To all who come to planDisney, welcome. Hey there, Douglas! Having access to magic on both coasts is something special. There are so many similarities between the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort, yet so many wonderful things that make each resort so unique. Let's jump in and talk about attractions.
As a frequent Disneyland visitor, it's so much fun to discover any differences (no matter how big or small) between Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom and the rides that both parks share. While I probably don't have a complete list, I can share some of my notable favorites here with you.
From the hub, let's head through Adventureland to New Orleans Square to float through the bayou and sing a sea shanty with the
Pirates of the Caribbean. This ride comes to mind first because you'll find an entire extra scene at the end of the attraction that's not found in the version at Disney World. And shiver me timbers, there's also no attraction photo to be found on the version at Disneyland.
Doubling back to Adventureland, grab a DOLE Whip and head into
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room to enjoy a serenade from José and his friends (before the Tiki Room flies away, that is). The Disneyland version comes complete with an enchanted fountain (not found in Disney World) and a sing-along. These might not be noticeable to the average guest, but this happens to be my husband's and my favorite attraction, so we definitely noticed when we weren't asked to sing along in Florida.
Heading back to New Orleans Square, you'll find differences with our happy haunts at the Haunted Mansion. Immediately noticeable is that the mansion looks very different from the one at Disney World. When inside, the changing portraits and watchful busts can be seen in the queue before you board your doom buggy. And while I'm dead serious about these differences, perhaps there's room for one more. This ride gets a holiday makeover for Halloween Time and during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Jack Skellington and his crew wreck the halls to take over the mansion. With your visit at the beginning of August, this attraction may be temporarily closed as Jack and his friends prepare to wish you "Season's Screamings." Check the
Disneyland app for availability.
Next, make your way to Fantasyland to set sail on "The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed." That's right, I'm talking about "it's a small world," where you'll immediately notice the difference with its iconic façade. Your boat will meander through the whimsical topiaries at the beginning and end of the ride. This attraction also gets a holiday overlay in the winter to turn into the merriest cruise that ever sailed.
Fast forward to the future, in Tomorrowland, you'll find some out-of-this-world differences with Space Mountain. The ride vehicles are different and offer a side by side seating configuration along with a much smoother ride blasting through space.
Finally, I can't forget to mention Fantasmic! While not a ride, the version at Disneyland is something to experience. Notably, all of the characters on the Mark Twain Riverboat at the end.
Douglas, while I could add a few honorable mentions, I'm running out of room. I hope these give you a great starting point as you put things together for your visit. Come back to visit or
follow up if you have other questions. Here's wishing you a most magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Michelle