Comparing DLR rides vs. WDW rudes

[pepe3penelope]

we are local passholders to DLR but we have family visiting from Orlando. It'll be their 1st time at DLR. to my knowledge they've been to WDW but rarely go.

I'm planning on taking them to classic DLR rides (basically the popular rides) but was wondering if our rides are better or the same than the ones at WDW. What has everyone's experience been?

TIA! By the way, we are going in July so know it'll be busy.

 

[HydroGuy]

I figured someone answer but see no one did.

The headliner rides that exist at both resorts...followed by which resort has the better ride IMHO...

Space Mtn (DLR)
POTC (DLR)
HM (Equal, WDW maybe slightly better because of queue)
BTMRR (Equal, I slightly prefer WDW)
Splash Mtn (WDW)
ST (Identical)
Soarin (Identical, except it is changing June 17 at both resorts to new version so doubtful your guests have seen it yet)
ToT (WDW)
GRR (vs KRR) (DLR better)
TSMM (Identical, queue better at WDW unless you are sane and only use FP there, in which case you miss the queue anyways)

Other second level rides...lots more similarity between DL and MK parks and less at the other parks. For the most part, folks tend to give a slight advantage to DL rides over MK. It depends on the person and the differences are usually not that significant.

 

[figment_jii]

Here are my two cents!

• Big Thunder - very similar attractions, close to being a mirror image (i.e., if you turn right in MK, expect to go left in DL). I think WDW has a better queue, but both rides are fun.
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster - similar concept, but I like DL's version better. The blaster at DL have more mobility/range and you can email your ride photo for free.
• Haunted Mansion - DL's version is shorter (no haunted library or staircase room). DL's version lacks the interactive queue, but has a more extensive (and easier to see) pet cemetery.
• Space Mountain - similar concept, although right now, DL has the Hyperspace Mountain overlay.
• It's a Small World - similar concept, but I like the look of DL's version better (especially the building).
• It's Tough to be a Bug! - same attraction in both parks.
• Jungle Cruise - some similar elements, some different ones. I like both equally.
• Little Mermaid, Ariel's Undersea Adventure - almost an identical attraction, but DL's version lacks the interactive queue.
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - DL's version doesn't have the interactive queue.
• Peter Pan - DL's version is just as popular as MK. Some differences between the attractions (DL's is shorter), but still cute.
• Pirates of the Caribbean - some similar scenes, but DL's version is longer and has much more pronounced drops.
• Soarin' - same attraction in both parks. DL's has a better queue (not by a lot, but at least there is a little bit to see/read about aviation history once you get inside the building).
• Splash Mountain - similar attraction, but most folks like MK's version better. I haven't been on the MK version in a long time, so I don't remember the differences very well.
• Star Tours - same attraction both parks. DHS has a better queue.
• TSMM - same basic attraction in both parks. DCA's queue is pretty boring (and not very well shaded).
• Tower of Terror - same basic attraction, but DHS' has a better/more random drop pattern.

These attractions have similar technology between the two parks, but usually very different overlays/themes/stories.

• Indy Jones Adventure (Dinosaur) - Indy Jones has a more cohesive feeling story, but it's jerky and bumpy like Dinosaur.
• Radiator Springs Racers (Test Track) - I really like RSR; Test Track is 'meh' to me.
• Goofy's Sky School (Goofy's Barnstormer) - Both are cute, but Sky School has a surprisingly wicked whipping motion and one good sized drop.
• Grizzly River Run (Kali River Rapids) - you get very wet (potentially) on both.

Other attractions, like Dumbo, Astro Orbitor, Mad Tea Party, and the Carrousels are pretty much the same between both resorts, but might differ in terms of location, themes, and/or queues.

 

[pepe3penelope]

I figured someone answer but see no one did.

The headliner rides that exist at both resorts...followed by which resort has the better ride IMHO...

Space Mtn (DLR)
POTC (DLR)
HM (Equal, WDW maybe slightly better because of queue)
BTMRR (Equal, I slightly prefer WDW)
Splash Mtn (WDW)
ST (Identical)
Soarin (Identical, except it is changing June 17 at both resorts to new version so doubtful your guests have seen it yet)
ToT (WDW)
GRR (vs KRR) (DLR better)
TSMM (Identical, queue better at WDW unless you are sane and only use FP there, in which case you miss the queue anyways)

Other second level rides...lots more similarity between DL and MK parks and less at the other parks. For the most part, folks tend to give a slight advantage to DL rides over MK. It depends on the person and the differences are usually not that significant.

Thank you for the response! I knew there were experts out there!

 

[pepe3penelope]

Here are my two cents!

• Big Thunder - very similar attractions, close to being a mirror image (i.e., if you turn right in MK, expect to go left in DL). I think WDW has a better queue, but both rides are fun.
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster - similar concept, but I like DL's version better. The blaster at DL have more mobility/range and you can email your ride photo for free.
• Haunted Mansion - DL's version is shorter (no haunted library or staircase room). DL's version lacks the interactive queue, but has a more extensive (and easier to see) pet cemetery.
• Space Mountain - similar concept, although right now, DL has the Hyperspace Mountain overlay.
• It's a Small World - similar concept, but I like the look of DL's version better (especially the building).
• It's Tough to be a Bug! - same attraction in both parks.
• Jungle Cruise - some similar elements, some different ones. I like both equally.
• Little Mermaid, Ariel's Undersea Adventure - almost an identical attraction, but DL's version lacks the interactive queue.
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - DL's version doesn't have the interactive queue.
• Peter Pan - DL's version is just as popular as MK. Some differences between the attractions (DL's is shorter), but still cute.
• Pirates of the Caribbean - some similar scenes, but DL's version is longer and has much more pronounced drops.
• Soarin' - same attraction in both parks. DL's has a better queue (not by a lot, but at least there is a little bit to see/read about aviation history once you get inside the building).
• Splash Mountain - similar attraction, but most folks like MK's version better. I haven't been on the MK version in a long time, so I don't remember the differences very well.
• Star Tours - same attraction both parks. DHS has a better queue.
• TSMM - same basic attraction in both parks. DCA's queue is pretty boring (and not very well shaded).
• Tower of Terror - same basic attraction, but DHS' has a better/more random drop pattern.

These attractions have similar technology between the two parks, but usually very different overlays/themes/stories.

• Indy Jones Adventure (Dinosaur) - Indy Jones has a more cohesive feeling story, but it's jerky and bumpy like Dinosaur.
• Radiator Springs Racers (Test Track) - I really like RSR; Test Track is 'meh' to me.
• Goofy's Sky School (Goofy's Barnstormer) - Both are cute, but Sky School has a surprisingly wicked whipping motion and one good sized drop.
• Grizzly River Run (Kali River Rapids) - you get very wet (potentially) on both.

Other attractions, like Dumbo, Astro Orbitor, Mad Tea Party, and the Carrousels are pretty much the same between both resorts, but might differ in terms of location, themes, and/or queues.

Thank you for your responses also! I really appreciate the extra comparisons!

 

[pepe3penelope]

I think the two responses I got really confirmed to me that I will go with my original plan to bring the visiting family to the classic rides.

We are on a really tight schedule; one park per day and only two days total in the parks cuz of their budget. We plan to be there close to or slightly after rope drop then stay for PTN and fireworks at DL then same with DCA and staying for World of Color. Surely will be exhausted by the time we are done!

Thank you again!

 

[Chrisfilm]

I much prefer the rides at DLR to the rude people at WDW.

 

[sheetz]

Generally agree with the others, except I think the updated effects on DL's BTMRR put it above the one at MK.

 

[becd]

Generally agree with the others, except I think the updated effects on DL's BTMRR put it above the one at MK.

We are WDW vets but were at DLR about a week ago and my DS-9, DS-9, and DS-7 all three agree with you that BTMRR is now better at DLR. They also liked Splash better at DLR for some reason and as for SM, there is simply no comparison - the Star Wars overly makes it an amazing ride. I wish WDW would do overlays!!!

 

[jbgdst]

Disneyland Railroad/Walt Disney World Railroad: Better at Disneyland because of the Grand Canyon/Primeval World dioramas. WDW's scenery is sparse and bland, with nothing of interest. At Disneyland, just do Tomorrowland to Main Street to see the dioramas if that's all that interests you.
Astro Orbiter: Higher up at Walt Disney World, and with better views.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters/Space Ranger Spin: Guns have more mobility at Disneyland, scenery is basically the same. Disneyland's is more skill based, there aren't as many insanely high point targets.
Space Mountain: Right now, Disneyland has Hyperspace Mountain which has a lot of screens that allow you to see more than WDW's version. I still prefer Disneyland's because of the soundtrack and smoother ride experience.
Snow White's Scary Adventures: Still exists at Disneyland, and is shorter. The story is less coherent, but I still like it more than what Walt Disney World had. Very similar to the Paris version.
Dumbo: Longer waits but better views at Disneyland, since WDW's has been moved to Storybook Circus.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: Never rode it in person at WDW, but the extinct WDW version seemed to have better scenery.
Peter Pan's Flight: WDW's version is sad. The tin-foil LED volcanoes pale in comparison to anything in the Disneyland version except the new London scene.
It's a Small World: WDW's is much shorter and has a pitiful indoor exterior with lots of patchy glitter. At least show them the exterior if they don't want to ride.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The new effects at Disneyland's version make it better than WDW's by a landslide.
Jungle Cruise: Disneyland's holiday overlay is better than WDW's, but WDW has the temple sequence while WDW doesn't. I've also had better experiences with skippers at Disneyland than WDW, but that's not guaranteed.
Tiki Room: Neither version has Offenbach anymore, but Disneyland's show is longer, has a better preshow, lets you eat a Dole Whip in the theater, and doesn't have the awkward edits that WDW's has.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Twice as long at Disneyland, and with shorter waits.
Haunted Mansion: Exterior and queue are superior at Disneyland, but the few extra scenes in the WDW version push it over the top. They should ride it anyway to see the Hatbox Ghost.
Splash Mountain: The score at Disneyland is better (more big band, less country), but the storytelling is better at WDW.
Winnie the Pooh: Much shorter waits at Disneyland, but better effects and storytelling at WDW.
Soarin': Assuming the ride will be the same on both coasts when the new film premiers.
Tower of Terror: WDW's is better. Queue is better and ride is better.
Star Tours: Same on both coasts, but different queues I think.
Toy Story Mania: Same on both coats, but shorter lines and worse outdoor queue at Disneyland.
Little Mermaid: Same at both parks. Better queue at WDW, shorter line at Disneyland.

 

[pepe3penelope]

Thanks for the additional posts, everyone! I love reading everyone's perspectives and opinions!

 

[Ndusmama]

Um, Seriously WDW does not have MATTERHORN! Their sm is similar to Matterhorn. The line splits left and right and the seating is the same. I prefer DL sm. I would have to disagree that goofys Sky school and barnstormer are similar. Barnstormer reminded me more of an extended gadgets go coaster. And I think it was called tilt a whirl or something it was in Dino land was similar to sky school. Oh and they DO NOT have screamin! I will say I like how their tot was done. And I miss the people mover.

 

[figment_jii]

I would have to disagree that goofys Sky school and barnstormer are similar. Barnstormer reminded me more of an extended gadgets go coaster. And I think it was called tilt a whirl or something it was in Dino land was similar to sky school.

I had forgotten about Primeval Whirl. Given that, I would say that Goofy's Sky School is a cross between Barnstormer and Primeval Whirl. The track has sharp turns and drops like Primeval Whirl and Barnstormer, but the cars do not spin (think like Mad Tea Cups) around like they do for Primeval Whirl. Gadget's Go Coaster seemed a lot tamer to me than Barnstormer. Still adding Primeval Whirl is a good point of reference. Thanks!

 

[Frozen2014]

Great post.

Is there no queue at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion? The one at DW is so creative and you don't mind standing in line since you can read all the headstones, etc.

 

[figment_jii]

Is there no queue at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion? The one at DW is so creative and you don't mind standing in line since you can read all the headstones, etc.

Sadly, there is no interactive queue at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

Great post.

Is there no queue at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion? The one at DW is so creative and you don't mind standing in line since you can read all the headstones, etc.

Agree with PP there is no interactive queue but it is one of my favorite lines. So much to look at, the ghost horses pulling the hearse, the pet cemetery, the headstones. I've never been on the WDW s I can't compare but it is definitely a fun queue.

 

[agamble]

You've had a lot of comments now, but I will say that the Small World attraction at WDW is sad to look at. The DL one is impressive. If they find our castle small and less grandiose just point out how awesome the Small World façade is. I've only been to WDW once, but the small Small World stuck in Fantasyland has really stuck with me.

Plus we still have Toad and Snow White, both rides have gone missing at WDW. And we have Casey Jr. and the Canal. Plus Matterhorn. Really our Fantasyland is just better (ignoring the new expansion to their Fantasyland )

 

[agamble]

• Goofy's Sky School (Goofy's Barnstormer) - Both are cute, but Sky School has a surprisingly wicked whipping motion and one good sized drop.

I had forgotten about Primeval Whirl. Given that, I would say that Goofy's Sky School is a cross between Barnstormer and Primeval Whirl. The track has sharp turns and drops like Primeval Whirl and Barnstormer, but the cars do not spin (think like Mad Tea Cups) around like they do for Primeval Whirl. Gadget's Go Coaster seemed a lot tamer to me than Barnstormer. Still adding Primeval Whirl is a good point of reference. Thanks!

Goofy's Sky School is a wild-mouse coaster. I think both Barnstormer and Gadget's are both basic "kiddy" coasters. I've been on Gadget's a ton with our kids, but I didn't ride Barnstormer as our one visit to WDW was before kids. Primeval Whirl spins and I just don't like it. Goofy's Sky School I can handle, but it isn't my favorite. I do like it a LOT better with the new theme.

 

[GatorChris]

Be mindful that Matterhorn might be a disappointment. I know after taking my kids to WDW and hitting Expedition Everest numerous times, they were begging to go on Matterhorn. And when they got off, their disappointment was quite vocal. "It's just twists and turns." Now that was before the new Yeti, but a WDW goer would probably expect drops and lots of speed...which is what they WON"T get on Matterhorn.

 

[Ndusmama]

During my planning today for my WDW trip I found this article. There's a part one and part two. It's a little old but I thought rather interesting.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2008/11/disneyland_vs_magic_kingdom_pa.html