Tag Archives: Disneyland Paris

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Which is better — Walt Disney World or Disneyland?

60-years-diamond-anniversary-celebration-00b-full

Welcome to this month’s Magical Blogorail Orange loop. Today we compare Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort.

When it comes to Disney, the age old question is almost always “Which is better? Walt Disney World or Disneyland?”  In this post for the Magical Blogorail Orange Loop, I’m going to look at the parks as a whole and try to help determine which is better.  Let’s see where this journey takes us, and see if we can get a consensus result!

Five Key Areas

For this post, we’re going to look at five key areas at both resorts and grade them as to which resort takes the cake on each of them.  Those five areas are Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain attractions, as well as a look at the intangibles that are unique at each park.

Pirates of the Caribbean

The Pirates of the Caribbean is our favorite ride!

The Pirates of the Caribbean is our favorite ride!

In my opinion, when it comes to Pirates of the Caribbean, hands down, the best place to ride it is at Disneyland.  For starters, it is longer by a full 7 minutes — almost doubling the length of the ride at Walt Disney World.  Additionally, it has two drops instead of just one.  It also starts out with a meandering path right past diners at the Blue Bayou, and it is as if you are in the bayou of Louisiana, almost as if you are immersed directly in the movie the Princess and the Frog. However, there are some things about the Walt Disney World version that I like better.  For starters, the queue for the one at Walt Disney World is much better in my opinion.  Additionally, Pirates at Walt Disney World opened up on December 15, 1973, seven years to the day that Walt Disney passed away.  For me, that is a tribute in Walt’s honor.  However, all of those things doesn’t sway my choice, and for this attraction, Disneyland has the better attraction.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain

Space Mountain at Walt Disney World

Space Mountain at Disneyland has rockets that are two seats wide, whereas the one at Walt Disney World is single file seating.  Sophie has finally gotten to where she likes Space Mountain — it took her a while to get to that point — and I think it was partly because of the side by side seating at Disneyland.  For that reason alone, I think the Disneyland version is better, but it’s really a toss-up for me more than anything.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -- A Trip to the Old West!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World

When we last visited Disneyland, two years ago, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was closed for refurbishment, so by default, right now, at least, the version at Walt Disney World wins the vote for me.  I do reserve the right to change that as I experience the ride at Disneyland, but right now, Walt Disney World wins this challenge.

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World

At Disneyland, Splash Mountain incorporates single file seating, and at Walt Disney World, it features side by side seating.  That’s completely opposite of Space Mountain.  Sophie’s first experience at Splash Mountain was at Walt Disney World, and as a result, I think that wins my vote for which is better.

Intangibles

The intangibles at each park are striking.  At Disneyland, you’ve got the whole history factor to consider.  It was Walt’s park, he built it, he walked those paths, he slept there.  At Walt Disney World, that isn’t the case, but Walt Disney World has the economy of space that gives it a distinct advantage.  They have so much space that you truly feel like you have entered an entirely different world when you get there, and that isn’t the case at Disneyland.  Additionally, at Walt Disney World you have four parks and two water parks, whereas at Disneyland Resort you have two parks.  Those two parks do a great job of putting in the best things from Walt Disney World, but they don’t have the space to put them all in, so you end up missing some things, like Carousel of Progress, the TTA, and others.  I could go on and on, but at the end, the simple fact is that you can’t choose one over the other because of the intangibles simply because each experience offers unique things that the other doesn’t.

Because of all of this, the answer to the question “Which is better, Disneyland or Walt Disney World?” comes up with a resounding “It depends” answer.  Most likely, if you have the time and opportunity, you are going to go to Walt Disney World because that is a destination vacation.  If you are going to Disneyland, chances are that you are going to Disneyland as part of a further Southern California vacation, and not just to go to Disneyland itself unless it’s for a short trip.  Because of all of that, I think you can’t really put one in front of the other, but what do you think?  Please let me know in the comments, and thanks for stopping by!

For more information on Walt Disney World vs Disneyland,
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Orange | Walt Disney World vs Disneyland Loop:

Bloggers, Magical Blogorail, My Dreams of Disney
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#Disneyland60 – Paint the Night Electric Parade!

Image ©Disney Parks

Image ©Disney Parks

Today, we continue our look at the #Disneyland60 Diamond Anniversary, as we take a look at the next thing on our list that we are looking forward to seeing.  That my friends, is the Paint the Night Electric Parade.

Paint the Night Electric Parade!

The Paint the Night Electric Parade is new for Disneyland, but I understand that it came over from Hong Kong Disneyland.  However, it’s not just a remake parade getting new billing at Disneyland during the Diamond Anniversary.  No, this parade has been enhanced with some floats and scenes that you don’t see in Hong Kong, and it’s those additions and changes that make it truly one of a kind.  What I think I will enjoy most of all about this is the lighting — being able to see that lighting, with the LED lights, similar to the Main Street Electrical Parade, will really be great to me.  I’ve heard that it can be hard to see this parade, that the crowds for viewing are absolutely crazy, so we’ll have to see what we’ll do to ensure that we can see it.  On Friday, July 17, the parade will be shown twice — once at 8:50PM and again at 11:59PM.  I totally plan on watching the parade once during those two nights, or if not, then on Saturday, July 18, when it is presented at 8:50PM again, and also at 10:45PM.

We’ll see how it works out, but I totally am looking forward to seeing the parade! What about you?

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Get Ready for Periscope!

periscope

Hello everyone!  Welcome to Periscope — at least, the My Dreams of Disney section of Periscope!  It is absolutely crazy, but in 9 days we will be in California for #Disneyland60!  I absolutely can’t wait for this trip, it is one that I have been looking forward to for a long time!  To make it even more special, I am going to be using the Periscope app to transmit parts of our visit — especially on Friday, July 17, 2015, the birthday of Disneyland — to all of you via Periscope!

I am very new to this, so in all likelihood, I’m going to look foolish, or it will crash and burn or something like that.  But that’s okay!

I invite all of you to install the Periscope app on either your iOS or Android device, and follow me!  To make the most use of Periscope, you need to have a Twitter account — if you have one, you can follow me @Mickey_MDOD.  Lastly, I have made one broadcast, so if you wish to take a look at it, you can view my first Periscope broadcast here.  I’ve read that the broadcasts are only up for 24 hours or so, so I’m also sharing it here below:

So tell me, do you think you will get into Periscope?  I think it’s a unique way to bring the parks back home, so others can enjoy the Magic that Disney has to offer.  I hope to “see” you there on July 17th!  Until then, we’ll talk to you later!

Bloggers, California Adventure Park, Disneyland, My Dreams of Disney, Vacation Planning
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Frozen 5K… DISNEY STYLE!!!

Hey guys!!!!! I’ve got some news!!! But first, I’ve got a trivia question for you! Since nobody commented a question, I’ll just give you one from my Disney Book of Trivia! Question: I heard that Walt Disney had an office in Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. is this true? If so, where in the castle was it? David, Monterey CA. The answer: There was no office in Sleeping Beauty Castle, but Walt did have an apartment over the Main Street Fire Department, where he relaxed and entertained VIP visitors. So, about the news, the title says it all. My family and I are going on a trip to Walt Disney World in February to run in the Disney Princess 5K (although, we’re calling it in the house the Frozen 5K because it’s Frozen themed!) It will be a four-day-three-night trip. We leave on Wednesday afternoon, we come back on Sunday. Please tell me what you think I should wear to run the 5K.

this is the route of the 5k

this is the route of the 5k! Yes, I know it says 2013 but it’s the same route! :)

 

I’ll be checking the poll every now and then. So please vote!  Thanks, and go out and have a great Disney Day!


Bloggers, Kids Corner, My Dreams of Disney, Walt Disney World
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Magical Blogorail: Adventures by Disney

A D V E N T U R E S    B Y    D I S N E Y  –  England and France

Welcome to those of you joining me from IN THE MOUSE HOUSE and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.

… and France!

Although I was born in Canada, my parents and entire extended family pretty much hail from over the pond in bonny ole England. I’ve been there only three times in my life, but each time I was only a child, the last time being when I was just 14-years old. So returning as an adult and sharing my heritage with my wife certainly appeals to me!

I’m not so much interested in the usual landmarks: Big Ben (you know that is the name of the bell and not the tower, right?), Piccadilly Circus (which isn’t an actual circus), Buckingham Palace (where it would be a rare day to see any Royalty anyway), or the like. But I would rather tour the little towns and pubs and the seaside resorts. I feel that is where the real character of England, and of France, would be found. Having a pint with the locals and hearing their stories would be a real treat! However, you don’t get to choose what you see, so here is what Disney has in mind for you if you choose this Adventure:

  • Red Double-Decker Bus Tour

    Climb aboard an iconic red double-decker bus for a private tour of London with an elevated view of Westminster Abby and Buckingham Palace.

  • 2-Night Retreat in the English Countryside

    Delight in the splendor and serenity of the English countryside during your 2-night stay in a 19th-century manor house.

  • Mysterious Stonehenge

    Walk among towering stone blocks that have stood for millennia at Stonehenge. Explore the mysteries and legends surrounding the construction of this timeless monument.

  • Windsor Castle Tour

    Discover how kings and queens lived during a privately guided visit to Windsor Castle, current home to the British royal family!

  • The Eiffel Tower

    Journey to the top of this 1,063 foot (324 meters) — tall structure and get ready for one of the most magnificent views in Paris — or anywhere in the world!

  • Nôtre Dame Cathedral and Louvre Museum

    Marvel at the gargoyles of Nôtre Dame Cathedral. Then, as the adults follow a local expert to view some of the world’s greatest masterpieces in the Louvre, Junior Adventurers discover famous art works on an interactive scavenger hunt.

What I like about the idea of touring these destinations with Disney is the safety factor. I’m not a big world adventurer and don’t like being in situations where I don’t have control. This may curtail a certain amount of fun, but at least I arrive home alive after each of my vacations! And I’m sure a Disney Tour Guide could add a few Disney details to the locations visited.

France appeals to me because of the architecture and art scene, and of course, Disneyland Paris!

So my dream Adventure by Disney would be first to connect with my English heritage, and second, to explore the beauty and Disney Park fun of France. Now if I can just come up with about 6,000 US dollars I’ll be on my way!

Check out this link: England and France Tours for full details.

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is MANDA’S DISNEY BLOG. Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Heidi’s Head – Southeast Asia

2nd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney – Norway

3rd Stop ~ In the Mouse House – Ecuador & the Galapagos

4th Stop ~ Cool Nouns by Lee Beatens – (you are here)

Final Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog – From Home to Afar

Magical Blogorail, Vacation Planning
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