As a Californian I've been to Disneyland many times. When I was a little girl my grandma and grandpa would always save Storybook Land Canal for night and would go on it themselves as, according to my grandpa, it was romantic. Now I have this idealized, nostalgic perception of Storybook Land Canal and always have to ride it at night!
Thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU Mr Pete Werner for mentioning and putting Storybookland on this list. Don't feel foolish about mentioning this ride. It truly is one of the rides that sets Disneyland apart from Walt Disney World. The aspect I love about the ride is I love the miniature houses on the ride. I was viewing another video here on YT for the full ride through featuring Frozen, and there were so many people complaining that it's too boring. It may be for some people, but its a relaxing ride to go on, its fun to see all those miniature houses, and its the best at night.
The Queue line on Indiana Jones is beyond compare. Disney normally does a great job using the line to get people excited about the ride and entertained but the line for Indiana Jones is reason enough to enjoy this attraction. Don't get me wrong, once you are on the ride you have an amazing time. But there is no better queue line than Indiana Jones.
Indiana Jones is one of the best rides at any park anywhere! I love it. I'd encourage every Florida Disney viewer to come here to Disneyland, you won't regret you did!
+ I don't think it's possible to overstate what an amazing ride Hyperspace Mountain is for a Star Wars fan, with the classic John Williams music playing as you dodge TIE fighters... I was there on the first day of the Star Wars overlay, and when I came off the ride the first time I nearly cried. People were arriving back at the gate with uproarious applause. There's never been a ride that better captures all your childhood dreams and ambitions of being in Star Wars.
i agree . indiana jones ride was amazing but expedition everst and cambodia river rapids were really fun but .. i haven't been to disneyland since the day they started building the hollywood tower of terror.
zoila khan that would be a great way to teach people about keeping our earth clean while still making it entertaining for family's. that's really a great idea!
I love that you guys had a Disney historian with you. I may feel like I know a lot about Disney, but this guy certainly proved me wrong. I love learning more and more about the parks and Disney altogether. Like, I had no idea Walt Disney's hobby was building miniatures. I only know his love for trains, and animation, of course. It's also interesting how Sleeping Beauty Castle has that walk through, yet Cinderella Castle doesn't really have much. As far as I know, anyway. I believe Shanghai's castle also has a walk through, but I think it's of Snow White. I'm sad to hear that Toontown is gone in Disney World. I remember going through there, specifically the circus tent and Mickey's house. I take it that's been replaced by the Magic Kingdom expansion, with Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast, etc.? But anyway, very interesting episode! I hope I can try Disneyland at some point, especially since it was the very first park. There's historical value to it.
Agree...I have always loved Storybook Land. I love it at night and it just feels like you are stepping into something real. I want my own miniature Disney land movie towns.
Guys, I used to live in Southern California, I was born and raised there. And I used to live in Anaheim, ten minutes from Disneyland. I used to work there and I used to be a regular annual passholder there. I am now living in central Florida, 90 minutes from WDW. You guys are making me miss my home park. Really anxious to try to win that trip to Disneyland with my family. I last left Southern California in 2011. Just before the DCA expansion. My last annual pass expired in January 2011, and we moved the next month after that. I went to Disneyland on my last 2 days. One of the VERY LAST things I did, was sat in the plaza hub on a park bench, right in front of the castle, at a spot where I can see both the castle and the Matterhorn. I sat there for like a half an hour before leaving, just reminiscing, and so unsure when I will ever be able to make it back there. Sure, I was moving near Disney World. But there just isn't replacing Disneyland. I grew up there. It was my home.
The Matterhorn wasn't painful until 2012 when they installed the new bobsleds. Before that it was fine. It's still my favorite thrill ride at Disneyland Park.
Yes! Storybookland is SO wonderful! Especially at night, when all of the tiny lights in the homes and castles are on! It's SO beautiful! I grew up in Los Angeles, so we practically lived at Disneyland when I was a kid, but I had my most magical experience on this ride when I was an adult. We went with some friends from out of state who brought four foster children with them and we got in line around dusk. When we got on our boat, it was just getting dark. We were about halfway through the ride when the boats all stopped. We thought the ride was just suffering a temporary glitch, but it turns out that they stop the ride when the fireworks show starts, and if you're lucky enough to be on a boat at that specific time, you get to watch the fireworks show floating on the water and surrounded by all of the beautiful miniature lights. This was by far one of the best experiences I ever had at Disneyland! I love that you mentioned this ride!
yoshimnm it's the opposite for me. I live 6 hours away in SC from Orlando (as opposed to across the country) and have never been to DL (I used to not want to because I fully didn't know how much DL had I just thought it was a smaller WDW) but I do want to go because I think it will be amazing. But WDW is my life. My childhood. I have never been on vacation anywhere but Disney and Universal. WDW is literally what brings me joy. (not the only thing of course) I know so much about Disney world and I will talk someone's head off about WDW. I get so happy when it's mentioned. I have my face at the Leave A Legacy plaques at Epcot. I remember the ice cave at Epcot. I remember Wonders of Life pavilion. My parents went to Disney world since 1971 when they had to buy ticket books to ride rides. It is literally just my childhood. I remember riding in front of the monorail at Disney world. I love the resorts so much. Just being able to go into pretty much a city called WDW. I criticise the price of it always because it just keeps getting more expensive but I also love going so much that I probably will find money to go (it will just be longer than usual) but I do want to go to Disneyland one day. I know a lot of the rides seem better and it will be a new experience, it just is a lot easier to go to Florida than cali from my area. If I lived in cali my whole life I probably would be a diehard DL fan and not WDW.
Late to comment, but this was one of my fave of your podcasts (and not just cuz, as a completely biased West Coaster whose sentimental preference is for Disneyland and I find myself endlessly having to explain what things is does better, or even differently than WDW to East Coast friends who just seem to think it's a smaller WDW). Especially appreciated the attention spent on the Fantasyland dark rides which I think, aside from maybe Peter Pan, don't get the attention they deserve. You guys nailed it about how the old school charm of them works as a nice balance to the big, high end attractions. I used to always be worried that at least one of them would go, but it seems like Disneyland is more keen on keeping them than WDW has been--as the recent, well done upgrades to Peter Pan and Alice show (I assume all of them will get similar upgrades--that was the plan I heard--but is probably on hold while they rush to build Star Wars Land).
I never realized how unique Disneyland was to Disneyworld. I've grown up in California and as of now I've never been to any of the other Disney parks and I've always looked at Disneyland to being so mediocre to all the cool stuff at Disneyworld. Everything of which I've never seen in person. I've never realized how many things we have besides California Adventure and the whole Car's Land that DW does not.
Just wanted to let you know- Michael Bowling is incorrect about the refurb of Space Mountain. The rockets (ride vehicles)/track were NOT designed for Disneyland Paris. It was Hong Kong Disneyland, as that was the resort being created at the time. Disneyland Paris' Space Mountain is completely different from Anaheim/Hong Kong... in ride system/ride vehicle. The ride path/ride vehicles of Hong Kong is/are nearly identical to Anaheim. The only difference is the show/theming.
Fine discussion. I love both DL and WDW, and I think we can't forget that Walt Disney was personally involved in the creation of both parks. I reference the film: Walt's "Epcot / Florida Film" - a 24 minute preview to EPCOT that Walt recorded on October 27, 1966
Great to hear about your take on Disneyland. Living in Northern California for the past twenty years has given me enough access to Disneyland that we've been down there probably ten times with each trip averaging between four and five days, a few Knott's Berry Farm and Universal days thrown in. Only been to Magic Kingdom, I still call that Disney World, and Epcot one time, but taking the whole family to a 10 day Universal Florida/Disney World vacation in June and can't wait. We stayed at Port Orleans last trip and that is our plan this time as well.
Although I watch a lot of videos on the Disney parks, I've never seen or heard anybody bring up Singapore Disney or Tokyo Disney...Been to both of those and they're pretty amazing
Ryan Szeto Agreed! Although there isn't a Disney I Singapore, there's a Universal though. But Disney in Hong Kong and Tokyo are both amazing, especially Disney seas👏
Still wondering why we don't have an Aladdin attraction. They have/had the Aladdin and jasmine meet and greet besides the tiki room, and we also had the live Aladdin stage show but I believe it was replaced by frozen.
I go to Disneyland/California Adventure at least once a month, never been to Disney world but in two weeks I will be. I'm a wealth of info if anybody needs tips or anything, this goes for the channel and the viewers ☺️
I just stumbled upon this episode and have thoroughly enjoyed it! Appreciated everyone's input, especially Michael's historic Disney knowledge. This will be watched again. Lots of info here. Thanks DIS, love it!
really enjoyed this episode. I am going to Disneyland FINALLY next month. I love all your tidbits. Love Michael....he has such a charming historian gem about himself. I could listen to him all day.
I used to love Matterhorn but now I can't handle it at 53. It's just too rough. I think the perfect ride at Disneyland is Radiator Springs Racers. Everyone in the group will go on that one. We need more middle road rides like that one where it's not too fast but not too slow along with great scenery and the race ads a level that brings it over the top.
Sadly, we don't have nearly as many of those "out of the way places" as we used to. Court des Anges was commandeered by Club 33 and the courtyard space in the apartment/old Disney Gallery space above Pirates is now off limits to most visitors, as well. And with the truncated RoA, that stretch of wilderness where you could escape on the MT or Columbia for a good chunk of time is likely gone forever, too. I was never a huge fan of Big Thunder Ranch, but it along with the Big Thunder Trail were often peaceful at night. Even Carnation Plaza Gardens was a nice place to relax while it wasn't hosting music or shows. Every space is getting more and more crammed - or disappearing altogether - as it's repurposed. Part of the reason why I don't go to DLR all that much anymore.
In terms of total rides - not “attractions” but actual rides: Walt Disney World Resort Total: 50 rides Disneyland Resort Total: 57 Believe it or not - the "smaller" Disneyland Resort has more rides! Add to that, much better weather (sorry, Florida) and the fact that the Disneyland Resort's two parks are literally next to each other. Yes, Disney World has more hotels, and their two water parks are pretty neat. But at the end of the day, Disneyland comes up the winner. micechat.com/62614-which-disney-park-has-the-most-rides/
DavidinSLO Walt Disney Resort is much more magical since, it's basically in it's own town, and when your on a roller coaster, you can't see some random chain restaurant outside the gates WDW > Disneyland
I think it really depends on the person, which park they grew up with or just their appreciation for all things Disney no matter what state or country the park is it. Each has their own unique features and their pros and cons. So I think it's unfair for people to say straight out one is better than the other. But I appreciate whenever those whose home park is wdw enjoys Disneyland. What I do agree on tho is the weather differences haha
I do agree with you in terms of the "Disney bubble" atmosphere. Again tho it isn't fair to say right away that one park is better than the other of course everyone has there own opinions. In terms of the restaurant chains outside Disneyland etc, kind of have to look at the history and times of it all. Just like what Steve said in a different post, whenever Disney is trying out something for the first time, it tends to get better as they progress. Disneyland is the original park of Walt, it adds the charm and nostalgia to this place, and at the time the area of Anaheim was already filled with other businesses so it must've been expensive to buy out land, hence the park isn't huge compared to others. Walt wanted a park that wasn't in an already established area, so in documentaries he had people secretly "undercover" buy cheap land in Florida until of course people found out and made the land more expensive but still that's probably one of the reasons why it is much larger in scale and why they have more room to create this "Disney bubble." But anyway I love both parks for different reasons. They are both great and I do love the fact that WDW is like being in only that world
Can we have space mountain back please. I've been to disneyland like 3 times in the past 2 years, and i hate to say this, but i'm tired of tomorrow land being just starwars. I really want tomorrowland redone and i want it to look more futuristic but i want to keep space mountain.
The first Time I did the Matterhorn was not too long ago in May and I did it litterally right after I got off of hyperspace mountain and I absolutly loved it
I recommend going through the main entrance of Cars Land, but at night instead of day. You get to see all the neon and backdrop lighting of the land like a beautiful, lit up street. And if you can get on Racers during World of Color, you might not need a fastpass. ;)
36:10 my recommendation, ride the Matterhorn at night during the fireworks show if you don't care to hear the audio overlay. You have to time it just right but it's so cool to watch the fireworks show while on the Matterhorn.
Pinocchio could be added to EPCOT's Italy Section Alice In Wonderland could be added to Hollywood Studios Matterhorn could kinda be added to Canada OR Japan Indiana Jones could be added to Hollywood Studios OR Animal Kingdom (Or Just improve Dinosaur)
Rollercoaster Rider ummmm the Matterhorn is a real mountain that straddles Switzerland and Italy, so if anywhere it would go in the Italy Pavilion, but that would never happen as the skyline of the world showcase would be ruined and Expedition Everest is to similar in aesthetic
I grew up close to disneyland as a kid, (and went back a couple of years ago) what I like is it is compact and I powered through it and went on everything in 1 day (granted I was there from 9am to around midnight). I want to go to disney world but it looks like so much to do I need to stay a week to see everything (and I would want to go to Universal for the coasters) I might need a month in florida!
Disney World is big and all, but I think Disneyland will always be #1 In my heart. I love all of the rides there and the amount of detail that have been put into them, it may be smaller than Disney world and may have fewer rides, but it feels more homelike to me, I dont know 😂💗
-Not being a big cars fan (it's really cool but I don't have some deep loving attraction to it), Cars Land isn't that big for me. RSR is a lot of fun but I prefer Test Track because of the customization kiosks. -The Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion overlays are sincerely very very neat. I'd like to see them do something similar but different down in Florida. They aren't gonna, but it'd be neat. -I think we'd all love some Wall-E love for Tomorrowland at Disneyland. -I'd gladly trade New Fantasyland for the return of ToonTown. -I feel like the Storybook Canal Boats would be an incredible addition to Epcot. A behind-the-countries boat ride with miniatures based around the various countries with their stories. Have it go either way to second as a Canada-to-Mexico shortcut (or the reverse) too. -I'm alright with Winnie the Pooh hanging out. I do think that Mr. Toad should probably stay over there forever. I've done both and the Disneyland one was incredible comparatively. -I really love Pinocchio's Daring Journey but I do feel like it could use a gentle, loving upgrade like Alice in Wonderland got recently. -Alice in Wonderland is a mustdo for us when we go to Disneyland. It's just So Good. My husband dragged me on it the first time we went and I fell in love with it. -Indy vs Dinosaur- I love Dinosaur even more than I love Indy and I ride Indy like 9 times every time I'm at Disneyland. I am the only person who feels this way. That's okay. I beam at the Dinosaur cast members and high 5 them ridiculously. They usually seem pretty happy that someone's that excited and I'm happy to be there :3
Used to live in Cali so Ive been to Disneyland over ten times i think, and only been to WDW once, but going back in a couple weeks. My favorite ride that is in Land but not WDW is definitely Indiana Jones, such an awesome ride. Second would have to be Mr Toad's Wild Ride.
unfortunately they made the seats even more uncomfortable and awkward after they restored it a few years back, which i didn't think was possible. ...i miss the old matterhorn [teardrop].
Last time I was in Toon Town, there was a group of teens behind me in Gadgets coasters that were so high. Also most of Toon Town I got to see during Mickey's Halloween Party because that was the first area that opened
I was three years-old when I first rode through Storybook Land. My parents told me that I screamed bloody murder when we went through Monstro's mouth. I was sure that we were being eaten.
I tried to ride the Matterhorn at night. There was absolutely no sign pointing out the single riders line and there was not a single cast member in the area that could help us. If anybody from higher up at Disney reads this, hopefully you can make improvements so the single rider line is easier to find at night? I ended up not riding it.
For me, cars land destroyed test track, pirates destroyed world's pirates, hyperspace destroyed space mntn but World is still better somehow. Maybe its the monorail:)
Not sure if they have it out in Disneyland anymore (rethemed to Finding Nemo) but one ride I got to go on the first time I ever went to the MK here in WDW that closed soon after and always one of my #1 favorites was 20,000 League Under the Sea. I think there is a site where people in the construction crew that took all that down, drained the lagoon, ...etc were even saying it was one of THEIR favorites when they were a kid
To think that they took it down for a new attraction that got canceled is what really bothers me. So not only do you not get the new attraction,you lose the original one as well. Wonderful planning there,Disney.
What are they going to do with Disneyland / Tomorrowland after Star Wars land is complete? It has Star Tours, Hyperspace, Galactic Grill, & the Star Wars show. (Only non-Star Wars is Buzz Lightyear.) Don't diss Star Tours! It was the only thing I rode at Disneyland at Christmas because it's my favorite! All the Dark Ride lines in Disneyland are always an hour! I throw a hissy fit if I don't do CARS every time! (& Tower of Terror!) (& Space Mountain!) (& California Screamin'!) I've been to Disneyland MANY times and I always find something new to do each time!
Don't know what you mean, Pete, when you say that your interaction with Castmembers in Disney World is not as good as that at Disneyland. I have been to both and find the Castmembers awesome at both. We have always been treated with the utmost courtesy and generosity at both. Disney World is our "home" because we are DVC members with property there, but we love our trips to Disneyland as well.
You guys need to brush up your research=1959 was and is called E TICKET summer because of all the e ticket attractions that premiered-The Matterhorn was almost the BIG ROCK CANDY mountain and if you look at old "Blue sky" sketches you will see that attraction in several versions-Walt liked the BRC idea but was diverted by the Matterhorn idea-The basketball court is a half court where the telephone operators used to be-everyone argues about the various reasons it is a basketball court-so I wont get into that argument----So much info about Disneyland especially from us old Cast Members who grew up with the park
Um sorry honey DL has more attractions. And in order to go to Pandora you have to go to a different park, lame. I like DL better cuz all the best rides are in 1 park
I always compare WDW Space Mountain with Disneyland's Matterhorn. Same vehicles. Same twin track idea. Same jerky feel. I expect WDW wanted a rollercoaster like Matterhorn and just changed the theme. I feel like when Disneyland wanted to bring Space Mountain to its Tomorrowland they had to just take that theme and work out something new.
As a side note...i'm somewhat disappointed Disney has not cashed in on a Captain Nemo (20,000 Leagues) by building the actual submarine and taking us inside this underwater museum cashing in on the subs uniqueness.
I did notice a similiar ride @paris but it's not quite what I had in mind. I just thought it would make an interesting ride to see The Nautilus and board it.
I know that the ride is there but last march when I rode Space mountain it was hyperspace mountain. I think they were doing something special for the release of the new star wars film the previous December.
Michael really had a lot to say! I really enjoyed hearing about all the history and trivia about the Disneyland attractions.
Mint mk7 That's mean dang
Love Michael Bowling. He’s a true Disney treasure.
Best Disneyland attraction?......15% humidity vs 95%
Best Disneyland Attraction is the Martian's Tributes one!
The Storybook Canals are my favorite nighttime ride at Disneyland. The little lights just add to the experience.
As a Californian I've been to Disneyland many times. When I was a little girl my grandma and grandpa would always save Storybook Land Canal for night and would go on it themselves as, according to my grandpa, it was romantic. Now I have this idealized, nostalgic perception of Storybook Land Canal and always have to ride it at night!
Thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU Mr Pete Werner for mentioning and putting Storybookland on this list. Don't feel foolish about mentioning this ride. It truly is one of the rides that sets Disneyland apart from Walt Disney World. The aspect I love about the ride is I love the miniature houses on the ride. I was viewing another video here on YT for the full ride through featuring Frozen, and there were so many people complaining that it's too boring. It may be for some people, but its a relaxing ride to go on, its fun to see all those miniature houses, and its the best at night.
The Queue line on Indiana Jones is beyond compare. Disney normally does a great job using the line to get people excited about the ride and entertained but the line for Indiana Jones is reason enough to enjoy this attraction. Don't get me wrong, once you are on the ride you have an amazing time. But there is no better queue line than Indiana Jones.
Zac G The Expedition Everest queue is also very detailed but I think the Indiana Jones ride has the best queue
if you step outside the ears, the Harry Potter queue is pretty fantastic. so much to the point where people will just walkthrough the queue alone.
Rodger Rabbit queue is amazing also
Indiana Jones is one of the best rides at any park anywhere! I love it. I'd encourage every Florida Disney viewer to come here to Disneyland, you won't regret you did!
+ I don't think it's possible to overstate what an amazing ride Hyperspace Mountain is for a Star Wars fan, with the classic John Williams music playing as you dodge TIE fighters... I was there on the first day of the Star Wars overlay, and when I came off the ride the first time I nearly cried. People were arriving back at the gate with uproarious applause. There's never been a ride that better captures all your childhood dreams and ambitions of being in Star Wars.
i agree . indiana jones ride was amazing but expedition everst and cambodia river rapids were really fun but .. i haven't been to disneyland since the day they started building the hollywood tower of terror.
I was a former Cast Member. We would walk the park Daily & i was always wanting them to do a WALL E theme for Tomorrowland. It would be so amazing.
zoila khan that'd be cool.
zoila khan that would be a great way to teach people about keeping our earth clean while still making it entertaining for family's. that's really a great idea!
I think Wall E would be more Epcot
I love that you guys had a Disney historian with you. I may feel like I know a lot about Disney, but this guy certainly proved me wrong. I love learning more and more about the parks and Disney altogether. Like, I had no idea Walt Disney's hobby was building miniatures. I only know his love for trains, and animation, of course. It's also interesting how Sleeping Beauty Castle has that walk through, yet Cinderella Castle doesn't really have much. As far as I know, anyway. I believe Shanghai's castle also has a walk through, but I think it's of Snow White. I'm sad to hear that Toontown is gone in Disney World. I remember going through there, specifically the circus tent and Mickey's house. I take it that's been replaced by the Magic Kingdom expansion, with Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast, etc.? But anyway, very interesting episode! I hope I can try Disneyland at some point, especially since it was the very first park. There's historical value to it.
Michael is awesome! I LOVED all of the cool stories and history he had to share, I could listen to him talk about Disney all day!!!
The DIS really needs some more Disneyland correspondents.
Agree...I have always loved Storybook Land. I love it at night and it just feels like you are stepping into something real. I want my own miniature Disney land movie towns.
The Matterhorn wasn't a rough ride and pretty smooth until they added the new vehicles in 2012. Now it's by far the roughest ride in the Disney parks.
Guys, I used to live in Southern California, I was born and raised there. And I used to live in Anaheim, ten minutes from Disneyland. I used to work there and I used to be a regular annual passholder there. I am now living in central Florida, 90 minutes from WDW. You guys are making me miss my home park. Really anxious to try to win that trip to Disneyland with my family. I last left Southern California in 2011. Just before the DCA expansion. My last annual pass expired in January 2011, and we moved the next month after that. I went to Disneyland on my last 2 days. One of the VERY LAST things I did, was sat in the plaza hub on a park bench, right in front of the castle, at a spot where I can see both the castle and the Matterhorn. I sat there for like a half an hour before leaving, just reminiscing, and so unsure when I will ever be able to make it back there. Sure, I was moving near Disney World. But there just isn't replacing Disneyland. I grew up there. It was my home.
I hope sometime you can go back with your family It would be so special for all of you .
The Matterhorn wasn't painful until 2012 when they installed the new bobsleds. Before that it was fine. It's still my favorite thrill ride at Disneyland Park.
Michael, you were fascinating! Thank you!
Yes! Storybookland is SO wonderful! Especially at night, when all of the tiny lights in the homes and castles are on! It's SO beautiful! I grew up in Los Angeles, so we practically lived at Disneyland when I was a kid, but I had my most magical experience on this ride when I was an adult. We went with some friends from out of state who brought four foster children with them and we got in line around dusk. When we got on our boat, it was just getting dark. We were about halfway through the ride when the boats all stopped. We thought the ride was just suffering a temporary glitch, but it turns out that they stop the ride when the fireworks show starts, and if you're lucky enough to be on a boat at that specific time, you get to watch the fireworks show floating on the water and surrounded by all of the beautiful miniature lights. This was by far one of the best experiences I ever had at Disneyland! I love that you mentioned this ride!
Indiana Jones adventure is one of my favorite rides ever.
Michael is the Yoda of Disneyland.
I think I make a pretty good contender too...
I lived half an hour from Disneyland. My family would go there all the time. I've been to WDW, but to me Disneyland will always be the best.
yoshimnm it's the opposite for me. I live 6 hours away in SC from Orlando (as opposed to across the country) and have never been to DL (I used to not want to because I fully didn't know how much DL had I just thought it was a smaller WDW) but I do want to go because I think it will be amazing. But WDW is my life. My childhood. I have never been on vacation anywhere but Disney and Universal. WDW is literally what brings me joy. (not the only thing of course) I know so much about Disney world and I will talk someone's head off about WDW. I get so happy when it's mentioned. I have my face at the Leave A Legacy plaques at Epcot. I remember the ice cave at Epcot. I remember Wonders of Life pavilion. My parents went to Disney world since 1971 when they had to buy ticket books to ride rides. It is literally just my childhood. I remember riding in front of the monorail at Disney world. I love the resorts so much. Just being able to go into pretty much a city called WDW. I criticise the price of it always because it just keeps getting more expensive but I also love going so much that I probably will find money to go (it will just be longer than usual) but I do want to go to Disneyland one day. I know a lot of the rides seem better and it will be a new experience, it just is a lot easier to go to Florida than cali from my area. If I lived in cali my whole life I probably would be a diehard DL fan and not WDW.
I loved mr Todes wild ride it was one of my favorite rides as a kid and I hated when they closed it down here in Florida
you like the toad
Late to comment, but this was one of my fave of your podcasts (and not just cuz, as a completely biased West Coaster whose sentimental preference is for Disneyland and I find myself endlessly having to explain what things is does better, or even differently than WDW to East Coast friends who just seem to think it's a smaller WDW).
Especially appreciated the attention spent on the Fantasyland dark rides which I think, aside from maybe Peter Pan, don't get the attention they deserve. You guys nailed it about how the old school charm of them works as a nice balance to the big, high end attractions. I used to always be worried that at least one of them would go, but it seems like Disneyland is more keen on keeping them than WDW has been--as the recent, well done upgrades to Peter Pan and Alice show (I assume all of them will get similar upgrades--that was the plan I heard--but is probably on hold while they rush to build Star Wars Land).
Alright, I give up! I'm completely addicted to the DIS 😂
I never realized how unique Disneyland was to Disneyworld. I've grown up in California and as of now I've never been to any of the other Disney parks and I've always looked at Disneyland to being so mediocre to all the cool stuff at Disneyworld. Everything of which I've never seen in person. I've never realized how many things we have besides California Adventure and the whole Car's Land that DW does not.
Just wanted to let you know- Michael Bowling is incorrect about the refurb of Space Mountain. The rockets (ride vehicles)/track were NOT designed for Disneyland Paris. It was Hong Kong Disneyland, as that was the resort being created at the time. Disneyland Paris' Space Mountain is completely different from Anaheim/Hong Kong... in ride system/ride vehicle. The ride path/ride vehicles of Hong Kong is/are nearly identical to Anaheim. The only difference is the show/theming.
Fine discussion. I love both DL and WDW, and I think we can't forget that Walt Disney was personally involved in the creation of both parks. I reference the film: Walt's "Epcot / Florida Film" - a 24 minute preview to EPCOT that Walt recorded on October 27, 1966
He was involved with EPCOT not so much WDW
Great to hear about your take on Disneyland. Living in Northern California for the past twenty years has given me enough access to Disneyland that we've been down there probably ten times with each trip averaging between four and five days, a few Knott's Berry Farm and Universal days thrown in. Only been to Magic Kingdom, I still call that Disney World, and Epcot one time, but taking the whole family to a 10 day Universal Florida/Disney World vacation in June and can't wait. We stayed at Port Orleans last trip and that is our plan this time as well.
Although I watch a lot of videos on the Disney parks, I've never seen or heard anybody bring up Singapore Disney or Tokyo Disney...Been to both of those and they're pretty amazing
Ryan Szeto Agreed! Although there isn't a Disney I Singapore, there's a Universal though. But Disney in Hong Kong and Tokyo are both amazing, especially Disney seas👏
I loved hearing Michaels history. Thank you for this
are u gonna do a video about what Disney world has that Disneyland doesn't?
Probably not, this is part of the Celebrate Disneyland Month.
Excellent question.
I think that world has too much for a video
They probably will once Disney World hits its 50th anniversary or 60th.
Everything
Still wondering why we don't have an Aladdin attraction. They have/had the Aladdin and jasmine meet and greet besides the tiki room, and we also had the live Aladdin stage show but I believe it was replaced by frozen.
aladdin is way better than frozen anyways. so is Big Hero 6 and Inside Out but theres nothing related to those movies.
Moniimarie 88 I rode in Disney World the magic carpets!!!!!
I would pay top dollar to spend the day in Disneyland with Micheal Bowling!
So many great rides mentioned. Radiator Springs Racers, Indiana Jones, Matterhorn are so cool!
I used to work at Disneyland and worked on Storybook Land Canal Boats.
Pete, I agree....Storybook Land is one of my all-time favorite places at Disneyland!
I go to Disneyland/California Adventure at least once a month, never been to Disney world but in two weeks I will be. I'm a wealth of info if anybody needs tips or anything, this goes for the channel and the viewers ☺️
I had no idea they had so many awesome rides and attractions
I just stumbled upon this episode and have thoroughly enjoyed it! Appreciated everyone's input, especially Michael's historic Disney knowledge. This will be watched again. Lots of info here. Thanks DIS, love it!
really enjoyed this episode. I am going to Disneyland FINALLY next month. I love all your tidbits. Love Michael....he has such a charming historian gem about himself. I could listen to him all day.
I used to love Matterhorn but now I can't handle it at 53. It's just too rough. I think the perfect ride at Disneyland is Radiator Springs Racers. Everyone in the group will go on that one. We need more middle road rides like that one where it's not too fast but not too slow along with great scenery and the race ads a level that brings it over the top.
I will always take WDW Resort in its totality over Disneyland Resort, but you’d have to be nuts to pick the Magic Kingdom over Disneyland.
Sadly, we don't have nearly as many of those "out of the way places" as we used to. Court des Anges was commandeered by Club 33 and the courtyard space in the apartment/old Disney Gallery space above Pirates is now off limits to most visitors, as well. And with the truncated RoA, that stretch of wilderness where you could escape on the MT or Columbia for a good chunk of time is likely gone forever, too. I was never a huge fan of Big Thunder Ranch, but it along with the Big Thunder Trail were often peaceful at night. Even Carnation Plaza Gardens was a nice place to relax while it wasn't hosting music or shows. Every space is getting more and more crammed - or disappearing altogether - as it's repurposed. Part of the reason why I don't go to DLR all that much anymore.
One of my favorite little tidbits at Disneyland is the little Hunchback of Notre Dame music box type thing on the left of the castle.
In terms of total rides - not “attractions” but actual rides:
Walt Disney World Resort Total: 50 rides
Disneyland Resort Total: 57
Believe it or not - the "smaller" Disneyland Resort has more rides! Add to that, much better weather (sorry, Florida) and the fact that the Disneyland Resort's two parks are literally next to each other. Yes, Disney World has more hotels, and their two water parks are pretty neat. But at the end of the day, Disneyland comes up the winner.
micechat.com/62614-which-disney-park-has-the-most-rides/
Um...not even close lol
DavidinSLO Walt Disney Resort is much more magical since, it's basically in it's own town, and when your on a roller coaster, you can't see some random chain restaurant outside the gates
WDW > Disneyland
I think it really depends on the person, which park they grew up with or just their appreciation for all things Disney no matter what state or country the park is it. Each has their own unique features and their pros and cons. So I think it's unfair for people to say straight out one is better than the other. But I appreciate whenever those whose home park is wdw enjoys Disneyland. What I do agree on tho is the weather differences haha
I do agree with you in terms of the "Disney bubble" atmosphere. Again tho it isn't fair to say right away that one park is better than the other of course everyone has there own opinions. In terms of the restaurant chains outside Disneyland etc, kind of have to look at the history and times of it all. Just like what Steve said in a different post, whenever Disney is trying out something for the first time, it tends to get better as they progress. Disneyland is the original park of Walt, it adds the charm and nostalgia to this place, and at the time the area of Anaheim was already filled with other businesses so it must've been expensive to buy out land, hence the park isn't huge compared to others. Walt wanted a park that wasn't in an already established area, so in documentaries he had people secretly "undercover" buy cheap land in Florida until of course people found out and made the land more expensive but still that's probably one of the reasons why it is much larger in scale and why they have more room to create this "Disney bubble." But anyway I love both parks for different reasons. They are both great and I do love the fact that WDW is like being in only that world
Quantity doesn't equal Quality
Can we have space mountain back please. I've been to disneyland like 3 times in the past 2 years, and i hate to say this, but i'm tired of tomorrow land being just starwars. I really want tomorrowland redone and i want it to look more futuristic but i want to keep space mountain.
Cracks me up everytime Michael Bowling tries to pronounce architecture.
I've only watched two videos from this channel and I love it already!
The first Time I did the Matterhorn was not too long ago in May and I did it litterally right after I got off of hyperspace mountain and I absolutly loved it
I recommend going through the main entrance of Cars Land, but at night instead of day. You get to see all the neon and backdrop lighting of the land like a beautiful, lit up street. And if you can get on Racers during World of Color, you might not need a fastpass. ;)
36:10 my recommendation, ride the Matterhorn at night during the fireworks show if you don't care to hear the audio overlay. You have to time it just right but it's so cool to watch the fireworks show while on the Matterhorn.
Pinocchio could be added to EPCOT's Italy Section
Alice In Wonderland could be added to Hollywood Studios
Matterhorn could kinda be added to Canada OR Japan
Indiana Jones could be added to Hollywood Studios OR Animal Kingdom (Or Just improve Dinosaur)
Rollercoaster Rider ummmm the Matterhorn is a real mountain that straddles Switzerland and Italy, so if anywhere it would go in the Italy Pavilion, but that would never happen as the skyline of the world showcase would be ruined and Expedition Everest is to similar in aesthetic
Did you read my Post? I said Matterhorn in CANADA or JAPAN
Rollercoaster Rider did you read my post, the Matterhorn is not in either of those countries so why would they put the Matterhorn in those pavilions?
I meant a Matterhorn like ride. They could retheme it into Mt. Fuji or Saint Elias.
Rollercoaster Rider that would make more sense but again with expedition Everest at AK, it would be too similar aesthetically for them to consider.
I grew up close to disneyland as a kid, (and went back a couple of years ago) what I like is it is compact and I powered through it and went on everything in 1 day (granted I was there from 9am to around midnight).
I want to go to disney world but it looks like so much to do I need to stay a week to see everything (and I would want to go to Universal for the coasters) I might need a month in florida!
love the additional history provided in this - so good!
Disney World is big and all, but I think Disneyland will always be #1 In my heart. I love all of the rides there and the amount of detail that have been put into them, it may be smaller than Disney world and may have fewer rides, but it feels more homelike to me, I dont know 😂💗
This may be out in left field but... Petes skin looks SO good here. Right?
Great video. But when talking about Carsland... you havent seen Tokyo DisneySea and that is obvious:)
TimmyME the grotto in DisneySea is absolutely gorgeous! The whole park is gorgeous! And it has the best food!
What happened to Jackie and Jenilynn? They have been MIA and no mention of them. I like Jackie and her positivity
The guy with the buret looks like a mix of Adam and Jamie from mythbusters
-Not being a big cars fan (it's really cool but I don't have some deep loving attraction to it), Cars Land isn't that big for me. RSR is a lot of fun but I prefer Test Track because of the customization kiosks.
-The Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion overlays are sincerely very very neat. I'd like to see them do something similar but different down in Florida. They aren't gonna, but it'd be neat.
-I think we'd all love some Wall-E love for Tomorrowland at Disneyland.
-I'd gladly trade New Fantasyland for the return of ToonTown.
-I feel like the Storybook Canal Boats would be an incredible addition to Epcot. A behind-the-countries boat ride with miniatures based around the various countries with their stories. Have it go either way to second as a Canada-to-Mexico shortcut (or the reverse) too.
-I'm alright with Winnie the Pooh hanging out. I do think that Mr. Toad should probably stay over there forever. I've done both and the Disneyland one was incredible comparatively.
-I really love Pinocchio's Daring Journey but I do feel like it could use a gentle, loving upgrade like Alice in Wonderland got recently.
-Alice in Wonderland is a mustdo for us when we go to Disneyland. It's just So Good. My husband dragged me on it the first time we went and I fell in love with it.
-Indy vs Dinosaur- I love Dinosaur even more than I love Indy and I ride Indy like 9 times every time I'm at Disneyland. I am the only person who feels this way. That's okay. I beam at the Dinosaur cast members and high 5 them ridiculously. They usually seem pretty happy that someone's that excited and I'm happy to be there :3
Used to live in Cali so Ive been to Disneyland over ten times i think, and only been to WDW once, but going back in a couple weeks. My favorite ride that is in Land but not WDW is definitely Indiana Jones, such an awesome ride. Second would have to be Mr Toad's Wild Ride.
I’m so glad that they went to disneyland because I️ can understand that more seeing as that I’ve only been to disneyland and not WDW
I love this channel and Tommorow Land is the best disneyland park land
Now that the tower of terror is gone, the Matterhorn is my favorite ride between both parks.
unfortunately they made the seats even more uncomfortable and awkward after they restored it a few years back, which i didn't think was possible. ...i miss the old matterhorn [teardrop].
They didn’t “make the seats more uncomfortable” lol
Last time I was in Toon Town, there was a group of teens behind me in Gadgets coasters that were so high. Also most of Toon Town I got to see during Mickey's Halloween Party because that was the first area that opened
I loved MrToad in Florida. Someday I will have to see Dland.
We have haunted mansion holiday witch is the best ride I've ever experienced (I'm talking about Disney land btw)
which* witch is somebody who casts spells
I was three years-old when I first rode through Storybook Land. My parents told me that I screamed bloody murder when we went through Monstro's mouth. I was sure that we were being eaten.
I'm pretty sure that Radiator Springs Racers is where one side always wins
What about the attractions Disney World has the Disneyland hasn't ??
I tried to ride the Matterhorn at night. There was absolutely no sign pointing out the single riders line and there was not a single cast member in the area that could help us. If anybody from higher up at Disney reads this, hopefully you can make improvements so the single rider line is easier to find at night? I ended up not riding it.
I want to go to Disneyland so bad!
Great attractions all of them, perhaps may a list of least favorite attractions?
They should let John Lasseter do the redone Pixar Place in Hollywood Studios
For me, cars land destroyed test track, pirates destroyed world's pirates, hyperspace destroyed space mntn but World is still better somehow. Maybe its the monorail:)
DL monorail actually goes into the park
Where is California screamin or do you guys not like it?
A-bomb 0125 I think this video focuses more on Disneyland park than California Adventure
They should make another hotel at WDW: Hyperspace Hotel
Tyler Kranz We got our wish! Lol
I would love a beauty and the beast ride at the Magic Kingdom
Loved this!
Disney World has expedition Everest.
Yeah, its a video about the top ten things at Disneyland that florida doesn't have. not Rides that are better than Disneyworld.
+Nick Martini it's basically the same ride
Elijah Schuyler not the same classic character
Not sure if they have it out in Disneyland anymore (rethemed to Finding Nemo) but one ride I got to go on the first time I ever went to the MK here in WDW that closed soon after and always one of my #1 favorites was 20,000 League Under the Sea.
I think there is a site where people in the construction crew that took all that down, drained the lagoon, ...etc were even saying it was one of THEIR favorites when they were a kid
That movie needs more in park representation. It's very underrated nowadays.
I just watch 20,000 Leagues under the Sea for the first time in over 20 years and found out why I loved it as a kid. Great Movie
Yeah we still got the Finding Nemo Subs
To think that they took it down for a new attraction that got canceled is what really bothers me. So not only do you not get the new attraction,you lose the original one as well. Wonderful planning there,Disney.
What are they going to do with Disneyland / Tomorrowland after Star Wars land is complete? It has Star Tours, Hyperspace, Galactic Grill, & the Star Wars show. (Only non-Star Wars is Buzz Lightyear.)
Don't diss Star Tours! It was the only thing I rode at Disneyland at Christmas because it's my favorite!
All the Dark Ride lines in Disneyland are always an hour!
I throw a hissy fit if I don't do CARS every time! (& Tower of Terror!) (& Space Mountain!) (& California Screamin'!)
I've been to Disneyland MANY times and I always find something new to do each time!
Star Tours, Hyperspace, Jedi Encounter will all be going away once SWL is finished.
Did anyone else notice how much Pete winks??? It might be the booze taking but holy shit he bilinks like 50 times a minute!
Do best original rides in Disneyland and in Disney California adventure that Walt Disney World doesn't have.
Don't know what you mean, Pete, when you say that your interaction with Castmembers in Disney World is not as good as that at Disneyland. I have been to both and find the Castmembers awesome at both. We have always been treated with the utmost courtesy and generosity at both. Disney World is our "home" because we are DVC members with property there, but we love our trips to Disneyland as well.
Actual review starts at 4:10
GOTG: Mission Breakout!
What do you mean it's a re-do of the TOT?
They left out the Wacky Taffy Ball Slapper ride. WDW doesn't have that one, yet Disneyland does.
You guys need to brush up your research=1959 was and is called E TICKET summer because of all the e ticket attractions that premiered-The Matterhorn was almost the BIG ROCK CANDY mountain and if you look at old "Blue sky" sketches you will see that attraction in several versions-Walt liked the BRC idea but was diverted by the Matterhorn idea-The basketball court is a half court where the telephone operators used to be-everyone argues about the various reasons it is a basketball court-so I wont get into that argument----So much info about Disneyland especially from us old Cast Members who grew up with the park
Big Thunder Mountain's fun at night
I never get hurt on the matterhorn
Yeah. Disney World is better in most ways. Look at the castles. The variety. The number of attractions. And we are about to get Pandora. Boom
Um sorry honey DL has more attractions. And in order to go to Pandora you have to go to a different park, lame. I like DL better cuz all the best rides are in 1 park
whats at both parks that has a better version than the other
I missed out on the contest. :(
I always compare WDW Space Mountain with Disneyland's Matterhorn. Same vehicles. Same twin track idea. Same jerky feel. I expect WDW wanted a rollercoaster like Matterhorn and just changed the theme. I feel like when Disneyland wanted to bring Space Mountain to its Tomorrowland they had to just take that theme and work out something new.
As a side note...i'm somewhat disappointed Disney has not cashed in on a Captain Nemo (20,000 Leagues) by building the actual submarine and taking us inside this underwater museum cashing in on the subs uniqueness.
Don't they have that in DisneylandParis?
I did notice a similiar ride @paris but it's not quite what I had in mind. I just thought it would make an interesting ride to see The Nautilus and board it.
There's a 20,000 Leagues ride at TokyoSea too, but yeah I don't think either is quite what you mean.
Call me weird but I wouldn't mind boarding the Nautilus and marveling over its uniqueness and beauty. Not a biggie.
Wait. I thought they were underwater. How do you fake that. WOW!
cars land should be designated a world heritage site. It's a work of art like Venice or Hagia Sophia.
Thank god the haven’t changed our Space Mountain to a Star Wars theme. Oh no. Oh no no no.
They haven’t changed Disneyland’s either.
I rode a version of hyperspace mountain in Disney world last year. Is that no longer at space mountain in Disney world?
Matthew Weiss Space Mountain is still where it has always been and they haven't changed it at all
I know that the ride is there but last march when I rode Space mountain it was hyperspace mountain. I think they were doing something special for the release of the new star wars film the previous December.
How many times does Pete blink each day?!
Do I live in a time warp? I thought toontown was at WDW?
Kitana Kojima I think it was a long time ago. Now it’s only at Disneyland :/