World of Color: The Guide

[Shopaholic11]

As far as I know, DLR hotel guests are still allowed early access to the FP machines, but the lines for the machines have not been bad for a while. If you are only planning on using your early access for WOC FPs, it really isn't necessary these days. You can ask the CMs by the machines how the lines have been recently, just to make sure. The old color order used to be blue passes first, then yellow, then red. But since the red zone no longer exists, I would assume that the order is now blue, then yellow first show, then blue, then yellow for the second show. Again, ask the CMs at the machines for the latest info.
Please report back about how things went. Have a great time!

Thank you so much for that quick reply! I saw it yesterday evening well, the cast members stated that DLR hotel guests would be able to start lining up at 9:15am. They didn't know what color would usually come out first. This morning, my dad saw a line forming downstairs well before 9am! Crazy. I lagged a bit and got downstairs about 9:40am and didn't have to wait much. Was able to still get a blue section fast pass!

[tea4two]

Enjoy the show! Please let us know how things went (lining up, view, etc.). It's always good to have updated information.

[Shopaholic11]

Enjoy the show! Please let us know how things went (lining up, view, etc.). It's always good to have updated information.

Regretfully, I didn't plan things as well as I should have! The window frame to return for the 9pm showing was 8:00-9:00. I arrived there at about 8:22 (a bit late) and initially, was able to grab a spot on the bridge towards the end. It was a decent view, especially after I returned to line up much later than I anticipated. However, due to my grandma's age & inability to stand for a long period of time, a cast member allowed us to move to an area roped off with benches, wheelchairs, etc. It was one of the best views i've ever had of the show! It was still withing the blue viewing section, according to the cast member.

I wish I could be more helpful in giving some updated info about lining up, but one thing I know for sure is that they do not have a red section anymore. There were at least two entrances for the blue viewing areas that I saw, and the rest were yellow...

[Niwel]

I haven't seen WOC since last year. We'll be going next weekend with my in-laws who have never been to DCA (my BIL has CP and does not have the patience to wait too long). Are we better off doing the dinner option? Any ideas (I'm totally open - and I'm not even 100% sure we would be staying late enough - just trying to figure it all out). When DH and I go, we usually skip WOC.

[danyoung]

I've had great luck doing the Wine Country Trattoria dinner. Not only is it a good dinner at a good price, but you have a nice seating area while waiting to go into WoC. And of course you have an excellent reserved spot for the show. It's a win-win all around!

[ALB2277]

Ok my big question is on October 2nd do you think it will be necessary to do a picnic or meal deal for world of color or will it be walk up ready.

[MammaSilva]

We got fast passes for the WoC at 10 am in August, I'd say you don't need to spend money for the meal deals unless you are wanting the reserved prime area for the sit down meals. The picnic fast pass is usually in the yellow zone which you can get for free at the fast pass machines in the morning.

[Courtney Anne]

I too am nervous about lining up for this show with twin toddlers. We are doing Goofy's for dinner on Thursday October 25th. After dinner I am hoping to see WOC. I would hate to wait for a long time just for a meltdown before or during the show. The show will still be playing nightly in late October, right ? I am hoping to get in the green section on the stairs near the bad red circle section. I think that would be a good place to wait so the boys can go up and down the stairs and not be right next to the water.

[MammaSilva]

I think you're over estimating that day. Once you get loaded into that section even if you get what you think you want. I can tell you that thinking you can let the boys play on those stairs while waiting is going to be frowned on by the CM's loading the area, by the other guests trying to get their spots and the crush of the people getting 'that perfect spot' creates an unsafe place to have the toddlers just playing. I'm not sure how you plan to get the fast passes required for the viewing area for that evening. In all honesty I really think that Goofys for dinner then the World of Color would be too much for them. When we took our 3 year old princess a couple weeks ago we actually stayed at the hotel until about 7, went over to the park and got her food she could eat in her stroller then went to the area to get our spots and she did ok but the next night we tried doing dinner and the fireworks and she was done by 9 and in full on meltdown mode. I don't know your boys personalities of course so you may be able to do this but I strongly advise against having a play area while waiting as part of the game plan.

[Courtney Anne]

So should we do WOC on Wed ? We have Mickey breakfast that morning and plan to be in the park at opening. We could go over to DCA when they open and get fast passes for WOC and then go back for seats at 7 (show at 815 I believe). We will have a stroller so I can keep them busy in that.

On Thursday we are doing Goofy's at 5 and then I thought WOC would be a good way to end our last night in the parks. We will be there on Friday but we have to drive back to AZ Friday evening.


This is my plan so far :
Monday - 10/22 - travel day
Tuesday - 10/23 - Storyteller's at 10:30 - shopping - get costumes on - Mickey's Party at 3pm to 11pm (if they fall asleep in stroller then me and dad will stay - if they need to we will leave) -- PHOTO PASS activated
Wednesday - 10/24 - Mickey's PCH meal @7 - DCA - get FP for RSR - fun - finish in DL
Thursday - 10/25 - breakfast at hotel - early entry - Fantasyland - DCA for WOC FP - fun - Goofy's at 5 - Little Mermaid - WOC - Mad T PArty ???
Friday - 10/26 - pack car - check out - Minnie breakfast at 8:10 - redo favorite rides - get last minute candy or souvenirs - stop at photo pass - bye DLR by 6ish if possible and probably a good idea since party attendees will start arriving at 4

Any major flaws ?? I am open to suggestions.

I actually do have an excel spreadsheet because I am that anal retentive and I want to fit in as much fun and magic for my boys' first trip. I have never traveled with kids this young though and I know that if need be, the plan (except for meal reservations) will be trashed and we will do what they want on their timing.

[tea4two]

I think I would do WOC on Wed. so that you can relax and enjoy Goofy's the next night. Thur. will be your last night, so you don't want to be rushing, exhausted, and extra tired. Also, just in case WOC gets cancelled on Wed. (and it can get cancelled), you will still have one more night to see the show. If you see the WOC on Wed. and your boys really like it, you can always view from behind the lagoon (by Screamin' or under Silly Symphony Swings) without a FP or in front of Little Mermaid (again, no FP). These are not the greatest views, but since your boys are so young, they can enjoy all the colors, music, fountains, fire, etc. WOC is better with a front view of the water screens, but even from the back, can be pretty impressive.

[LaurensMom]

I am very confused and need some advice. I have heard mixed reviews on whether WOC is really worth it. We have not been to DL/DCA in 3 years (due to $$ and wanted to avoid construction) So going all out this year. Taking a 15 mos old, 7 year old and 3 adults. We were thinking of doing WCT dinner package but was told that you have to stand anyway. Trying to find best option.. We are going 11/16-11/22... So typically that Monday/Tuesday before Thanksgiving has been typically slow in the parks... What are some thoughts? It appears in the last 2 years the reserved sections have changed, etc.. We are staying at the DLH, Concierge Level if that makes any difference for any options for us...

[danyoung]

The Trattoria package is actually a good deal, as they have a "lounge" area where you can sit and wait while the masses queue up for the WOC show. Then about 20 to 30 minutes out they lead you all into your reserved area. Yes, you still have to stand, but this way is MUCH better than standing in line for an hour just to stand for another 30 minutes waiting for the show. And in my opinion it's really a great show. Not quite as great as Fantasmic!, but totally unique and well done.

[tea4two]

I am very confused and need some advice. I have heard mixed reviews on whether WOC is really worth it. We have not been to DL/DCA in 3 years (due to $$ and wanted to avoid construction) So going all out this year. Taking a 15 mos old, 7 year old and 3 adults. We were thinking of doing WCT dinner package but was told that you have to stand anyway. Trying to find best option.. We are going 11/16-11/22... So typically that Monday/Tuesday before Thanksgiving has been typically slow in the parks... What are some thoughts? It appears in the last 2 years the reserved sections have changed, etc.. We are staying at the DLH, Concierge Level if that makes any difference for any options for us...

There are numerous videos of WOC on YouTube, some full length and others just snippets -- watch some to see whether you think this would be a good fit for your family.
The viewing area for WOC is all standing, no matter where you eat (CCR, WCT, or picnics). The only seating areas are for GAC/HC seating and for the VIP section. The regular FPs can get you a great view and a dining FP can get you a poor view. Money spent isn't the issue here, preparation and time investment are. The more you know ahead of time about the WOC experience and viewing area, and the more flexible you can be about the time spent in line and holding your spots, the better your view and overall experience will be. As danyoung said, the WCT dining package is a nice experience (as is the CCR dining package), but paying for these packages will not guarantee you a great view. Some people have done the packages and had a great view, but others have reported that they had a poor view. With 3 adults in your party, you'll have more flexibility about someone standing in line while someone else attends the kids (e.g. snack breaks, potty trips, etc.).
Also, the opening of Cars Land has changed all expectations about traditional slow days. Basically, don't bet on days being slow. Plan for crowds, then if the day turns out to be less crowded, great -- you're prepared either way.
Lastly, don't forget that you can view WOC from right in front of the Little Mermaid ride without FPs -- not the best view, but a fine big picture view. If you're really not sure if the waiting and standing will work for your family, a non-FP viewing area might be a good compromise.
Hope this helps and that you have a great trip!

[disneyis4us]

I have some friends that are coming to Disneyland for the first time the second week in October. They are interested in doing WOC one night while they are there. I am looking for advice for them, since I haven't been since last June. Is the fast pass line still really long or should they buy a meal to get their fast pass? Could someone remind me of the colors and which ones you get with a just a regular fast pass? We have done both, one picnic and then once with just a regular fast pass. I thought that worked fine, but I thought I would look for some great advice all of you!

[tea4two]

I have some friends that are coming to Disneyland for the first time the second week in October. They are interested in doing WOC one night while they are there. I am looking for advice for them, since I haven't been since last June. Is the fast pass line still really long or should they buy a meal to get their fast pass? Could someone remind me of the colors and which ones you get with a just a regular fast pass? We have done both, one picnic and then once with just a regular fast pass. I thought that worked fine, but I thought I would look for some great advice all of you!

The FP colors now are Blue (bridge and left side of Paradise Park, facing the water), Yellow (right side of Paradise Park and the largest section), and Preferred Dining (sometimes known as Orange, center area, split into CCR Lunch, CCR Dinner, and WCT dinner). There is no more Red section. The Preferred Dining can be confusing, since the different packages are supposed to go to different areas. CCR Dinner is supposed to have to option to go anywhere in the other dining areas -- e.g. if you want to be in the Splash Zone, which is not CCR Dinner's area, you can request to move up.

There is no real advantage to the picnic over the GRR machines (but I've heard that picnic FPs get to enter the viewing area before regular FP guests). Perhaps the biggest advantage to the picnics is the convenience -- if you know you won't be getting to the parks until later, the picnic FP will save you stress about whether the machines will still have FPs for you. Oh, and the picnic FP is supposed to be Yellow.

[mousecanuck]

So we have a larger group (maybe 12 adults) and at least one of them uses a walker. We're not sure yet if we want to do a dinner or picnic meal (or anything - maybe just fastpasses) but for those of you who're experienced, what's our best plan of action? We'll be there mid-week (probably Tues, Wed & Thurs) in early May next year.

[MissMinnieFan]

Last year, we just got fastpasses. I'm short (5ft) and I couldn't see very well once everyone crowded around me. Is it a better view if we do the dinner? We will be going the 1st weekend of Dec, so I'm expecting some crowds.

[tea4two]

See my response to LaurensMom (#289) above. A free FP can get you a great view or a poor view. The dining package also can get you a great view or a poor view. Money spent doesn't guarantee a great view. Planning and time invested in waiting in line generally do pay off with a good to great view, regardless of the viewing section (blue, yellow, preferred dining CCR or WCT). If there is a second show offered, that might be a better option for you. The second show is usually less crowded than the first.

I'm short, too, so for me it is worth the effort and time spent waiting in line for a good viewing spot. We've done preferred dining and free FPs with good results. Basically, I would say that if you are planning on eating at WCT or CCR anyway, do the preferred dining plan. But don't go expecting a guaranteed great viewing spot.

[MissMinnieFan]

Thanks for the quick reply. Last time; we got in line, and were herded like cattle to the viewing area (blue area) there was so much pushing and shoving to get a spot. I would rather have a more "relaxing" experience, so I was hoping a dinner package would give us that. We will try the later show and see what happens.

[tea4two]

The Preferred Dining plan can give you a more relaxed experience -- people on other boards have reported being able to get a great view as late as 20 minutes or so before the show. But there is no guarantee for this. Others have reported that they went to the PD area and had a really poor view. If you decide to do the PD plan, then the second show may be the best for you -- PD viewing area and (generally) lighter crowds.

[Sansarc]

We haven't seen WOC yet. Ever. I'd like to surprise my 16 y/o son with a dining package and viewing tickets in May. I'm thinking of dinner at WCT or Carthay Circle. But WCT comes with WOC tickets for "Disney Dining Reserved Viewing Area" per the Disneyland website (where to eat). And Carthay Circle comes with WOC "Center Stage Viewing Area" tickets. Is there a difference?

Also, I'd like to go to the later showing of WOC on Friday night (the day we get there). It's also a grad night. DCA closes at 10. There are only two showings of WOC that night -- 9 pm and 10:15 pm. If we ate dinner at 7 pm, would we only be able to go to the 9 pm WOC, not the 10:15 WOC? I'm wondering if the 10:15 pm show is for grads only?

Any thoughts? Thanks everyone.

[tea4two]

Technically, from what I've read online, there is a difference between the WCT and the CCR Preferred Dining FP viewing areas. But that difference is minor. The WCT areas are closer to the front and the CCR area is further back. However, I've also read that CCR area people can tell the CMs that they wish to be in the front areas and they will be allowed to move forward. So, if a CCR person wants to be up against the front railing in the wet zone, that is not a problem.

And, unless it is specifically announced otherwise, the later WOC show should be for anyone with a WOC FP. If you dine earlier and want FPs to the later show, just tell your server. It shouldn't be a problem.

[3Princesses1Prince]

The grad show time wouldn't be posted on the public calendar.

[bumblebeeonarose]

The grad show time wouldn't be posted on the public calendar.

Also, you said the park was open until 10pm. It is common for the last show to be 15 minutes after the park closes, so 10:15 sounds correct.