World of Color Superthread

[HydroGuy]

I watched the 10:15 WOC show on Tuesday the 11th.
We had 6:50 dinner reservations at Ariel’s Grotto. We were given the option and asked for the 10:15 show. The tri-tip and lobster was quite good. The only complaint I had with dinner was they brought it before we had completed our salad. After dinner we rode Ariel, Golden Zephyr, and Goofy’s Sky School. The first show was underway so we went searching for the holding area for the second show. I headed for the area noted, arrow 14, on the WOC Super Thread. I could not find a holding area. I asked a CM and he directed me to the center where preferred dining actually entered, #4 on Super thread map. I really did not want to go there while the first show was playing but was feeling quite lost. I asked a CM in this area and he said there was not a queue for the second show and to just go ride Ariel or we could wait here while 5800 people flooded the area after the first show. My friend needed to get off her feet and there was an empty space on a bench in in the back of the viewing area so she sat down as the first show ended and the area emptied. I stood behind her. Once everyone was out we were asked to leave so they could clean the area. I asked another CM where we should go for Ariel Dining passes. Finally we were directed to the correct place. We were to line up along the wall by the Golden Zephyr, #2 on the Super Thread map. I do not know if this is just for Ariel Dining or includes WCT. This is the same place I lined up with Yellow FP for 9:00 show in 2014. The Yellow queue was behind the dining queue. There were about a dozen people in line when we arrived. About 10 minutes later a CM lead the line to the viewing area. Everyone ahead of us went to the very front wet area. We went to the rail the next level up and it was a perfect view and we did not get wet. The rail filled in quickly and by show time a couple rows filled in behind us but no one was squished together. There was a rope at the bottom of the steps behind the area we were in that I think filled in with diners from CC. I enjoyed the new show but I think the original is better. It seemed more colorful. Queues seem to change and are different based on show time. I wish there was a way for Disney to provide accurate information on what to do and where to go for the particular show you are going to.

OP here and I was at the same show as you were! I am going to update the OP as soon as I can. I am the D23 Expo right now and just got out of an awesome session that talked about Star Wars Land at DL AND DHS. I will get to this thread some time soon.

 

[HydroGuy]

I finally got to see WOC Celebrate a couple weeks ago and spent some time talking to CMs about the current boundaries, queues and policies. I have taken this information and updated the OP. If you see anything I overlooked please let me know so I can get it into the OP. Thanks all!

For the record, my opinion of WOC Celebrate is much like I have read from others. It is worth seeing and appropriate for the DL 60th anniversary, but not nearly as good as the Traditional version.

In past trips I always made a point to see WOC. And it never failed to give me goosebumps even after seeing it 10-15 times. As long as Celebrate is showing I will not make such a strong effort and will personally put the extra effort into seeing the PTN parade and DLF fireworks show at DL.

 

[kungaloosh22]

In the first post, it says you can go down to the front reserved viewing area if you dine at Carthay Circle, if you ask, even though they direct you to the upper tiers. With different entry points for the reserved viewing (#4 for CCR and #5 for the rest), do you really have much of a chance to get the railing spot in the lower area if you enter at the #4 CCR spot? it seems the people lined up in #5 would have a large advantage to getting that, especially if only 4-5 families can fit at the rail.

I'm thinking front rail in the Carthay Circle section is probably better than being behind the front row in the lower section (so you don't have to crane to see over anyone), but I'm not really sure.

 

[HydroGuy]

In the first post, it says you can go down to the front reserved viewing area if you dine at Carthay Circle, if you ask, even though they direct you to the upper tiers. With different entry points for the reserved viewing (#4 for CCR and #5 for the rest), do you really have much of a chance to get the railing spot in the lower area if you enter at the #4 CCR spot? it seems the people lined up in #5 would have a large advantage to getting that, especially if only 4-5 families can fit at the rail.

I'm thinking front rail in the Carthay Circle section is probably better than being behind the front row in the lower section (so you don't have to crane to see over anyone), but I'm not really sure.

I have just gone to #5 even if I have CCR. I have heard they are trying harder to force folks with CCR to go to the CCR section so you have to insist harder you do not want to go there.

I agree going to #4 would make it hard to get down to the best spots. And I agree that (depending on your height) the front row in the CCR section is better than being behind people in the lower section.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have just gone to #5 even if I have CCR. I have heard they are trying harder to force folks with CCR to go to the CCR section so you have to insist harder you do not want to go there.

We were flat out refused. I insisted and pretty much just did it anyway. Not really the way I wanted to be treated after eating such an expensive dinner. Not sure if it was just a rogue CM or if that is becoming more common now.

 

[kungaloosh22]

Thanks for the info, HydroGuy and mom2rtk! Not really what I wanted to hear, but it's good to know what to expect. I'll have to discuss with my group whether or not it's worth a fuss.

 

[BatChao]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone knew how accurate the times were that show up on the Disneyland site for World of Color here:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disney-california-adventure/world-of-color/

I am planning on going on September 5 and purchased a CCR dining package, but the only time I could get was 7:40. The site says WoC is only showing at 9:00 on that date, but every weekend leading up to it also has a 10:15 showing. I remember in the past, they would have the 9:00 show and then announce that a later show would be available when the 9:00 Fast Passes sold out. Would this be the case as well here? Besides for weather, I don't recall any times when they don't show both 9:00 and 10:15 showings on a weekend. But I haven't been in more than a year, so maybe things have changed.

 

[mgothel]

I'm really interested in hearing from more people that have done the WOC lunch or dinner package at CC. Has anyone actually used the queue for CC and stood in the CC reserved section? How was it? Is it a good spot? What about for kids? Where is the reserved spot for CC diners on the op map?

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm really interested in hearing from more people that have done the WOC lunch or dinner package at CC. Has anyone actually used the queue for CC and stood in the CC reserved section? How was it? Is it a good spot? What about for kids? Where is the reserved spot for CC diners on the op map?

IMO it is not a very good spot but there are worse spots. The location is as described in the OP (see links below).

I have done the CCR dining 2-3 times myself but just once since they started putting CCR in the back. And I did not go to the back but to the center area that time. So I have not been in that specific section. But I have seen WOC from spots further back like the CCR section and understand the quality of the view fairly well. Others of course may have a different opinion.

Why do I have to go to the back area of the Reserved Viewing (Dining Package) area if I bought an expensive meal at the Carthay Circle Restaurant that day? Shouldn't I get the front and not the back?

You don't have to go to the back. By default - and I have no idea why - the rear area of Reserved Viewing (Dining Package) is designated for CCR diners and the CMs will direct you there.

However, if you tell them (and you should tell them) that you want to go down closer to the front they will tell you you can just go anywhere you want, no problem. So speak up!

WOC Reserved Viewing (Dining Package) viewing area. For the first show the viewing area is often extended down to the wet zone green line. CCR viewing is at the top left of this chart.

 

[mgothel]

Thanks Hydroguy......there are some people reporting recently that the CMs are really trying to enforce that CC diners stay in that specific section. That concerns me......maybe I will switch restaurants. We are planning to see this show on a Wednesday night in November. Do I still need to be concerned about crowds?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks Hydroguy......there are some people reporting recently that the CMs are really trying to enforce that CC diners stay in that specific section. That concerns me......maybe I will switch restaurants. We are planning to see this show on a Wednesday night in November. Do I still need to be concerned about crowds?

Yes you can read the PP from mom2rtk and that would concern me about CCR. Crowds for WOC never seem to abate. So yes, the issue of crowds for WOC in November would still apply. When in November? If after Nov 13 the show will likely be the Winter Dreams version. Hard to say with the new WOC for the DL 60th whether they will keep that for the holidays. I have not heard anything but suspect it will be Winter Dreams again.

 

[melbatoast]

So I'm assuming the Winter Dreams WOC would be just as popular as the other 2 shows right? We will be there the day after Thanksgiving, I'm hoping everyone will be over at DL that day! I'm thinking of just trying to get a fp, I really don't want to add extra $ to an already expensive dinner - there are 5 of us. Not sure the reserved viewing section is really worth the extra money, because you still have to get there at least an hour before to get a spot. Any thoughts?

 

[HydroGuy]

So I'm assuming the Winter Dreams WOC would be just as popular as the other 2 shows right? We will be there the day after Thanksgiving, I'm hoping everyone will be over at DL that day! I'm thinking of just trying to get a fp, I really don't want to add extra $ to an already expensive dinner - there are 5 of us. Not sure the reserved viewing section is really worth the extra money, because you still have to get there at least an hour before to get a spot. Any thoughts?

Most people including me would tell you that reserved viewing is not worth the extra money - unless you already want to dine at CCR, AG or WCT. As WOCWD is just as popular as the regular WOC so all waiting strategies are really the same.

 

[poseys]

Anyone have a time frame I ought to pick up FPs for WOC on Mon. Sept. 13? We are planning on spending our first morning at DLR and going to DCA after lunch/nap. Will I be okay if I pick them up on the way back to the hotel after lunch or should I make a run earlier in the morning?

 

[melbatoast]

Hydro Guy, thanks so much for all your info! We went to DL a few years back and I read through all the info you posted and it helped a lot! Last time we did the WOC dining package at Ariels, and thought it was really good, however our teenagers don't eat that much (I should say, at one sitting!) so we ended up spending a lot more on the package, than what they would normally order. This time I REALLY want to try CC, which is very $, so adding on the package would be even more $. Can you book a res for the package, and if you get FP's that morning, just change the package to the regular meal????

 

[BatChao]

@melbatoast : I'm by no means an expert at this, but I actually believe you CAN switch from WOC dining package to regular when you check in for your reservation. I did the CC WOC package last weekend and when I checked in, I was asked if I still wanted to do the WOC package. This leads me to believe that you can just ask them to switch you over to regular dining at that point. There's nothing special food-wise for the WOC menu except you have limited food options (I think so you can get through your meal more quickly to catch the show? Not sure).

Also, a quick rundown on how my CC WOC reservation went. It was actually really great. The only mixup was on the website, the day I was going (last Saturday, 9/5), it only showed a 9:00 showing of WOC, which wasn't going to work with my 7:40 dinner reservation. I called 3 times and talked to 3 different CMs to make sure there was actually a 10:15 showing (there was). Even still, I was a little nervous about the crowds since I heard booking 3 hours before the show was best. But we rolled with it. The restaurant was extremely nice and the wait staff were awesome. My food was a bit salty, but still good. My friend loved everything she got. Including a goat cheese salad and she hates goat cheese. Her mind was literally boggled on how much she liked the food. We also got a bottle of wine, which was quite good. We finished up around 9:55, cutting it REALLY close to the show. I didn't want to rush dinner though. We headed to the WOC show and found it actually quite empty. The preferred dining section in the middle was almost completely empty, save for like 10 people up at the front railing. I showed our passes the CM there and he directed me to the CC preferred dining area, but then he said if I wanted, I could jut go in the middle. He suggested it himself, probably because it was so empty. We went up and another CM asked to see our fast passes, and again, he directed us to the side where CC diners are supposed to go. I said that the CM up front said we could stand in this section. He looked a little hesitant, but eventually let us through. We had a prime location, right up at the railing. I had never seen the show so clearly before. It was amazing. I would love to see the traditional show like this since the Celebrate show kind of felt more like a TV special/commercial for Disneyland. Is it worth the extra $$? Probably not. It was nice not to have to wait an hour+ for the show, and I loved the atmosphere at CC, but it was quite expensive. It worked out because it was my friend's bday, so a nice dinner was part of that, but I probably wouldn't do it if not for a special occasion. Still, if you do, I recommend doing the 10:15 showing as that really seems to be much less crowded than the 9.

 

[BobearQSI]

Also, the price of the fastpass appears to be $10. I just got back from a trip, and we did WCT world of color lunch. One of my kids is 4, and his meal was $18.99. My other kid is 2, and the server told us that because she didn't need a fast pass, she could order the same kid's prix fixe meal without the fastpass for $8.99.

So if you're interested in the same fixed price meal, but not fastpasses, you could ask to forego the fastpass and save some money. I don't know if it's the same price difference for the adult menus.

 

[mgothel]

@melbatoast : I'm by no means an expert at this, but I actually believe you CAN switch from WOC dining package to regular when you check in for your reservation. I did the CC WOC package last weekend and when I checked in, I was asked if I still wanted to do the WOC package. This leads me to believe that you can just ask them to switch you over to regular dining at that point. There's nothing special food-wise for the WOC menu except you have limited food options (I think so you can get through your meal more quickly to catch the show? Not sure).

Also, a quick rundown on how my CC WOC reservation went. It was actually really great. The only mixup was on the website, the day I was going (last Saturday, 9/5), it only showed a 9:00 showing of WOC, which wasn't going to work with my 7:40 dinner reservation. I called 3 times and talked to 3 different CMs to make sure there was actually a 10:15 showing (there was). Even still, I was a little nervous about the crowds since I heard booking 3 hours before the show was best. But we rolled with it. The restaurant was extremely nice and the wait staff were awesome. My food was a bit salty, but still good. My friend loved everything she got. Including a goat cheese salad and she hates goat cheese. Her mind was literally boggled on how much she liked the food. We also got a bottle of wine, which was quite good. We finished up around 9:55, cutting it REALLY close to the show. I didn't want to rush dinner though. We headed to the WOC show and found it actually quite empty. The preferred dining section in the middle was almost completely empty, save for like 10 people up at the front railing. I showed our passes the CM there and he directed me to the CC preferred dining area, but then he said if I wanted, I could jut go in the middle. He suggested it himself, probably because it was so empty. We went up and another CM asked to see our fast passes, and again, he directed us to the side where CC diners are supposed to go. I said that the CM up front said we could stand in this section. He looked a little hesitant, but eventually let us through. We had a prime location, right up at the railing. I had never seen the show so clearly before. It was amazing. I would love to see the traditional show like this since the Celebrate show kind of felt more like a TV special/commercial for Disneyland. Is it worth the extra $$? Probably not. It was nice not to have to wait an hour+ for the show, and I loved the atmosphere at CC, but it was quite expensive. It worked out because it was my friend's bday, so a nice dinner was part of that, but I probably wouldn't do it if not for a special occasion. Still, if you do, I recommend doing the 10:15 showing as that really seems to be much less crowded than the 9.

Thank you so much for sharing!! This is exactly what I have been looking for. Hopefully more people that do the WOC package share their experience. Especially those eating at CC. I know you didn't actually stand in the CC reserved section but can you tell me how that location is?

 

[HopLow1968]

Also, the price of the fastpass appears to be $10. I just got back from a trip, and we did WCT world of color lunch. One of my kids is 4, and his meal was $18.99. My other kid is 2, and the server told us that because she didn't need a fast pass, she could order the same kid's prix fixe meal without the fastpass for $8.99.

So if you're interested in the same fixed price meal, but not fastpasses, you could ask to forego the fastpass and save some money. I don't know if it's the same price difference for the adult menus.

I'm confused - since when do the Fastpass cost money?

 

[lvdis]

I'm confused - since when do the Fastpass cost money?

I took it to mean they were equating it to how much more their WOC dining package cost compared to what it would cost to just eat at that restaurant and pull their own fastpass. Maybe?