SOOOOOOOO confused on the WOC dining??

[todzwife]

Ok, someone please explain to me how this works? I'm completely confused! We are going the week of Thanksgiving, so in order for us to be able to actually see, I'm thinking we need to do this...yes? no?

So WHERE exactly do you eat at? Ariels? We'd need the earliest show time, so when would we need to make a reservation for? I've got 3 little kids and my brother and his wife have 2. Are strollers allowed in the viewing area or will we need to bring blankets to sit on? I'm SO lost! LOL!

 

[mrswh]

There is a WOC superthread somewhere, but I defy anyone to read it in one sitting. I think your best bet is to call Disney dining - 714-781-DINE. The gentleman I spoke with was fantastic - he had already been to WOC twice and was very knowledgeable about the dining packages/WOC viewing/seating times/menus, etc. I can't say they are all going to be so helpful, but give it a try!

 

[brenda1966]

Since you are not going until Thanksgiving, I would just sit tight and around Sept 1 start doing some research again. I don't think the dining can be booked more than 60 days in advance and the picnics cannot be booked more than 30, so you have plenty of time to research and plan. Everything is so new that I'd give it a bit to settle and see how they are doing things as summer ends and off season begins.

 

[jtown]

Since you are not going until Thanksgiving, I would just sit tight and around Sept 1 start doing some research again. I don't think the dining can be booked more than 60 days in advance and the picnics cannot be booked more than 30, so you have plenty of time to research and plan. Everything is so new that I'd give it a bit to settle and see how they are doing things as summer ends and off season begins.

Ditto. They'll probably make some changes to the process by then, fine-tuning it to work more smoothly.

 

[Perdygirl]

I've been back for a week, and I will say that the World of Color was definitely a highlight. We did the picnic option, but it works about the same. You eat your meal at Ariels or Wine Country, and they give you your fastpass when you are done. At 7:30 they open up the viewing areas. There seemed to be a lot of people gathered by 7:15, but we had no trouble getting a great spot. Yes, they do allow strollers. I packed a beach towel and a travel game for my two boys, as entertainment for them while we waited. The viewing areas did not get too packed, fullish, but not packed. About 40 minutes ahead of showtime they asked everyone to stand up, and shortly after that they had pre-show entertainment. It's a great show.

 

[cesariofamily]

I had WOC seating for Ariel's Grotto for June 24th. I had an 8:30 reservation for the 10:00 show. This was NOT enough time to enjoy our food which was excellent. I would give yourself at least another hour. We were seated, ate, paid and give our FP. We were suppose to line up in front of Wine Country at 9:30 but it was already 9:30. We high tailed it over there but had no problem getting in line. We didn't move till 9:45 Our line was lead into the special section that was very dead center. We could have moved down to a lower level but I choose to stay up one level and be against a rail since I am short and I had a better view since I was not in front of the first terrace. We waited another 15 minutes and the show started. It was a GREAT show and was really WOW. I loved it. We did not have anyone behind us and no one was trying to push into us or push beside us. We had alot of space. I felt I could see perfectly. As for dinner we had a fixed price menu. We had two choices of appetizers. Shell fish or anti pasta. I had anti pasta which was yummy.

Then I had the beef which the waiter recommended and it was good. Thin slices over mashed potatoes with veggies. We also had beautiful flower shapped sour dough bread. Next was the dessert sampler which was almost too beautiful to eat. It was SOOOOO yummy and absolutely to die for.

It was not cheap but both my husband and I thought it was a great meal, a perfect view and worth every penny.

 

[McQueenofHrts]

A bit off topic, but I was wondering if someone could provide a link for the purchase of the dinner at Ariel's Grotto. I can't seem to find it.

Thanks! Love the pictures too!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Ok, someone please explain to me how this works? I'm completely confused! We are going the week of Thanksgiving, so in order for us to be able to actually see, I'm thinking we need to do this...yes? no?

So WHERE exactly do you eat at? Ariels? We'd need the earliest show time, so when would we need to make a reservation for? I've got 3 little kids and my brother and his wife have 2. Are strollers allowed in the viewing area or will we need to bring blankets to sit on? I'm SO lost! LOL!

It seems no one has given you the answer to your questions. While I agree that you should keep your eyes open for new information in case Disney changes things, here is information for right now.

This page has the dining options, which include Ariel's Grotto, Wine Country Trattoria, and.the picnic box option. All of these have a FP to WoC view area.

You do not have to purchase a dining package. You can also go to the FP machines at Grizzly River Rapids (starting at park opening) with your ticket (or AP) and get a general WoC FP.

Strollers are allowed. There is no sitting, the viewing area is standing only (except in the accessible area).

HTH,
Dreams

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Is the reserved areas for Ariel better than the picnic areas?

 

[brenda1966]

Is the reserved areas for Ariel better than the picnic areas?

That is the big question!

I've read lots and lots of reviews. I've studied the pictures. My conclusion is no.

The dining section is dead center, but there are fewer railing options. With a short self and a shorter child, I need a railing-- I have to be in a front row. The picnic and Blue/yellow FP areas seem to provide more railing opportunity. Now, the downside is that I think they may be more crowded, so you're competing with more people for those spaces then you may be in the dining area.

So, after reading many picnic reviews that were favorable and many dining ones that were not, I'm going to try the picnic first. I think Disney is ironing out the kinks so we may not have a real consensus on the best area or approach to see this show for quite some time.

 

[rentayenta]

If you don't like to sit on the ground while waiting, bring blankets. We did the WCT dining option so I cannot answer about AG but can tell you the dining section is totally worth it. You have to eat anyways right?

 

[Lizboo]

Loving this thread. Has anyone done this package with Wine Country? We have ressies for that and I was hoping to here about the dining options.
TIA (and so looking forward to seeing WoC).