Posted by
Mike and Chris Pettey
on October 27, 2020
Category:
Disney vs. Disney
Tags:
Disney vs. Disney
Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
Hong Kong Disneyland
Magic Kingdom
Main Street
Shanghai Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland
Main Street, U.S.A. is a themed area that serves as the entry point for Disney’s Castle Parks, focused typically on turn-of-the century American buildings and design. The land, or a version of it, can be found at all six of the Disney Resorts across the globe. We’ve visited very Main Street U.S.A. in person.
Major Similarities & Differences
You can watch fantastic videos of all versions of the land online, so we won’t spend time re-hashing the details of each experience. Instead, we will just point out the major similarities and differences we feel are worth calling out:
- All locations except Tokyo have a train station above the entrance.
- Shanghai’s train station building does not contain a train ride or attraction, and is simply a façade.
- The California and Hong Kong versions of the land appear extremely similar.
- The Tokyo version, dubbed “World Bazaar”, is completely covered with a large glass roof, to protect the area from inclement weather.
- The Paris version is themed to the Roaring 20’s, rather than the turn-of-the-century.
- The Shanghai version, dubbed “Mickey Avenue” is themed to a town inhabited by Mickey and his toon friends.
The Rankings (from least favorite to favorite)
It’s not hard to figure out why Hong Kong Disneyland has always had trouble attracting the crowds that swarm every other Disney resort in the world. Simply put, there just isn’t enough to do here. And the Hong Kong version of Main Street, U.S.A. is no different. From a glance, this appears almost identical to the version in California, but peeling back the layers, there is little substance. No sit-down restaurant, no Abe Lincoln animatronic show, no theater…in fact, much of this Main Street, U.S.A. is just about appearances. It’s easy to pass through quickly, as it’s a lot of retail buildings and facades. About the best that can be said for this version of Main Street is that it does house an exclusive and dedicated Duffy & Friends store/meet & greet called “My Journeys with Duffy”. But beyond this, the Hong Kong version of Main Street U.S.A. is really just a lot of window dressing (literally and figuratively), and it is the worst version in the world.
Copyright Disney. All Rights Reserved.
The newest and most unique of all first acts is Mickey Avenue in Shanghai. After passing under a façade of a train station, this entry land could best be described as a mash-up of Main Street and Toontown, with Mickey and his cartoon pals running the show here. Unfortunately, this area is far too small; only about half the length of the other Main Street, U.S.A.’s. And while the smaller size does provide plenty of space for the incredible Gardens of Imagination area that follows it, it cuts short in a way that is hard to ignore. There are a lot of fun touches scattered throughout, with nods to various other Disney lands and attractions, but it’s hard not to come away slightly disappointed. There is no table service dining, no attractions, no theater, and ultimately, nothing really beyond retail and a couple of snack shops. Shanghai Disneyland park took a lot of big, unique risks that paid off nicely, and Mickey Avenue could have been something truly amazing. But in a gi-normous park, it’s just far too small, and as a result comes in at fifth place on our list.
Copyright Disney. All Rights Reserved.
The Florida version of Main Street, U.S.A. is the most visited in the world. And it looks good, with it’s larger footprint and unique style representing a variety of US regions. The bulk of this Main Street is a nice assortment of retail, with a variety of shops and stores from high end collectibles and glasswork, to rows and rows of Disney merchandise. Tony’s Restaurant provides a much-needed table service dining option, though the actual food leaves a lot to be desired. The land lacks many of the transportation vehicles that add so much to other versions around the world. And the “blessing of size” so often quoted about the Florida resort is a wasted opportunity on this Main Street U.S.A., as there is plenty of room to take advantage of, but nothing to really set it apart. A recently canceled project to add a large theater is a real shame, as this would have provided a great entertainment option. As it stands, Florida’s Main Street, U.S.A. is, at its core, mostly a shopping area. It’s bigger and flashier than some of its counterparts, but it’s ultimately lacking what is needed to create a truly well-rounded experience, and comes in at fourth place on our list.
At first look, the giant glass roof that completely covers all of Tokyo’s World Bazaar looks very, well, bizarre. And it takes some getting used to, as this feature really does create a very different feeling to the land overall, along with the fact that this entry land is the only one to lack a train station. However, under this massive structure is one of the most substantive opening acts in any Disney park. The Tokyo level of care and detail abounds here, with immaculately maintained buildings, both inside and out, and fantastic, enthusiastic cast members that welcome guests at every turn. Live musicians and themed vehicles travel the streets, adding fantastic kinetic energy. A cross street called “Center Street” that feeds into Adventureland on the left, and Tomorrowland on the right, is a fun enhancement, adding depth to the land. And World Bazaar contains three – count ‘em three – table service restaurants. That roof does take away a bit from the authenticity of the theme, but there are no corners cut in this entry area. And as a result, World Bazaar is the third best opening act in all of the Disney parks.
In California, the original version of Main Street, U.S.A. checks off all of the right boxes. Inside this one we find the fantastic Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show, anchored by the incredible Disney Gallery. Sounds and sights about, with vehicles, horses, and bands traversing the streets. The Main Street theater is a slice of nostalgia with its black and white Mickey Cartoons running all day long. And the significance of Walt’s original apartment in the second floor of the Fire Station is that added touch that no other location can properly replicate. The only drawback – if there is one – is that it’s all packed into a very tight area, which often times becomes so crowded that some of the charm and enjoyment are lost amongst all of the people. However, a counter-argument could be made that this is what make’s California’s version so special: despite the small footprint, it cuts no corners. It’s amazing that after all of this time, the California original is still one of the most rewarding of all the Main Street, U.S.A.’s – the second-best version in the world.
There are countless tales of how hard Imagineering worked to make Disneyland Paris the most visually impressive of all of the Disney Parks. And while the attraction roster really does need a shot in the arm, the aesthetics of this park do not disappoint, including Main Street, U.S.A. The entry land here begins with a walk under the gorgeous Disneyland Paris Hotel, and then under the equally fantastic train station – by far the most unique and beautiful one in the Disney Parks portfolio. From there, the land takes on a slightly different time period – geared more toward the Roaring 1920’s. Main Street vehicles abound, and the land literally lives and breathes details – just stop among one of the side streets and listen to the sounds coming from the second story windows. This land features two covered “arcades” along the back side of the buildings – fully themed and providing both depth and a unique way to enter the shops and experience the details. And Walt’s Restaurant is one of the best dining spots in the park. The land does lack any type of show building, but that’s almost unnoticeable here. Overall, it’s hard to find fault with Main Street U.S.A. in Paris, the most beautiful version – and the best – on the planet.
Written by
Mike and Chris Pettey
YOUR THOUGHTS?
Agree or disagree with our rankings? Have you experienced any of these lands – either in person, or virtually via the internet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
2 Comments
This might sound a bit stupid but what is your favourite disneyland railway in the world
Not stupid at all! Full disclosure here…we still have yet to ride the railway in Paris, because every time we have visited that resort, it has been closed! Hence, why we haven’t done a “Disney Vs. Disney” article on that topic as of yet. But setting that aside, we’d have to give the edge to California. Best theming, most stops, grand canyon / primeval world, plus an original Walt Disney attraction from opening day. Pretty hard to beat all of that, if you ask us!