Insight please - I am so torn WOC dining package, Dessert Party, General FP or GCH observation deck?

[TamaraH]

Okay so we are headed out to DLR the first week of October. We have not been to Disneyland in years and this will essentially be the first trip for my girls 8 and 11 (that they can remember at least). We will be going to MHP on Monday 10/3, DL on Tuesday, DCA on Wednesday, DL on Thursday - Home on Friday.

We have never seen WOC so I really want to see it. I was originally planning on doing a dining package but have heard so many wonderful things about the Dessert Party. It's a bit steep in price though and with the MHP just 2 nights before DH is not really on board with the price tag plus we saw videos of the vantage point and the views still seemed somewhat blocked. That's what is turning him off the DP. He would have totally been on board with the $ if it offered clear views.

He would be fine with the dinner package but from my understanding the reserved dining package viewing area is great but it's still standing and there is no guarantee that you will be able to see (considering my daughters and I are all short). I know at least we'd have a nice meal with that but my goal is the show.

We could try to go the general FP route but we only have 1 day planned at DCA so the idea of standing in line for 90 minutes to get a decent spot and still have a good chance of not being able to see is such a bummer. Plus not even sure there is even a possibility of snagging a rail position without anyone in front of you with the general FP. This is actually kind of stressing me out! LOL

I read there is also an observation deck for GCH guest, is this true? Has anyone been up there. I saw a video and the sound isn't a problem. The view isn't great - I don't imagine you can see the projections but it doesn't cost anything and you don't have to waste valuable park time waiting in line nor deal with crowds.

Please, please, please...Can anyone offer me any insight or advice on this? TIA

 

[smartlabelprint]

Stick with your dining package. We've gotten in line at the time it first allows and had no problem seeing.

 

[Jkpark]

I have done general FP, Dinner package and the viewing deck. My least favorite was the deck - I actually had a better view from my balcony in a studio - you are off too far to the side to see all the projections. If you have seen it before - it is fine and its nice to be away from the crowds - but I wouldn't select this if you want to really experience the show. With the regular or dinner options, you are standing and you need to decide how much time to devote to waiting in line to get a "front row" seat so your kids can see the show. We had better luck with the dinner seating area - my kids (9 and 7 at the time) were right up against a railing with the people in front of them further down stairs so they could see great. You still need to get there early. People showing up late were standing behind other people. Hopefully someone else can comment on the dessert package.

 

[TamaraH]

Stick with your dining package. We've gotten in line at the time it first allows and had no problem seeing.

Okay, great. Thank you for the response - so what time did you get in line? I believe there is only one show during the time that we are there so what time would we make a dinner reservation for? It looks like they make dining reservations based on the time of the show so I'm assuming that they basically time dinner and the viewing area opening to correlate with each other, correct?

 

[TamaraH]

I have done general FP, Dinner package and the viewing deck. My least favorite was the deck - I actually had a better view from my balcony in a studio - you are off too far to the side to see all the projections. If you have seen it before - it is fine and its nice to be away from the crowds - but I wouldn't select this if you want to really experience the show. With the regular or dinner options, you are standing and you need to decide how much time to devote to waiting in line to get a "front row" seat so your kids can see the show. We had better luck with the dinner seating area - my kids (9 and 7 at the time) were right up against a railing with the people in front of them further down stairs so they could see great. You still need to get there early. People showing up late were standing behind other people. Hopefully someone else can comment on the dessert package.

Thanks - okay so same question - what time did you get in line after dinner? I just went and saw that the dining reservation for Ariel's Grotto is for 5:35. I'm assuming we'd be out from dinner around 6:45-7:00. I believe the WOC show is at 8:15. Would the timing be just be to go get in line after dinner?

 

[JABRacingOne]

I did the CC dinner pkg last year and really wasn't that impressed. I love the WOC show and the reserved area for the dining pkg is in a great viewing location but if you want your little ones to see you are going to have to get there plenty early. I showed up 45 min before show time to the reserved area, well because it was a reserved area and was underwhelmed. I am 6'2" and still had to bob around to see everything. IMO if you want your DDs to comfortably see everything you have to get there super early so you can get a spot at the rail as the above poster stated. This year I booked the dessert party for 10/4. I am going solo so the price is obviously more affordable. As I stated before I love the show and believe it will be even more enjoyable from a comfortable seat with a beer in hand.

 

[gottalovepluto]

When I was researching some time back I came across this description for the GCH observation deck:

"Another option for Grand Californian guests--including DVC members--is the sixth floor viewing deck. Hotel guests can access the deck simply by swiping their room key. The full audio track from World of Coloris piped into the deck during showtime.

Unfortunately the deck has proven to be a less-than-ideal location from which to view the show. The deck's positioning provides a side angle view of the show with several attractions sitting in one's line of sight--most notably the Golden Zephyr. While disappointing, the mediocre view provided by the Grand Californian viewing deck is somewhat understandable given that the resort design was finalized more than 3 years before World of Color's debut."
(source: http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resort...s/1287-world-of-color-viewing-tips-for-dvcers)

We decided not to waste our time trying that route.

 

[TamaraH]

When I was researching some time back I came across this description for the GCH observation deck:

"Another option for Grand Californian guests--including DVC members--is the sixth floor viewing deck. Hotel guests can access the deck simply by swiping their room key. The full audio track from World of Coloris piped into the deck during showtime.

Unfortunately the deck has proven to be a less-than-ideal location from which to view the show. The deck's positioning provides a side angle view of the show with several attractions sitting in one's line of sight--most notably the Golden Zephyr. While disappointing, the mediocre view provided by the Grand Californian viewing deck is somewhat understandable given that the resort design was finalized more than 3 years before World of Color's debut."
(source: http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resort...s/1287-world-of-color-viewing-tips-for-dvcers)

We decided not to waste our time trying that route.

Yeah, I think I'm in that same mind set. Thanks!

 

[ktlm]

We have done the dining package several times and the dessert party, and I would take the dessert party hands down. I'm short and so is DD. For the dining package, we still have to go to the area an hour (or at the very latest 45 minutes early and one time because we could see the line building up 75 minutes early) and doing that we have never had a problem getting on the rail in the wet zone (take ponchos), BUT the front row spots outside of the wet zone have already always been taken. The rail in the wet zone is great as long as you have ponchos because there is no one at all in front of you- but sitting on the ground there for an hour isn't that much fun. For the dessert party, instead of sitting on the ground staking out a spot, you are escorted to a table with chairs (a big plus), and food and drinks are brought too you. Unless they change it, your children will be brought one of the light up magic cups (which they sell in the parks for $25, or $28 filled with a drink- and which my DD was asking for from the first time she saw it at a CS). You then leisurely eat and drink while you wait for the show and then stay in the chair (did I mention I loved the chair) for the show. I would say we got one of the least desirable tables-- we were on the back row at a high table with a row of high tables in front of us (other back row high tables have low tables in the front row) with 2 very large men right in front of me-- and even though my photos have 2 heads in them- I would say that the view from that area was very good and I would take that exact spot again over the long wait. The tables are spaced far enough away that you can still see very well even from the back row tables with large people in front of you. Our view was definitely better than anything my short self would have ever gotten outside from being at the front wet zone rail, if there had even been one row of people standing in front of me.

 

[TamaraH]

We have done the dining package several times and the dessert party, and I would take the dessert party hands down. I'm short and so is DD. For the dining package, we still have to go to the area an hour (or at the very latest 45 minutes early and one time because we could see the line building up 75 minutes early) and doing that we have never had a problem getting on the rail in the wet zone (take ponchos), BUT the front row spots outside of the wet zone have already always been taken. The rail in the wet zone is great as long as you have ponchos because there is no one at all in front of you- but sitting on the ground there for an hour isn't that much fun. For the dessert party, instead of sitting on the ground staking out a spot, you are escorted to a table with chairs (a big plus), and food and drinks are brought too you. Unless they change it, your children will be brought one of the light up magic cups (which they sell in the parks for $25, or $28 filled with a drink- and which my DD was asking for from the first time she saw it at a CS). You then leisurely eat and drink while you wait for the show and then stay in the chair (did I mention I loved the chair) for the show. I would say we got one of the least desirable tables-- we were on the back row at a lower table with a row of tables in front of us with 2 very large men right in front of me-- and even though my photos have 2 heads in them- I would say that the view from that area was very good and I would take that exact spot again over the long wait. The tables are spaced far enough away that you can still see very well even from the back row tables with large people in front of you. Our view was definitely better than anything my short self would have ever gotten outside from being at the front wet zone rail, if there had even been one row of people standing in front of me.

So what I'm getting from this is that really the only better viewing location for a height challenged person (I mean we are all 5'1 and under except DH) would be right at the rail (which there's no guarantee you can get even with the dining package), correct? This is what I'm trying to sell DH on. I mean I'm okay with doing the dining package (booked a reservation) but that really does cut into your park time. I mean if we have a 5:30 reservation and then have to get to the queue right after, our park day essentially ends at 5:30. What time do you go to the dessert party? I'm assuming you just show up with your ticket...you don't have to really wait in line because you ticket has already secured you a spot, correct? Thanks!

 

[Jkpark]

WOC with a dining package does cut into your park time/attraction time. You are generally eating at a restaurant that takes a while longer, and then if you want prime viewing, you get there 45-60 minutes before show time. We have been to the park many times and don't do a package (or even watch WOC) each trip. Depending on your touring style, it is sometimes nice to have a longer relaxing meal, but with kids your age - they won't appreciate that or the waiting as much. Sounds like you should convince DH to splurge based on the PP. Maybe come up with another compromise to cut costs elsewhere - to balance it out. Good luck!

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

So what I'm getting from this is that really the only better viewing location for a height challenged person (I mean we are all 5'1 and under except DH) would be right at the rail (which there's no guarantee you can get even with the dining package), correct? This is what I'm trying to sell DH on. I mean I'm okay with doing the dining package (booked a reservation) but that really does cut into your park time. I mean if we have a 5:30 reservation and then have to get to the queue right after, our park day essentially ends at 5:30. What time do you go to the dessert party? I'm assuming you just show up with your ticket...you don't have to really wait in line because you ticket has already secured you a spot, correct? Thanks!

I did the dining package and I wouldn't say that it cut into our park time all that much, I got there half an hour before the show started and I was close enough to the railing that I got a good spot. The closer you are to the railing the more likely you are going to get wet.

 

[22Tink]

We've done a dining package and the dessert party. Both were great for getting good viewing spots but the dessert party was by far our favorite. It was so nice to be able to sit and relax for the show after a long day in the parks!

 

[Denise0362]

If you don't camp out a hour or so early to get a spot at the rail of the observation deck considering your family's height you won't see anything. The rail is not very long so not too many people can get up to the rail. It would be fine if you've seen WOC before but if this is your first time. I wouldn't reccomend the GC viewing deck.

 

[Nevada Jen]

I have been to DCA dozens of times and never seen world of color and I have survived. Like you, I always decide that I am just not willing to wait long enough to see it with a fastpass or a dinner package. And the price for 2 adults and 2 kids for the desert party is just too much when I know the kids won't eat the dessert and one won't be able to see from that far away anyway. My point being, I am alive despite not seeing it and still love Disney. So in your situation, I would consider skipping it all around and upgrading to parkhoppers for all with the money saved. With Park Hoppers you probably buy yourself enough time to try to see it with fastpasses if you really want to or you can choose to skip it. But your schedule sounds like you don't have park hoppers and I think you will really regret that. Especially if you are staying onsite at GCH. Riding Grizzly River and then going straight to my room is how I try to end every night at the parks I definitely use both parks each day. I may not be the best one to give advice considering I have never taken the time to see it, but it is worth mentioning that you won't die if you choose to budget that money elsewhere.

 

[TamaraH]

I have been to DCA dozens of times and never seen world of color and I have survived. Like you, I always decide that I am just not willing to wait long enough to see it with a fastpass or a dinner package. And the price for 2 adults and 2 kids for the desert party is just too much when I know the kids won't eat the dessert and one won't be able to see from that far away anyway. My point being, I am alive despite not seeing it and still love Disney. So in your situation, I would consider skipping it all around and upgrading to parkhoppers for all with the money saved. With Park Hoppers you probably buy yourself enough time to try to see it with fastpasses if you really want to or you can choose to skip it. But your schedule sounds like you don't have park hoppers and I think you will really regret that. Especially if you are staying onsite at GCH. Riding Grizzly River and then going straight to my room is how I try to end every night at the parks I definitely use both parks each day. I may not be the best one to give advice considering I have never taken the time to see it, but it is worth mentioning that you won't die if you choose to budget that money elsewhere.

Yep that's also been swirling around in my head. LOL I would really like to see it but I know it won't be the end of the world if we don't. My biggest thing is I just don't want to invest all that time and then still not enjoy it because we are so damn short. So if DH can swallow the price tag for the dessert party we will probably do that but if not, then I'm thinking I would suggest we skip it. I mean I basically grew up at DL (grandfather was the controller) and before DH and I moved to AZ we had annual passes so we were at DL all the time (pre-WOC days) but that was us. I want my girls to experience it all since they've never been...but really I do think we spoil our kids so maybe not giving them the entire experience would be better LOL. Regardless, we will be at DL and DCA staying at GCH so all is good regardless right?

 

[wildflower329]

We have seen WOC twice and we have always just done a fastpass. The FP will tell you when the line opens up, but try to be there a little sooner, or it will already be packed. Both times we have done the blue section and been able to get a rail spot, although we do end up sitting for quite awhile. This actually ends up being a welcome break, because we have usually been going going going all day long. It helps that we are there for 5 days as well, so not feeling rushed to get everything in.

 

[ktlm]

So what I'm getting from this is that really the only better viewing location for a height challenged person (I mean we are all 5'1 and under except DH) would be right at the rail (which there's no guarantee you can get even with the dining package), correct? This is what I'm trying to sell DH on. I mean I'm okay with doing the dining package (booked a reservation) but that really does cut into your park time. I mean if we have a 5:30 reservation and then have to get to the queue right after, our park day essentially ends at 5:30. What time do you go to the dessert party? I'm assuming you just show up with your ticket...you don't have to really wait in line because you ticket has already secured you a spot, correct? Thanks!

I'm not much taller than that and DD is shorter and even with the hour wait, we have never had a spot in the front row of people in the area that was not the wet zone- for my height those are the only spots that I would find equal to the rail or dessert party. I am the person that every time I try to watch the fireworks from Main Street, I end up pretty much seeing only someone's back, head, or ipad- invariably even if I stake out a spot, someone tall steps directly in front of me right before or as the show is starting. We have always been in June or July and even in the summer months- we have not had a problem getting on the rail in the wet zone- but you WILL get wet-- I remember one time we were the only ones in ponchos down there and after the show everyone around us was saying how they wished they had known to bring them.

If I remember right, our WOC party ADR instructed us to arrive at 8:15 for the 9:00 p.m. show. 8:15 was when seating started. We got in line before then and others were also in line, but we really did not need to. People that came in after us- some even after the 8:15 time - even got better tables than we did. From 8:15 to show start- they take your drink order, bring you a bread basket, then bring you your drinks and plate of dessert. You don't need a ticket- you just check in by name. I would have your confirmation number handy in case there was any trouble-- or have a print out or access to your E-mail confirmation on your phone.

As far as skipping WOC-- I wasn't too excited for it the first time. I figured I had seen dancing water at the Bellagio in Vegas and Fantasmic so since I had seen those, I couldn't see how it could be that impressive. Maybe it was my low expectations, but I loved it so much it almost brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. It really is pretty fantastic. I was so glad to see the original version returning. I really prefer it to the 60th Anniversary version. That said-I would not be as thrilled with it if I was standing in the main crowd watching someone's back. It will be a fantastic trip even if you skip it-- but if you can catch it, then I highly recommend it. Someone else can probably say for sure whether they are still doing the lighted cups for kids- but if your kids truly are "spoiled"- they probably will be asking for those even if you don't go to WOC since they are advertised a lot of places (they are the ones where the light is choreographed to change with the show). So there is $60 of your tickets right there. Also, if you drink alcohol, there are alcoholic drinks at the dessert party, and while we each only had one- we were asked if we wanted a 2nd drink. Most of the drinks at DLR usually run between $9 to $15 dollars, so there is another $20 to $30 (and double that if you have two).

As a PP pointed out, looking at your schedule, it doesn't look like you have park hoppers. If I had to pick between park hoppers and skipping WOC, I would always pick the hoppers. We always find those very useful at DLR.

 

[DisneyDork1969]

We have done the dining package several times and the dessert party, and I would take the dessert party hands down. I'm short and so is DD....I would say we got one of the least desirable tables-- we were on the back row at a lower table with a row of tables in front of us with 2 very large men right in front of me-- and even though my photos have 2 heads in them- I would say that the view from that area was very good and I would take that exact spot again over the long wait...

So as a 6'1" tall guy, if I were to get these same seats, then I will have a much better view than you did. I am planning to do this next Monday...my main concern is that I plan on filming the show and want the least amount of 'blockage' possible...were you sitting under the trees?? Did anything else other than the two guys in front of you block your view??...Thanks for your insight...

John

 

[wanderlust7]

We did the Carthay Circle package for lunch (cheaper than dinner) on a Monday during spring break this year. I thought the view was great. My kids (4 and 7) could see fine, though my 4 year old still wanted me to carry her because she was a little scared of the air cannons nearby. I posted a picture here:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/woc-dessert-party-or-carthay-circle-lunch.3502791/#post-55576935