[Disclaimer: These opinions are my own. I have nothing against the Disney Company or their employees. All of these reviews were taken from my experiences at each of the parks.]
Disneyland or Disney World? Both are operated under the Disney Company with over 189,000 employees combined. Disneyland is located in Orange County, California receiving 16.2 million eager vistitors a year. Nestled in a long ago cow pasture, 2,501.8 miles away, stands Disney World in Osceola County, Florida. Can you experience the magic differently at each of the parks? Will one park rule them all? Hear I share my reviews on 5 different important aspects the parks withhold to. But first, let's look at the facts.
Disneyland was orginally overseen by Walt Disney himself. Disney World began with Walt's creativity and his open mind to building a theme park in a cow pasture. Disneyland and Disney California Adventures are right across from each other, which makes the parks easily accessible. Disney World is made up of four different themed parks plus two water parks. The different parks are spread out among the Lake Buena Vista area. Disneyland Resort homes three hotels that are on property (on property means owned by the Disney Company). Disney World Resort has 31 hotels on property plus one that isn't owned by the company. Both parks have many other great hotels to choose from that are near the parks. Now onto the reviews.
Environment
Environment is my first review because I leave the world behind when I go into the parks. I'll begin with the outside environment. Walt Disney chose to build Disneyland in an orange grove. The environment has gone from an orange grove, to a park with parking right outside the park, now to bus drop off, two parks, a shopping disctrict, and a parking garage. Disneyland also offers sidewalks for near by hotels. Of course these changes had to be made as the park expanded and so did the rate of visitors. I have only walked to Disneyland from my hotel. It sounds kind of tiring, especially since you will be walking all over the parks. But I personally don't mind it. I can enjoy talking to family, look at my surroundings, and enjoy the sun. I know I'll be doing the same thing inside the park, but I don't have to worry about remembering where I parked, take a train to the park, or keep track of keys. If I stayed further away from the park, I would most likely drive, but thankfully I haven't had to experience that with the Disneyland park. The sidewalks are safe; they accomodate a lot of people. There are crosswalks and stop lights to keep people safe (it's your choice to follow traffic laws or not). It's really a hustle and bustle street in front of the park entrance (park entrance leads to both parks and Downtown Disney). There are cars and buses passing by all the time. Also out side the park are some homeless people. It was a little intimadating at first, but I kept my distance from them and they did the same. I didn't feel unsafe, but I definetly stayed close to my group. Now Disney World is entirely different. The Imagineers took in consideration the environment of Disneyland and changed it for Disney World. Walt Disney didn't want visitors to be able to see or hear the world beyond the park. They accomplished that very well with every single park. For example, Magic Kingdom doesn't have a parking lot. You are transported to the park by bus, monorail, or boat. If you are staying at the Contemporary Hotel or Bay Lake Towers, you are within walking distance. The other parks (including water parks) have parking lots right outside the park. The Disney World environment is encircled by forests, different hotels and attractions. The Walt Disney World resort is the size of San Francisco! The Disney Company took the Disneyland concept and improved it in specific areas, so they could improve and build.
Okay, the inside environment makes me a little queazy. And when I say inside environment, I mean the visitors, cleanliness of the park, and how the park is treated. Let's begin with Disneyland. I know fashion has changed A LOT since opening day in 1955. And I understand you have the right to wear what ever you want because I want that same right. But I don't like seeing bums hanging out of shorts and your chest falling all over the place. I know it's hot, but honestly I gag a little when I see it walking in front of me. I do have standards that I with hold to, but I wouldn't be flaunting my stuff if I didn't. And what the heck are with muscle tees. Just stop, no one needs to see the ewok your hiding in your armpit. It can get over 90 degrees in both parks, and one park has more humidity then the other! I honestly haven't seen that many people in Disney World wear clothing like that, but in Disneyland it's every where I look. The Disney Company has come out with a dress code, but they don't enforce it. I know, I know, it could offend someone if they couldn't come in because their shorts were too short. But, I came to this magical park to get away from the outside world, and your bringing it in by wearing booty shorts and a top that your grandma thinks shrunk in the dryer. Now cleanliness is one of my top reasons I go to the parks. Other theme parks don't excel on cleanliness like the Disney parks. Walt Disney noticed himeself noticed that people would drop trash about 27 steps. The parks have placed a trash can every 27 steps to achieve a cleaner park. Now, your are just down right lazy if you can't throw your trash away. The parks have also withheld from selling shelled items (i.e. sunflower seeds, nuts, etc.) and chewing gum. When I went to Disneyland, that was my first time seeing gum stuck somewhere by someone who took the time to do it. Again, the trash can is 27 steps away, or just swallow it. That leads me into how the parks are treated. There are certain people who see the parks as a hang out spot. People like me, see the Disney parks as an oasis. I don't appreciate when you come in, and mess up my zen of magical tranquility. Laughing obnoxiously, sticking gum in places it doesn't belong, and not paying attention in line, messes with not only me, but the people around you. I love to have a good time, but I'm aware of my surroundings and how I am going to act in public. Both parks struggle with this, but the parks aren't perfect. Some people get annoyed and complain that the park doesn't withhold a sense of responsibility to all of it's guests. If you have an issue, you can report it. I just remember that I'm here with my family to have a good time. And you are too, but please be responsible.
Cast Members
The Disney Company is made up of old and young minds that love the magical world of Disney. Cast Members are taught to be responsive, helpful, and curtious. All cast members have a nametag that says where they are from. It's fun to meet people and hear their stories about moving away to be apart of the Disney company. I noticed at Disneyland that many of the cast members were from California, many being from the Anaheim area. Disney World is full of cast members from around the world (especially in Epcot). Some of the Disneyland cast members that I came in contact with didn't have a great attitude. They had the attitude of "it's just another work day". Which is fine, but I don't feel the excitement when I needed their help. I did meet some cast members that were really helpful in Disneyland. Not many were from even out of the state. In Disney World, I have had some good and bad experiences also. It will happen, as the cast member isn't having good day with difficulty of family or work life. I'm not saying it's all the cast members fault. All visitors can do their part by listening and being responsible.
Attractions
The attractions make up the structural part of the parks. From fun kiddy rides to the big ones that make your heart drop, it's hard to pick favorites. I never liked roller coasters. They were fast, and I was scared I would fall out. Which is weird cause I would do Big Thunder Mountain, but there was no way I would go on any of the other rides. I didn't get over that fear till I was 9; I faced my fear by going on Expedition Everest. Not only did that ride go fast, but also backwards. Now I love them!
Both parks share rides the same rides, but have different characteristics. So I'll begin with Tower of Terror. ToT is well known at both parks (neither are actually located in the main park). Sadly, the Disney Company has decided to replace ToT in DCA with a new attraction. It's a really fun ride, that gets my heart racing with all the drops. ToT was first built at Disney World, so they couldn't take it out there. I am indifferent on the ride.
Next is Pirates of the Carribean. Hands down better at Disneyland. It is the original, but it also has more thematic elements (not to mention being stuck on the ride also). Disney World showcases the movie more with different scenes in the films, while Disneyland has a real pirate feel to it.
You can not go to a Disney park without riding It's a Small World. I love it in Disneyland! From the clock telling time, to the beautiful animal topiaries, the element of happiness is there. You do have to wait in line outside which some people find annoying. I don't want to stand in that line when it rains. Disney World is all under cover, so even on those rainy or hot days you are protected. It's a Small World in Disneyland has many characteristics, one being that there are Disney characters represented in the different countries.
Now, I'm not a big fan of Peter Pan's Flight. Many people stand in line for over an hour to get on the ride. In Disney World, they offer fast passes, but even then you are standing in line for at least thirty minutes. I will ride it when I go, but it's not at the top of my list. Both of the parks represent the idea of flying with Peter Pan to Neverland in a magical way. You fly on a boat that brings you through the nursery, to Skull Rock, and to the infamous Cap. Hook's pirate ship. It's really cute, but in my opinion not worth waiting for an hour in line.
In both Tomorrowlands, Buzz Lightyear needs your help to defeat the evil, emperor Zurg. Disney World's is called Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin where you literally do a lot of spinning. Disneyland's is called Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and you have a better chance and defeating Emperor Zurg this way. The ride provides laser blasters to shoot at targets that earn you points. Astro Blasters let's you extend the gun, giving you better
range and making it easier to earn points. Astro Blasters is better.
My last ride is Splash Mountain. It is the best ride ever! I actually never rode this till I was 15! I didn't want to get wet, or the ride was closed. I honestly can't decide which one is better! Disneyland's has more drops, so you get wet more. But I felt Disney World's ride lasted longer. So which one comes out on top?? Disney World is the winner!
Now both parks have rides that neither parks share. I think those rides really help the parks stand out from eachother. My top 3 rides at Disneyland Resort are Matterhorn Bobsleds, Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters, and Radiator Springs Racers. My top 3 rides at Walt Disney World Resort are Expedition Everest, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Test Track.
The rides are the only attractions at the parks. Other attractions, such as, the different themed lands offer a lot to the people and the parks. Disneyland has a Toontown, but Disney World took out TownTown entirely to expand Fantasyland. The new Fantasyland includes the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Journey of the Little Mermaid. They also added another Dumbo ride and made Storybook Carnival. I really like the expansion, and I don't miss Toontown. I never would hang out in Toontown for very long, and it was just to see some characters or get on the train.
Come 2018 (crossies), Disneyland and Hollywood Studios will both have Star Wars Land. There are a lot of mixed feelings on this. In Disneyland, they are taking out Critter Country and expanding it to a galaxy far far away. I'm really eager to see how this turns out. In Disneyland's Tomorrowland, there is Seasons of the Force. They have the Jedi Knight training, Star Tours, and restaurants and stores that are Star Wars themed. In Hollywood Studios, there is already a Star Wars set up at Echo Lake. They took out Lights, Camera, Action, and Muppets backlot to expand for Star Wars land. I heard that they will have an ewok village to walk through, and maybe another ride. Like I said, I'm eager to see how it turns out and if it will be done in 2018.
Entertainment
There is so much to do at the parks, entertainment wise. Both parks put on parades, firework shows, and stage shows. I usually don't do the parades because it's really crowded and you can't really see much if your not in the front. But, my favorite parades are Main Street Electric Parade and Paint the Night. Well, they were, both have been retired. The Main Street Electric Parade began at Disneyland and moved over to Disney World. With Disneyland's 60th anniversary, they wanted to modernize the MSEP, by changing it to Paint the Night Parade. The Paint the Night Parade is high energy, but still brings the lights and music. The MSEP just retired at Disney World. I'm bummed about that, but I have the soundtrack that will make it live on in my heart. Both parks also do Fantastmic, but Disneyand's is on hold because of Star Wars Land. I love this spetacular show because it show cases that we all have fears, but we can all overcome those fears by standing for what we believe in. It's kind of cheesy, but I love it. The music, water, lights, and fireworks, make the beloved stories come to life. Epcot also does a fantastic show called Illuminations. I love the music so much! It takes place at the World Showcase, which each country is represented in a show-stopping spectcle! There is a globe that floates on water! And it showcases different countries on it too! I highly reccomend to see Illuminations. Magic Kingdom's main firework show is called Wishes. Jiminy Cricket does the commentary on the show that takes place on and at the Cinderella Castle. It's similar to Fantasmic, by wishing for something, but you will go through some trials to get that wish. It's beautiful; sometimes I get teary-eyed with it. I always watch that show. Going back to Disneyland, I have only seen the Disneyland Forever firework show for the 60th anniversary. It was a great show, but from where I was sstanding I couldn't see much (don't recomend standing by the flag pole). In DCA, they project scenes on water, in color, and on the Fun Wheel in The World of Color show. One thing that I have noticed about the different shows, is that in Disneyland they dedicate a lot to Walt Disney himself. He is showcased in the shows really well, by highlighting what he has accomplished. In Disney World, it's really about the charcters. That may be because Walt oversaw all of Disneyland, and only a part of Disney World. Maybe I'm the only one that thinks that, but that's my two cents on the differences.
The stage shows are fun too! I wanted to see Mickey and the Magical Map at the Fantasyland Theatre in Dinsyeland, but didn't get the chance. I actually didn't watch the shows in Disneyland. Both parks have street performers that perform through out the day. I really like the the street performers in Hollywood Studios. I have seen the Live Beauty and the Beast, which is really cool. They do a lot of fun shows for the holidays, but I have not had the opportunity to see one (bucket list: go to the parks for a holiday party).
Quickly, I'm going to mention characters. I highly suggest taking time to meet characters. I have met over 50 different characters, and still want to meet more. My favorite experience of meeting characters was when my sister and I met Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. We were dancing and playing with them. Also we were palying tag with different characters that day too. Everyone knows that there are characters who do talk and don't. Fuzzy characters (such as Eeyore, Pluto, etc.) don't talk. Most of them will sign autographs. You have every right to ask them questions, but make it easy on them. For example, you can ask there mood. But don't ask them a math problem or something like that. Now the other characters interact really well. They will answer any question you have and do fun photos too. But don't quiz them about there character, or ask them to sing. Okay, that's it for characters.
Accomadations
I have stayed on and off property at Disney World. The accomadations for staying off property, is that you can park at the parks (recommend buying a parking pass the whole time you are there) and take a train to the front of the park (exception being Magic Kingdom) Or if you are there first one there, you'll probably be near the entrance of the park. If you are staying on property, the hotel you are staying at does offer shuttle transportation. But you will be on a shuttle with other people, may be squishy, and there are many stops. Some shuttles stop at two or three different hotels, but others go to the hotel your staying at, but stop at the different stations. If traveling with other guidy travelers isn't for you, you can drive to the parks also. As I said before, Disneyland does offer buses and sidewalks so you can get to the parks. Also the parking garage is for DCA, Disneyland, and Downtown Disney. If your staying on property, you literally are right next to the park so you can walk.
Both parks offer apps that have helpful tools. The Disneyland App has a map of the park (both DCA Disneyland) and wait times for rides. They also have a list of characters and their meet time and also a list of stores and eateries. Disney World (for how big it is) has the My Disney Experience. You connect your Disney account to the app and you can plan your whole trip from your phone. You can reserve up to 3 fastpasses a day, and it shows your restaurant reservations. You also have access to the map, wait times, and character meet ups. Disney World also has the magic band. If you are staying on property you wear a colored bracelet that is your park pass and also hotel room key. You can also pay for things with your magic band that will be charged to your room. They are water proof. They did a trial run at Disneyland with the magic bands, but chose against it. Visitors were not in Disneyland and DCA long enough to use them, unlike the visitors in Disney World who usually spent a week there.
No comments:
Post a Comment