Truthfully, this record must no longer exist. It’s true that some rides are higher at Walt Disney International than Disneyland. However it’s very tricky to argue that there are 10 such sights, even though enjoying speedy and unfastened with the record and together with presentations and rides which can be ‘non secular successors’ to each other.
There’s a reason you gained’t to find many lists like this. In nearly all instances the place direct clones exist in each California and Florida, they’re both kind of equivalent or the Disneyland model is awesome. The exceptions to which can be few and some distance between. However, in my countless knowledge, I sponsored myself into this nook with out considering of what one of these record would come with when writing my Best 10 Listing of Rides That Are Higher at Disneyland.
To be clear, my purpose with that not-so-clever transfer used to be to steer clear of accusations of bias. Walt Disney International enthusiasts can every now and then have chips on their shoulders. There’s a reason why “be truthful to Florida” is a rallying cry, and I do know WDW diehards get in poor health of listening to about the entire ways in which Walt Disney’s unique park is awesome. How the ones two parks have as excellent of experience rosters as Florida’s 4 gates. Whilst there may be some reality to that, there also are many ways in which Walt Disney International is healthier…
In fact, there are the average refrains amongst Walt Disney International enthusiasts who trumpet its superiority. The taller fort. The handfuls of accommodations and eating places. That it’s the Holiday Kingdom of the International, and what Walt sought after to construct to “repair” the shortcomings of Disneyland. That’s no longer what I’m speaking about, regardless that, as all of that might be higher fitted to Disneyland vs. Walt Disney International as an entire.
That is all about sights, and there are many ways in which Walt Disney International “wins” on that entrance. It simply most often doesn’t come all the way down to cloned rides. There’s just about the whole lot of Animal Kingdom, which–with restricted exceptions–doesn’t have opposite numbers in California. (Neatly, apart from the San Diego Safari Park–but it surely doesn’t have an analogue in Anaheim!) There are the vintage level presentations like Carousel of Development and Nation Undergo Jamboree. There’s just about the whole lot at EPCOT, which remains to be a sore topic amongst oldschool Disneylanders who lament the WestCOT that by no means used to be.
All of that’s only a partial record. The decade-plus introduced large enlargement to Walt Disney International, whilst Disneyland used to be relatively overlooked (having gained its large DCA overhaul on the tail finish of the former decade). Anyway, simply sought after to reveal that I’m no longer biased in opposition to Disneyland, however love each for various causes. That is probably not in an instant obvious while you learn via this somewhat unhappy record of the sights which can be higher at Walt Disney International…
N/A. it’s a small international – Simply as we began the ultimate record by means of explaining why House Mountain didn’t make the minimize, so too does this record start with an exclusion. That’s as a result of “it’s a small international” already made the Disneyland model of this record. And whilst I may just get lovable right here and put it on each lists (it used to be an choice when I used to be suffering to consider 10 selections), I’ve opted in opposition to it.
With that mentioned, whenever you input the exhibit scenes, I do suppose “it’s a small international” at Magic Kingdom is healthier. I like the ‘flooded’ taste, loss of characters, relatively awesome ranking, and several other little ways in which Florida has a plussed model of the enduring appeal. That is the definitive model of the vintage experience.
Alternatively, as demonstrated by means of who prefer House Mountain at Magic Kingdom, I’m all about your complete package deal of an appeal. The facade and opening act of “it’s a small international” at Disneyland simply units the very best tone, while the Florida model looks like a experience in a strip mall by means of comparability. So I’ll say this: “it’s a small international” at Disneyland is the simpler appeal, while the Walt Disney International model is the simpler experience.
10. Corridor of Presidents & American Journey – Neither the American Journey nor Corridor of Presidents have clones at Disneyland. As a substitute, there’s Nice Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which serves because the non secular forebearer to each. The “drawback” with all of those patriotic sights is they’re incredible…and distinct.
I suppose bring to mind it in MCU phrases, apart from with our heroes being nice American citizens as an alternative of mutants. Nice Moments with Mr. Lincoln is like Captain The us: The First Avenger (apart from that might be George Washington…however I don’t wish to evaluate Lincoln to Ant-Guy or whichever Avenger used to be #16) in that it’s all about one unmarried patriotic determine. The Corridor of Presidents is Captain The us: Civil Battle, no longer as it incessantly has that impact on audiences, however as it’s an ideal team-up manufacturing of all presidents. In any case, the American Journey is Avengers: Endgame, as it’s the most efficient of the bunch–the style perfected.
Does that make a point of sense? No? Neatly, the hot button is that Walt Disney had one thing particular in Nice Moments with Mr. Lincoln, however the Imagineers controlled to extend upon and refine the idea that at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, which is the place you’ll be able to to find the head of patriotic Disney level presentations. This record doesn’t get any higher from right here, so don’t say I didn’t provide you with a warning.
9. Superstar Excursions: The Adventures Proceed – This isn’t being deemed higher at Walt Disney International as a result of we have now extra success with the randomized experience sequences in Florida than California. It’s all in regards to the queue.
Disneyland’s Superstar Excursions is mixed into Tomorrowland in order that it doesn’t stick out as a Superstar Wars experience in a land centered at the long run. Or no less than, that used to be the considering a couple of a long time in the past when it in the beginning opened and Tomorrowland had a cohesive imaginative and prescient. Now it’s only a hodgepodge, and no person bats a watch at Superstar Wars within the land.
Nonetheless, the Walt Disney International model used to be created in particular for this spot within the then Disney-MGM Studios, with the vanity being that it used to be a sizzling set for the filming of a Superstar Wars tale. Accordingly, the queue weaves beneath the toes of a towering AT-AT, and across the bushes of an Ewok village at the Wooded area Moon of Endor.
Or no less than, a simulated set depicting all of that. It’s simple to omit the filmmaking framework round which this park used to be created and no less than partly nonetheless exists. Maximum visitors simply see the towering AT-AT and Ewok village and assumes that’s the theme, however some would possibly marvel why some of these items is half-finished. Complicated or affordable as it would appear, that’s by means of design–it’s what you notice as opposed to what the digicam sees.
Regardless, it’s all spectacular and this space round Superstar Excursions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be even higher again when Jedi Coaching Academy: Trails of the Temple used to be being proven. It in point of fact used to be like an immersive, ‘on-stage’ depiction of Superstar Wars. Other than Galaxy’s Edge, however nonetheless distinctly Superstar Wars!
8. Astro Orbiter – If you wish to get technical, that is some other appeal that doesn’t exist on each coasts. Finally, Magic Kingdom has Astro Orbiter and Disneyland has Astro Orbitor. (Learn each names moderately if you happen to’re lacking it.) Whilst I’ll by no means perceive the adaptation and hope there’s some silly backstory to provide an explanation for the “o vs. e” difference, I feel it’s somewhat simple that Astro Orbiter flies upper than its Disneyland counterpart.
Rather actually. Astro Orbiter flies upper as a result of it’s upper, increased on peak of the PeopleMover. That very same spot at Disneyland is house to the Observatron (sure, that identify is actual), simply one of the dangerous concepts from Tomorrowland ’98 at Disneyland. Whilst Astro Orbiter has nearer perspectives of Slumbering Attractiveness Fortress, the increased standpoint of Astro Orbiter provides an additional measurement, and seeing the neon-drenched streets of Tomorrowland–to not point out Cinderella Fortress, House Mountain and the TRON Lightcycle Run cover–take it to the following degree.
7. TTA PeopleMover – Whilst we’re within the space, we’ve gotta give a snappy nod to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom. That is the experience we experience maximum of any experience at Walt Disney International, and each and every time we see previous footage of Tomorrowland at Disneyland, it breaks our hearts that we by no means were given to enjoy the PeopleMover there. Perhaps it’s only a “grass is at all times greener” factor, however Tomorrowland appears even higher in footage of Disneyland from the 70s and 80s than any current model of the land does lately.
Alternatively, at this level I feel it’s secure to mention that the operational model of the PeopleMover at Walt Disney International is healthier than the deserted tracks and cargo platform, plus regardless of the heck the Observatron is meant to be doing. However I assume cheap minds may just fluctuate. The coloration the PeopleMover tracks provide may also be somewhat great! (Apologies for the knife twist, Disneyland enthusiasts, however I needed to do it given the comparative weak point of the remainder of this record.)
6. Tower of Terror – If you are taking the Tower of Terror and upload a host of junk to the outside and queue, whilst additionally converting the tale and including displays, is it nonetheless the Tower of Terror? That’s a query for the scientists. What I know is that, in opposition to all odds, Guardians of the Galaxy: Challenge Breakout is far higher than it has any proper to be. At the same time as somebody with a robust Twilight Zone bias, it’s in truth higher than the model of Tower of Terror that it changed at Disney California Journey.
The item is, those had been by no means clones initially. The experience machine for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is other, and considerably extra advanced and maintenance-intensive. Which is exactly why DCA (or even Tokyo DisneySea!) opted for the simplified model. So I’m relaxed pronouncing that Challenge Breakout beats Tower of Terror at DCA, I’m additionally assured in proclaiming the OG Twilight Zone Tower of Terror the undisputed champion amongst all 3.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s temper, setting, and environments ahead of the experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are all top-notch. It’s ominous, intimidating, and foreboding from the instant you place eyes at the Hollywood Tower Resort looming on the finish of Sundown Side road. From there, the build-up continues within the queue and pre-show and the ride-through portion ahead of the drops dials up the stress even additional. Whilst it includes a ton of nods to Twilight Zone episodes, the appeal’s masterful use of suspense is downright Hitchcockian.
5. Dumbo – Oh nice, some other spinner. Magic Kingdom’s dueling Dumbos are higher for a couple of causes. First, there are two units of them and two trumps one. 2nd, the traces are normally shorter (see first reason why). 3rd, the stunning middle of the night lighting fixtures.
When Dumbo used to be moved and its capability doubled, it additionally gained a very good new lighting fixtures scheme that actually provides it added lifestyles at evening. Lacking is that iconic view of Cinderella Fortress, however the view remains to be breathtaking with maximum of Fantasyland visual, plus there’s some very good lighting fixtures, so we believe the dueling Dumbos a greater appeal than the only (1) Dumbo at Disneyland.
4. Below the Sea – Adventure of the Little Mermaid – Like Astro Orbite/or, it is a experience that has other names at Walt Disney International and Disneyland. In contrast to that one letter distinction, that is more than one phrases and punctuation marks: Below the Sea – Adventure of the Little Mermaid vs. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Journey. I eschew each unwieldy names for a easy “Little Mermaid darkish experience.”
The explanations that the Walt Disney International model is healthier has not anything to do with names and even the substance of the darkish experience. Fairly, it comes all the way down to the outside and queue. The Disneyland model repurposed the facade for Golden Desires, a exhibit in regards to the historical past of California, all the way through the DCA overhaul. That external according to San Francisco’s Palace of the Wonderful Arts is cool and becoming for Disney California Journey, however the queue is brief and fundamental.
In contrast, the Little Mermaid darkish experience at Magic Kingdom used to be purpose-built all the way through the New Fantasyland enlargement, and lines Prince Eric’s Fortress plus numerous rockwork and water. Chances are you’ll even argue that the (very lengthy) queue and external are higher than the experience itself. That’s no knock at the experience itself, which I in truth suppose is underrated. The queue of the Little Mermaid darkish experience at Walt Disney International is simply actually underappreciated.
This isn’t simply true within the outside portion the place there are non violent reflecting swimming pools and waterfalls, which might be fantastically illuminated at evening. It’s additionally the case within the caverns as outdoor transitions to within the fort. In the event you ever forestall to comprehend the entire little main points when this line kind of empties out, you’ll see that a large portion of the funds for Walt Disney International’s model went to placemaking. And that’s necessary, because it units the level for a extra stress-free ride-through enjoy.
3. Luckily Ever After – This may well be a suspicious variety, particularly since we most often distinguish middle of the night spectaculars from sights. (Do Walt Disney International enthusiasts actually wish to open the leisure comparability can of worms?!) Additionally, we prior to now proclaimed that Wondrous Trips is Higher Than Luckily Ever After.
Neatly, two issues have modified between then and now. The massive one is that Wondrous Trips has no dates left at the calendar in 2024. It’s for sure the most efficient Disneyland fireworks exhibit, making this a extra favorable comparability to Disneyland’s different fireworks. The second one is that this record, which calls for greedy at straws for sights which can be higher at Walt Disney International.
Truthfully, regardless that, no straw-grasping is needed right here. The fireworks for the rest of the 12 months at Disneyland are In combination Endlessly – A Pixar Midnight Impressive, “Halloween Screams” and “Imagine… in Vacation Magic.” All 3 are nice, however none of them achieve the similar stratospheric heights as Wondrous Trips or Luckily Ever After.
Even in that above-mentioned put up, we conceded that it’s a “why no longer each?!” state of affairs. They’re each extraordinary middle of the night spectaculars, and simply as simply as I will make the beneath case for Wondrous Trips being higher, somebody else may just advance arguments in choose of Luckily Ever After. In reality, I will bring to mind 112! (What is the peak distinction, in toes, between Cinderella Fortress and Slumbering Attractiveness Fortress?)
It’s no longer simply that status on Major Boulevard and seeing Cinderella Fortress towering within the distance. Because of Walt Disney International’s much less city location, the Magic Kingdom fireworks have larger and higher pyro. Additionally they have extra common pyro, with the “projections simplest” variations of the Disneyland presentations being introduced somewhat incessantly…and fireworks being cancelled even within the slightest Santa Ana winds.
Even supposing I feel Wondrous Trips is the relatively higher exhibit from a storytelling standpoint, the full fireworks enjoy is healthier and extra predictable at Magic Kingdom. In the event you had to pick out an afternoon at random to check out to observe fireworks on one of the vital coasts, the simpler wager–on moderate–can be Magic Kingdom’s Luckily Ever After.
2. Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom is the park of “on steroids” sights. There’s Avatar Flight of Passage, which is Soarin’ on steroids (Avatar Flight of Passage) and this. K, that’s simplest two sights. And arguably, a number of others are inferior variations of what exists somewhere else (Kali River Rapids, DINOSAUR, and TriceraTop Spin).
Regardless, Expedition Everest is a contemporary curler coaster that draws pages from Matterhorn’s playbook and improves upon that iconic experience in just about each and every imaginable approach. Expedition Everest includes a foreboding queue, improbable main points, attention-grabbing experience cars, a impressive ascent, and on-ride encounters with a yeti.
Many results at the appeal now don’t paintings; essentially the most notable of those is the massive Audio Animatronics “Disco” Yeti. In spite of this, Expedition Everest remains to be impressively a laugh and Walt Disney International’s maximum bold curler coaster. In additional techniques than one, Expedition Everest is to Matterhorn what Indiana Jones Journey is to DINOSAUR. So turnabout is truthful play, as that used to be the #2 access on our model of this record touting awesome Disneyland sights.
1. Fantasmic – This record has been a little highly spiced and more than likely gained’t be specifically pleasant to numerous WDW diehards looking for ways in which their house park is healthier than Walt Disney’s unique magic kingdom. So why don’t we pass out on a prime be aware, giving the Florida enthusiasts a feather of their cap this is certain to enrage the Disneylanders in the market.
Fantasmic is healthier at Walt Disney International. That’s proper–it’s true. For many years, their Fantasmic being dramatically higher than the DHS model used to be an enormous level of pleasure for Disneylanders. The viewing space is extra intimate and it feels just like the exhibit comes out of nowhere, they mentioned. Murphy the Dragon is healthier than Maleficent on a stick, they boasted. The Mark Twain and Crusing Send Columbia upload such a lot, they argued. Florida’s is principally Pocahontasmic, they half-joked.
The “they” in those sentences used to be me. I mentioned that if you happen to haven’t noticed Fantasmic at Disneyland, you haven’t actually noticed it. Neatly, so much has modified. The primary large one used to be that Disney’s Hollywood Studios reimagined its model of Fantasmic and added an all-new series that brings to lifestyles heroic moments from Disney tales corresponding to Moana, Mulan, Aladdin, Frozen 2, and Pocahontas. That changed the interminably lengthy Pocahontas scene and the adaptation it made can’t be overstated.
The opposite issues all passed off at the Disneyland aspect of the ledger, with crowds and congestion making Fantasmic painful to observe upon its go back. Oh, and Murphy the Dragon stuck fireplace and has been changed with a belated B-mode. There are nonetheless little issues that Disneyland’s Fantasmic does higher, to make certain, but it surely’s not the awesome exhibit.
There used to be as soon as some extent after we have shyed away from Florida’s Fantasmic and went years with out seeing it, whilst by no means skipping Fantasmic at Disneyland. It’s no longer somewhat the complete opposite of that now, however Fantasmic at DHS is a can’t leave out, while we simplest do it at Disneyland if crowds aren’t horrible. They usually’re more than likely going to be beautiful dangerous for the foreseeable long run!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Which Walt Disney International sights do you suppose are higher than their Disneyland opposite numbers? Any rides that this record snubbed which can be awesome within the Florida parks? The rest in this record that you simply suppose is in truth worse at Walt Disney International? Do you settle or disagree with our selections? Any questions? Listening to your comments—even while you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas beneath within the feedback!