A couple questions about DLR attractions

[SweetAurora]

Hello all!

I'm planning my first trip to Disneyland for June or July of this year! Being a huge Disney fan, I am very excited to go to the "original" theme park. However, I have a couple of questions. I'm hoping you guys can help me out with them.

1. Are there many drops on the Matterhorn? How do the drops compare to those on Splash Mountain?
2. How do some of the rides at Disneyland compare to those at Disney World (for example: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, etc.)?

Many thanks in advance!

[NotaGeek]

to INTERCOT.

There are no drops on the Matterhorn.

DLR's Space Mountain is completely different from WDW ... it's side-by side seating in real roller coaster type cars and it's totally dark. It has a soundtrack and a great sound system with speakers on each car, there are no drops.

I didn't ride Big Thunder at WDW, but it's a great coaster at DLR. Splash is awesome, but I think the ride at WDW is a bit longer and seemed to me to be A LOT more wet. I was drenched at WDW.

IMO all the rides have difference, and to be honest I don't like comparing them. The parks have SO much in common, and just as many differences ... DLR is the oriinal dream and you can feel the Magic and see Walt's influences all over the park.

The dark rides in Fantasyland at DLR are outstanding, and have a very different feel to WDW.

[BrerGnat]

1. Matterhorn is a VERY tame coaster. To put it into perspective, the height requirement is 32 inches. My oldest son rode it for the first time when he was only 2 years old. The largest "drop" is probably smaller than the one on Pirates of the Caribbean. It is more turns than anything else.

2. I've ridden EVERYTHING that occurs at both WDW and DLR. Here is MY opinion on how they compare:

Big Thunder: Very Similar. Larger in scope at WDW, but the ride is practically identical. Some better scenic elements at WDW. Similar track layout, length, and number of lift hills at both parks.
Winner overall: TIE

Space Mountain: Much better ride and overall sensory experience at Disneyland since the refurbishment. WDW wins for better queue. WDW wins for nostalgic value for me personally.
Winner overall: Disneyland

Splash Mountain: Larger in scope at WDW. More drops, extra scenes not found at DLR. DLR ride has more "outside" time. Drop is identical, as is ending.
Winner overall: WDW

Pirates of the Caribbean: I'm not even going to explain why. Just ride it.
Winner: DISNEYLAND!!!!!

Jungle Cruise: Disneyland's is better. Especially towards the end.
Winner: Disneyland

Tiki Room: Disneyland still has the ORIGINAL Tiki Room. Unchanged since Walt Disney created it. A classic.
Winner: Disneyland!!!

Winnie the Pooh: WDW's is better, but they are different enough to warrant riding them each.
Winner: WDW

ALL OF FANTASYLAND: It's better at DLR. All of it. Especially Peter Pan. Give Fantasyland its due. Don't miss It's a Small World. Just don't. That's all I have to say about that.
Winner: Disneyland

Toontown: WAY cool. Much better at Disneyland.

Star Tours: Same ride. Much cooler at WDW, due to the outside set up/Star Wars theme at the gift shop, etc.
Winner: WDW

Buzz Lightyear: Better at Disneyland!
Winner: Disneyland

Autopia (Tomorrowland Cars): MUCH cooler, but different, at Disneyland. Neat cars with color change paint, better "scenery", etc. A cool ride.
Winner: Disneyland

Railroad: Disneyland has nicer trains, plus a diorama exhibit between the Tomorrowland and Main Street Station that WDW does not have. Worth seeing.
Winner: Disneyland

Castle: Okay, Cinderella castle wins for being bigger and more impressive, plus more photogenic (especially at night). BUT, you can walk INSIDE Sleeping Beauty Castle (WITHOUT an ADR), and see a neat attraction that tells the story of Aurora and Prince Philip. Very cool.
Winner: TIE

Tower of Terror: they are each unique. I like WDW's version, but I also like CA Adventure's version.
Winner: TIE

Soarin Over California: Essentially, the same attraction. DCA attraction has a much better queue and better outdoor themeing.
Winner: DCA

I think that about sums it up. There are a couple more attractions that co-exist, like some 3-D movies that are EXACTLY the same, so I did not mention those.

Overall, I MUCH prefer Disneyland over the Magic Kingdom at WDW (and, I didn't always feel that way...). It may not be your FIRST impression, but you will hopefully find some of Walt's original Magic at the Disneyland resort during your first visit.

Have a great trip!

[SweetAurora]

Natalie, your descriptions were so thorough and amazing. Thank you so much! I have been to WDW several times, but never to Disneyland. As a Disneyphile, I have GOT to get out there ... the original magic is really why I want to go there -- to see what Walt himself got to see. Amazing. Thanks again!!

[Carol]

As a Disneyphile, I have GOT to get out there ... the original magic is really why I want to go there -- to see what Walt himself got to see. Amazing. Thanks again!!

You will feel Walt. It's a goosebumpy feeling.

Disneyland is more up-close and personal. Although Disney World holds so many family memories I perfer Disneyland for the sheer vacation factor. It's so much more relaxing. No hustle and bustle, buses and long tedious walks. Getting from point A to point B is not time consuming.

I often feel like I need a vacation from my vacation when going to WDW.

Have fun.

[Magic Smiles]

I often feel like I need a vacation from my vacation when going to WDW.

Have fun.

Now isn't that true!

[DAKustodial]

You will feel Walt. It's a goosebumpy feeling.

You're so right! I had been to WDW dozens of times and worked as a CM for a few years before going to Disneyland on my honeymoon last year. I'm a big Walt Disney buff and have read a bunch of his biographies and everything...walking into Disneyland is just a different experience...I can't explain it!

We did the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour and that made it even more special...it's just an incredible place!

[badkitty]

One thing to add to BrerGnat's great descriptions:
Big Thunder at DL goes in the opposite direction of the MK. The ride is basically (if not exactly) the same just reversed.

[hueyrulz]

I just got back from my first trip to DL after many trips to WDW. I agree with the previous posts - DL is more initimate than the MK at WDW. DCA and DL are right next to each other so it's a true "park hopping" experience. Also, as our Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour guide said, you get twice the attractions in 2/3 the space.

[Magic Smiles]

I just got back from my first trip to DL after many trips to WDW. I agree with the previous posts - DL is more initimate than the MK at WDW. DCA and DL are right next to each other so it's a true "park hopping" experience. Also, as our Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour guide said, you get twice the attractions in 2/3 the space.

Was the Walk in Walt's Footsteps a good tour. On a scale of 1 - 10 what would you rate it? We have done the Keys to the Kingdom tour in WDW and absolutely loved it.
What was the price of the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour? We are currently planning 5 days in Disneyland. Any suggestions?

[hueyrulz]

I would rate it an 8.5. I also did the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Keys was more behind the scenes. Walk in Walt's was more the history of Walt and DL; most of the info I had read about in a biography on him. It is $59 but I saved 20% with the Disney Visa credit card. It's 3 1/2 hours and then you get a lunch back by City Hall; not at a restaurant like Keys. Our tour guide was Chris and he was very knowledgable. He sat with us during lunch so I was able to ask him more questions. One of the highlights was going into the lobby of Club 33.
I would do the 9:30 tour since it finishes around 1. There is also a 2pm tour. You get headphones so that you actually hear Walt's words at various points. For ex, we were standing at the plaque with Walt's opening day speach and you listen to it in his own words. It's really cool.

[snifflesmcg]

Thank you for this question and all of your replies. I, too, have been to WDW numous time and planning a two day trip to DL when traveling across the country. All of this info is definately a big help

[dixielandings]

Just got back from 3 days at DL. LOVE IT!! I pretty much agree w/ Natalie's assessments. Just about everything at DL is, IMO, cooler and more creative than the WDW counterparts, with a few exceptions.

Matterhorn, while it's a tame coaster, is still pretty bumpy. But that's it - you'll enjoy it.

Fantasyland, Toontown, and New Orleans Square will amaze you!

[Magic Smiles]

Just got back from 3 days at DL. LOVE IT!! I pretty much agree w/ Natalie's assessments. Just about everything at DL is, IMO, cooler and more creative than the WDW counterparts, with a few exception.

Any chance of a trip report coming? We finally decided on 7 nights at the Grand Californian with 6 day park passes. Lots of time to see everything. I can't wait!
We are going to do the Segway Tour. That should be fun I hope.

[Kennywife]

I agree with the sentiment that you can feel Walt's prescence. You really can at DL. Even my hubby, a die-hard Universal Studios fan, could feel it. I cried when I walked into the park. It just felt so magical.

DL has awesome stuff you gotta check out. They have Naples, my all-time fave Italian restaurant! The park and DD are just at a slower pace and you can take your time and really enjoy it. I love DL and we're going in July for five days!

Plus, if you go to DL/DCA, you can combine it with a trip to Las Vegas/Tahoe.

Anna

[special k]

Couldn't help but weigh in on this one...

Growing up on the West Coast I have been to DL many times. I have only been to WDW once (last year). DW is better overall for the entire sensory experience. There is so much land to work with and so many ways the imagineers can alter the physical environment.

However, DL has a few pros I have since come to appreciate having gone to WDW.

First, Space Mountain in DL destroys the Space Mountain in WDW. No comparison.

Second, merchandising. There doesn't seem to be as much of it in DL. Definitely a quainter, more nostalgic park, less concerned with merchandise and commercialism than with genuine Walt Disneyesque charm.

Thirdly, DCA is like a buffet of all the best attractions from the various other theme parks in WDW. You got Turtle Talk with Crush, Tower of Terror, Soarin, Grizzly River Rapids, and Toy Story Mania just paces from each other. Also, Aladdin is a better production than Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, and Lion King in WDW. You can think of DCA as a greatest hits sort of park

I'll miss the giant hotels, restaurants, and 6 Theme Parks that are found in WDW, but like others have said, there is much to appreciate about Walt's original park.

Have fun!

[Marilyn Michetti]

Did everyone miss the HM? The one at DLR is longer, and much better than WDW.

If this is your first trip, DON"T miss Aladdin at the Hyperion studio in CA. It's better than LOTLK, and, on a par with Nemo in AK.

Also, don't forget that DLR has Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and a refurbished It's A Small World, Alice In Wonderland, Nemo's Submarine Ride, etc. (on and on)

CA is under extensive renovation, and promises to be awesome when it's done.

Have sooooooooo much fun !!!!