Starting to wonder if WOC will be worth it for us?

[mrslamb]

So after some of the things I have heard/read lately...I am wondering if we should even bother trying to see WOC on our trip next week? And if we should, how should we go about it with the least headaches? We will have park access the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. But we have a group of 9, and that includes a double stroller (containing a 5 year old and a 20 month old who don't have tons of patience), my grandfather who will be in a wheelchair, and my mom who will most likely be in a wheelchair. After hearing how chaotic/unorganized it is to get in and get spots...what do you think? Should we attempt seeing it? I would like to, since we have never seen it before, but not if it is going to be a huge headache, you know?! If we do try to see it, what would be our best bet? Thanks!

 

[smiles33]

I think it is a fantastic show and worth the hassle. A few thoughts for you to consider:

- Yes, it is as if no CM has ever seen WOC before, as no two CM had the same answers re: where Yellow FP should line up and where guests with disabilities can go. We had 3 different CM direct us to random places. It was very frustrating and we spent a good 45 min before the show just moving back and forth to where they told us to go.

- Fortunately, there is special seating for guests with disabilities. DH was in an ECV due to impending hip surgery and they allowed me to bring our double stroller into the roped off area with him. Even though you have a large party of 9, it should be fine as they let the entire party in even if only one guest has a disability. For example, the woman next to us in a wheelchair brought about 9 people with her (including an unrelated party of 3 as I heard those 3 thank the other group for allowing them to tag along into this section when the 3 left the show early).

- There are even some benches (at least in the Yellow FP seating area for guests with disabilities), though those are supposed to be reserved or guests with disabilities. That large family next to us took turns sitting on the benches so I just stood next to my double stroller and DH sat in his ECV.

- I think your kids will like it. It is not scary as there are no graphic images, but it does feature some scenes that allude to scary themes (e.g., skeletons, mermaids, dark colors during the POTC scene). I know my 5 year old enjoyed most of it even though she is timid. She buried her face in DH's chest during some of the scenes with "intense" music like the POC and Lion King scenes. My 28 month old passed out while waiting for the 9 pm show to start so it's possible your 20 month old may, too. We kept her happy while waiting beforehand by feeding her snacks!

Hope this helps!

 

[rentayenta]

I totally get what you're saying mrslamb, it can be a huge headache. And if if it's not horrible, it's still very time consuming.

 

[WendyWhy]

I have never seen WOC but have already decided we are going to skip it bc we are going with a 5yo and 14 month old - the wait involved to get a good spot and the late show time (late for us - our kids go to bed at 8) were the main determining factors. I hope to make it one day when they are older for sure!

 

[I❤MICKEY]

I think it's what you make of it.

We technically had a fast pass but arrived about 30 minutes before the show. We were very far back but could see everything and didn't get wet. We have a 6 month old and 2 year old. My 2 year old loved it!

I have a friend that had a fast pass and sat in the very front. She was so disappointed because she said it was so hard to see the whole show. She was really isolated to what was directly in front of her.

In my opinion it shouldn't be missed. My DH was in awe and it takes quite a bit to impress him.

 

[Bashara]

I know I posted in other threads how painful it was before the show, but it was definitely the best show we saw there for 4/5 of our family (my middle son preferred Fantasmic). I would think whether its worth the effort for you all is how likely/often you are going to return to DCA in the future. We're from Australia so its unlikely we'd be back within the next 2 years anyway, and we may never be back if our dollar doesn't stay on parity with the US one lolz. Therefore we made the effort and I'm glad we did in the end. The show really was very good and I'd say go to see it, but read and memorize Hydroguy's thread first Mister 4 still talks about a month later.

If you can go back and see it anytime, then maybe skip the hassle this time and wait until your kids are older.

If you are staying at PPH get a room with a view of DCA/WOC, we loved watching it in the room with the soundtrack playing through the TV almost as much on the following nights.

If you can afford it think about preferred dining, as the wheelchair section there is in Hydroguy's best rated viewing area. Going in as a group with a wheelchair you'd be practically guaranteed a good view, as regular preferred dining guests can't enter that spot until the show starts and have to stand behind the wheelchairs and their companions. Unless you were unlucky and a whole lot of wheelchairs turned up in preferred dining that night of course.

 

[GenGen22]

I have seen it and I didn't have any trouble being directed to the area where I was supposed to be. As far as the young kids are concerned and keeping them happy while waiting I would do a few things bring something for them to snack on while waiting (maybe something fun that they can't always have) and bring them toys or some souvanier that you just bought them so its new and fun and will occupy them. Maybe go to the dollar store near your home and buy some glow bracelets/necklaces and pull them out of your purse while they are waiting. Honestly I have only seen this show once so far and I feel it's a MUST SEE... I also feel that way about Fantasmic. So, everytime I go I will add them both to my must do list.

 

[Harvestdj]

WE just got back from an 8 day trip and WOC was the highlight of the trip. Amazing show. We did the dining/preferred viewing areas. Some may find that expensive but you have to eat anyway, so why not a perk along with your meal.
The crowds waiting for the show were huge and I would not want to be a CM trying to manage that many people. We were told at the restaurant where to be 30 minutes prior to the show and everything went like clockworks. The CM's were excellent and took us directly to our spot right up front. Considering most of the CM's are just kids trying to manage hundreds of (unruly) adults most do a decent job. There is always the acception and one bad experience always seems to be heard louder than a hundred good ones.