Attractions at Walt Disney World vs. Those Only Found at Other Disney Parks

By Lisa Fritscher

The Walt Disney Company has theme parks in California, Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo in addition to those located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Many attractions can be found at more than one resort, and several attractions are featured at all resorts. Nonetheless, each park and resort has its own feel and flair and for many different reasons not all attractions can be found at each park. The similarities and crossovers often lead to guest confusion as to exactly which rides they will and will not be able to experience when visiting the Florida parks.

Although it would take a short novel to create a database of every single ride and attraction and at which park or parks it can be found, it is possible to create a short list of the most often asked about attractions:

Most Requested Attractions That are NOT at Walt Disney World

1. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Once a flagship E ticket attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, 20,000 Leagues was closed permanently in the 1990s. Variations of the ride currently exist with different names and themes at Disneyland in California and Tokyo DisneySea.

2. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Another victim of 1990s era “progress” the Toad no longer rides at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The original version of the attraction is still operational at Disneyland in California.

3. Indiana Jones Adventure. This attraction never existed at the Walt Disney World resort. The ride is still available at California’s Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

4. Matterhorn Bobsled. This high speed thrill ride runs only at California’s Disneyland. It was never installed in Walt Disney World.

5. Enchanted Tiki Room. Although the birds still sing words and the flowers continue to croon, the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management is a far different show than was the original. Updated and self aware, the new show actually pokes fun at the old show. If you want to see the attraction as Walt designed it, the original version is still playing at Disneyland in California.

If it seems that the above list constitutes your favorite attractions, and you are wondering what to see and do at Walt Disney World, then read on. There are several attractions available only at Walt Disney World.

Most Requested Attractions That are ONLY at Walt Disney World

1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Though the attraction’s name and script have changed over the years, the original WEDWay People Mover continues to run above Tomorrowland. At Disneyland, the attraction closed many years ago to accommodate the short-lived Rocket Rods.

2. Carousel of Progress. Other than some updating and script changes over the years, this is the original ride that Walt premiered at the 1964 World’s Fair. The ride was housed at Disneyland until 1973, when it was permanently relocated to Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The show operates seasonally.

3. Country Bear Jamboree. Originally designed for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Country Bears enjoyed a long run at Disneyland as well. The show at Disneyland is no more, but the Bears perform their hoedown every day at Walt Disney World.

4. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Many guests grew up playing in the Treehouse and envisioning themselves as castaways on a deserted island. The Robinsons may have been evicted from their Disneyland home by Tarzan, but at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Swiss Family Robinson lives on.

5. SpectroMagic. The nighttime parades have changed many times over the years, with parades often being swapped between parks. Currently the Magic Kingdom has SpectroMagic, which is not playing at Disneyland in California at this time.

Many other attractions are also available at one park but not another. Additionally, virtually no rides are carbon copies. Each version has its own flair and feel. So even if you have ridden Pirates of the Caribbean, for example, at another park, be prepared for some surprises during your ride at the Magic Kingdom.

Some rides are dramatically different from one park to the next. The Haunted Mansion is offered at every Disney park. Yet the storylines and ride layouts are vastly different, such that the rides are similar in name only. These differences allow Disney to keep guest experiences fresh and new as they travel from one Disney park to another.

Expect the unexpected when you visit the Walt Disney World resort, no matter how many times you might have traveled to other Disney parks. Walt Disney World is the largest, with four gated attractions. Therefore, you need to remember not only which attractions are at Walt Disney World, but also at which park they are all located. Remember that the Cast Members are friendly and are always eager to answer guest questions. Ask for help whenever you need it.

Every Disney park is unique and all are worth visiting in their own rights. The Walt Disney World resort, although Walt never lived to see its completion, is in many ways Walt’s pet project. Enjoy everything that the parks have to offer, and while comparisons are natural, remember that Walt Disney World fits into its own unique period in Disney history. Be sure to see the attractions that are exclusive to this property, and enjoy your visit.