Though they've planted their flag all around the planet, the Disney Parks's reigning champions are still Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. Similar but not congruent, both parks have a lot to offer guests looking to show their Disney side, and some attractions are even shared between the two. The question is, who wore it better?
Disneyland will always be Walt's original park, but Walt Disney World is the constantly evolving phenomenon planned by the man himself. Though they might feature the same rides and attractions, some give a better performance than others. So which park really measures up to the magic?
It’s a Small World (Disneyland)
Beloved by some, reviled by others, it's none other than It's a Small World, and the original ride at Disneyland is by far the ideal version. Not that the Florida version does anything wrong, it's just that the original has more on the table.
Not only does it provide a more detailed presentation, but it's full of easter eggs, gadgets, and little extra bits that make it all the more special. Plus, it even features cameos from other Disney characters as well.
The Mad Tea Party (Tie)
Often imitated but never duplicated, the Mad Tea Party is a prominent fixture in both versions of Fantasyland. When it comes to the ride itself, however, the only difference between the two is the structure holding the ride.
The one in Florida features a canopy covering the cups where its Californian counterpart features an open area for its attraction. But at the end of the day, it's still the same spinning teacup ride.
Splash Mountain (Disneyland)
Splash Mountain has been a Disney Parks original from the very beginning, and while the one in Walt Disney World is remarkably similar, there's definitely a strange vibe to its animatronic sequences.
Fans are excited to see how the update to Splash Mountain will unfold as it moves away from its problematic origins.
The Monorail (Walt Disney World)
It might seem strange putting the Disney Monorail on the list, but it's still a big part of every Disney experience. That being said, it's the one seen in Walt Disney World that takes the cake.
Although the one in Disneyland features an updated model and a different design choice, it's also remarkably shorter and not as scenic. Plus, how many trains actually go through the middle of a hotel?
Soarin’ (Walt Disney World)
Although the version at Disneyland gets more points for its exterior and queue, Soarin' is still an Epcot staple that is more than worthy of one's Fast+.
It's a fight that definitely cuts things close, in fact, the only real difference is the ending sequence. But the version in Florida is probably the one more people think of when they hear the name of this high-flying adventure.
Big Thunder Mountain (Walt Disney World)
Speaking of cutting it close, both iterations of Big Thunder Mountain are nearly identical, but the one in Walt Disney World wins by a nose due to one major factor. It's got the bigger thrills.
Disneyland's version is still good, but the one in Florida is considered the ideal attraction. It's got the most curves, drops, and scream-worthy twists. But then again, what else could one expect from "the wildest ride in the wilderness?"
Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland)
The two rides are definitely cut from the same cloth but there's definitely a major difference in of presentation. The one in Disneyland uses the same immersion tactics and ambiance it relied on back in the ride's early days, maintaining that classic Disney magic.
The one in Walt Disney World is just fine, but it's obvious that it takes much more from the movies than the original attraction.
Star Tours (Walt Disney World)
This might be mainly thanks to Hollywood Studios's dedication to detail and immersion, but there's no contest. Walt Disney World's Star Tours is by far the perfect experience.
Although the one in California is still a treat for any Star Wars fan, it pales in comparison to its Floridian cousin. One is clearly a theme park attraction, while the other is a step onto another planet full of Jedi, droids, and other fantastic characters.
Haunted Mansion (Tie)
When it comes to attractions in a Disney Park, no two to be more different than the Haunted Mansion. They are both special in their own ways, but it's practically impossible to put one above the other. Disneylands is the original, but Disney World's has better effects.
Disney World's has more scenes and specters, but Disneyland has a layover with The Nightmare Before Christmas. Honestly, fans will be happy with either version.
Space Mountain (Disney World)
Definitely Disney's Definitive thrill ride, Space Mountain is one of Walt Disney World's most popular attractions. So popular, in fact, Disneyland had to get its own version after the success of the original in Florida.
Today, it's an icon of the Disney rides, part of the infamous Mountain Challenge, and permanently engraved in the Disney fandom.