When I went to Disneyland this summer, it was a dream come true. Not only was it different from Disney World, but it was also similar. A lot of rides were different from the ones in Disney World, but there were a few that were the same but with subtle differences. Now, there are way too many rides in both places to compare, but here are five rides I found to be the same, yet different.
1. Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain is such a fun ride no matter which park you go to. You still drop many stories and you still see the adventures of B'rer Rabbit, but there are some differences. The log flumes in Disneyland are tighter. Instead of sitting next to someone like in Disney World, you sit one in front of the other. Also, Disneyland's log flume is more narrow while Disney World's is more wider. What's cool about Disneyland's version is the animatronics are a bit older and look a bit different while Disney World's look a bit sharper. Also, the drop in Disneyland seems more intense despite being the same drop, because the vehicle is so narrow and tight. Neither ride has a seat belt, so Disneyland's definitely makes you feel like you're going to fall out and die during the drop.
Which do I like better? Disney World's. It may be because I'm used to Florida's ride, but the real reason is because the ride is much slower while Disneyland's almost seems more rushed because the ride moves through the scenes much more quickly. In terms of the big drop, Disneyland's is much more intense.
2. Space Mountain
When I got to go to Disneyland, I was fortunate enough to experience HyperSpace Mountain, a Star Wars themed version of the ride that displayed Tie Fighters fighting X-Wings on a giant screen as you ride to the Star Wars theme music. That alone won huge points. What was also better about Disneyland's version than Disney World's was that the ride allowed two people to sit next to each other rather than one in front of the other. Basically, the seating arrangements of both Splash Mountain and Space were opposite in both parks. While both rides have the same tracks and drops, I have to say Disneyland's is better just for the better seating style and because they temporarily changed it to HyperSpace Mountain while Florida's did not.
3. Buzz Lightyear's Ride
In Florida, this ride is titled Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. In California, it is Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. Both rides are mostly the same, but they have different aliens and robots to shoot at. Also, the gun you use in Disneyland is slim and can extend out while Disney World's gun is bolted to the ride with limited movement. The easier gun movement and the slimness of the gun is what makes me think Disneyland's version is better, but only by a little bit since both rides are creative and have similar approaches.
4. Toy Story Mania!
Oddly, both rides are exactly the same. The only difference is the Mr. Potato Head animatronic is outside under a large umbrella in California while the one is Florida is indoors. Its also important to note that Disneyland's is strangely less crowded with a 45 minute wait, while Disney World's average wait is about 90 minutes. The time differences is what makes Disneyland's the clear winner.
5. The Tower of Terror
This is a tough choice. On one hand, the Florida version looks creepier and the workers have more dry humor, but on the other hand California's version is more accurate because it is called the Hollywood Tower Hotel in both parks, but Disneyland's actually is in California. Another cool part about Disneyland's version is it is harder to predict when the ride will start since there are certain phrases that the narrator says in Florida's version that will indicate when the drops are about to happen. However, at Disney World I got to go on the ride 30 times with my friends no problem and made so many memories, which is why I declare that Disney World's ride is better. It also doesn't help Disneyland that their version will permanently close in 2017 for a Guardians of the Galaxy themed version of the ride.
There you have it! Do you agree with my picks? Do you like Disney World or Disneyland better? Let me know!
