WOC - Am I crazy? Is there time?

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

With only evenings in the mix for my trip next week (I'll be conferencing all day except for Sunday), I'm trying to front load the evening entertainment. My flight arrives at SNA next week at around 5:45. DCA closes at 8:00. WOC shows at 8:10. If I pre-order a picnic dinner to get a blue or yellow fastpass, I would need to pick up the dinner an hour beforehand -- 7:10. I'm seriously thinking of trying to do this so I can have Friday night for fireworks in front of the castle and a good spot for Fantasmic on Saturday night. (Thursday is out because the conference is doing a special event in DCA that night. )

Am I crazy? Can I make this? It's only me traveling, so I figure as long as the plane is relatively on time, and I only bring carry-on, I can grab a taxi by 6:15 at the latest. The rub comes when I consider whether I have time to check in at my hotel and make it back to DCA. If I can pack lightly enough, I'm considering just packing into a backpack and going straight to the parks and checking the backpack into a locker. But packing that lightly will be a serious challenge for me!

 

[mvf-m11c]

When you get to SNA at 5:45, it will take another half an hour to get to DL or possibly longer due to SoCal traffic when the locals get out of work. If you have pre-order the picnic you have to get the picnic one hour prior to the show. If you get in early and get in DCA to pick up the picnic before 7:10pm you should be fine.

Also you can do the WoC show on one of the other days instead of the day you get there. You can watch the fireworks in front of SB castle on Friday or Saturday, than after the fireworks you can watch the 2nd show of F! on that same night.

I would say that you are not crazy, you might be able to get there in time to get to DCA and see WoC. When you are going solo, you should be able to make it in time. It only depends on your flight from SMA to SNA. You can get there ontime or those pesky flight delays can come into affect your time when you get to OC.

 

[skiingfast]

Also you can do the WoC show on one of the other days instead of the day you get there. You can watch the fireworks in front of SB castle on Friday or Saturday, than after the fireworks you can watch the 2nd show of F! on that same night.

Bret's suggestion is the way I would play it.


As far as going it I think you are really gambling the $15 for the picnic. Maybe not a big deal but I wouldn't want to stress if I'm making WoC the whole way that afternoon.

 

[HydroGuy]

With only evenings in the mix for my trip next week (I'll be conferencing all day except for Sunday), I'm trying to front load the evening entertainment. My flight arrives at SNA next week at around 5:45. DCA closes at 8:00. WOC shows at 8:10. If I pre-order a picnic dinner to get a blue or yellow fastpass, I would need to pick up the dinner an hour beforehand -- 7:10. I'm seriously thinking of trying to do this so I can have Friday night for fireworks in front of the castle and a good spot for Fantasmic on Saturday night. (Thursday is out because the conference is doing a special event in DCA that night. )

Am I crazy? Can I make this? It's only me traveling, so I figure as long as the plane is relatively on time, and I only bring carry-on, I can grab a taxi by 6:15 at the latest. The rub comes when I consider whether I have time to check in at my hotel and make it back to DCA. If I can pack lightly enough, I'm considering just packing into a backpack and going straight to the parks and checking the backpack into a locker. But packing that lightly will be a serious challenge for me!

Hi Steph!

You have the same dilemma I had last month. I wanted to catch RDCT on a Saturday night so I could see WOC on Sunday night. I was solo and flew into SNA. I took only a carry on bag and I got off the plane - it was on time - and took a taxi ($40 with tip). Since I had enough time I quickly checked into my hotel - BWPPI and dropped my bag in the room and hoofed it to DL. My backup plan if I was running late was to take my bag with me and put it in a locker outside DL and skip the hotle check-in.

I can't recall if you saw WOC on your trip last month but if not I would totally try and do what you are proposing. If you have seen it, then I probably would still try it. As a final backup you may be able to catch WOC on the second night and double up on F! and fireworks.

Have fun!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Hi Steph!

You have the same dilemma I had last month. I wanted to catch RDCT on a Saturday night so I could see WOC on Sunday night. I was solo and flew into SNA. I took only a carry on bag and I got off the plane - it was on time - and took a taxi ($40 with tip). Since I had enough time I quickly checked into my hotel - BWPPI and dropped my bag in the room and hoofed it to DL. My backup plan if I was running late was to take my bag with me and put it in a locker outside DL and skip the hotle check-in.

I can't recall if you saw WOC on your trip last month but if not I would totally try and do what you are proposing. If you have seen it, then I probably would still try it. As a final backup you may be able to catch WOC on the second night and double up on F! and fireworks.

Have fun!

We did catch WOC last month and enjoyed it, but didn't love it. We were at the railing in the blue wet zone (figured that would be the safest way to ensure DDs would be able to see) and the view was okay, but not great. So, I thought I'd like to give it another chance fromfurther back. Largely because of the esteem in which you hold the show! I don't want to miss F! or RDCT at the expense of WOC, though, so I'd definitely prefer to cross it off my list first thing. If they end up adding a third show for Friday and/or Saturday, it would be a piece of cake, but I don't want to count on that.

I think I'll try packing light, hope the plane gets in on time and I can catch a quick taxi to check in at the hotel, but otherwise just plane on grabbing a locker!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Stephanie, if you get a blue FP I would try to be on the 2nd tier level of the blue section. I thought it was a decent area to watch WoC. Here are my pics of the section that I sat during my August trip.

Pics during the show.

Like what you said, I would pack light when you get on the plane and head to the hotel and drop off your stuff. Than head on over to DCA and get your picnic and get in line for WoC. I hope you have a great trip next week.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Stephanie, if you get a blue FP I would try to be on the 2nd tier level of the blue section. I thought it was a decent area to watch WoC. Here are my pics of the section that I sat during my August trip.

Like what you said, I would pack light when you get on the plane and head to the hotel and drop off your stuff. Than head on over to DCA and get your picnic and get in line for WoC. I hope you have a great trip next week.

Thanks for the photos from your spot in the blue! I definitely want to try from a little higher up. I do hope I end up with blue, but I can live with yellow, too. I remember thinking that the key is to get an unobstructed view of Mickey's Fun Wheel.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks for the photos from your spot in the blue! I definitely want to try from a little higher up. I do hope I end up with blue, but I can live with yellow, too. I remember thinking that the key is to get an unobstructed view of Mickey's Fun Wheel.

Did you look at the viewing chart by Disneyland 1951 on the best spot for each section. Right next to the VIP box on the left side is a great spot for the blue section. I have not tried that spot, but when you are by yourself it is a good idea to try that spot.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Yes, in fact, I was even able to share the map with other people when we were there in September! While we were waiting in line for Aladdin, we chatted with the family in line next to us and I pulled the map up on my iPhone to show them the best spots. I was actually considering trying to view from the bridge this time. It seems like it's really far over to the side, but there also seem to be a number of people who really like the view from here.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I agree that other people like the bridge view. Whichever spot you get on Thursday, I hope you get the best railing view for the blue or yellow FP section.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I agree that other people like the bridge view. Whichever spot you get on Thursday, I hope you get the best railing view for the blue or yellow FP section.

Since I'll be coming late and I don't want to leap over any strollers , I may not get a rail spot. I'm tall enough that if I don't get a rail spot, I should be able to find a space where I'll be able to see well enough.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Since I'll be coming late and I don't want to leap over any strollers , I may not get a rail spot. I'm tall enough that if I don't get a rail spot, I should be able to find a space where I'll be able to see well enough.

Good point, since you don't want to leap over anybody. I just can't see myself behind other guests since I am a short person (5'5"). When I seen WoC on opening day to the public, I had a few tall people in my way and I just don't want to look toward the sides.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

At 5'9", I usually worry about blocking other people! The "jumping over a stroller" reference was due to the experience poor Shmedly123 had at WOC recently (see link).

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thx for clearing that out with the "jumping over the stroller". I know that it is frustrating for young kids who cannot see the show when they have to look over taller people. Its a great show, but not everyone can see the whole show.

 

[HydroGuy]

Did you look at the viewing chart by Disneyland 1951 on the best spot for each section. Right next to the VIP box on the left side is a great spot for the blue section. I have not tried that spot, but when you are by yourself it is a good idea to try that spot.

I tried that spot - if you search his threads he gives a photo where it is right next toa fire hydrant. Pretty easy spot to get - no one goes there. The view is pretty good - but I still liked better front red wet zone and front preferred dining.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I tried that spot - if you search his threads he gives a photo where it is right next toa fire hydrant. Pretty easy spot to get - no one goes there. The view is pretty good - but I still liked better front red wet zone and front preferred dining.

I saw the photos posted by disneyland 1951 on the WOC viewing chart and yes it is a great spot to see the show with nothing much in your way except for the two light towers but those are on the sides. I wanted to try this viewing area for the blue section, but I just love my favorite spot on the 2nd level.

 

[Eeee-va]

I flew in to SNA a couple weeks ago and the flight itself was delayed (but hopefully your airport isn't under construction like mine was!). SNA is under construction too, so that can cause delays.

Once we finally arrived (after close to 2 hours on the plane for a 1:10 flight!) the plane landed out on the tarmac PAST all the gates. We had to go out a long ramp (outdoors!), walk a ways to a stand-alone gate (!), go into that building, go right back out of the building, walk a ways farther, go up a ramp, and finally enter the FAR end of the terminal, which we then had to walk all the way through to get out of the airport. Frankly, I was in no particular hurry and even though we'd already been so delayed (and even though I felt bad for my mom waiting for me), I just kind of found it funny. But if I would have had a deadline like yours, I would have been pretty annoyed.

At any rate, you'll probably have an adventure and hopefully come back with a great happy story for us.
Best of luck!

 

[HydroGuy]

At 5'9", I usually worry about blocking other people! The "jumping over a stroller" reference was due to the experience poor Shmedly123 had at WOC recently (see link).

I will be curious as to how your experience turns out. Be aware that the picnics FPs are yellow or blue, and even if they give you one color you can request the other. If they have any left you may get it. I really wanted a blue FP in Sept so I could stand by the VIP section next to the fire hydrant. But they gave me yellow. I came back later in the afternoon and talked to the lead CM and she exchanged it for me for a blue.

I am off to Africa next Saturday for several weeks on business so depending on Internet accessibility may or may not get to respond to your posts about your trip. The rest of my crew is flying down TG week and we are going on a safari similar to what I did with Kyle in 2007.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I will be curious as to how your experience turns out. Be aware that the picnics FPs are yellow or blue, and even if they give you one color you can request the other. If they have any left you may get it. I really wanted a blue FP in Sept so I could stand by the VIP section next to the fire hydrant. But they gave me yellow. I came back later in the afternoon and talked to the lead CM and she exchanged it for me for a blue.

I am off to Africa next Saturday for several weeks on business so depending on Internet accessibility may or may not get to respond to your posts about your trip. The rest of my crew is flying down TG week and we are going on a safari similar to what I did with Kyle in 2007.

We got blue fastpasses last time and I'm hoping for them again. I'll see what I can do about an exhange if I end up with yellow.

Have a wonderful time in Africa! You're slide show from your last Africa trip was so fun to watch! I hadn't ever envisioned a safari vacation before your trip, but you definitely made it look awfully enticing.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Apparently I wasn't crazy and there was time! . I was even able to check in at the motel first, though the commute from the airport to the motel during evening rush hour traffic was giving me heart palpitations. I was able to pick up my picnic dinner at 7:00 and was in line by 7:05. There was already quite a crowd for the only show that night (start time 8:15). They are starting a new line up procedure where they have the separate color sections wind through a queue before letting people enter. Even having at least a hundred people ahead of me, I was still able to get a front row railing spot on the bridge. I loved it! I was able to see all the details and take in the entire show so much better than the blue wet section. I'm glad I saw it again. I've revised my opinion of WOC drastically upwards.