MAGIC KINGDOM
VS .
DISNEYLAND PARK
Which Park Is Best for Those Nostalgic Feels ?
DANNY MCBRIDE SAYS : Magic Kingdom may not be the first Disney park , but it has a sense of nostalgia and ever-evolving experiences that set precedents for all other theme parks , making it the best in the world .
ATTRACTIONS : Disneyland Park , you might have some classic dark rides I still miss at Magic Kingdom , but at least we get to keep our version of Haunted Mansion all year round ! Oh — and let ’ s not forget , we still have our PeopleMover .
ENTERTAINMENT : In my book , Magic Kingdom picks up an easy victory in terms of nighttime spectaculars with Disney Enchantment leaving a greater impact than Disneyland ’ s Mickey Mix Magic . Other entertainment includes the Dapper Dans , the Casey ’ s Corner Pianist , the “ Let the Magic Begin ” morning show on the Cinderella Castle stage , and several cavalcades .
DINING : Sure , Magic Kingdom might have 31 dining options compared to Disneyland ’ s 41 . But Table- Service restaurants like Be Our Guest , Cinderella ’ s Royal Table , and Skipper Canteen can go toe-to-toe with any restaurants at Disneyland — whether it be for their food , atmosphere , or theme .
CHARACTERS : Magic Kingdom ’ s meet-and-greets have traditionally been more formal ( waiting in line at designated locations ) than Disneyland ’ s .
UNIQUE FEATURE : Within the 2012 “ New Fantasyland ” expansion , Magic Kingdom gained new areas based on Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid — featuring the Beast ’ s Castle and Prince
Eric ’ s Castle , respectively .
FUN FACT : Learning from Disneyland , Magic Kingdom was constructed on the second story , with its Utilidors built underneath on the first story . This way , Cast Members can easily traverse the park .
ABOVE : Cinderella Castle . PHOTO BY JUDD HELMS
KAT WOLFE SAYS : The Happiest Place on Earth may be the smallest in size , but Disneyland is packed with more magic , nostalgia , and history than any other Disney Park .
ATTRACTIONS : While many are similar to those found in the Magic Kingdom , it ’ s only here guests can experience classics like Mr . Toad ’ s Wild Ride , Pinocchio ’ s Daring Journey , and Snow White ’ s Enchanted Wish . Many fans argue that the Disneyland versions of Haunted Mansion , “ it ’ s a small world ,” and Pirates of the Caribbean are the better ones .
ENTERTAINMENT : With whimsical performances by the
Dapper Dans , the Disneyland Band , the Pearly Band , the Golden Horseshoe Piano Player , and the Bootstrappers , along with an incredible nighttime spectacular , there ’ s always a magical production to enjoy .
DINING : There are 41 different dining options , including four Table-service Restaurants , at Disneyland . Guests will find no shortage of delectable locations to enjoy a quick meal , sweet or savory treat , and a beverage ( adult or otherwise ) throughout the park .
CHARACTERS : At Disneyland Park , character interactions can be more like a happenstance meeting vs . a stand-in-line meet-and-greet experience . For example , guests might enjoy a pop-up tea party with the Mad Hatter or walk through the park with Peter Pan .
UNIQUE FEATURE : Sleeping Beauty Castle is a walk-through attraction with elaborate vignettes telling the story of Sleeping Beauty as you walk up , over , and down to the other side .
FUN FACT : There is a lamp inside of Walt Disney ’ s apartment above the Main Street Fire Station that is always lit , symbolizing that Walt is ever-present in his park .
ABOVE : Sleeping Beauty Castle . PHOTO BY BRIAN SHIH
ON DEBATING DISNEY TONIGHT , KAT AND DANNY GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH OPPOSING VIEWS ON A VARIETY OF MAGICAL SUBJECTS RELATING TO THE WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT . TUNE IN ON SELECT THURSDAYS AT 8:00 PM ET LIVE ON WWW . FACEBOOK . COM / DEBATINGDISNEY / TO BE THOROUGHLY EDUTAINED !