the floating Leota, and the bride section...on TOP of the stairs...then WDW's is better all around (with the exception of the FAR superior stretching effect in DL).
Frontierland DL vs. Frontierland WDW
That's "Big Thunder Mountain?" It looks like "Lil Thunder Mountain!" The ride itself was about the same, no better, no worse.
In my opinion, the Splash Mountain in WDW is far better than the DL version. I will admit that it's placement in DL is better (Critter Country over Frontierland)
No CBJ???? Booooooo
Adventureland DL vs. Adventureland WDW
Let me just say that I hate that the Magic Carpets of Aladdin are placed in the middle of the beautiful lush landscaping of Adventureland in WDW. Big minus in my book.
Adventureland in DL seems more "immersive." The Jungle Cruise is better in WDW (although I loved the pirahna). The Tiki Room is better in DL. The preshow with the Tiki Gods is pretty cool too.
And, Adventureland is DL has an overlooked attraction that is hardly talked about...it's called Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. It blows Dinosaur away makes Dinosaur almost laughable. It's hard to imagine that Dinosaur came AFTER Indy. (I'll admit it...when the blowdarts were shooting out of the wall, I ducked) :lol:
Now...Wishes is a fantastic "nighttime spectacular" but it is slaughtered by Remember. Tinkerbell is far better at DL and I hope the "she" comes to WDW.
People have always told me that Fantasmic is better in DL and I just can't imagine it. So, there are some people on here that have probably been reading this waiting for me to comment on it.
Yes, the Jolly Roger was incredible and, IMO the highlight of the show.
The "grandness" of the show itself just didn't live up to it.
I'm a huge Dumbo fan and I hated the "Pink Elephants on Parade" and I love Pinocchio but I thought that scene was pointless.
Why were Ursula and Chernabog the only ones shown being "called" by the witch...but then Maleficent shows up??? Jafar as the snake was much more impressive than Kaa.
Steamboat Willie was much more impressive than the WDW version.
Sorry Fantasmic DL'ers...but it didn't sway me into thinking that the DL version was better than the WDW version. I'd love to see the Jolly Roger replace the Pocahontas scene...but overall, WDW's is superior.
So, is DL better than the Magic Kingdom? Attraction-wise...yes. Layout-wise? No. There are more attractions (oh yeah, the Nemo subs are better than the Epcot version...but the wait is way too long) but the layout isn't as nice, it's not as grand, all of the queues are just unthemed and outside (with a few exceptions) and it doesn't have that, "I'm not just in an amusement park" feel because of it. DL suffers due to lack of space...and that is basically the reason why I can't say that I prefer it over the Magic Kingdom. (Hey, I guess I like things bigger :lookaroun ) The Magic Kingdom has fewer attractions, but the castle is huge and "magical," Frontierland is laid out really well and the flow of the park just works better overall. It's more than just the attractions (which DL crushes the Magic Kingdom).
Now, onto DCA...
I'm not saying this is my favorite park...but I'd say that it's definitely better than DHS!
It's a little "jumbled" and not easy to navigate.
Tower of Terror is not better in DCA. The building aesthetics are FAR better at the Studios as is that actual ride. The mirror was a nice effect and it definitely caught me off guard when it didn't "roll out" into the drop chamber. The "5th Dimension" room is part of the whole experience though.
Monsters Inc. I liked it. It's nothing special but it was nice to see a new dark ride. I wish the animatronics were better though. It would've been nice to see mouths move when they talked. The Randall effect was awesome.
Muppets is Muppets...nothing new here. The waiting area is better in DHS but the entry of DCA's is better.
Grizzly River Run was pretty good...a lot better than Kali...actually, Kali just stinks :lol:
Soarin' is Soarin'...much nicer area in DCA.
Paradise Pier...I don't know whether to really like it or really hate it. California Screamin' is an awesome coaster. That ride just doesn't let up (much better at night too!). The Sun Wheel is a nice spin on an old classic...I liked it, but I wish they had done at least one FULL rotation without stopping!!! Then you get to Mulholland Madness. Boring. Primeval Whirl, even if the theming is horrible, is at least fun when it spins... The Orange Stinger? Whuh? Maliboomer...huh? The Zephyr thing... Whassat now? You had two attractions with nice Disney flair to them...and then just plop up off-the-shelf rides that you can ride in any amusement park or traveling fair!
A Bug's Land was cute...but the theater under the Tree of Life works a lot better.
We had dinner in The Vineyard Room and had great food...just way overpriced for what you get.
Well, that's about it...overall I had a great time...DL was really crowded because it was spring break in CA but aside from that..it was fun and it was nice to finally be able to experience the things that I read about on a daily basis!
First off...let me say that people complain and think that DCA is bad...well, it's not. It's not a perfect park by any means...but it's not a bad park and, to be honest, I had a more enjoyable time at DCA than I did Disneyland.
Let's start with Disneyland since it can be most easily compared to the Magic Kingdom.
Main Street USA (DL) vs. Main Street USA (WDW)
No comparison whatsoever. Disneyland's seems cheap compared to its WDW counterpart. The one shining thing about Disneyland's Main Street is the little sitting area near the bakery.
The castle is a joke. Sure, it may hold nostalgic value but nostalgia aside...Sleeping Beauty's shack is nothing compared to Cinderella's. Unless you're on Main Street looking at it...you can't see it from anywhere in the park!
Tomorrowland DL vs. Tomorrowland WDW
The architecture of DL's Tomorrowland is better. WDW's went in the right direction with the Jules Verne look...but didn't pull it off well at all.
Star Tours fits in well...so that's a huge plus.
The Astro Orbiter right in the front doesn't work and seems like it was plopped there without any rhyme or reason.
No TTA? *shrug* I think I'd rather have a vacant lagoon than tracks unused about my head.
Why is the Imagination pavilion here?
I understand why they placed Space Mountain where they did but WDW's Space Mountain ride building is a LOT grander. The ride...well, I didn't know much about the Space Mountain refurb but I was under the assumption that they gutted it and started over with inversions and a launch (I have no idea where I got that from). I checked out Deb's review online and it said that the basic layout remained the same...so I got disappointed. After riding it...they don't need inversions...they don't need ANYTHING...I loved it...and want this at WDW! Space Mountain WDW is laughable after riding the DL version.
Buzz is better at DL due to the fact that you have free reign with the lasers.
The monorail going through it was a nice touch...but again, now out of place "theme-wise" due to the Year of a Million Dreams wrap on the trains.
Overall...aside from a few "out of place" attractions...DL's Tomorrowland is better.
Fantasyland DL vs. Fantasyland WDW
Matterhorn...what is everybody raving about this attraction for? It's a rough-riding lackluster attraction set in a mountain. Boo on all accounts. I, for one, am glad that WDW does not have it...save the room for something else.
DL definitely takes the cake as far as dark rides go. Alice, Pinocchio, and TOAD!
Storybook Land Canal Boats...um...what? That was the most pointless attraction in the park.
IASW was closed...but the exterior is far better than WDW's version.
Toontown vs. Mickey's Toontown Fair.
Honestly, I don't think this was even a match. Again, The Magic Kingdom's version is a joke.
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon spin was fun (and a bit of a workout LOL ).
New Orleans Square vs. Liberty Square.
Well, due to the fact that Pirates is located here...it's 2 big names vs. 1. Overall I like the feel of Liberty Square much more.
After hearing how much better Pirates is in DL...I can finally say that I agree with it. While WDW's version is good...it doesn't compare and it the "Curse of the Black Pearl" really followed the storyline of the DL version much more than what is in the WDW version.
I haven't been on the WDW version since the revamp...but I gotta say that aesthetically, the WDW's version is MUCH better. If the WDW version has the floating Leota, and the bride section...on TOP of the stairs...then WDW's is better all around (with the exception of the FAR superior stretching effect in DL).
Frontierland DL vs. Frontierland WDW
That's "Big Thunder Mountain?" It looks like "Lil Thunder Mountain!" The ride itself was about the same, no better, no worse.
In my opinion, the Splash Mountain in WDW is far better than the DL version. I will admit that it's placement in DL is better (Critter Country over Frontierland)
No CBJ???? Booooooo
Adventureland DL vs. Adventureland WDW
Let me just say that I hate that the Magic Carpets of Aladdin are placed in the middle of the beautiful lush landscaping of Adventureland in WDW. Big minus in my book.
Adventureland in DL seems more "immersive." The Jungle Cruise is better in WDW (although I loved the pirahna). The Tiki Room is better in DL. The preshow with the Tiki Gods is pretty cool too.
And, Adventureland is DL has an overlooked attraction that is hardly talked about...it's called Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. It blows Dinosaur away makes Dinosaur almost laughable. It's hard to imagine that Dinosaur came AFTER Indy. (I'll admit it...when the blowdarts were shooting out of the wall, I ducked) :lol:
Now...Wishes is a fantastic "nighttime spectacular" but it is slaughtered by Remember. Tinkerbell is far better at DL and I hope the "she" comes to WDW.
People have always told me that Fantasmic is better in DL and I just can't imagine it. So, there are some people on here that have probably been reading this waiting for me to comment on it.
Yes, the Jolly Roger was incredible and, IMO the highlight of the show.
The "grandness" of the show itself just didn't live up to it.
I'm a huge Dumbo fan and I hated the "Pink Elephants on Parade" and I love Pinocchio but I thought that scene was pointless.
Why were Ursula and Chernabog the only ones shown being "called" by the witch...but then Maleficent shows up??? Jafar as the snake was much more impressive than Kaa.
Steamboat Willie was much more impressive than the WDW version.
Sorry Fantasmic DL'ers...but it didn't sway me into thinking that the DL version was better than the WDW version. I'd love to see the Jolly Roger replace the Pocahontas scene...but overall, WDW's is superior.
So, is DL better than the Magic Kingdom? Attraction-wise...yes. Layout-wise? No. There are more attractions (oh yeah, the Nemo subs are better than the Epcot version...but the wait is way too long) but the layout isn't as nice, it's not as grand, all of the queues are just unthemed and outside (with a few exceptions) and it doesn't have that, "I'm not just in an amusement park" feel because of it. DL suffers due to lack of space...and that is basically the reason why I can't say that I prefer it over the Magic Kingdom. (Hey, I guess I like things bigger :lookaroun ) The Magic Kingdom has fewer attractions, but the castle is huge and "magical," Frontierland is laid out really well and the flow of the park just works better overall. It's more than just the attractions (which DL crushes the Magic Kingdom).
Now, onto DCA...
I'm not saying this is my favorite park...but I'd say that it's definitely better than DHS!
It's a little "jumbled" and not easy to navigate.
Tower of Terror is not better in DCA. The building aesthetics are FAR better at the Studios as is that actual ride. The mirror was a nice effect and it definitely caught me off guard when it didn't "roll out" into the drop chamber. The "5th Dimension" room is part of the whole experience though.
Monsters Inc. I liked it. It's nothing special but it was nice to see a new dark ride. I wish the animatronics were better though. It would've been nice to see mouths move when they talked. The Randall effect was awesome.
Muppets is Muppets...nothing new here. The waiting area is better in DHS but the entry of DCA's is better.
Grizzly River Run was pretty good...a lot better than Kali...actually, Kali just stinks :lol:
Soarin' is Soarin'...much nicer area in DCA.
Paradise Pier...I don't know whether to really like it or really hate it. California Screamin' is an awesome coaster. That ride just doesn't let up (much better at night too!). The Sun Wheel is a nice spin on an old classic...I liked it, but I wish they had done at least one FULL rotation without stopping!!! Then you get to Mulholland Madness. Boring. Primeval Whirl, even if the theming is horrible, is at least fun when it spins... The Orange Stinger? Whuh? Maliboomer...huh? The Zephyr thing... Whassat now? You had two attractions with nice Disney flair to them...and then just plop up off-the-shelf rides that you can ride in any amusement park or traveling fair!
A Bug's Land was cute...but the theater under the Tree of Life works a lot better.
We had dinner in The Vineyard Room and had great food...just way overpriced for what you get.
Well, that's about it...overall I had a great time...DL was really crowded because it was spring break in CA but aside from that..it was fun and it was nice to finally be able to experience the things that I read about on a daily basis!