World of Color Superthread

[beachdweller]

Hi there,
I am hoping to see WOC sometime between Dec. 10-12. I will be with my DS6 and DS4 and DH... none of us are tall, so I'm planning on getting there 90 minutes before the show to nab seats. I read through Hydroguy's post but have a few follow-up questions.

Mainly, I'm worried about occupying my kids for 90 minutes, especially while standing up! Would it work for all of us to go in together, find a spot, and then 2 of us stay there w/a picnic blanket while they other 2 go get food for us to have a picnic dinner, wander around, etc? Are you allowed to go in and out? If this is OK, at what time should I make sure that we are all back and staking out our spot?

Thanks all!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Hi there,
I am hoping to see WOC sometime between Dec. 10-12. I will be with my DS6 and DS4 and DH... none of us are tall, so I'm planning on getting there 90 minutes before the show to nab seats. I read through Hydroguy's post but have a few follow-up questions.

Mainly, I'm worried about occupying my kids for 90 minutes, especially while standing up! Would it work for all of us to go in together, find a spot, and then 2 of us stay there w/a picnic blanket while they other 2 go get food for us to have a picnic dinner, wander around, etc? Are you allowed to go in and out? If this is OK, at what time should I make sure that we are all back and staking out our spot?

Thanks all!

In our experience they let you sit till about 15 minutes before... We saw people sitting and playing cards and what not for that last hour. If you are in line 90 minutes before, you just have to stand during the wait to be released. Then you find your spot and can sit for awhile before the show starts and they make everyone stand up.

 

[lsulindy]

There are handicapped sections with benches. You either need a visible aid (such as wheelchair, walker, cane, etc.) to access them or a Guest Assistance Card. The aid or GAC allows the handicapped person only to sit on the bench, although some CMs are better than other at enforcing this rule.

You do need a WOC FP to access the handicapped area along with the aid or GAC. If your father doesn't have a mobility aid, then I would obtain a GAC from Guest Relations. They are in either park and if you explain your needs, they will help you out.

Have you thought about getting your father a ECV or other assistance? I am just wondering about how he will do getting around the parks for the rest of the day. It can be very draining to walk around the parks, and you may find he needs more assistance than in normal day to day activities. Just a thought, .

My dad does not like at all to admit that he can't do something. He'd rather just not do it. He's mentioned to my sister that he has to go on this trip with his grandkids b/c this will be his last big trip. He doesn't know that she told me that. But, he has told me that we "need to do this trip up right." He won't want a GAC or an ECV. He'd rather go to back to the room to rest than get an ECV. I think he'll have to get a GAC if not just for WOC, he'll need a bench. He won't want to use it for any rides. I don't know how he'll do navigating the parks. It was one of my considerations in choosing DL instead of WDW for this trip. I know it will still be a ton of walking, but not as spread out and closer to the hotel. He's always been the one to go save us a spot for something, or run ahead for fast passes, or sit on a bench with a sleeping kids while we went on a ride, etc. But, I really don't feel comfortable leaving him by himself at this point even though he'll swear he's fine and will still want to do these things, and I don't know what his stamina will be. I'm worried, but we'll just have to play it by ear.

 

[danaesacto]

lsulindy I am so happy for you and a bit jealous too- my dad has Parkinson's as well, early stages and he just refuses to go anywhere or do anything any more. He still works part-time but doesn't like crowds since he is unsteady on his feet so he won't go on vacation with us to places like Disneyland. I am hoping he will come with us to a cabin for Spring Break- like a fishing trip- but even that is iffy. I hope your dad has a great time- and I know he is saying no ECV, but start planting the thought in his head that if he changes his mind, it is not a sign of weakness- it is a sign of smarts- he can go longer and do more.... sometimes dads are just stubborn and full of pride!

Have a wonderful trip

 

[ArchOwl]

My dad does not like at all to admit that he can't do something. He'd rather just not do it. He's mentioned to my sister that he has to go on this trip with his grandkids b/c this will be his last big trip. He doesn't know that she told me that. But, he has told me that we "need to do this trip up right." He won't want a GAC or an ECV. He'd rather go to back to the room to rest than get an ECV. I think he'll have to get a GAC if not just for WOC, he'll need a bench. He won't want to use it for any rides. I don't know how he'll do navigating the parks. It was one of my considerations in choosing DL instead of WDW for this trip. I know it will still be a ton of walking, but not as spread out and closer to the hotel. He's always been the one to go save us a spot for something, or run ahead for fast passes, or sit on a bench with a sleeping kids while we went on a ride, etc. But, I really don't feel comfortable leaving him by himself at this point even though he'll swear he's fine and will still want to do these things, and I don't know what his stamina will be. I'm worried, but we'll just have to play it by ear.

I know how it is, my grandfather has Parkinson's and for the longest time refused any help at all. It was sad to see him miss out on things because he refused to get a wheelchair or scooter until he had no other choice. Once he did get the help, he told me he should have gotten it sooner so he could do more for longer. I wish you all the best.

I would ask him if it would be all right to get the GAC for use at WOC. Maybe if you explain how he needs it to get a bench, it might make him more willing to get it. In any case, make sure you still get WOC FPs. I wish you the best of luck and hope your father has a good visit and allows help where it is offered.

If he absolutely refuses the GAC, I might think about eating at the Cove Bar and keeping my seat there to watch. I had heard that they no longer charge a cover. The view is far from ideal, it is at an extreme angle. But if it is your only option, it might be a way to keep your father from becoming fatigued and still seeing the show. You do have to eat there, but if you can work it as a dinner or snack, or even just drinks, it might work. Good luck!

 

[beachdweller]

Thank you so much!

Any suggestions on best counter/take-out foods near WOC?

 

[Avery's mom]

Corn Dog Castle wins out for us every time

 

[JBHinkle55]

Quick question...is the reserved viewing for WCT and Carthay Circle dining the same area? Is there any benefit, as far as WOC is concerned, to doing one over the other?

Thanks!

 

[ballarinamom]

We had CCT FPs and he told us with that one, we could go wherever we wanted. WCT could do their area or that of a lesser value (picnic or regular fp I guess?) we were right at the rail of the elevated area just above the regular fp seating. Perfect!

 

[HydroGuy]

Quick question...is the reserved viewing for WCT and Carthay Circle dining the same area? Is there any benefit, as far as WOC is concerned, to doing one over the other?

Thanks!

There are separate sections but the Cms let you go anywhere. Don't let them direct you to a viewing spot without comment. When they tell you where to go just tell them you would prefer a different area. Experience says they will say "no problem". Bottom line is if you know you can go anywhere you want then there is no difference to WCT vs CCR. If you do not know then there is a difference where the CMs direct you by default.

 

[JBHinkle55]

There are separate sections but the Cms let you go anywhere. Don't let them direct you to a viewing spot without comment. When they tell you where to go just tell them you would prefer a different area. Experience says they will say "no problem". Bottom line is if you know you can go anywhere you want then there is no difference to WCT vs CCR. If you do not know then there is a difference where the CMs direct you by default.

Perfect! Thanks for the info!

 

[C&B Young]

Just wanted to post in the thread to say that we saw WOC for the first time ever last night, and thanks to the instructions here we got a great spot right up front on the railing! We braved the "wet zone" for photographic purposes and it worked out great. Here's a quick edit of one of the shots, we've got hundreds more to sort through and edit! Thanks again to HydroGuy and everyone who's posted.


Disneyland 2012 - World of Color by Crystal Young, on Flickr

 

[nblake05]

Just wanted to post in the thread to say that we saw WOC for the first time ever last night, and thanks to the instructions here we got a great spot right up front on the railing! We braved the "wet zone" for photographic purposes and it worked out great. Here's a quick edit of one of the shots, we've got hundreds more to sort through and edit! Thanks again to HydroGuy and everyone who's posted.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystalyoungphotography/8263859050/
Disneyland 2012 - World of Color by Crystal Young, on Flickr

Did you do the Reserved Seating Dining Package?

 

[bcla]

Did you do the Reserved Seating Dining Package?

For the most part that shouldn't be necessary. I remember going early and getting a FP at the rope drop. I thought I could get one for my wife who hasn't come through, and the machine rejected her ticket. We got there later (after 11 AM) and they still had blue section FPs for the same showing. Your mileage may vary.

We actually got there right before the starting time. We got close, and got even closer when several people at the railing moved back after they figured out they were going to get wet. The biggest issue I had wasn't getting wet per se but that I had a hard time seeing through my glasses when they were covered with the mist.

 

[papamouse1]

Hey, I just realized I had not stopped in and updated this thread with our experience on Nov 19th.

We did lunch at Carthay Circle to get the preferred viewing. Paid almost $200 for lunch for 4 people (spendy, but it was a good experience... we enjoyed it). We requested tickets for the 2nd seating because we figured the crowds would be calmer the 2nd one. We showed up about 45 minutes early to the center entry for the Preferred area. The best way to envision this is there are people in the roped areas watching the show, then there is a wide pathway they are keeping open for park guests to get to the back part of the park, then there is a thin line of people watching the show from just in front of Ariel and all long the opposite side of this pathway they are keeping cleared. we stood at entry for about 5 minutes and a CM told us we needed to move because when people leave the first show we would get trampled. Asked where we should go to wait for 2nd show and was told to just walk farther down the path. We found a table where a gal as working on "Glow with the Ears" that weren't working and stood next to table so we would not be in anyone's way that was leaving 1st show. 5 minutes... new CM "You need to move to keep the path clear". Asked again where should we go, told to go even farther back towards the back part of the park past where the WoC starts near the little roller coaster. Went back there, then about 5-10 minutes before 1st show was over, we figured we would just start walking towards the area. Got back to entrance and asked where we could stand for 2nd show... "oh, that line always forms right across from the entrance right there sir... See that big line of 50+ people?" Hmm, 10 yards across the pathway from where we started. So we go get in line that was not there before when we asked the 1st time and wait our turn. They make us stand in this line while they clear out the former crowd. About 15 minute sin this line and about 5 minutes before they let us actually into the area, a group of about 75 people just walk right up to the entry and stand... right in front of all of us who have been waiting. They were business men in suits, elder couples, etc. To say things got heated would be an understatement... people at the front of our line started yelling at them, calling CM's over and demanding they move those people to the back of our line. The CM's assured them it was being taken care of. We watched as no less than 5 different CM's (starting with basic CM's and ending with clearly managers) spoke with this crowd that had now grown to over 100 people. I never saw a single person in that group respond to any of the CM's instructions, they just stared ahead or completely ignored them. Not one single person that I could see ever left that line, and not 1 CM did anything to correct it. So sure enough, they opened up the area and that group just waltzed right in and quickly took up all the prime spots. I knew from this wonderful thread to ask if I could go to the middle circle (they try to send CCR people to the right as soon as you enter the area), we went forward to the circle, only to find there was literally nothing good left there, so we went quickly back to the right side section but now all the spots at the rail were gone as well. We did manage, thanks to the kindness of others, to squeeze our 2 girls to rail since they were short.

It was a wonderful show, but unfortunately the "entitlement" cancer at DL made it tough to fully enjoy. SO what did I learn...

1) The info on this thread is amazingly helpful, thank you so much. This could have been much worse if we hadn't followed the hints here.

2) I wouldn't book the 2nd show again. Even though the crowds are smaller, the ability to actually "line up" without people just ignoring the line would be nice.

3) Maybe the 1st time is worth it to do Preferred, but we won't spend that kind of money for that kind of headache. Getting "first-come first-serve" spots was not the problem here... the problem was terrible instructions from the CM's (never once told us to line up right across from the entrance), and absolutely horrid crowd control. At least if I just get a FP for another section for free and don't get an optimum seat I won't be thinking "$200? For this?"

4) Even with less than optimum viewing (don't get me wrong, we did have decent view... not great but decent) this has to be our #1 Fav show at DL or WDW now!!!

5) I know it probably means absolutely nothing, but I have decided I am done just quietly sitting by and not voicing my frustrations to Disney over this clear policy that has existed for years... If a person will not abide by the rules, as long as it doesn't directly affect public safety, just let them do whatever they want. Better to not make a scene for that 1 rude individual than to respect the other 100+ people around them that are quietly obeying the rules because it is the right thing to do. I am sure I'm not the only one who has just looked the other way trying to just ignore their behavior and just "have a magical time" with my family. It is getting harder and harder to just ignore it, simply because the problem has seemingly become the norm.


Well thanks for all the great info in this thread, this show was amazing! Can't wait to go back and see it again! And believe me, the next experience will be much better... live and learn right?

 

[KCmike]

Disneyland 2012 - World of Color by Crystal Young, on Flickr

Yowza! Congrats!

 

[C&B Young]

Did you do the Reserved Seating Dining Package?

We didn't do the dining package, no. Just got a regular Fastpass in the morning (Blue) and lined up at 6:30 for the 8:15 show. The Cast Members were actually dissuading people from going down to the "wet zone", telling them to go one level up, but we knew better because of the DIS Boards!

 

[ret32]

I haven't read through this entire thread, but have browsed it pretty comprehensively over the last several months. From it, I had understood that if one were to want to go to the 2nd show on a night where there are two shows, they would need to regularly check in at the Fastpass distribution location until the 2nd show started to distribute.

Last Tuesday, 12/18/12, following that advice, I stopped by around 9:30 am to ask the CM on duty when she suggested I come back for 2nd show Fastpasses. She told me I could get them whenever I wanted. She took my park tickets and used them to print out 1st show Fastpasses as would normally be done. Then she printed a set of blank WOC Fastpasses (no showtime or color section on them), hand-wrote the info for the 2nd show on them, signed them, and then "exchanged" them in the computer system with the ones that had originally printed.

Just a heads up since I know the question has been brought up throughout the thread and since my experience is inconsistent with some of what has been discussed here.

 

[HydroGuy]

I haven't read through this entire thread, but have browsed it pretty comprehensively over the last several months. From it, I had understood that if one were to want to go to the 2nd show on a night where there are two shows, they would need to regularly check in at the Fastpass distribution location until the 2nd show started to distribute.

Last Tuesday, 12/18/12, following that advice, I stopped by around 9:30 am to ask the CM on duty when she suggested I come back for 2nd show Fastpasses. She told me I could get them whenever I wanted. She took my park tickets and used them to print out 1st show Fastpasses as would normally be done. Then she printed a set of blank WOC Fastpasses (no showtime or color section on them), hand-wrote the info for the 2nd show on them, signed them, and then "exchanged" them in the computer system with the ones that had originally printed.

Just a heads up since I know the question has been brought up throughout the thread and since my experience is inconsistent with some of what has been discussed here.

Thanks for the tip. I have seen this reported once by another forum member. So you make two. I will update the OP that this may be an option for second show guests.

 

[ret32]

I haven't read through this entire thread, but have browsed it pretty comprehensively over the last several months. From it, I had understood that if one were to want to go to the 2nd show on a night where there are two shows, they would need to regularly check in at the Fastpass distribution location until the 2nd show started to distribute.

Last Tuesday, 12/18/12, following that advice, I stopped by around 9:30 am to ask the CM on duty when she suggested I come back for 2nd show Fastpasses. She told me I could get them whenever I wanted. She took my park tickets and used them to print out 1st show Fastpasses as would normally be done. Then she printed a set of blank WOC Fastpasses (no showtime or color section on them), hand-wrote the info for the 2nd show on them, signed them, and then "exchanged" them in the computer system with the ones that had originally printed.

Just a heads up since I know the question has been brought up throughout the thread and since my experience is inconsistent with some of what has been discussed here.

Here's an image of the tix I was given...