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

[ktlm]

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

I am betting as a 6'1 guy- even sitting at our seats not at the best table- you would have nothing in front of you! I edited my earlier post because we were at a high table with a high table in front of us (2 highs, not 2 lows). Also several of the back tables are high tables with a low table on the front row in front of them- we were just unlucky enough to get the high table with the high table in front. If you do a You Tube search for World of Color Dessert party, there are several videos that will give you an idea of the filming view. You are behind the standing crowd on the lower level- so in your video you will likely see the crowd at the bottom of the screen- but I think for filming the whole show that is probably a better vantage spot than being front row on the rail because you will be able to get a wider view of the show.

These are not good photos- but here is our view from the "bad" table from my short vantage point-- the big heads you see are from the table in the front row of the dessert party- pretty good view even for being the bad spot!
[GALLERY=][GALLERY=][/GALLERY][/GALLERY]

 

[twodogs]

What are the choices for the alcoholic beverage? Is it just sparkling wine or the blue drink?

 

[MacMama0930]

For our upcoming trip, I initially thought the dessert party was too steep but wanted to at least do a dining package. I read the best dining package was at CC, so I started pricing it out. One thing that I realized was that the meal did NOT include tax and gratuity, which can REALLY add with an expensive meal. The dessert party price actually DID include tax and gratuity. When I priced them both out, it really only ended up being a price difference of like $130 for our family. That seemed worth the guaranteed seat! Especially at the end of the day with two kids. There's virtually no waiting, virtually unobstructed views, a table, treats, drinks. I was sold. We can eat a cheap dinner at a quick service beforehand. We're going on 10/13 and I am so stoked!!

 

[bcwife76]

We've done WOC twice in the past 12 months, once as a FP and once as a dessert party. The FP was ok but it meant a LOT of waiting around (with two young kids) and we somehow ended up in the splash zone. We were quite close and my neck actually ached a bit afterwards (not to mention we were damp and shivering by the end).
Then we did the dessert party this most recent trip - hands down best decision!! Awesome table (one of the lower ones) kids loved the light up cups, plenty of food, 2 drinks per adult . Honestly we are spoiled and it's the only way we will watch WOC in the future (if it's still offered)!

 

[WDWLODGE]

Another vote for the dessert party here. We just did the show on 9/12 and absolutely loved it. WOC was at 8:15 and I got in line around 6:45 while my family rode a couple rides. We were the 5th family in line. I would say by 7:15 there were another 5 families in line, then everyone else showed up shortly after. They let us in at 7:30 and we got a high table up front. My kids are 7 & 14 and there were enough options that they enjoyed. They both got the light up cups. I think the cups are intended for 12 & under but they gave my DD14 a cup without even asking. We had no problems viewing WOC and it was great to have a seat to sit in while we waited and during the show. We would definitely splurge for the dessert party again.

 

[mom2rtk]

I am betting as a 6'1 guy- even sitting at our seats not at the best table- you would have nothing in front of you! I edited my earlier post because we were at a high table with a high table in front of us (2 highs, not 2 lows). Also several of the back tables are high tables with a low table on the front row in front of them- we were just unlucky enough to get the high table with the high table in front. If you do a You Tube search for World of Color Dessert party, there are several videos that will give you an idea of the filming view. You are behind the standing crowd on the lower level- so in your video you will likely see the crowd at the bottom of the screen- but I think for filming the whole show that is probably a better vantage spot than being front row on the rail because you will be able to get a wider view of the show.

These are not good photos- but here is our view from the "bad" table from my short vantage point-- the big heads you see are from the table in the front row of the dessert party- pretty good view even for being the bad spot!
[GALLERY=][GALLERY=][/GALLERY][/GALLERY]

That second photo is why I'm back and forth on whether to do this or not. I'll spend the money but prefer not to have to line up 90 minutes in advance to avoid heads right in my line of sight like that. It sounds like a great experience, but to me it's not worth it if I have heads right in front of me like that.

 

[ktlm]

That second photo is why I'm back and forth on whether to do this or not. I'll spend the money but prefer not to have to line up 90 minutes in advance to avoid heads right in my line of sight like that. It sounds like a great experience, but to me it's not worth it if I have heads right in front of me like that.

That is with my iPhone zoomed though- the 1st photo is what it looked like sitting there. You can see the 3 tall heads from the table in front of us, but it really wasn't bad. Our table was pre-assigned although from more recent posts that might have changed. Lots of people behind us and people that came well after they had opened the seating had better tables. We just had bad luck-or maybe it went by booking date which ours was fairly close to our trip. There weren't that many high behind high tables. In July, we got there about 10 minutes before the seating time and we were not that far back in the line. No way I would wait 90 minutes for the dessert party. Once we were in, it didn't really feel like a show wait since we were eating and drinking. It was so much nicer than sitting in the ground for an hour with people filling in around you. I love the wet zone rail, but this was a guaranteed spot with no stress and 45 minutes of relaxing in a chair and just enjoying ourselves (and the food and drink) and chatting with the great people at the table next to us-DD made friends with their DS and they had a great time. If I had my choice of tables, I would probably pick a high back table with a low front table- I would think that would minimize the impact of any shoulder sitters in the crowd below and put the line of sight above the people at the table in front of you.

 

[DisneyDork1969]

Also several of the back tables are high tables with a low table on the front row in front of them- we were just unlucky enough to get the high table with the high table in front. If you do a You Tube search for World of Color Dessert party, there are several videos that will give you an idea of the filming view...

So I did look up some You Tube videos and I found this one:

So if this is the setup for the Dessert Party I will be VERY VERY HAPPY...this looks like a great setup...I agree that the back tables will provide a wider view, so hopefully I can get a back table...either way I think I will be fine wherever I sit...THANKS for the info...

John

 

[allsaintsatx]

We did the CC WOC package and were lucky enough to do WOC with VIP viewing which was directly behind the Dessert Party, so although we weren't in that section we were pretty close.

Firstly, you can get a good railing view if you show up early for the CC viewing area. We showed up about an hour early and we got the last bit of railing on the far left. But, as more and more people came in behind us, people were doing what I read about at parade viewings where they try to kinda ease their way in front of you. Luckily, my mom had a scooter and a cane, so where they couldn't move closer because of the scooter, we had to place her cane on the railing to hold 'em off. And even then it got a bit mushy. But, once it started and people realized they didn't need to be pressed against the railing to see the show everyone kinda spread out. Even we ended up moving around a little. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. And the viewing area was good, but it was a little off to the right.

When we did the WOC with VIP the view was fantastic. I felt like I was watching a whole new show. You can see the whole thing from far left to far right with you in the center, almost like getting really good center seats at a movie. But, we were super duper jealous of the Dessert Party people in front of us!! We had to stand and they were relaxing in director's chairs and eating snacks and had waiters. So jealous. And their views were just as good as ours. Even where we were located, which was supposed to be some of the best straight on views of the show, all the way in the back, we still had some heads and kids on shoulders that sorta kinda blocked some stuff. So you really can't get away from it, it will happen no matter where you are.

I say grab a $5 bag of popcorn beforehand, then eat the $79 huge plate of snacks (sweets, cheeses, breads, it looked good!) with free drinks and it will probably be about the same price as a CC WOC dinner with drinks and tax and tip. And you get to sit down!!

We did the Fantasmic! dessert party in 2014 and we would do it again in a heartbeat. There is virtually nothing you can pay extra for anymore at Disneyland that has a seat. Take advantage of it.

 

[JABRacingOne]

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 am with you 100%. I have seen every show at WDW and DLR other than the new Frozen Live and WOC is my favorite. The Aladdin show at DCA and Festival of the Lion King at WDW AK are the only ones that come close for me. IMHO WOC should not be missed. Once you experience it you will be glad you did.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

I've done every option for WOC.....
The observation deck is way too far way to see anything. I would only do this if I had nothing to do that night and wanted to kill some time. I brought a cocktail up there, kind of watched and my daughter was not interested or impressed at all.
Regular FP - waited forever and couldn't see. People were jostling around. Biggest waste of time
Dining package - pretty much same experience with a little better view. Will never do again
Dessert party- LOVED IT! Worth every penny. The food was actually very filling, with the cheese and crackers and then dessert, I think you could get away with grabbing a salad or hotdog a few hours before and be totally satisfied.
Our view was amazing, we didn't line up any earlier, didn't waste any time, had great service, took great pictures, I loved every minute of the entire experience. I am actually thinking about doing it again!

 

[MacMama0930]

I've done every option for WOC.....
The observation deck is way too far way to see anything. I would only do this if I had nothing to do that night and wanted to kill some time. I brought a cocktail up there, kind of watched and my daughter was not interested or impressed at all.
Regular FP - waited forever and couldn't see. People were jostling around. Biggest waste of time
Dining package - pretty much same experience with a little better view. Will never do again
Dessert party- LOVED IT! Worth every penny. The food was actually very filling, with the cheese and crackers and then dessert, I think you could get away with grabbing a salad or hotdog a few hours before and be totally satisfied.
Our view was amazing, we didn't line up any earlier, didn't waste any time, had great service, took great pictures, I loved every minute of the entire experience. I am actually thinking about doing it again!

This makes me even MORE excited to experience the Dessert Party! I fear I will ruin any other way of viewing it though

 

[BriannaRuth]

I've done --
- Viewing from the GCH -- not a good view. It's pretty far away and off to the side. Plus you have to be back at the hotel at that time and with kids your kids' ages they probably won't want to head back that early.

- FPs -- you have to get there really early and then you have to deal with all the people who got there after you did jostling to try to get in front of you, or people pushing from behind, or putting kids on their shoulders or trying to put them in front of you. The view from the splash zone is awesome but you're not guaranteed to get it and you can get quite cold and wet.

- Carthay Circle preferred viewing -- Yes, the area they have reserved for you is good BUT you still have to deal with people who get there after you trying to jostle for a spot, putting their kids on their shoulders, etc. Dinner at CC is expensive. DH and I thought the food was pretty good but the kids could not have cared less and it was a waste of money for them. And we still had to show up early to get a decent spot in the preferred viewing area, and it was still standing room only.

- Finding a spot without any of the above -- We've done this, just grabbing a spot not too far from Ariel as the show started and watching from the back. Zero time investment but the view is not great. But it's free and when it's over you're the first one out.

- Dessert party -- my favorite hands down. You're guaranteed a table and you will be able to see from that table. Don't let the pictures of the people in front fool you. Those people are too far away to really block much of your view. And I don't think it's necessary to get a back table. The back tables aren't that far away from the front tables as far as a wide view is concerned. We had a front table and believe me, we could see everything. You can get there early if you want to guarantee yourself a front table, or you can get there when you're supposed to and you'll still have a table and still be able to see. Like CC, my kids didn't care for the food. The difference was -- they didn't care that they didn't care for the food! They ate the things they did like but were so happy to be SITTING DOWN enjoying their hot chocolate and glow-cup drinks while watching this amazing show that they were as happy as clams. Both of them (16 and 12) said it was their favorite thing the entire trip. My youngest is well under 5 feet but too big to put on shoulders, so I was quite happy she could see on her own!

 

[BriannaRuth]

What are the choices for the alcoholic beverage? Is it just sparkling wine or the blue drink?

Yes.

 

[mom2rtk]

I've done --
- Viewing from the GCH -- not a good view. It's pretty far away and off to the side. Plus you have to be back at the hotel at that time and with kids your kids' ages they probably won't want to head back that early.

- FPs -- you have to get there really early and then you have to deal with all the people who got there after you did jostling to try to get in front of you, or people pushing from behind, or putting kids on their shoulders or trying to put them in front of you. The view from the splash zone is awesome but you're not guaranteed to get it and you can get quite cold and wet.

- Carthay Circle preferred viewing -- Yes, the area they have reserved for you is good BUT you still have to deal with people who get there after you trying to jostle for a spot, putting their kids on their shoulders, etc. Dinner at CC is expensive. DH and I thought the food was pretty good but the kids could not have cared less and it was a waste of money for them. And we still had to show up early to get a decent spot in the preferred viewing area, and it was still standing room only.

- Finding a spot without any of the above -- We've done this, just grabbing a spot not too far from Ariel as the show started and watching from the back. Zero time investment but the view is not great. But it's free and when it's over you're the first one out.

- Dessert party -- my favorite hands down. You're guaranteed a table and you will be able to see from that table. Don't let the pictures of the people in front fool you. Those people are too far away to really block much of your view. And I don't think it's necessary to get a back table. The back tables aren't that far away from the front tables as far as a wide view is concerned. We had a front table and believe me, we could see everything. You can get there early if you want to guarantee yourself a front table, or you can get there when you're supposed to and you'll still have a table and still be able to see. Like CC, my kids didn't care for the food. The difference was -- they didn't care that they didn't care for the food! They ate the things they did like but were so happy to be SITTING DOWN enjoying their hot chocolate and glow-cup drinks while watching this amazing show that they were as happy as clams. Both of them (16 and 12) said it was their favorite thing the entire trip. My youngest is well under 5 feet but too big to put on shoulders, so I was quite happy she could see on her own!

Thanks so much for your feedback! So if you had your choice of a front row short table or a back row high top, which would you choose?

 

[DLRExpert]

When the dessert party option wasn't available this was my spot to see the show. The high price is a bit of a issue for me though.

Now that it is gone, I use the dining option if I want a closer view of the show. However, you do need to be in the FP line early. So if the FP says be back at 8pm for a 9pm show, I make sure I am in line at 730, they let you in the viewing area at 8. I always chose the Trattoria dining because it was more in the middle of the viewing area. This may have changed though.

Same rules for the dining experience are used if I choose the standard FP.

The main thing is to find a spot against the rail. With the addition of the dessert area and the dining area that rail space has been limited. If you don't have a rail spot, you can find someone short who is at a rail and stand directly behind them.

However, there is a spot in the blue section that I choose 100% of the time if I don't want to line up early. That is the fire hydrant spot in the blue section. It is located at the entry of the blue area and it usually isn't taken right away. Most guests try to walk down to get a closer view when the viewing area opens, but if you stay back near the top you will have a view that overlooks the viewing areas above.

ME