We need your help (another WOC question)

[KermitRocks]

We want to see WOC during our March 2011 visit and would like the opinion of those who have seen it. I have read many of the WOC threads, including the superthread (thanks Hydroguy), but am very overwhelmed with information so I'm hoping my fellow Dis members who have seen/experienced WOC can help me decide.

Here are my questions: Should we have dinner at Ariel's Grotto/Wine Trattoria and get the preferred viewing or get the picnic lunch for the reserved viewing area? And where should we stand based on the preferred/reserved area you recommend?

Info about us:
(1) Two short adults (5'2"-ish) and two small kids (4 and 6 yo) who want the best view;
(2) We are willing to wait in line;
(3) We don't mind if we get wet;
(4) We will probably see it on a Saturday, which is a block-out date for two of the So-Cal passes;
(5) The best view is a bigger priority than the cost of the meal.

Thanks in advance for all of your input.

KermitRocks

 

[Miss Peach]

Here is my opinion---

Buy the picnic. The reserved viewing areas are divided into tiers and you should stand at the front of whichever tier you choose so there aren't taller people standing on your same level in front of you.

The premium viewing area is devided into fewer tiers, so it is going to be more likely that you will be blocked.

The upside of the premium viewing is that you will not have to wait as long to be let into the viewing area, but again, I think I would spend the time and be able to see better.

Cathy

 

[cloudconnected1039]

I've done the WOC dining package at Ariel's Grotto and I've eaten at Wine Country Trattoria before. I've never done the picnic meal but I'll still give my reasons why I haven't.

Ariel's Grotto - It's a prepared menu with some options including a HUGE appetizer (me and DBF couldn't finish it if we wanted to have dinner ) and dessert. Both of our entrees were delicious and I'm pretty sure we'd gladly do it again. We had a waterside patio table and it was sooo romantic having a lit-up Paradise Park as our backdrop. The only downside is the price, $40 a person . A little pricey for our taste, but I think it's something that is quite convenient and worth doing at least once

Wine Country Trattoria - Although I've never done the WOC package, I figure it's about the same experience wise as Ariel's Grotto. But IMO, the food was a little lackluster when I went there for lunch one time. You can tell they homemake the pasta (which is DELICIOUS, by the way), but otherwise, the pastas were pretty ordinary or just not flavorful. I'd like to go back sometime and attempt again because I always like to give restaurants more than one try Oh and the price is still $40 a person, I'm pretty sure.

Picnics - Okay, the reason why I haven't done the picnics is that I'm not a fan of have a cold dinner like such. Pretty pathetic excuse I know!! But at $15 a person, I'd be more than willing to give it a try.

Reserved Area - When we went with the reserved dining area, it was quite empty to my surprise . We had a terrific view of the show and weren't packed in like sardines . Granted, this was in....October?? Yeah I'm pretty sure it was mid-October, not usually the busiest time of the year.

All other options considered, you could just bite the bullet and get a FP like everyone else . It's really not a dreaded experience: 20 minutes max waiting in line for the FP (the line may seem long, which it usually is, but with the CMs helping guests get their FPs, it goes by quickly), 30 minutes typically waiting to be escorted into your section, followed by another 60 minutes or so waiting for the show, depending on the show you go to. My thoughts would be to get a later show, as you won't have to wait as long for the show to start and the anticipation won't be so agonizing!!

Or you could bypass the FP, and watch from the top of Paradise Park bridge right next to Ariel's Grotto. I'd get there about 2 hours or so before show time as it gets fully VERY quickly and 2 hours is a safe bet for a railing spot and IMO, that is definitely one of the best spots to see the show. No ones head is in your way and you get a great panoramic view of the ENTIRE show. It's my second favorite spot after the reserved area!!

And that whole "you WILL get wet" thing is a little absurd. I'm sure if you were there on a windy night you'd get misted on, but I've only had that experience once and I didn't melt .

Oh yeah!! And I'm 5'2" as well and I'd advise trying to get a railing spot, otherwise you're kinda out of luck for seeing most of the show . Usually kind people will let the children through to the railings, but it's always to have your own spot too .

Enjoy and hopefully that was helpful!!!

 

[KermitRocks]

Here is my opinion---

Buy the picnic. The reserved viewing areas are divided into tiers and you should stand at the front of whichever tier you choose so there aren't taller people standing on your same level in front of you.

The premium viewing area is devided into fewer tiers, so it is going to be more likely that you will be blocked.

The upside of the premium viewing is that you will not have to wait as long to be let into the viewing area, but again, I think I would spend the time and be able to see better.

Cathy

I've done the WOC dining package at Ariel's Grotto and I've eaten at Wine Country Trattoria before. I've never done the picnic meal but I'll still give my reasons why I haven't.

Ariel's Grotto - It's a prepared menu with some options including a HUGE appetizer (me and DBF couldn't finish it if we wanted to have dinner ) and dessert. Both of our entrees were delicious and I'm pretty sure we'd gladly do it again. We had a waterside patio table and it was sooo romantic having a lit-up Paradise Park as our backdrop. The only downside is the price, $40 a person . A little pricey for our taste, but I think it's something that is quite convenient and worth doing at least once

Wine Country Trattoria - Although I've never done the WOC package, I figure it's about the same experience wise as Ariel's Grotto. But IMO, the food was a little lackluster when I went there for lunch one time. You can tell they homemake the pasta (which is DELICIOUS, by the way), but otherwise, the pastas were pretty ordinary or just not flavorful. I'd like to go back sometime and attempt again because I always like to give restaurants more than one try Oh and the price is still $40 a person, I'm pretty sure.

Picnics - Okay, the reason why I haven't done the picnics is that I'm not a fan of have a cold dinner like such. Pretty pathetic excuse I know!! But at $15 a person, I'd be more than willing to give it a try.

Reserved Area - When we went with the reserved dining area, it was quite empty to my surprise . We had a terrific view of the show and weren't packed in like sardines . Granted, this was in....October?? Yeah I'm pretty sure it was mid-October, not usually the busiest time of the year.

All other options considered, you could just bite the bullet and get a FP like everyone else . It's really not a dreaded experience: 20 minutes max waiting in line for the FP (the line may seem long, which it usually is, but with the CMs helping guests get their FPs, it goes by quickly), 30 minutes typically waiting to be escorted into your section, followed by another 60 minutes or so waiting for the show, depending on the show you go to. My thoughts would be to get a later show, as you won't have to wait as long for the show to start and the anticipation won't be so agonizing!!

Or you could bypass the FP, and watch from the top of Paradise Park bridge right next to Ariel's Grotto. I'd get there about 2 hours or so before show time as it gets fully VERY quickly and 2 hours is a safe bet for a railing spot and IMO, that is definitely one of the best spots to see the show. No ones head is in your way and you get a great panoramic view of the ENTIRE show. It's my second favorite spot after the reserved area!!

And that whole "you WILL get wet" thing is a little absurd. I'm sure if you were there on a windy night you'd get misted on, but I've only had that experience once and I didn't melt .

Oh yeah!! And I'm 5'2" as well and I'd advise trying to get a railing spot, otherwise you're kinda out of luck for seeing most of the show . Usually kind people will let the children through to the railings, but it's always to have your own spot too .

Enjoy and hopefully that was helpful!!!

Very helpful info. Thanks for the input. What do you guys think of attendance in early March - will it be similar to mid-October?

 

[cloudconnected1039]

Well, considering Easter's in April this year, most non-collegiate schools will have their break during April. BUT, colleges and universities usually are more sporadic. Example, my spring break is March 21st to the 25th, but only because I'm on a quarter system and that's when our 10 weeks are finished. For many semester colleges and universities I find don't plane their spring breaks around Easter Odd in my opinion, but to each their own. If you're going during the first half of March you should experience medium crowds and if you're going the second half of March you should still expect medium crowds, MAYBE a heavy day during the weekend. But weekends are always going to be busier than weekdays, keep that in mind.

 

[DahliaRW]

Personally, I was so underwhelmed by WOC I was VERY glad we didn't spend any extra money to go see it. Much rather see F!.

It's super easy to send a FP runner over to get FP when DCA opens, if you want. Then you can avoid paying for FPs and get the blue section. If you're staying onsite, even better.

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Here's what we did last night buy the picnic meals you get the yellow section.

Go in the yellow section as close to the perfered you can get by the big circle.

Get the rail there r bushes that separte the 2 tiers of yellow. Its the upper tier same level as the big circle it front of circle closet to water if that makes sense.

No one is in front of you and you can see very well.

 

[skiingfast]

Here's what we did last night buy the picnic meals you get the yellow section.

You can blue too. If you can ask what color they have and if you don't like it ask for the other or if you can come back later.

Picnics - Okay, the reason why I haven't done the picnics is that I'm not a fan of have a cold dinner like such. Pretty pathetic excuse I know!! But at $15 a person, I'd be more than willing to give it a try.

Picnics can be picked up from 11:30a to an hour before the first show of the night. So it could be a cold lunch too. As noted at $15 it's not bad. It's not like you could get lunch elsewhere in the park for a five.

KermitRocks: The key is to get into Paradise Park quickly and know the good spots to view from. Any color/section could afford a good or bad view.

 

[KermitRocks]

Well, considering Easter's in April this year, most non-collegiate schools will have their break during April. BUT, colleges and universities usually are more sporadic. Example, my spring break is March 21st to the 25th, but only because I'm on a quarter system and that's when our 10 weeks are finished. For many semester colleges and universities I find don't plane their spring breaks around Easter Odd in my opinion, but to each their own. If you're going during the first half of March you should experience medium crowds and if you're going the second half of March you should still expect medium crowds, MAYBE a heavy day during the weekend. But weekends are always going to be busier than weekdays, keep that in mind.

I will be going in early March - which means medium crowds -
It's also nice to know I will probably not have to worry about spring break crowds. Thanks.

Personally, I was so underwhelmed by WOC I was VERY glad we didn't spend any extra money to go see it. Much rather see F!.

It's super easy to send a FP runner over to get FP when DCA opens, if you want. Then you can avoid paying for FPs and get the blue section. If you're staying onsite, even better.

We are staying on property so this is a viable option, too. Thanks.

Here's what we did last night buy the picnic meals you get the yellow section.

Go in the yellow section as close to the perfered you can get by the big circle.

Get the rail there r bushes that separte the 2 tiers of yellow. Its the upper tier same level as the big circle it front of circle closet to water if that makes sense.

No one is in front of you and you can see very well.

I will definitely try to get to a railing. Thanks for the tips.

You can blue too. If you can ask what color they have and if you don't like it ask for the other or if you can come back later.



Picnics can be picked up from 11:30a to an hour before the first show of the night. So it could be a cold lunch too. As noted at $15 it's not bad. It's not like you could get lunch elsewhere in the park for a five.

KermitRocks: The key is to get into Paradise Park quickly and know the good spots to view from. Any color/section could afford a good or bad view.

Thanks! I will be Lightning McQueen fast.

 

[cloudconnected1039]

I'll be there early March as well!! Should be the kind of "calm before the storm" sort of thing I imagine, since spring breaks will be happening soon after

 

[DahliaRW]

If you're staying on property, you get in early simply for the chance to get a FP to WOC. So use the GCH entrance and grab them. When we did this, we went to MM at DL. Dh exited right away, ran to the DCA entrance, got the FPs, exited, went back to DL and was there 20 minutes later to ride Peter Pan with us (we'd only had time to go on it once while he did the FP thing and the kids wanted to go again). He loved EXITING 2 parks before they even officially opened!

 

[KermitRocks]

I'll be there early March as well!! Should be the kind of "calm before the storm" sort of thing I imagine, since spring breaks will be happening soon after

I love Disneyland (and WDW). But I love them more when I beat the crowds and I like to feel like it's my park for the day. And with the 2 So Cal annual passes blacked-out on Saturday I think this will be the best day to see the show.

If you're staying on property, you get in early simply for the chance to get a FP to WOC. So use the GCH entrance and grab them. When we did this, we went to MM at DL. Dh exited right away, ran to the DCA entrance, got the FPs, exited, went back to DL and was there 20 minutes later to ride Peter Pan with us (we'd only had time to go on it once while he did the FP thing and the kids wanted to go again). He loved EXITING 2 parks before they even officially opened!

Being on property sure has it's perks. I will use the GCH entrance and get FP. Do you know what color they hand out first?

Funny side note, I had to look up MM. I had no clue what that meant but now I do.

 

[skiingfast]

Being on property sure has it's perks. I will use the GCH entrance and get FP. Do you know what color they hand out first?

The tickets always go Blue, Yellow Red. Then they move on and do it again, in the same order, if there are second or third shows.

 

[HydroGuy]

Being on property sure has it's perks. I will use the GCH entrance and get FP. Do you know what color they hand out first?

The WOC Superthread discusses this too.

 

[Miss Peach]

If you're staying on property, you get in early simply for the chance to get a FP to WOC. So use the GCH entrance and grab them. When we did this, we went to MM at DL. Dh exited right away, ran to the DCA entrance, got the FPs, exited, went back to DL and was there 20 minutes later to ride Peter Pan with us (we'd only had time to go on it once while he did the FP thing and the kids wanted to go again). He loved EXITING 2 parks before they even officially opened!

This is interesting!! I thought you had to 'activate' your ticket by entering the park before it would work to dispense a fast pass?!

So, it worked even though you and the kids had only entered DL??

Very good to know!

Cathy

 

[Funball]

Here is my opinion---

Buy the picnic. The reserved viewing areas are divided into tiers and you should stand at the front of whichever tier you choose so there aren't taller people standing on your same level in front of you.

The premium viewing area is devided into fewer tiers, so it is going to be more likely that you will be blocked.

The upside of the premium viewing is that you will not have to wait as long to be let into the viewing area, but again, I think I would spend the time and be able to see better.

Cathy

The WOC Superthread discusses this too.

I did the picnics also, I would do it again to see WOC. I thought the food was just enough..the price was nice to! We had yellow section and it was a good section for us.

 

[Funball]

I've done the WOC dining package at Ariel's Grotto and I've eaten at Wine Country Trattoria before. I've never done the picnic meal but I'll still give my reasons why I haven't.

Ariel's Grotto - It's a prepared menu with some options including a HUGE appetizer (me and DBF couldn't finish it if we wanted to have dinner ) and dessert. Both of our entrees were delicious and I'm pretty sure we'd gladly do it again. We had a waterside patio table and it was sooo romantic having a lit-up Paradise Park as our backdrop. The only downside is the price, $40 a person . A little pricey for our taste, but I think it's something that is quite convenient and worth doing at least once

Wine Country Trattoria - Although I've never done the WOC package, I figure it's about the same experience wise as Ariel's Grotto. But IMO, the food was a little lackluster when I went there for lunch one time. You can tell they homemake the pasta (which is DELICIOUS, by the way), but otherwise, the pastas were pretty ordinary or just not flavorful. I'd like to go back sometime and attempt again because I always like to give restaurants more than one try Oh and the price is still $40 a person, I'm pretty sure.

Picnics - Okay, the reason why I haven't done the picnics is that I'm not a fan of have a cold dinner like such. Pretty pathetic excuse I know!! But at $15 a person, I'd be more than willing to give it a try.

I would not let the cold dinner stop you from trying the picnic, on a hot day like we had this weekend at DCA a nice cold lunch like that is nice, and the meal is nice the food is just enough for one person,my bf liked his also, I thought it was very, very tasty..and it the picnic's can be picked up anytime after 11L30 like skiingfast said, so it can double as either a lunch or a dinner, and can be eaten anywhere in the park not just the area that it is sold!


I think that $40 per person for a 3 course meal is too much food for me, I was glad that the BF and I did the picnic! I am totally going to do it again also! I give my meal two thumbs up, I had the mediteranian vegetarin picnic, he had the antipasto.


But on the other hand, WCT is awesome. Just there for dinner and have been there for lunch(loved it!), had a fantastic meal, I had the campanelle pasta with broccollie and veggies and olive oil, it was vey good, I loved the garlic in mine! The bread we had was fresh! We even ate two baskets worth!

 

[skiingfast]

This is interesting!! I thought you had to 'activate' your ticket by entering the park before it would work to dispense a fast pass?!

So, it worked even though you and the kids had only entered DL??

Very good to know!

Cathy

Yes, as long as each pass is activated at either park, a runner can take them to to get the show's FPs.

 

[KermitRocks]

We have decided to get the picnic lunches. Thanks for all of the tips/advice.

 

[ludari]

I watched the WOC show yesterday for the first time and it was amazing. I didn't make any special arrangements and since I was traveling solo I just obtained a FP when I arrived at the park at approximately 5:30PM. My FP was for the second show (9:15PM) and once they escorted us in I just walked my way to the center front row. I got a little wet but it wasn't that bad. So, I just wanted to say you really don't need to do the picnic thing to get a great view of the show, however considering your group it might be a good idea. Have a great visit!