Disneyland: What’s NOT at Walt Disney World?

One of the great Disney debates is which park is better-Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. I am unable to pick a favorite of the two. Instead, I love to point out what is the same and, first and foremost, what is different between the two parks and let people decide for themselves.

One of the big differences backward and forward parks is the rides offered. Disneyland offers many unique, iconic rides not available at the newer East Coast park. Here are some of the biggest different offerings available at Disneyland that I noticed.

 The Matterhorn Bobsleds. The Matterhorn Bobsleds are some of the top iconic ride featured at Disneyland although not at Walt Disney World. A roller-coaster type ride, the Matterhorn features two similar but different tracks-one from the Fantasyland side of the ride, another on the Tomorrowland side. The Bobslides were the very first roller coaster ride at Disneyland as well as the very first tubular steel roller coaster within the entire world.

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The Disneyland castle doesn’t seem as huge as Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom, however it does have one advantage: it's interactive and guests should explore the various rooms and passageways where 3D displays provide life the Sleeping Beauty story.

Autopia. Although like the Indy speedway, Autopia offers a wider number of cars and longer track. And don’t forget your official Autopia drivers’ license!

California Screamin’. Found at Disney’s California Adventure, California Screamin should look like an early twentieth century coaster. It holds on the mile and and 1/8 of track and twists around other attractions in Paradise Pier.

Mickey’s Fun Wheel. This was one of the most fun, whole family ride we did at Disneyland. It may seem like an ordinary Ferris wheel, but being at Disney causes it to be magical. There are 8 traditional gondolas for guests to ride in, or choose one of the 16 non-mounted cars that slide across the track. (We chose those also it was quite interesting.)

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. With mountain climbing walls, rope bridges, and slides, el born area is designed to let kids explore and produce their Wilderness Explorer Badge like Russell in Disney Pixar’s Up. It's a very welcome break for moms and dads, too, as you can sit back watching your kids explore. Our kids loved el born area. Once you complete the tasks and produce your badges, you can join Russell for that Ahwahnee Camp Circle ceremony.

Come july 1st, Disneyland will also get a whole new area not available at Disney World-Cars Land!!! Rides with this land are now featured around the Disneyland website so you can see exactly what the ride is like and height requirements, etc.

Disney World: The Fearful Princess Encounter

I have to admit, I was skeptical about just how “magical” Walt Disney World was going to be. But it truly is a magical place for all ages.

We were only at Disney for any day since we had family obligations in Cocoa Beach consider we were so close we felt it would be a crime not to take our three-year-old, Princess-obsessed daughter to Disney World. (My daughter is referred to as Princes 1.) Since our time was limited I mapped out where better to spend the day, given her dependence on the princesses it seemed Fantasy Land within the Magic Kingdom was a good option.

We were able to secure a coveted reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the morning with the princesses. (It’s true that this in not something to book last minute. Reservations book VERY early so plan ahead - like months ahead. We were lucky to get a table a couple weeks in advance but I think that was because of it being off season along with a Thursday morning. However, I actually do want to note, it was a full-house. You need to still plan well in advance if it’s off season.)

For as much as my child is in love with Cinderella and pretends to become her, daily, she wanted nothing to do with the real thing. And so began the drama.

We entered the castle and Cinderella was greeting her guests and capturing with them. We patiently waited in line just to have Princess 1 meet Cinderella. If this was our turn to say hello, Princess 1 hid behind me. I had to carry her into the area and then she buried her head within my shoulder. Tears were next. I was able to salvage one photo of the “memorable” event.

We then headed in the palace stairs to the dining area for breakfast and more Disney princess meetings. Not every the princesses were there though. We were only going to be meeting Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Arial.  you can check out Dining in Downtown Disney

We were now more prepared for Princess One’s shyness, that was fine. She’s three after all and even though she loves princesses, they’re still strangers. I’m good by using it. The Husband and I just needed to laugh and roll with what was coming next because she brought it on.

Princess One was eating a roll when in keeping with her nature, quite, sweet, Snow White quietly approached her from behind. The surprise of getting her favorite princess not just be standing next to her, touching her arm, talking to her sent her right into a complete panic. Tears. Screams. Seriously. Our table was THAT table.

All parents knows what I’m talking about and if you don’t you’re lying. Needless to say our chat with Snow White was rather short. Used to do insist on a photo though. (I wasn’t about to waste this opportunity to embarrass Princess One later by photographing the experience.) You’ll see in the photos how Princess One did begin to warm up a bit throughout the experience. By the time Belle arrived at the table she was finally taking a look at her.

I do think the princesses have been warned, or at least witnessed the Snow White encounter as they all seemed to approach with caution. Sleeping Beauty did the best job in being quick in saying hello, going for a photo and being on her way. Perfect for a terrified, yet awe inspired three-year-old little girl. Thank you.

Now, being THAT table did try to our advantage. The chef had witnessed the Snow White encounter and felt so terrible he prepared a special desert for Princess One, to share with us of course. It was awesome. A white chocolate “glass” slipper filled with cake and purple icing. Delish!

Overall, breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table was great. The food was good, the service was fabulous and the experience itself is well worth the cost. Even when your child is all about the drama. Being a parent or someone going with a child you just have to roll with what the kids are going to dish out. Otherwise, you’ll just be angry that you simply spent a lot of money for your kid to ruin it. They’ll only ruin it if you let them. Words to live by.