"Wow, I've been to Disneyland and Disney World in the same week!"
It's the double that many Disney fans dream about, but too few get to do: To visit the original Disney theme park, Disneyland, with its younger sibling, the world's most popular theme park, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. I've done the double in one week on two occasions, last December and on an epic roadtrip in 1990, when I drove from Orlando to Anaheim in two and a half days.
Which brings me to the vote of the week. If given the chance to visit just one of these two parks, for one day, which would you pick? Disneyland or the MK?
I'm not putting any restrictions on this. You can pick the park you think the better, if you've been to both. Or you can pick the park you haven't been to, if you've been only to one. Whatever you want. But tell us in the comments why you picked the one you did.
More stuff coming tomorrow before I call it a weekend.
Tweet
I've never been to Walt Disney World, so merely from that point of view, that's the one I would choose. If for no other reason than to see what it's like!
I Respond: Actually It all comes down to the Jungle Cruise -- and WDW's JC kicks DL's eight ways to Sunday. Better sequencing; better hippo pool, Shirley's Temple and no cheesy (and I mean CHEESY) piranhas.
I love that place.
Disney was wise to make a park in Disney. You are surrounded by the oustide world in CA. I like them both though!
Disneyland is the original, there is nothing like it...its the only park Walt supervised, the only park he stepped foot on, the only park with attractions that literally have his creative footprint on it...that history alone makes it amazing...but wait a minute, you aint heard nothing yet...
Disneyland has the Indiana Jones Adventure (one of the greatest, if not THE greatest themed rides ever), Star Tours, Pirate's Lair, Fantasmic, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Storybookland Canal Boats, and Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, all which MK lack
Disneyland has the better Pirates by far, a much better Space Mountain (for now at least), a better and easier to play Buzz Lightyear...Parade of Dreams was better than any MK parade...Remember Dreams Come True was the best fireworks show ever IMO
I rest my case
I am definitely as WDW person, but I LOVE DHS, AK, and Epcot, while MK, at least compared to DL, is good, but not amazing
I've been going to WDW since 1975 (probably 10 visits over the years) and truly love the entire experience but unless I'm with small children to once again experience it through their eyes, MK is definitely not my favorite WDW park these days. I've only been to DL a couple of times (1979 or so and 2006) and in spite of the inability to be fully immersed due to growth around the park, there is something about Walt's intimate creation that still packs a punch.
MK's pros for me, btw, are the much larger Cinderella Castle and what was my first Haunted Mansion exterior, that makes me almost walk-by the DL version without realizing what it is. (Plus the upgrades at MK Haunted Mansion are incredible.)
I respond: "Tacky" is a matter of taste, but "rundown?" Ya wanna back that up?
Using a dilapidated, obsolete clunker like the Jungle Cruise to prove any sort of point is like asking Michael Eisner to save Disney from John Lasseter. Completely ludicrous! I give you one of the greatest dark rides of all time, and you fire back with Jungle Muppets: The Ride. You should be ashamed of yourself.
You can take both Jungle Cruises and put them in your backyard, I won't miss them. With the advent of DAK, Jungle Cruise probably should have been dumped or overhauled a long time ago. Its stupidity is matched only by its irrelevance, and the best part of the ride is watching the skippers shamelessly and tirelessly audition for a better assignment... like shoveling elephant poop at Kilimanjaro Safaris.
The Jungle Cruise was never intended to be a big, fat joke. If Walt Disney wasn't cryogenically frozen, he would be reopening Guantanamo Bay to discipline the Imagineers responsible for the demise of his once beloved attraction. And trust me, waterboarding would be the least of their worries.
However, I concur: the pathetic version of the Jungle Cruise at MK is better than the laughable version at DL.
Despite being larger, Magic Kingdom seems to lack the heart that Disneyland possesses.
One nice attribute about MK, however, is that it is separated in a little world of its own. Disneyland is surrounded by that horrible fake foliage backdrop (not to mention the tacky Anaheim strip malls just minutes away), whereas the Magic Kingdom experience is preceded by either a boat, bus, or monorail ride.
Comparing the exotic flora and fauna of a heart-racing voyage along the world’s rivers adventure to a weak boat trip where you are surrounded by the kind of jerky-moving mannequins that wouldn't pass muster at a Chuckie Cheese is at best laughable and at worst blasphemy!
From the journey’s beginning on the mysterious Amazon thru to the discovery of the sacred elephant bathing pool on the Irrawaddy, the Jungle Cruise takes guests on a rollicking romp through South America, the Dark Continent and East Asia. The wit and banter of the intrepid Jungle Cruise skipper provides a unique experience with every ride.
Meanwhile, the tired ol' "yo ho" of the third rate, Wal-Mart parking lot carny funhouse on water has become a complete bore! It became so monotonous they had to slap a Johnny Depp mask on to one of the popping chicken pirates just to keep it mediocre! The day Disney adds a Hanna Montana figure on the back of a hippo, or tacks the Jonas Brothers onto a tree inches above a rhino's horn is when you can start posting your weak (and COMPLETELY misguided) commentary about the single greatest attraction ever developed in the history of the Walt Disney Company -- if not indeed the world!
Actually that Jonas Brothers thing isn't a bad idea.
Now if you will excuse me I need to get my pliers to pull free my tongue which (like yours) is now firmly embedded in my cheek.
TH, where is this attraction you are describing? I would love to ride it, as it sounds amazing.
Are you seriously ripping on the animatronics in POTC and asserting that Jungle Snooze has even one leg to stand on? Puh-lease! As they said in the movie Tropic Thunder, I think you have gone full retard on me! ;)
And by the way, if the animatronics at Chuck E. Cheese were even remotely as good as POTC, I would never have to leave Missouri. However, we both know that is not the case. Now, is that awful Chuck E. Cheese band as realistic as the Fungal Cruise's crazy carousel of dancing natives, or its horrendously hapless hippos? Maybe.
But I guess that is why POTC always makes it to the latter rounds of the Best Ride Tournament, and Jungle Cruise languishes in the ever growing ranks of the also-rans!
Honestly, it is either argue on TPI or mow the lawn... and according to my wife whose brow is fully furrowed as I type, the lawn is winning!
Later gang...
I really want to step into the magic at DL, but I'll probably be stepping into the MK before I get a chance to have my love of history fulfilled at DL.
Now, about the Jungle Cruise. DL jungle cruise is way better than Magic Kingdom. The load area is better, the layout of the rivers, animatronics and even the script is flows better. The tunnel in Magic Kingdom disrupts the whole flow of the ride.
I grew up on Magic Kingdom. It wasn't until I was an adult that I visited Disneyland. I've been hooked ever since. When I go back to the Magic Kingdom, it seems too big. It's like a caricature of the original. Everything seems a bit too big, especially the grotesque train station at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.
I always have a blast at both parks, but the DL has a special place in my heart that the Magic Kingdom can't reach.
P M Hacker
I mean what's the most impressive gag on POTC? The mayor spitting water as he is hoisted from the well. I can purchase the same effect at my local Old Time Pottery store for $14.95 (with the coupon from the Sunday Sentinel). And come on Rao, ya gotta admit, when they decided to throw Depp into the mix POTC not only "jumped the shark," it "21 Jump Streeted the Shark." Honestly it's just like 'It's a Small World' only with Geoffrey Rush -- and frankly the little dolls are a lot creepier!
But tucked into the deepest, darkest corner of Adventureland, an exotic outpost beckons. Come hither. Put your past behind you and venture into the wilds. You'll face enormous African elephants, find a pride of lions savoring a kill. Marvel at the beauty of Schweitzer Falls (and, of course, the back side of water). Face angry headhunters -- Dodge the spear! Dodge the spear!
And then there are the hippos. Those magnificent beasts. Emerging from the murky depths and then charging the boat. Terrified guests protected only by the skippers trusty .38 ... until the PETA people complained (I assume).
You want to compare a jungle full of wild animals to swashbucklers? Sayeth the lion, "I eat swashbucklers for breakfast!"
MK all the way!
Here is a list of reasons why DISNEYLAND > MAGIC KINGDOM
- Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ,
- Disneyland's Astro Blasters,
- Disneyland's Splash Mountain,
- Disneyland's Railroad,
- Matterhorn,
- Indiana Jones Adventure,
- Blue Bayou,
- Disneyland's Fantasyland attractions,
- Disneyland's Tommrowland attractions,
- Critter Country,
- New Orleans Square,
- Mickey's Towntown (an actual town.)
- Last but not least......
Disneyland's Wishes > Magic Kingdom Wishes
- Disneyland's Wishes makes Magic Kingdom's look like the Grad Fiesta Tour in the Mexico Showcase at Epcot.
Even Disneyland's parking lot tram is much nicer!
You do bring up one good point about the Bungle Blues: I used to love when the skipper shot the .38 (which was normally aimed at his/her own head if he/she has been forced to "drive" the boat regularly). Those gun shots were my signal to wake up from the nap I had been enjoying during the "exciting" adventure. After my brief nap, I could exit the "ride" and continue with my MK tour, refreshed and invigorated. The only better place to take a nap at the MK was in the Hall of Presidents, because the A/C was such a blessing. If the Jungle Cruise had A/C (and some extremely potent Jungle Booze), I might never exit the ride. And if the Cruise Captains were strippers, instead of skippers...
But I digress. And regress.
"As we approach, please notice that there's a dock on the left, and a dock on the right. But don't let it confuse you. It's a paradox."
"HA HA HA! Skipper, you're funny!"
"What do you mean I'm funny?"
"It's just, you know. You're just funny, it's... funny, the way you tell the story and everything."
"You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little *blanked* up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to *blankin'* amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?"
That was Jungle Cruise meets Goodfellas. Now, that would be quite a ride!
AHEM! Robert, can we get Disney's Anaheim folks to shoot something out to their Facebook fans and boost the vote?
PS Very funny post about CP, Doug! =D
Following suit with the addition of '21 Jump Street's' Officer Tom Hanson to POTC, the Walt Disney Company has signed likeness rights to put Aly and AJ in the "Take A Wench For A Bride" gag. As if that were not enough, sources claim that the company is in final negotiations to add a 'Wizards of Waverly Place' scene in (yet another) revamped version of the attraction.
Meanwhile (50 yards east) guests sit terrified and exhilarated by a mysterious dark temple filled with treasure, tigers, king cobras and the VERY BEST EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER HIDDEN MICKEY in the company's history.
The other ride your referencing....well, it doesn't exist. At least not in the cool way you are describing. There is, however, a similar ride with circa 1970's animatronic animals, brackish water, and tired one liners called Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom. In addition to the cheesy animal effects and burned out boatmen (and women), there are a few hidden Mickey's (and Minnie's) near the cardboard cutout of the temple along the route. The first set of Mickey's is in the framework of the temple, directly above each of the statues on the left. There are also some yellow Hidden Mickey's on the back of the giant spider inside the temple. I have not seen these Hidden Mickey's in a while as you are required to have your eyes open in order to do so. But on the Jungle Snooze, sleep is unavoidable.
PS Just so you know, Disney wanted LIVE animals on your favorite jungle tour. Therefore, the sad looking animatronic animals were PLAN B. Do you really think we should celebrate an attraction that is clearly operating in PLAN B-mode?
Oh, and Disneyland is significantly better than MK. Pirates being just one of the reasons.
I now wait in fear of the TH freight train. :(
When POTC realized it was gettin' dusty it just tossed Jay-Dee into the mix.
Unfortunately, Mr. Depp's (wooden) appearance doesn't help much. To date, POTC remains an attraction filled with wooden puppets boasting the wardrobe more suitable for a 1980s Adam Ant video.
By contrast, just down the road, enormous butterflies (with wingspans from "12 inches to one foot!") propagate around the cascading waters of beautiful Inspiration Falls. Around the river bend a collection of Pygmy canoes send an ominous message, a coiled snake watches out our pass by and a family of gorillas invades a safari's camp.
And what's even more exciting is ... (Ring)
I'm sorry, excuse me for a moment.
Hello? Uh-huh. Just a sec'
Hey Mr. Rao, Lucas Grabeel is on the phone and he wants to know when his POTC animatronic will be installed.
(Chuckle)
I guess I am not the only one who likes Johnny Depp and his guy-liner?
In all seriosity, I must ask: TH, have you ever actually ventured out of Orlando long enough to visit the Disneyland version of Pirates? If not, then I think you are just being feisty (I have no problem with that), if so, then either you are insane (please call Charter Hospital and arrange treatment), or your Orlando-centric ways will not allow you to clear the Pixie-dust out of your eyes long enough to comprehend the greatness of an attraction actually brought to life by THE MAN himself.
I respond: Well DUH! Certainly all the focus groups who concluded "'Pirates of the Caribbean' will always be a lame, mechanistic, shooting-gallery kind of two-bit carny until you add a 'Tiger Beat' pin-up, hugs-n-kisses pretty boy" are in legion with your rather shallow perspective. But again, you're from Missouri. Which would indicate your eyes well-up every time you hear the opening chords of 'Moon River' -- which would lead us all to believe that the most painful news for JR is that there are NO plans for the Osmonds to be added to POTC ... not that such an addition wouldn't help.
(Chuckle)
I Respond: Let's see, when have I ever ridden POTC at Disneyland? 1968 (when it was cutting edge), 1980 (made out with a girl named Jill), 1999 (working for Universal at the time), 2008 (as in, last summer).
But I can't. In spite of the fact that DL's right up the road and I can (physically, not financially) go there any time I want (read: any time my wife lets me), it's da BEST! Besides all the other reasons listed above that I won't retread, the park has the support of John Lassiter.
But, Carry On, My Wayward Jungle Snooze Skipper... there'll be peace when you have the right dosage of medication!
It has been fun today, TH, but now I am off to bed with visions of Keira Knightley dancing in my head.
Cya tomorrow!
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
oh and...
TH you must be seriously deranged. out of ANY disney attraction you argue for jungle cruise?! i thought everyone in existence had come to the conclusion that jungle cruise is quite the dud when compared to other attractions.
Which park has Fantasmic, Wishies, Both Mattahorn and Space Mt. all in one? 2) Toon Town veres Mickeys Toon town Fair....Storybookland with Casey Jr. And the Swanboats? Not WDW..A much better POTC..HM..ANd all dark rides in Fantasyland still in tact? And the Subs..Please why The Winnie the pooh theming thru out at MK I just dont get.
Oh and just a note I live 20 mins from WDW I can here wishies from my front door..And Im as big a Disney nut as the next guy but sorry Its Disneyland over Magic Kingdom..Anyday
Diney World has 4 parks & to switch a park always takes a 20-30 min. of time. I've done all the parks in one day but loose the theme park experience in between. The Yetti ride is outstanding. I wish they would at least put a Matterhorn in Epcot in the Germany area. Maybe build a Florida Adventure Park and stack the parking lots as in CA.. Horrizon-Epcot was torn down; DW employees don't use that term but this was Walt's Vision; another loss. Figmet ride scaled way back, the old way was more fun, another loss. GM original ride was a loss that could of been upgraded for green automotive future concepts-helps disney-helps GM-helps -helps to bring new energy products. Test Track was put in something not what it was design for and should have built this at the MK. The NASA ride was ok and will be dated soon. The Ellen Dino ride is way too long and would rather just do the ride part and forget Jepordy. If I could trade my non expiring 4 day pass from WDW for Disneyland. I would.
I live in New Orleans Louisiana where WDW was a site that was under consideration and happy to have work at a theme Park where the owner were close friends. The park was called Pontchartrain Beach and had logos Mickey Donald, Goofy, and Minnie, and Porky; used till closing 1983.
Don't Vote for a park just because you live near it. I live closer to WDW and still vote for the one on the West Coast. Disneyland is The Best and maybe even out of all their overseas parks.
Lewis Go Bear
I seriously think that a majority of the voters who voted in favor of Magic Kingdom, did not go to the ORIGINAL Disneyland, and unfortunately considered WDW as a whole versus Disneyland as opposed to Magic Kingdom versus Disneyland.
Contrary to what alot of people belive, a vote for Disneyland isnt just based solely on nostalga, but in the actual QUALITY of the attractions. If one were to compare the same attractions in both parks, The Disneyland versions are superior in both quality and experience.
All I have to say is this...Go watch wishes at Disenyland, and If JULIE ANDREW'S narration didnt get you, just see how you feel after the 'haunted mansion' firework piece, then if you still feel like Magic Kingdom is better after that, then I will suffice.
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
I'm from CA, so I grew up with DL. However, I've been going to WDW since I was a kid as well, so I really love both. But I voted for DL because it's the original, warts and all. :)
FYI, Robert -- i was lucky enough to be on a business trip to Tokyo in 2007, and another trip to Orlando the same week. When I got home, I raced to DL for a quick visit *just* so I could say I'd been to three Magic Kingdoms around the world within a week. :)