The “World” According to Jack

Q: Do you know why Adventureland is located on the west side of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World?

A: It’s because Adventureland is located on the west side of Disneyland in Anaheim. When planning the Magic Kingdom, Imagineers used Disneyland’s layout as a starting point when designing their new park.

Q: Do you know why Adventureland is located on the west side of Disneyland?

A: Original plans called for the “True Life Adventures” (later to become the Adventureland) to be located on the east side of the park between Main Street and “World of Tomorrow” (later to become Tomorrowland). This can be seen in an early concept drawing by Herb Ryman.

But while surveying the orange groves that would eventually become Disneyland, planners found a windbreak of giant eucalyptus trees that had been planted around the turn of the century. Ironically, these trees helped determine the location of Main Street as it was decided that they would make a nice backdrop behind City Hall and help delineate between “civilization” and the “jungles of the world.” Thus, Adventureland was moved to its current location on the west side of the park.

These trees, now over a hundred years old, are clearly visible in an early Disneyland postcard and are still visible today.

I just got back from vacation. A portion of my trip was spent visiting the Disneyland Resort in California. For those of you who have read my bio, you know that I grew up in Anaheim and visited Disneyland often during my childhood. When I turned eighteen I got a job at the Blue Bayou Restaurant and worked there and at the Club 33 for nine years. I love this park.

When I returned from vacation I decided to write a 100% biased comparison of Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. Please note, I’m only comparing the parks, not the resorts. I know everyone has a belief as to which park is better, so I decided to settle the argument once and for all with my prejudiced, yet scientific method. I will start by comparing duplicate attractions, giving one point to what I believe to be the better ride or show.

MAIN STREET

Disneyland Railroad / Walt Disney World Railroad: First, Disneyland has four stations to Disney World’s three. But more importantly, the Grand Canyon Diorama and Primeval World easily makes Disneyland’s train the better attraction.

Main Street Vehicles: Even though Disneyland runs their vehicles more frequently than Disney World, I would have to rate these attractions as equals.

ADVENTURELAND

Jungle Cruise: Walt Disney World easily beats Disneyland since it has the indoor temple section.

Enchanted Tiki Room / Under New Management: Disneyland still features the original show (albeit shortened slightly). I find “Under New Management” at Disney World obnoxious. Disneyland wins this one.

Swiss Family / Tarzan Treehouse: I really like the fact that Disneyland’s treehouse has been updated with a Tarzan theme. Most kids today aren’t familiar with the Swiss Family Robinson. However, the tree at Disney World is larger and negotiating the stairs is much easier. I’d have to rate these attractions as different but equal.

Pirates of the Caribbean (Located in New Orleans Square at Disneyland): Anyone who has ridden this attraction at both parks knows that California’s version is vastly superior to Florida’s. The ride is almost twice as long, has two waterfalls, and has a number of scenes that are missing from the Magic Kingdom’s version. I’d like to give Disneyland two points from this attraction, but will stick to my rules and only give it one.

FRONTIERLAND

Mark Twain / Liberty Belle Riverboat (located in Liberty Square): The boats are similar as are the sights along the way. I’ll call it a draw.

Big Thunder Mountain: The rides are mirror images of each other, but overall, I think the experience is about the same. The Magic Kingdom has the washed-out town that you ride through, but Disneyland has the town of Rainbow Ridge in its queue area. Another draw.

Tom Sawyer Island / Pirates Lair: I have always thought that Disneyland’s Island had more to offer than Disney Worlds (more caves and more rocks to climb on). And with the new pirate theming being added in California, I’d definitely have to give Disneyland the nod.

Splash Mountain (Located in Critter Country at Disneyland): The Disney World attraction is slightly larger and has side-by-side seats whereas Disneyland has a bench you straddle. Thumbs up for Disney World.

Shootin’ Gallery: Equal

LIBERTY SQUARE / NEW ORLEANS SQUARE

Haunted Mansion: The exterior of both mansions are beautiful in their own way, but I feel the recent updates to the Florida attraction and the additional scenes of the piano player and library give this haunted house the edge. However, because Disneyland offers the magnificent Nightmare Before Christmas overlay for three months out of the year, I’ll call this a tie.

FANTASYLAND

“it’s a small world”: The basic experience is about the same at both parks, but the exterior of Disneyland’s attraction and the Christmas overlay make the California version the winner over Disney World.

The following attractions may have subtle differences, but overall, I’d have to rate them as equal:

Snow White’s Scary Adventures - Disneyland / Disney World

Mad Tea Party - Disneyland / Disney World

Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Even though the basic ride is the same, the attraction is visually more appealing at Disneyland due to the fountains and calliope. I’d have to vote for California over Florida.

Sleeping Beauty / Cinderella Castle: Even though this is not an attraction, the castle at Disney World is awe inspiring. It deserves a point.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (located in Critter Country at Disneyland): Although the Disneyland and Disney World versions are slightly different, I can’t say that one is really any better than the other. Tie.

TOMORROWLAND

Space Mountain: Disneyland’s version has synchronized music (similar to Rock N Roller Coaster). I understand that Disney World’s version will be adding this feature in the future, but until then, California wins the space race.

Autopia / Tomorrowland Indy Speedway: I think the Disney World’s version is boring. You drive around a figure-eight with little to see along the way. On the other hand, at Disneyland you drive on an elaborate roadway with different tracks taking different routes. Also, there are a number of sights to see along the way. Another thumbs up for California.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin / Astro Blasters: The simple fact that the lasers are attached via flexible cables at Disneyland, allowing guests to pick up the guns for better aiming, gives Disneyland a definite edge.

Astro Orbitor / Astro Orbiter (Note, “Orbitor/er” is spelled differently at the two parks): I was very disappointed when the “powers that be” moved Disneyland’s rocket jets from their high perch to the ground-level entrance of Tomorrowland. Disney World’s jets still sit well above Tomorrowland and this makes their attraction much more exciting. Score another point for Florida.

Starcade/Tomorrowland Arcade: Both venues offer a large assortment of video games. Another tie.

Star Tours: Here things get a little more difficult. Since this attraction is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, it’s difficult to know whether it should be included in the comparison. But since the attractions are identical, I’m just going to call it a draw. Disneyland's version.

Monorail: Once again, this attraction is more difficult to compare because at Disneyland it is part of Tomorrowland while at Disney World, it never enters the park. Still, I think the monorail in Florida is superior due to its larger size so I’ll award a point to Disney World.

Innoventions: Although not present at the Magic Kingdom, it does exist at Epcot with more displays than Disneyland’s Tomorrowland version. I’ll give a point to Florida for this one.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience: Like Innoventions, this attraction is in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Epcot in Florida. But in this case, the movies are identical so we have another tie.

MICKEY'S TOONTOWN / FAIR

Disneyland deserves a point simply because their Toontown is twice the size of Florida’s. For basic “strolling through the area” there is no comparison. California wins due to the multitude of “gags” that can be discovered in the Downtown area of this land.

I think Minnie’s House, Mickey’s House, and Donald’s boat are all so similar it would be unfair to pick one over another.

Gadget’s Go Coaster / The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm: Although the theming is completely different, both are kiddy coasters and offer the same excitement for the little ones. A tie.

That’s it for shared attractions. In my next blog, I’m going to list all of the attractions that exist only at Disneyland and only at WDW.

In my last blog I wrote about the attractions that Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom share and offered comparisons. In this blog, I’m going to list all of the attractions that exist only at Disneyland any then only at the Magic Kingdom. Of course, I'll be keeping score and each attraction will receive a point.

MAIN STREET

Disneyland: The First 50 Years: This film replaced Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and presents guests with an entertaining history of the park.

Main Street Cinema: That’s right folks. This area of Main Street has not been converted into another shop like at the Magic Kingdom. You can still view old Mickey Mouse cartoons here. Yea!

Penny Arcade & Magic Shop: Although much of the Penny Arcade has been converted into a shop, there are still a number of old time machines to amuse the curious – far more than at Casey’s Corner at the Magic Kingdom. Also, the Magic Shop still exists on Main Street. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, it hasn’t been converted to yet another Disney-only merchandising area. These two factors are enough to garner another point.

ADVENTURELAND

Indiana Jones Adventure: This is a fantastic ride. Even though it uses the same type vehicle and track layout as Dinosaur in the Animal Kingdom, there is no comparison. This ride is sheer genius.

FRONTIERLAND

Sailing Ship Columbia: I realize that the sights and sounds you encounter around the Rivers of America are the same as those on the Mark Twain, but this is a different attraction and a different experience can be had on this ride. First, the ship is very interesting to explore, both above and below deck. But also, two cast members (not a recording) narrate the trip with a humorous spiel.

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes: Why did Disney remove this attraction from the Magic Kingdom? Even if you weren’t paddling your way around the Rivers of America, they were still visually appealing to see plying the waterways. I’m so glad they’re still available at Disneyland.

Big Thunder Ranch: This area is used and reused for a number of special events. A petting farm can also be found here.

FANTASYLAND

Alice In Wonderland: A great dark ride that follows Alice into the rabbit hole.

Storybook Land Canal Boats: Here you sail past the miniature world of some of Disney’s beloved fairytale characters.

Casey Jr. Circus Train: A great favorite of children and adults that takes another look at Storybook Land.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Unlike many, I didn’t have a problem with the removal of this attraction from the Magic Kingdom to make room for the more contemporary Winnie the Pooh. But I’m very glad it can still be experienced at Disneyland.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey: Another great dark ride that follows Pinocchio and his conscious to Pleasure Island and beyond.

Matterhorn Bobsleds: The first thrill ride at Disneyland and the first coaster to use tubular steel for tracks. This is a perennial favorite.

Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough: Currently under an extensive rehab, this quaint attraction allows guests to venture into Sleeping Beauty Castle and view vignettes of the princess’ life.

Snow White’s Grotto: A magical spot next to Sleeping Beauty Castle. Many a marriage proposal has taken place here.

MICKEY'S TOONTOWN

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: In this dark ride guests ride in Benny the Cab and turn the vehicle in circles with the steering wheel (similar to the Mad Tea Party) as they ride along a track while retreating from the weasels.

Goofy’s Playhouse: Only children are allowed in Goofy’s house where they can literally bounce off the cushioned walls.

Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse: Although adults are welcome, children will feel more at home in the chipmunk’s home.

TOMOROWLAND

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: Although some of the sights are similar to Epcot’s “The Seas with Nemo and Friends,” I don’t feel it’s fair to compare the two. The experience is completely different when climbing into a submarine rather than riding in a clamshell. It’s a shame Disney retired the submarines at the Magic Kingdom. Nemo would have fit much better into Fantasyland than it does in Tomorrowland or Epcot.

Now it’s time to list the attractions found only at the Magic Kingdom. Since most of my readers are more familiar with Disney World, I’ll skip any explanation of the attractions. Once again, each attraction gets a point.

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Country Bear Jamboree

Hall of the Presidents

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Fairytale Garden

Ariel’s Grotto

Pooh’s Playful Spot

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Stitch’s Great Escape

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

I have to give the Magic Kingdom a point simply because it is larger and handles crowds better than Disneyland.

However, I also have to give Disneyland a point because it is smaller, giving the guest a more intimate (magical) feel.

So, here’s the final tally:

Disneyland 29

Magic Kingdom 17

So there you have it, absolute, mathematical proof that Disneyland is far superior to the Magic Kingdom by twelve points.