Showing posts with label Magic Kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic Kingdom. Show all posts

Friday, June 15, 2018

RMH Travel Comparing Disneyland to Walt Disney World....Disneyland Attractions reviewed of each and Almost Every Attraction.



Ok, in 2017 I excitedly got back from Walt Disney World after not having gone for a few years. It was also the first time my mom ever got to go to Walt Disney World. Growing up in Southern California, we have all been to Disneyland a lot, I have had an annual pass for over 10 years, my first trip I was 4 months old, and my mom always made sure we went at least once a year, once I grew up I got an annual pass. It is what lead me to the path of becoming a Disney Travel Agent. I am known for my Disneyland Crowd Calendar, which you can find here, and my Disneyland Planning group on Facebook which you can find here. I also have a Walt Disney World one but it’s not a popular, that one can be found here.

Last year when I got back from my trip, I reviewed the four parks at Walt Disney World, and compared their rides to Disneyland’s.  But, I never did the opposite, and it got me thinking, I should list every ride at Disneyland and do the same. Yes, I started going to Disneyland in 1982 and have been on all their attractions 100s of times and I am sure my opinion has changed over the years, I of course always try to take into consideration my son’s thoughts (or children I take to the park in general) when offering my thoughts on attractions, places to eat, etc. As much as I tried to be partial and give a fair review…it’s impossible to be completely. If I say I personally didn’t like it, or any one in my family, but I comment that this attraction is still around then there must be enough of other people that like it. I am famous for saying, “One person’s yuck is another person’s yum.” When it comes to food I have a very strong preference but not so much with rides. I ramble and hate writing. 

Anyways…. if you want to check out my blog about California Adventures, click here.

If you would like to read my reviews of Walt Disney World 4 parks


For this blog just like the other blogs, I am going to read the current park map and I will make a comment on the attraction after I post about it. If the attraction is also at Walt Disney World I will say which one I like better.

Main Street, U.S.A.®

Disneyland Railroad-Disneyland Railroad has 4 stops around their where Walt Disney World only has 3. Disneyland Railroad between Tomorrowland and Main Street takes you thru the Grand Canyon and back to the Dinosaur age. (A tunnel trying to hide the behind scene area) Disneyland for the win
 
View while on Disneyland Railroad at Main Street Stop
Main Street Vehicles-There is a horseless carriage, Fire Engine, Horse-Drawn Streetcars, and Omnibus. I have been on all these vehicles over the years, mostly to rest my feet as I get driven either up Main street (heading towards the Castle) or down Main street (heading towards the Exit). I like the Omnibus for the view, Fire Engine you can ring a bell, the Horse-Drawn Streetcar is boo only cause of the track that it follows down Main street has been the cause of many a twisted ankle for many people. I know Walt Disney World has several vehicles too, I don’t think I rode any at Magic Kingdom, but I would say they basically are the same. Tie

Disney Gallery – oh if I ever won the lottery I would be spending a good chunk of it here. This is an air condition large gallery of painting, there is even a staging area where you can watch Cast Member work on new canvas creating more beautiful paintings.

The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln- Its educational, you can learn about Mr. Lincoln the president.  It’s a smaller version of the Hall of Presidents which is at Walt Disney World. Trying not to offend anyone by either raving or pooping this attraction, because I feel this topic can be heated I will leave off on personal comments one way or another. I will say that Walt Disney World’s is updated every year with new president so Walt Disney World for the win

Main Street Cinema – It shows 6 old black and white Mickey Cartoons, I believe they are the first 5 every made, but maybe not. There are no seats here, for the outside it looks like an old movie theater entrance, when you go in there is a stag in the middle and then the 6 screens you can see. There is music going on. Its kind of hard to explain. Children of course love to watch cartoons. I don’t know if Walt Disney World has something like this, if they do I didn’t notice
 
Carnation Café – Table service where most of the seating is outside, the food is ok, nothing super yummy that I must have, I find their breakfast to be cheap (relatively cheap for Disneyland). So, if I want to sit down for a while I will eat here.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor- Its expensive Dreyer’s ice cream scooped into cones, sundaes, etc.

Refreshment Corner-It’s ok hotdogs, chili and soda. The best thing about eating here, there is a piano in the sitting area, and often a CM is playing on it, and at around 2 pm usually the Mad Hatter shows up, with one or two other characters and they all have impromptu game of musical chairs.

Market House-Its Starbuck enough said!

Plaza Inn- in the morning it’s an all you care to eat Character Breakfast, “Minnie & Friends-
Breakfast in the Park”. It is one of my favorite character meals because it is the only character meal I feel that has the most diversity of characters. This has been a character breakfast for as long as I can remember. After breakfast the place turns into a quick service restaurant and serves up the best fried chicken in the park.


Jolly Holiday Bakery Café-I love their cupcakes from here, and the macaroons. They have lots of yummy desserts…their regular food offering of sandwiches, salads and specialty drinks are just ok. (though I compared eating here to eating at Be Our Guest quick service, and though the service is better at Be our Guest, the food which I found similar is way better in my opinion at Jolly Holiday)




Ironically not listed on the map though I know it is still there, just out side Plaza Inn is the Red Wagon, it’s a quick service place that services supposedly super famous delicious Corn Dogs with chips. The corn dogs are freshly made and fried and are big. That is about all I can say about them.

Also on Main Street you can meet many characters there.





Adventureland

Enchanted Tiki Room- animatronic birds sing, tiki poles talk and there are drums. My son as a baby LOVED this show. There is a thunder storm at the end. I remember the first time we went to Rain forest Café, we had been going to Disneyland for awhile and my son was used to Tiki room, and the table next to us at Rain forest asked if we have ever been there and we said no, and the kids at the table got excited cause they thought the thunder that is played every 20 minutes would scare my son and were disappointed when it didn’t happen. Anyways, I know Walt Disney World has this attraction too, the shows are similar, but Walt Disney World’s is shorter, and their pre-show is not as good as Disneyland’s. Disneyland wins

Jungle Cruise-Lame jokes and animatronic animals, the back side of water. There are different scenes at Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise than Walt Disney World’s. Walt Disney World’s is much longer…so for that reason I will give them the win. Walt Disney World wins.

Indiana Jones Adventure-you must be 46 inches to ride this jerk filled ride. It reminds me of the Dinosaur ride at Walt Disney World, except you are trying to escape a curse inside caves with snakes, bugs, natives attacking you and not Dinosaurs. Can’t really compare though I sort of did.

Tarzan’s Tree house - When I was younger it was Swiss Robinson Tree House, and more closely resembled the one at Walt Disney World. If you haven’t been on either. It’s a walking attraction where you climb stairs to visit the home of Tarzan at Disneyland and Swiss Robinson’s at Walt Disney World, then you walk down…that is basically it. My son claims there is more things to see and touch at Disneyland’s so Disneyland for the win

Tiki Juice Bar-it’s a fruit stand with fruit and fruit juices

Aladdin’s Oasis-This area has transformed SOOOOO many times over the years, sometimes it has been left empty, sometimes it’s a character meet and greet…. along long time ago it was where Disney Aloha Show was, then it became several other dinner shows. I believe it might be transforming again soon…soooo…don’t’ know what to say.  I know currently you can pick up pre-arrange quick service meals that also give you vouchers to see Fantasmic!

Bengal Barbecue-Barbecue kabobs and coffee drinks…Disneyland used to have amazingly good BBQ sit down place, but it closed when they started construction on Star Wars land. I have joked that I hope that Big Thunder BBQ will re-open with the same food under a new Star Wars theme, like Uncle Owen’s BBQ. But anyways, I am not that impress with this place and don’t eat there unless a friend wants to.

New Orleans Square


Pirates of the Caribbean-start out in the bayou and get dropped into a place full of PIRATES!  Though Disney is trying to ruin this ride by making it more PC. Over all I have always loved Disneyland’s more than Walt Disney World. My son will say its because we have a real drop. I say its because ours feel more like it follows a story than Walt Disney Worlds does. Either way…DISNEYLAND REALLY WINS

Outside Pirates you can be entertain with a Band of Pirates...


Haunted Mansion-999 Haunted Ghost. I have gone on the one at Walt Disney World, but it was a long long time ago, it didn’t impress me enough to remember what is different about it, the last two times I went to Walt Disney World this ride was closed. I know that Disneyland’s transfers into the Nightmare Before Christmas from mid-September thru first week in January. So, Disneyland for the win by default?

Royal Street Veranda-This has been our favorite place to eat since I was very young. It’s quick service and only services three types of bread bowls. Claim Chowder and then Vegetarian Gumbo and regular Gumbo, plus New Orleans style fritters. If we went to Disneyland when it was cold, we knew we were eating her. Since Disney California park has opened with a bigger sit-down bread bowl place, most people have gone on to say that their Clam Chowder bowl is better, perhaps it’s a loyalty thing to the past, but I still think theirs is better.

Blue Bayou Restaurant-Located inside Pirates, this is one of the most popular places to eat. I personally find it over price and you can get most of best dishes they service for a few $$ cheaper at Café Orleans. They are famous for the Monte Cristo (though they changed their receipt a few years ago, I used to agree with them but the original one was like a heart attack waiting to happen, deep fried yummy with thick batter.)
Inside Blue Bayou




 Café Orleans-sit down dining outdoor, most people get the Monte Cristo here along with beignet. Getting the beignet from here you get dipping sauces.

French Market Restaurant-Quick service place where you still eat off real plates. The offer Chicken, Jambalaya, meatloaf. Back in the day they offered bread bowls here, Royal Street would only be opened if the parks were crowded. You also used to be able to get the Famous Monte Cristo for way cheaper. But that has changed. This is one of the few places that has toddler meal on top of child’s meals. My son loved the toddler meal here, the child mac and cheese came with grapes and carrots, the toddler’s mac and cheese came with apple sauce which he liked better. We would eat here mostly because …

not listed but on the outside of French Market is a place called Mint Julep Bar it services the famous Mint Julep drink but also fresh Mickey shaped beignets. After grabbing lunch at French Market, we always had to grab dessert at Mint Julep Bar.
Beignet

Critter Country

 

Splash Mountain-water log ride, with characters from Song of the South movie. I feel like this ride is a ride that is a big argument with those that have ridden it at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Some will claim Walt Disney world is better, but I must go with Disneyland and its not because I rode it first or a million times compare to the dozen or so times at Walt Disney World. Its because Disneyland I feel like reflects the movie more than Walt Disney Worlds. Disneyland for the win

Disneyland




The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh-This ride my mom and I debated over. I liked Walt Disney Worlds version better, thought it had a better story theme, and my mom of course is loyal to Disneyland. The only cool fact about Disneyland’s is this ride was originally the Country Bear Jamboree, and the moose heads still hang in this ride, you must look back in one of the rooms to see them on the ride. Tie

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes-To be honest this ride of late has been closed more often than it is open, even when I have goen on the weekends its closed. I don’t recall if Walt Disney World has a version of it. But you really get to paddle (they give you paddles and young one’s lifejackets) in a canoe around the River of America

Harbour gallery- they also have soup in a bread bowl and lobster rolls. It’s a quick service with very limited seating. I will tell you I am not fond of seafood, so I don’t eat here.

Hungry Bear Restaurant-Burgers, chicken and salad. I don’t eat regular hamburgers, but I like turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches etc. And, if I am in the mood for a burger joint while at Disneyland this is the spot I like to eat. The seating area over looks the river and there are lots of birds in the water hoping for a fry.

Frontierland


Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island-Last few times I have been to Walt Disney World this ride has been closed. At Disneyland over on the island there are many secret places to explore and things to do. You have to be short or young for some of it, as you go thru low ceiling caves. Can't decided

Fantasmic!-Walt Disney World has a dedicated theater with seating, Disneyland you have to sit on the floor or stand. The two shows are the same yet there are differences. And with that said this is another show, where if you look just at the show it is debated which coast has the better show. If you go with just the show, I have to give it to Disneyland. The projections looked better. Disneyland for the win

The Golden Horseshoe Stage-Its an old western looking salon with a stage and over the years Disney has put on many shows. For a long time, Billy and the Hillbillies was the main show but then about 3 years ago Disney released them and they moved over to Knotts. I think there is some kind of comedy show going on there now, or it switches. The Golden Horseshoe is a quick service inside the theater.

Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition-I’ll be honest and say I haven’t done this for a long time, there are riles that you put money in and then you get to shoot at targets in a western stage show and it gives you points for doing so…it cost extra and there are no prizes. It’s a game.

Mark Twain Riverboat-Old time riverboat going around Rivers of America. I am not sure if they still do it, but usually the first person up to the captain’s room can steer the boat for the trip and get a certificate that states they were the Captain of the river boat for the day.

Sailing Ship Columbia-Looks like a pirate ship that you can sail on, during Fantasmic! it’s Captain Hook’s ship.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad-a rollercoaster that you must be 40 inches to ride. Walt Disney World’s track is longer, but in my opinion purposely jerkier. So, I like Disneyland’s better. This is another big debatable of which coast has the better version debate. For me personally DISNEYLAND wins



My son on Big Thunder pretending to be scared


River Belle Terrace-This used to be a quick service place and has since turn into a sit down. I have not tried it since it has changed to a sit down, so I can’t comment really on if the food is better, and to be honest, my favorite places to eat are so close to this place that I usually always went there.

Stage Door Café-Corn Dogs, Chicken Nuggets, chili, fish and chips.  About 8 years ago, maybe a bit longer I was with my aunt and cousins, and we went here and those that order the corn dog all got food poisoning. (or they were the only ones to get a stomach bug right after were everyone that had the chicken nuggets or fish n chips were fine). Anyways, I avoid this place just because.

The Golden Horseshoe-Stage Door Café is located outside the Golden Horseshoe and this place is inside, though I suspect they share the same kitchen, this place doesn’t serve the corn dogs, just chicken nuggets, chili and fish n chips, they also have soft service ice cream here. They used to have several secret dessert menu options, but I have been told as of this year they stopped serving them. Anyways, if my child wanted chicken nuggets and we were in this area, because of what happen at the above place, we will go in the Stage Door to eat here.

Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante-The menu here has changed over the years, some years this place had great Mexican food, and then some years they would switch to mediocre food, and then back again. The last time I went the food was better than mediocre but not amazing. I now prefer the Mexican fast food place at the Pier inside Disney California Adventure Park better. But, comparing this place to Pecos Bill at Walt Disney World which claims Mexican food, even when Rancho food was mediocre it tasted 10 times better than Pecos at Walt Disney World. I am sorry I have tried that place 3 times out of many times I have gone to Walt Disney World and every time it has disappointed.Yet at Walt Disney World that place is always packed so some people must find that place yummy but it is on my permitted YUCK list. lol

Ship to Shore Marketplace-where most people go to get Disneyland’s famous and, in my opinion, over rated Turkey legs.

Fantasyland


Fantasy Faire - There are two parts to this area, The Royal Theatre which puts on small princess theme plays, and of course the Royal Hall where you can wait in two different lines to meet up to 4 different princesses. This area is on the newer side, and I have only been in it twice when I have been with my nieces. My son has always been anti-princess and really not that fond of meeting characters over all.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey - Fantasyland has been called the land with the dark rides, and many people assume it’s because these slow-moving rides with no height limits are inside buildings and there isn’t much light. But, the truth is there is something about these rides that scare little children. This ride, a whale will suddenly pop out at you and scare little ones. So be warn.

Snow White’s Scary Adventures-If you read above about dark rides, most will say this ride even has it in its name. But of all the dark rides at Disneyland this one seemed to have scared the least number of young ones I have taken on these rides. I am not saying, that none of the children I have taken on this ride weren’t scared in the forest room but most I could comfort and warn, and they would be fine.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique-Honestly never been. My only cousin who has girls that I have gone to Disneyland with is a hair stylist and thinks the prices here are crazy for hair style that she said she could do better. I can’t tell you if this BBB is better or worst or different that Walt Disney Worlds.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough-You can walk thru our Castle, since it is smaller than Walt Disney World’s Cinderella. But this walk thru there are lots and lots of stairs. You can see scenes from Sleeping Beauty as you walk thru the castle.

King Arthur Carrousel- It’s a carrousel…though the carrousel at Griffith park, is what inspire Walt Disney to create Disneyland, and the horse on Disneyland carrousel are the original ones, which means Walt may have sat on the horse you are riding. Disneyland cause Walt actually rode it?



 
Casey Jr. Circus Train-So many of the many children I have been with have chosen this ride when they were young as their favorite ride beyond anything. Almost every one of them wants to sit in the cages cart.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant-Walt Disney World has a play area and FastPass option, Disneyland for the longest time, the que was in the hot sun, and the line was always long. Disneyland is trying to make their que nicer. But, because of Walt Disney World’s que…Walt Disney World for the win

 

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride-This ride is considered a dark ride too, please read Pinocchio ride description for what dark ride means. But, young ones like this ride because there is a steering wheel attached to your car and they can pretend to drive. And to be honest the darkness of this ride often goes over the child’s head, only a few have caught on that they are hit by a train and the next room is supposed to be them going to hell.
The car you ride in Toad

Peter Pan’s Flight-This ride always has a LONG LONG wait at Disneyland and no FastPass option. This ride is considered dark, but I am not sure there is a scary scene that specifically could be the reason for the label, but perhaps it’s the flying because honestly of all the dark rides this one is the one that most of the kids I have been with have been scared of, but usually only when they are around 1 years old. Anyway, both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World I personally find this ride way over rated, with that said, I think the new CGI technology Disneyland just installed (having had the ride down for almost a year) makes Disneyland for the win

Mad Tea Party-Spinning tea cups. Disneyland does not have a cover, so on hot days you are in the sun and of course if it rains…you get rained on. Since, Walt Disney World covers theirs, Walt Disney World Wins











Alice in Wonderland-consider a dark ride but NO child I have even been with has been scared of this ride. The biggest problem with this ride is its lines are the second or third longest (Peter Pan always being first and Dumbo and this one fight for second), and the que lines are small and tight. This ride also seems to have lots of problems, though it usually starts back up again quickly. I really thought Walt Disney World should have built an Alice ride when they re-did and expanded Fantasyland a few years ago but they didn’t

Pixie Hollow-Place to meet Tinker Bell

Matterhorn Bobsleds-You must be 42 inches to ride this ride. The car you ride in remind me of the cars for Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain. Everyone is seated alone and its 3 people per car. There are two tracks to this ride Both sides are different, just like Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain.  Both sides are jerkier, just like Walt Disney World Space Mountain, but unlike Walt Disney World Space Mountain this ride goes in and out of a mountain and ends with a splash.

Storybook Land Canal Boats-Step on to a boat and when you enter the whales mouth you have been taken to a new fantasyland where you see miniature sets of many of your beloved Disney Movies. You see the Pigs’ home in Three little Pigs, English Village from Alice in Wonderland, London Park from Peter Pan, The Sultan Palace from Aladdin and several other miniature sets.

‘it’s small world’-Disneyland version is the original State Fairs version with some add on about 5 years a go now, where Disneyland decided to add movie character dolls to their lands. It has become a game to some to try and discover all the dolls that are related to Disney movies. The boats to sit on are much nicer at Disneyland and the clock tower outside the ride makes Disneyland for the win hands down. Also, note during winter time Disneyland ‘it’s small world’ becomes ‘it’s small world’ Holiday


Maurice’s Treats-from what I have been told, it’s no Gaston’s Tavern, I honestly haven’t tried anything from here. They have Boysen Apple Freeze that people seem to like.

Red Rose Tavern- this is said to be limited but has been there for over a year now, it used to be Pinocchio Village Haus, and was similar to Walt Disney World’s Pinocchio, now it seems to try to be like Be our Guest at Walt Disney World, as it also has the gray stuff, but I like Walt Disney World’s gray stuff better.

Troubadour Tavern-Bratwurst, pretzel bites, cinnamon apple, ice cream. A quick service place to eat. Food is nothing to rave about but if I was in the mood for a hot dog I would stop here. To me this is a place I wouldn’t go out of my way for, but I also wouldn’t avoid.
Edelweiss Snacks-another place to get the oh so famous Turkey leg

 

Mickey’s Toontown


Goofy’s Playhouse-It’s a play area with small slide, tunnels, etc. When my son was under 6 he could spend hours here running around and getting energy out. If you want a place for your little ones to run around, this is it. The play area only has one small exit that you can stay near and let them run around and rest your own legs and there are lots of benches.
Goofy's Playhouse

Goofy's Playhouse













Donald’s Boat-you can walk thru this boat, and up the stairs there are things you can do to interact with. You walk thru it.
Donald's Boat


Gadget’s Go Coaster-you must be 35 inches to ride this ride. It’s a super smooth super fun nice first thrill ride for your little ones tall enough to go on it. Have never scene a child scared on this ride as their first roller coaster. The line can be long as the ride can only hold 24 people or so. It is sort of like The Barnstormer at Walt Disney World.

Chip N Dale Tree House-I seriously don’t know why they even official call this an attraction and note it on the map when I know they have left things off the map. There is a tree that is hallowed out at the bottom you walk in, you see what looks like a house and you walk out…that is it.

Mickey’s House-Walt thru Mickey’s House which can be slow, because you are actually in a line, 
with lots of interactions, at the end you meet Mickey Mouse. If Disneyland ever gets a Talking Mickey this is where I think they should put him.

Minnie’s House-Just like Mickey’s House you walk thru it and there are things to do, unlike Mickey’s House you are not guaranteed to meet Minnie at the end but more often than not I have scene her at the exit of her house.

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin-This ride has a FastPass but using the FastPass you by pass a fun que, with surprise. The car ride you can spin turning the steering wheel, sometimes they force you to look one way or another, but you go thru scene from the movie.

Toontown Dining-Lots of mediocre quick service food places to eat. Nothing thrilling.

Tomorrowland


Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage- This ride is beloved by those that like the movie, note you really go into a submarine which means you must walk down tight stairs and you feel like you are under water, so if you are claustrophobia or don’t like tight confine spaces you might want to skip this ride. I have a chip on my shoulder about this ride. I loved the original ride which was just the yellow submarine so much that I was not that thrill with the Finding Nemo overlay in the cave area.

Disneyland Monorail-it runs between Tomorrowland and the end of Downtown Disney just outside the Disneyland Hotel and back. Those are its only stops, of course while it is traveling it goes thru a bit of California Adventure Park, California Hotel, and shows you lots of Tomorrowland.

Autopia-If you are over 54 inches you can drive your own car on a track this ride is like Tomorrowland Speedway. Being tall its hard for my legs to fit under the wheel and reach the petals so I am not fond of this ride. Walt Disney World’s track is longer which is why I will say Walt Disney World wins

Star Wars Launch Bay-play video games theme around Star Wars it’s just like Walt Disney World’s Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios though the layout is very different. You can meet different Star Wars Characters, if you are a Disney Visa Cardmember you get a special meet in here.  Since I don’t care much for the Star War series…lol I can’t tell you which Launch Bay is better.

Disneyland
Space Mountain-you must be 40 inches to ride this ride and I have to say Disneyland wins hands down because it is not as jerky. Disneyland’s also has 2 other overlays, a special Hyperspace version (a Star Wars overlay) which they bring out near May 4, and then in the fall months it becomes Ghost Galaxy, where a Red Mummy looking creature follows you thru space. Disneyland for the win


















Star Tours-The Adventures Continues-you must be 40 inches for this ride too. The ride is exactly the same at Walt Disney World as it is at Disneyland…. the only difference is the ques. supposedly Walt Disney World has the better que. Walt Disney World for the win

Astro Orbitor-A long long time ago, Disneyland’s Astro Orbitors was in the same location as Walt Disney World, but it has now been taken from the roof of the Tomorrowland Terrace, and place on the ground right at the entrance of Tomorrowland.  For that reason, Walt Disney World wins

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters-Your mission is to destroy Zurg with laser guns. At Disneyland you can hold the gun like a real gun, there are also secrete ways to get a crazy amount of points. With that said I say. Disneyland for the win

Walt Disney World
  
Galactic Grill-This place used to have the best breakfast burrito, but I was told this year they stop making it. I haven’t check…. I hope not.

The Spirit of Refreshment-it’s a place to get fruit and drinks

Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port-they just changed the pizza recipe in honor of Pixar Fest, but I will be honest and thought before the pizza here was blah. Haven’t tried the new recipe.

Well that is the end of the park map and the list of rides and attractions listed on the Disneyland Map, there were several things missing on the Map in my opinion. I noted them, but the biggest thing I noticed that was missing that I want to note is Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple though it is not noted on the map, they do offer it at Disneyland as well. The stage area is located at the Galactic Grill. The sign up location is directly across the entrance of Autopia against the Launch Bay building. The show looks the same as Walt Disney Worlds so tie on that note. 

Here is the map I used while writing this blog

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Friday, February 17, 2017

RMH Travel Comparing Disneyland to Walt Disney World....Magic Kingdom Attractions reviewed of each and Almost Every Attraction.

Hi Blogging World for those that follow my Facebook or visit my website often know that I am a Disneyland fanatic with a great Disneyland Crowd Calendar on her web site and we go to Disneyland a lot (for over 35 years for me). I have gone to Walt Disney World a few times, but it been a while until just recently. We just got back form 9 day trip to Walt Disney World and can't wait to give a great review of the rides/attractions and shows we did.

Let me start of by saying I hate HATE writing, and I do not think I do it well. But I do love Disney and I love helping families plan magical vacations to Disney, and well also to cruise and All Inclusive. But my first passions the reason I became a travel planner  and learned more about other destinations and experienced them was because of my love for helping others plan their trips to Disney.




Here is quick link to the other 3 parks

Disney Hollywood Studio
Epcot
Disney Animal Kingdom

For this blog I am going to list the attractions then comment on my thoughts, my son's (9 year old thrill seeker who hates big drops only), and my mother who is 59 years old with a medical condition of a bad heart, so was in an electric wheel chair. These are our thoughts, and may be different from yours. A saying I love to say and I hope you get the meaning. "One person yuck is another person's yum so don't yuck their yum." I usually say this in regards to food options, I mean unless the restaurant has all HORRIBLE reviews, I tend to find that not everyone has the same taste, but this can apply to everything in life including rides, attractions and shows. So unless there are a ton of bad reviews, take a review with a grain of salt. Most review sites, those that actually go there and post are doing it because they were motivated to do it, and that motivation usually comes from disappointment and anger, sometimes because you were just WOW and even sometimes because they were paid to make the place looked WOW. Rarely, do people go to review sites to say, it was OK unless they were asked to give an unbiased opinion and at that moment, had a moment to spare and thought OK.

Haha I don't know why I thought to post that about review sites, before I start my own reviews. But I guess it is because that is something I get a lot from clients. I have clients that love to research or are part of Disney groups, and they read where someone who was upset, writes a horrible review about some place that the client was excited to try and now the client is having second thoughts. Or they come back and tell me they were looking at reviews and the place they want to stay or eat at has really mix reviews, what if they are one of those that don't like it. And for all honestly, you could be one of those people, but I try to really get to know my clients and their personalities and help them choose things that will work best for their families. And, I am not saying that Disney is perfect. I had some issues on my vacation that cause me to become angry and I am going to honestly tell you about them, but those issues were with people, not the attraction itself per say or the restaurant or food preparation. OK on to the review...

Main Street, U.S.A.®


Walt Disney World® Railroad- It was closed when we went, and I am honestly disappointed about this one, which may seem odd to some but I love Disneyland Railroad which is also currently close and has been closed for awhile in preparation for Star Wars Land. But its been so long since I have been on Walt Disney World Railroad that I forgot whether it has a secret fun scenery like Disneyland Railroad does between Fantasy land and Tomorrow land stop.


City Hall- Yes, I visited City Hall because that is where you start to get DAS pass. I actually had two issues here. One the Cast Member gave me wrong information about the DAS pass they said anyone of us can with our MagicBands get return times for my son, so he doesn't see the ride get excited and then disappointed. (lucky my son knows the drill) but really hates crowds and it usually is very crowded near the Cast Members you have to talk to to get return times. So, I eventually had his band with me at all times. The other issue was with a customer that ran in front of me and pushed me so that she got inside the building before me...but again that is just rude people not Disney fault.












The Crystal Palace, a buffet with Characters - The hostess that check us in was very short and just was like you are check in go away. Though she gave pagers to some and not us, and didn't even tell us there was a nice shaded area to go sit or some water to refresh ourselves while we wait or even an estimated time to return. We were shown to our table, our reservation was for 10:30 am, I missed getting a photo with Piglet cause he came when I was away from the table and my mom is bad about taking photos, my son did see him. The food was OK typical buffet stuff they had nothing spectacular, scramble eggs, bacon, different types of potatoes, omelet bar, waffles (though I wish they would have fruit topping for the waffles). Our waitress was kind and asked us if we saw everyone and I said we had missed Eeyore and forgot to get a photo with Piglet so, she took us to do a private mini shoot with character. She was extreme grateful that I tipped her, and I kind of felt sad about that.













Emporium- We walk thru this store several times but never bought anything or saw anything were we were like we wanted now.

We didn't try anything else on Main Street, but if you want a huge sundae I know the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor looked like it had very yummy creations in Mickey Kitchen Sinks. The Harmony Barber Shop is cute place to visit if you want your child's first hair cut to be done at Disney. Also, at least three or four times, I swear it almost seemed like every time we were walking thru Main Street they wer having a Move It! Sake It! Dance & Play Street Party where you could dance with a bunch of characters. I should have taken a photo of it all it was so much fun but I was in the moment and when I am there I often forget to take photos.

Adventureland®

Swiss Family Treehouse- At Disneyland we had this attraction but changed it to Tarzan's Treehouse. My son thinks Tarzan one is better because there are things you can do as you walk thru the attraction, such as beat on drums and pull on ropes to hear sounds, he said you just walk and look at things at Swiss family Treehouse. My mother and I waited outside of this attraction as the Tarzan Treehouse is one of the few things I let my son do alone. Disneyland for the win

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin- Its Dumbo with people seating behind you and they can be disappointed. We actually didn't go on this one but just looked at it.

Jungle Cruise-Both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, are the same yet different, Walt Disney World's is much longer with more lame jokes and puns. I would say if you love the silly puns and a ride where you can sit than this ride is for you. close but Walt Disney World is better

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room-When my son was young he loved this attraction at Disneyland, he loved the drummers and the Tiki polo chanters. The window scenery is much nicer at Walt Disney World but overall I like the set up of Disneyland's. Also, I remember for a while Walt Disney changed the songs, and I saw that show, and didn't care for it as much so when they switched it back I wasn't that unhappy, but they cut the songs shorter. Disneyland had already done it form my childhood, but Walt Disney Enchanted Tiki Room show is even shorter with the same songs. The tiki drummers are harder to see at Walt Disney World. Over all I would say Disneyland for the win

Pirates of the Caribbean-I have to say that Walt Disney World has much better ques that Disneyland, hands down but then they seem to fall short on the attractions. This is one where we found it to be very very true. Disneyland's Pirates is just better. Besides the drops which my son kept going on and on about how lame Walt Disney World drop was, the set up of the scenery is better at Disneyland. Disneyland for the win

Aloha Isle-Disneyland's always has a long long line for our very small Aloha Isle shop. Overall its the same food. Just odd to be able to walk up and quickly order one. tie

The Pirate League- We did not do Walt Disney Worlds, we did Disneyland's when they briefly had it. I wish we did but my son, said he didn't want to. :( I would say do it if you can

We didn't do Pirate's Adventure-Treasure of Seven Seas, we did see a cute Pirate show with Jack in it. In Adventureland it seems the only other things we missed was Jungle Navigate co. Ltd Skipper Canteen. But, there are so many food places we really couldn't hit them all. I haven't really heard much about that place one way or another yet.

Frontierland

Disneyland Splash
Walt Disney World Splash



















Splash Mountain- Oh this one is so hard to say whose is better. I like being able to see different scenes from the movie. I am probably one of the few people in America that owns the movie this ride was based on and still enjoys watching it. My son loved that Walt Disney World had lap bars (he is very obsessed with safety.) But perhaps I am just very partial to Disneyland, I have to say that Disneyland is better, and my mom agrees, my son honestly doesn't like either. The drop in the dark is better execute at Disneyland's.  Disneyland for the win.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad-This has been one of my son's favorite rides at Disneyland since the day he hit 40 inches at 2 years and 11 months old. (yes we are a tall family). Anyways, he loved the new animals to see at Walt Disney World and said he likes Walt Disney World better. He said Billy brother Buddy wasn't bad. (he names the goats on both rides apparently) Well I named them first one on Disneyland Big Thunder, I said it was Billy's fault for the big drop because at Disneyland there is a Goat holding dynamite as we do the big drop. Anyways, I have to disagree with my son, Walt Disney World seems to purposely make their rides more jerky, when you are going over the water part you can see the track is wibbly wobbly making it jerky.  Disneyland is smooth drop, dips and curves. And for that reason alone I love Disneyland's.  So I guess that makes it a Tie since its 1 to 1. Though my mom hated Walt Disney World more than I did but she really sensitive to jerky rides and since that is why I didn't care for it either I will say final count it's a ...TIE

Tom Sawyer Island-It was closed?


Country Bear Jamboree- My grandfather always was singing these songs, he was such a fun country boy who just happen to love his wife so much that he left his country boy ways to live in the city with his wife. But he never gave up his country roots, and loved to sing the songs sang in this show. Some of my happiest memories as a child at Disneyland was going to this show with him. Anytime the question is posed on any Disneyland Group that I am part of where they asked which attraction you wish they would bring back, I always say this one. I so wish it was still at Disneyland and I hope that Walt Disney World NEVER gets rid of this attraction. Walt Disney World for the win.

Golden Oak Outpost- My son wanted nuggets, we wanted something else. Only thing I can say for a place that basically only services one thing, they were very under prepared, having that big of a back up of people waiting for their orders to be ready and we came at an off time.

Pecos bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe- As a native so cal girl, I have to say the food was just not right. I found it so odd that guacamole was at the salsa bar area and unlimited, though I guess I can see why as it wasn't that good. At least my mom and I both thought that though it was label as Mexican food,  that it in fact was NOT Mexican food. There are two Mexican places at Disneyland Resort. One in Disneyland and one in California Adventure...both of those places are 10 times better than this place. I couldn't even finish my food I was so disappointed. I couldn't say that it was under cooked or what ever and it had LOTS of people there that seemed to enjoy the food, so apparently there are some people that find this food YUMMY but if you have ever had real Mexican food I can't see anyone liking this place and I put this on my YUCK list.

Only two snack places listed on the map that we didn't hit in this land. :D

 Liberty Square 

The Hall of Presidents- was closed and to be honest if it hadn't been I probably would have skipped it.

Haunted Mansion- We tried to get on this ride twice and both times it broke...so since its not a favorite of ours at Disneyland's (though I know we are the minority on that, but its the truth) we didn't try to go on it again at Walt Disney World...and to be honest we only schedule to go on it at Walt Disney World to say we tried to go on every attraction. Though I have heard that Disneyland's is way better. I can't officially comment on that. Rumor has it Disneyland wins

There seems to be a lot of food places here, we didn't eat at any of them, there was also a Christmas shop that we walked thru that isn't listed on the map...at least the one in front of me that I am reading as I write this.  I have heard really good things about Liberty Tree Tavern and wished we had tried this place instead of Pecos Bills.  Sleepy Hollow looked good but the funnel cake with fruit and ice cream wasn't a snack credit but at Hollywood Studios it was...that was something interesting I noticed. There was a cute little muppet show going on in the street. That is something that Disneyland also really lacks. There was so many little shows going on around the park at Walt Disney World, Disneyland used to be like that and I missed it. :(

Fantasyland

Prince Charming Regal Carousel- Its a carousel...sorry can't say much else. Tied

Mickey's PhilharMagic- I remember the first time seeing this and thinking it was really good, of course now that I am older I guess the jokes weren't as funny, but my son laughed so it was worth it. I also love singing Disney songs so I would still like to see this show. I wish they would bring something like this show to Disneyland, maybe at our Tomorrowland 4D theater.

Peter Pan's Flight-To be honest I never got the draw of this ride at either park. I didn't notice too much of a difference to comment one way or another. My son said they both are boring but my mom said that she like Disneyland's better. It has more detailed scenery. So I guess Disneyland for the win.

'Its a Small World" Walt Disney World small world has small boats with no leg room and you really have to bend over to sit in small boats. There were gaps where there was no dolls, or anything in this ride. I really really think this ride needs MAJOR re doing at Walt Disney World. My son hates this ride at Disneyland now (when he was a baby he loved it of course) and he said he would ride Disneyland's over and over again if he never had to go on Walt Disney again...Disneyland for the win. 

Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid-Walt Disney World really goes all out on their ques...and I guess if we went when we would have to wait in them, it would make this ride for the win, but other than the que...the rides were exactly the same...except Disneyland's ride has a hidden surprised character in it that I looked for at Walt Disney World and couldn't find. But since I am always team Disneyland...I at first was going to put this down as a tie since the hidden character is missing and other than that the same ride...I will still give it to Walt Disney World only because of the que. Walt Disney World for the win. 

Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station - Fun place to cool down at, an odd thing to me, at Disneyland there were constantly Cast Members telling us that shoes and shirts were required even while playing in the water play areas, which is why I always tell my clients if its warm, that they should bring a change of clothes and even some sandals/water shoes for their children, because of the policy and I know kids love to play in these splash zones. I know its because of the law that the Cast Members are enforcing...I thought it was a federal law maybe its only state? I should look that up.

The Barstomer- My son's favorite ride, well one of them is Goofy's Sky School at California Adventure and I think he went into this ride thinking at first that it was like Goofy's Sky School and its not, it is more like Disneyland's Gadget's coaster in toontown. Its a fun little coaster for little thrill seekers. But since it doesn't have the same name as Gadget coaster I am not going to grade it, though I would say it is a tied to that one.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant- My son saw the interactive waiting que area for this ride and wanted to go visit it so badly. He has always like the play areas at Disneyland parks both Goofy's play area in toon town and the play area in the Redwood Creek area at California Adventure. So we went  on this ride for that reason only. I think a bit of his youth died. He said I am too big for this place. :( I'd say its good for 2 to 5 year old.  With that said because of the que area only, again Walt Disney for the Win.

 Mad Tea Party- Walt Disney World wins for the cover over theirs. And maybe it was all in my head, but to us Walt Disney World tea cups just felt a bit faster. Walt Disney World for the win. 

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh- This is one time I am going to disagree with my mom who seem to not think any ride that both Walt Disney World and Disneyland had, that Walt Disney World had a better version, some she thought were the same but never better.I think that Walt Disney Worlds followed the story outline better than Disneyland's and of course had a better que. My son comments on baby's rides were they are baby rides though he liked the que of Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World for the win

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train-My mom found it jerky. My son liked it, thought it was a good mini size Big Thunder with the best parts of Snow White on the ride...any parts with the Dwarfs...lol. I liked it and thought it was cute. I can see if you are sensitive to jerky rides like my mom why she wouldn't like it. My knees were a bit squished but...I liked it.

Be Our Guest Restaurant-We had lunch here. My mom and I had carved turkey sandwiches and my son had Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich). We then shared the strawberry cream cheese cupcake, lemon meringue cupcake and the Master's Cupcake with gray stuff on it. The sandwiches were mediocre to say the lease, nothing to rave about. And the cupcakes were small and we had strawberry cream cupcakes at several places and this one was not thrilling at all. The best strawberry desert we had was the strawberry short cake at Illumantion Dessert party. Of the three cupcakes we sampled we only would re-order the Master's cupcake. But to be completely honest, if we were NOT on the dining plan, I wouldn't eat here for lunch again. $70.81 before taxes for small serving sizes, and mediocre food is hard to swallow even at Disney. Disneyland Jolly Holiday has sandwiches and pastries too and let me say their cupcakes cost the same but are way BIGGER and tastier.  Don't know if the photos will do. Be Our Guest Cupcakes on the left and Disneyland Jolly Holiday on the right. Both had strawberry cream filling. Disneyland's won hands down for us. We actually split Disneyland cupcakes, the photo below was for 4 people at Disneyland. At be Our Guest they are more regular serving size. Again, one person yuck is another yum so you may disagree.

Disneyland 60th Anniversary Cupcake












My son wouldn't wait to see Characters so we skipped Enchanted Tales with Belle, Pete's Silly Sideshow, Fairytale garden, Princess Fairytale Hall, and of course because I didn't have a little girl Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. We also didn't eat anywhere else in Fantasyland though I heard good things about Pinocchio Village Haus, though I am not impressed with Disneyland Pinocchio village Haus so I don't know. I read that Gaston's Tavern is a great place to spend your snack credits with large yummy cinnamon rolls, and LeFou's brew.

Tomorrowland 

I have to tell you that Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland reminds me the most of my childhood and how Disneyland Tomorrowland used to be and how I still wish was. Because of this, it was probably my favorite land of all of Magic Kingdom.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor-This is a cute show that I can see if you are in the right mood will be super funny or corny. The best thing I could say about this show is, it at least changes every time you see it. But that can also add to whether its a good show or not.

Sititch's Great Escape-It was closed and I was curious about this ride because of such mix reviews I read about it, and I have never tried it.

Tomorrowland Speedway-Disneyland its call autopia, and both parks cars are set for someone who is 48 inches tall to drive...being 6'2 and all legs, makes driving these vehicles hard, but I see the excitement from a child's point of view. My son loved this ride when he first was tall enough to "drive" but the novelty has worn off now.  I feel like Walt Disney Worlds was longer so I give the win to Walt Disney World.

Space Mountain Disneyland
Space Mountain-I think this ride is so different in Disneyland from Walt Disney World's, I wouldn't even call them apple to apple. For those that have gone to Disneyland, I would say that Walt Disney Worlds Space Mountain is the Matterhorn track inside Space Mountain, with even the same seat set up as Matterhorn. Whereas Disneyland's is faster, funner and smoother...lol. I don't know what I can say to a person that has only gone to Walt Disney World what our space mountain is like....its smooth. Disneyland also has three overlays of stories that go with theirs, the original, Ghost Galaxy and now Hyper Space. Hands down I really really do have to give the reward to Disneyland for which is better.

 
Astro Orbiter-Disneyland's used to be in the same place and I would say tied but since they took Disneyland's off the elevator and put them on the ground, it makes our Astro Orbiters not much more exciting than Dumbo. So Walt Disney World wins. My son even loved them on the roof and rode Walt Disney World's 6 times! Walt Disney World for Win. 

Walt Disney World Astro Orbiter

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover- I don't know if its just because it reminds me so much of my youth and what I miss about Disneyland, but I really liked this ride, and the memories it brought back. Its really just a slow moving, rest your feet type of ride but for me its childhood memories lost.

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress-They updated Walt's vision of what 2000 would be like and part of me wishes they would have left it as it was, with what he thought it would be. That is one of the fun things about watching Back to the Future 2, you can see what people thought their future would be like. Instead they changed to to reflect what 2000 really was,  which made me a bit sad. But, still the first parts reminded me of my child hood and seeing it at Disneyland.



Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin- Firing laser at Zurg, though Walt Disney World's you seem to go thru more rooms, the targets don't seem to be as interactive, and you can't move the gun around. This one I have to give to Disneyland as you can pick the gun up and really fire. Disneyland win

My son's first time on Buzz Disneyland










Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe-Burger and fries joint with a funny animatronic space guy that entertains you while you eat. I liked that they give you a variety of toppings to put on your burger and you you get to choose what goes on there.


There was a Dance Party with the incredible in the evening with a live DJ and you can request songs and dance with Incredible. I really wish Disneyland would have something like this. It was fun and even when we weren't at the Dance party itself, hearing the music and entertainment thru out tomorrow land was super fun. 

Well that is the end of the park map and the list of rides and attractions listed on the Magic Kingdom Map. Here is the map I was looking at as I was writing.

Image result for Magic Kingdom Map

And just for the fun of it...here is Disneyland's current map. I am really surprised that Walt Disney World doesn't have an Alice in Wonderland ride, I think that is a ride they should add to their park. But knowing me, I'd like Disneyland's better and think they didn't do a good job of it. Don't get me wrong I really really love Walt Disney World, and my mom and son are already bugging me, asking if I think I will get enough clients this year to make Walt Disney World an annual trip for our family. Considering the last time I went my son doesn't even remember, I am hoping I can. What rides do you think Disneyland should have that Magic Kingdom has? Or what ride do you wish Magic Kingdom has that Disneyland has? Comment below!!!



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