WDW Rides Versus DLR Rides: Do You Have Clear Favorites?

one of my favorite topics!

Tower of Terror= WDW.. the ride is longer, and you get more of a Twilight Zone experience because the car travels through the different rooms before getting into the elevator shaft. At DL, the ride begins in the elevator shaft. Also, the queue is better at WDW

Pirates of the Caribbean= DL. I'm not sure if WDW was pressed for space or time, but at WDW the ride begins at the part where you see Davy Jones on the mist screen correct? At DL, you start with a short ride through swamplands, then you get two dips in the dark, then you see all the "skeleton pirates", including the treasure room.. and THEN you see Davy Jones. It adds a good 5 min to the ride. But WDW's queue is better on this ride.

Haunted Mansion= WDW. Couple of extra rooms (the library, the crazy stairway room etc) and you're already on the ride when you see the changing pictures... plus the exterior is bigger and creepier. But DL's mansion is beautiful too.. just not as creepy.

It's a Small World= DL.. by far. I was stunned how little attention WDW pays to Small World! it kinda looked like a carnival ride. At DL it is a huge freestanding building.. (you can see it at the end of Soarin' just beyond the castle all decorated for Christmas)

Soarin' Over California= tie. They're pretty much the same. WDW seems to swing a little more, but they lose those points for dropping "over California" from the name. Why did they do that? you're still flying over CA!!

Space Mountain= DL. Side by side seating, faster smoother turns... better queue. But WDW seemed to have more drops. But it needs an update.

Splash Mountain= WDW... I prefer side by side seating. Other than that, the rides were pretty similar I thought.

Thunder Mountain Railroad= WDW.. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but WDW's seemed faster. Also, I dont think anyone was killed on it like at DL.

Jungle Cruise= they are pretty similar.. couple extra scene's at WDW.. but I went on it at night so I cant really compare properly... ask me again in 32 days

Disneyland Railroad/Magic Kingdom Railroad= DL. You get to go through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World after you pass Tomorrowland's stop!! (yeah they look cheesey nowadays, but I love it!)

Finding Nemo= DL. It's on a Submarine!! but WDW almost beat it by having in the Seas' giant aquarium!

Autopia/Speedway= ugh I dunno... I never go on the cars because I drive.

Star Tours= I never went on it at WDW because I figured they were the same. The queue at DL was fun, but the exterior is WAY better at WDW.

Toy Story Mania= WDW. for the queue. AWESOME.. DCA's is sooooo boring. Walls with posters about the ride. laaaaaaaaame.

Buzz Lightyear's spin= DL. The blasters come off the hood and you can hold them in your hand. more control = higher scores!

Fantasyland rides= uhhh.. I gotta be honest, I really dont ride these so much. Maybe when I go next month I will. if they're open. Oh! DL's Mad Tea Party isnt covered... so.. sucks when it rains.

DD: Thanks for a great in depth comparison. Well Done!

Such a good point! Do you think they figured they'd get around to changing the film sooner than they have? I know they were going to do a full "America" version at some point.

I do know a fun fact about Soarin' over California!

The ride was added during the Happiest Celebration on earth and they intended to change it to Soarin' over America after awhile. It hasn't been done yet because the CA version is so popular...but suspect they want to keep their options open.

OH EM GEE!!

I totally forgot the worst offender...
THE TIKI ROOM...

Ok, so.. I love WDW and all but.. yeah. I think even you WDW fans would agree that the "Under New Management" version totally blows. Clearly, Disneyland wins on this one. When word was out that Disneyland's Tiki room would go "under new management" people went nuts! Guests and Cast Members alike. Some had been to WDW and they did not bring back rave reviews. Soooo... guests and CMs decided to do their share and groups were formed.. petitions were created and signed.. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING was done to prevent the change.
There were even whispers of Tiki Room Cast Members turning the turnstiles a couple extra times here and there to make it seem like the attraction was doing just fine the way it was.

It does need a refurbishment though.. lol.. funny story: I was in the Tiki Room and I noticed one of the smaller, sparrow typed birds was laying belly up at the bottom of one of the cages. So at the end of the show, I discreetly pointe it out to a CM and without missing a beat he said, "Oh Hector is just on his break" it was awesome lol.

it is still the original version at DL and I hope they never change it...

I don't understand the point of "updating" the Tiki Room. Either you appreciate it as a classic or it's going to be kind of boring. Adding Zazu or whatever isn't going to make the kids suddenly flock to it.

Great points all around DD!

Really great info DD. I think that as a DLR native you're being a bit generous to WDW.

Space Mountain in DLR absolutely CRUSHES WDW's Space Mountain. It's like an entirely different ride and has so many features.

There's no comparison on PotC either. DLR wins hands-down and DLR's it's a Small World makes you wonder why they bothered with WDW's version.

I agree that WDW's Tower of Terror is way better and I think Splash Mountain is considerably better at WDW.

I pretty much agree with everything you said except I like Buzz Lightyear better at WDW. The hand-held guns at DLR just seem...cheesier to me...Otherwise I think you're spot on with everything.

I know I went on the Tiki Room before it was taken over by the other birds..but I can't remember it..I do think it's a bit silly..but oh how I love to visit it!

I know I went on the Tiki Room before it was taken over by the other birds..but I can't remember it..I do think it's a bit silly..but oh how I love to visit it!

It's a classic, but DL's is so much better

Agreed with DD on most of those comparisons, too!

waaahhh.. they took out our Country Bear Jamboree for the Poop ride. But we still have Mr Toad!

Mr. Toad is quite the trip as well.

OK!!OK!! having never been to DL I just HAVE to ask what the Heck is the Poop ride

hahaha yes it's the Winnie the Pooh ride. I dont care for that ride its... odd. and I miss the Country Bears!
and YES.. Mr Toad IS still alive and kicking at DLR.. right next to Peter Pan!

I LOVE Mr. Toad!! It has nostalgia for me cause it is a favorite of my mom's and we would always go on it together, same thing with Peter Pan.

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*Jennifer Lynn* NDW #38

Check out my blog at Jennifer's Disney Adventures

I wish they could just keep everything and make the parks bigger and bigger. I know some rides don't get ridden enough to justify their existence, but it sure would be nice if they could just hang out for those of us who want to ride the classics.

I never did either..I always wanted to.. I guess I am going to have to go to DLR to ride that one!

to the best of my knowledge, i agree with DD. in regards to "small world", i think they should just close the one in the MK at WDW and re-open it over at EPCOT (where it would totally make sense!).

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Indiana Jones ride in DL. Don't get me wrong, I love the Epic Stunt Spectacular, but it would be cool to bring the ride over to Florida.

That's actually my favorite Disney ride of all! I think that I don't compare them because they are completely different concepts, I don't really even "count" Indy at WDW, it's that much further down on my list. I'm often torn about bringing rides over from California. Though it's cool for me to be able to do them more often, Disneyland is my favorite park and I like it's uniqueness as compared to WDW. They're not the same and I don't want hem to try and be the same, each should have it's own magic.