WOC apprehension!

[IBLarsen]

We have been to DLR multiple times and have never seen WOC. When it first opened we just didn't want to deal with the hassle with young kids, then every time I think of fitting it in I read threads about how difficult it is to see for children or short people. We do have two kids (11 and 13), and I feel like we have to see it at least once! We will be there in a couple weeks and I was set on seeing it. But then....I read again how hard it is to see. We have no interest in doing the dessert package or dining options. So in all honesty, do you feel it's more of a hassle than it's worth? or totally worth it? I can see being frustrated if I've stood in line for an hour to get a good spot and the kids still can't see anything. Is it possible to get good viewing in regular non reserved areas?

 

[SMD]

I wouldn't skip a parade because I know that only a fraction of the song or dance will be visible when it passes me. I wouldn't skip fireworks because some of the fireworks will be blocked by the castle or some of the projections won't be visible because of a tree or because they're spread out over multiple buildings. But after avoiding something for years, I'd continue to avoid it if I was going to be disappointed when part of the show is inevitably not visible.

 

[IBLarsen]

I wouldn't skip a parade because I know that only a fraction of the song or dance will be visible when it passes me. I wouldn't skip fireworks because some of the fireworks will be blocked by the castle or some of the projections won't be visible because of a tree or because they're spread out over multiple buildings. But after avoiding something for years, I'd continue to avoid it if I was going to be disappointed when part of the show is inevitably not visible.

I'm not being unrealistic and not meaning to avoid if it's not perfect viewing, only worried if there is a wall of people in front of you that you really can't see enough to make it worth it. That's why I'm asking, I have no idea what to expect. I see threads about people loving it, and threads with complaints that people can't see at all. Just looking for opinions if people thought it was worth it and could generally see fine (kids more-so). Is most of the viewing fine and it's really not a problem?

 

[cinder-ellah]

We have been to DLR multiple times and have never seen WOC. When it first opened we just didn't want to deal with the hassle with young kids, then every time I think of fitting it in I read threads about how difficult it is to see for children or short people. We do have two kids (11 and 13), and I feel like we have to see it at least once! We will be there in a couple weeks and I was set on seeing it. But then....I read again how hard it is to see. We have no interest in doing the dessert package or dining options. So in all honesty, do you feel it's more of a hassle than it's worth? or totally worth it? I can see being frustrated if I've stood in line for an hour to get a good spot and the kids still can't see anything. Is it possible to get good viewing in regular non reserved areas?

I can understand your dilemma. Our group has 3 kids (7, 9 & 10) too big to pick up and hold for viewing. I've booked the Dessert Party, but then there's the expense for 1 hour of convenience and nice experience. So, I'm having second thoughts. If we decide to go with the regular FP instead, we'll try to plan for extra time to get there a bit early so we're hopefully not at the back of the line (probably me and everyone will be thinking / planning that). I've experienced the WOC a few years back with the regular FP and family group. Yes, some of the view was blocked, but we figured that would be so and just adjusted our thinking to enjoying the show and not worrying about what was blocked. Our kids were small enough to hold, so that helped. I wish they would not allow kids on shoulders (just my opinion) as that definitely can make the viewing more difficult. If you can go with the mind set of just enjoying what you can see...... I would say go see it. I saw it in May with adults in the regular FP area and loved the show ! Some of our view was blocked now and then, but overall it was awesome ! Hope you get to see it and have a wonderful time.

 

[SMD]

I've never seen anyone say that they can't see at all.

 

[wilkeliza]

I'm not being unrealistic and not meaning to avoid if it's not perfect viewing, only worried if there is a wall of people in front of you that you really can't see enough to make it worth it. That's why I'm asking, I have no idea what to expect. I see threads about people loving it, and threads with complaints that people can't see at all. Just looking for opinions if people thought it was worth it and could generally see fine (kids more-so). Is most of the viewing fine and it's really not a problem?

I've been in the far back on a bench not actually in the WOC area and have seen a decent amount. The "can't see anything" crowd are running off hyperbole. The Maybe if you are in the first steps area and in the very back of that you wouldn't be able to see the water level but the water screens are pretty big so you could at least see the higher up portions.

 

[StageTek]

I thought is was worth it and could generally see fine. So could the kids. Most of the viewing is fine and not a problem.

 

[mpadilla89]

When we first saw it they had the frozen one in 2013. DD loved frozen so we had to see it. We didnt want to be in the back so we got in line as soon as they let you and we were right next to the water. We all just sat and waited. DD was asleep she was 5 at the time and it was a late showing. she woke up just in time and was able to see everything just fine. There were some teens with us and they could see just fine too. If you want a good spot either get a reservation or be there ealry for fp.

I think everything in disneyland is worth seeing at least once. And if you don't like it then you dont do it the next times.

 

[hsmamato2]

We saw it a number of years back....after reading these threads it felt like an impossible dream to actually see it! I was anxious about fp's, viewing angles,etc. It was FINE. Our first night we did the fp route,and watched it from the front of the show(not front row, but front viewing) then we watched again on another night from out around the side somewhere,and it was still really cool.... stop worrying and go see it!

 

[northshoremama]

i totally understand your situation. we saw it twice. the first time back in 2011. we did the ariel's dinner with it and got into the reserved area. when the show started, everyone stood up and i could see most of it, but definitely not all. THEN on top of that i had to carry my then 3 year old the entire show because she could not see a thing. DH carried my 5 year old as well and because he's much taller than me, dd5 saw more of the show than dd3.

we didn't go to DL for a few years after....we were there in 2014 and decided to do the FPs this time. we were the second family in line in the waiting area. i think we were there about 90 mins before show time. dd2 fortunately was kept entertained by her 2 older sisters. though there were times when all 3 DDs were complaining about 'doing nothing'. they finally let us into the viewing area and we got THE perfect space. right up on the fence about 3 rows up. we all saw the ENTIRE show that evening and we all LOVED it.

when we were there for the 60th anniversary last december, my DH refused to do the waiting game again. so we did not see the special 60th show. i think when my girls are a bit older (maybe in the next few years), we'll try out the FPs again and do the waiting game. we are back in DL in september and i do NOT have WOC in my itinerary.....

however, if you can...i'd definitely try to see it at least once!

 

[BriannaRuth]

I've seen it from all the way in the back arriving just minutes before the show started. You won't be able to see every single thing but if you don't want the hassle of waiting an hour and getting pushed around from being in the middle of the crowd, you might try it, especially if you have multiple nights in DCA and can try it again another night if it doesn't work. It's a big show and we were happy with what we could see given we were out of the crowd and had an hour to 90 minutes to spend doing other things.

 

[figment_jii]

I also think that it's worth seeing WoC at least once, but only if you're willing to put in the time to get a decent/good view of the show. My general feeling is that it's better to see something for the first time from the best possible vantage point. That way, you'll know if you like it or not, based on the whole show and not whatever part you could see.

That being said, I'm one of those people that feel that if you can't see the water surface, you're missing out on part of the show. I am fairly short, so it doesn't take may people to block my view of the water surface. The first time I saw WoC, I was in the back half of the upper blue viewing area. I could see most the mist screens and all of the water cannon effects up in the air, but I could not see the water surface (maybe some intermittent moments, but not enough to say that I saw that part of the show). I thought WoC was okay, but it didn't "wow" me. I honestly thought it was kind of like a knock-off version of Fantasmic; lots of mist screens with water cannons that they mostly just shot into the sky. I saw it again (several years later) and that time, I was able to see the water surface. The show was markedly better because I could actually see the "whole" show (not necessarily see everything, but I finally could see both the aerial effects along with the "dancing" colored lights/water).

I think of it this way, if you're short and in the back half of the viewing area, it would be like seeing only the floats in the parade, but not being able to see the dancers on the street. You can still see the parade and it's possible to really like it, but you won't be getting the full effect. Given that, I do think that if you're short (e.g., under 5 feet), you need to be in the front half of the viewing area to really get the full effect of the show; otherwise, you run the risk of seeing only a portion of the show. There are great viewing spots in all of the viewing areas, but there are also viewing spots that would be fine for taller folks that won't work from shorter individuals.

 

[hsmamato2]

well, our view was ok, but somwhat blocked by heads, and I still loved the show, I would go again with a 'partial' view no problem....I can't imagine skipping an entire show b/c part of it might be blocked....

 

[Baklava]

We're going in December and the crowd is enough to put us off. (I have anxiety and have to manage crowds carefully.) We're hoping our room request at GCV pans out, because we'd love to watch it from the hotel room and avoid the drama. I am short and had trouble seeing parts of the show last time we went but it was by no means entirely obstructed.

 

[Angrose]

I think you have to decide if you are the type of person who will be really upset if you don't get to see the full show or if you are willing to put in the time to get a great view. I know for myself that I am that person that would be upset at not seeing the full show. That's why I have never seen WOC! I personally am not willing to put in the time to wait or pay for a dining package for a reserved spot, and I'm totally OK with that. I would just rather spend my time and money on other things. Different strokes for different folks!

 

[wilkeliza]

We're going in December and the crowd is enough to put us off. (I have anxiety and have to manage crowds carefully.) We're hoping our room request at GCV pans out, because we'd love to watch it from the hotel room and avoid the drama. I am short and had trouble seeing parts of the show last time we went but it was by no means entirely obstructed.

If your room request doesn't pan out you can use the 6th floor viewing deck since you are staying at GCH anyway. Just an idea especially if crowds are an issue. Not the best view but it is not usually crowded.

 

[Baklava]

If your room request doesn't pan out you can use the 6th floor viewing deck since you are staying at GCH anyway. Just an idea especially if crowds are an issue. Not the best view but it is not usually crowded.

Thank you. Yes, we're in a DVC 2 bedroom, so the *ideal* is to get a WOC view with the music piped in, but the viewing deck is our next choice, followed by me skipping it entirely.

 

[bcwife76]

We saw it last October with a FP (not the dessert party), our kids were 4 & 6 at the time. Somehow we ended up near the very front so our view was amazing but yes, we got a little wet (not soaked, but misted several times). I don't think there is really a bad place to view it from.

 

[ADLFAN]

I would devote the time because the show is awesome! Plus it's always fun discovering something new, even if it doesn't turn out to be a favorite.

 

[disneyxica20]

if you get there early and get spot right behind one of the rails, you'll have a much better view. i'm short and that's always what we do and i never have a problem watching the show.