World of Color Dining Package?

[JollyHoliday23]

I'm planning a trip in February for my mom and I to celebrate my graduation from college in January (Woot!)

We haven't been to Disneyland since World of Color opened. I was wanting feedback from those who have purchased the package to know if it is worth it?

We have done various packages for Fantasmic in the past to save the time of waiting for the perfect spot.

I am asking because we can afford to do it, but if it isn't necessary then we can save the money for something else.

We are going February 25 - 29. Most likely we would be catching the show on on Monday the 27. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[sonnyjane]

It's definitely not necessary. Have you read the WOC Superthread to understand what exactly the Preferred Dining Package includes? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542717

You'll make a reservation for dinner at either Ariel's or Wine Country Trattoria and then with your dinner, you'll get passes to enter the preferred viewing area. Since the show is standing-room-only, even for guests in the preferred viewing area, it's still important to line up about an hour early to make sure you get a good spot if that's something that is important to you. If you guys are tall or don't mind standing behind someone, then you don't have to line up as early, but just know that you'll be gambling getting stuck behind someone tall or someone that puts their child on their shoulders to watch. Since you should line up at least an hour beforehand, make sure you make your reservation for a time that will give you enough time to enjoy your meal and still make it out with plenty of time before the show.

You can get really good viewing in the other sections for free by getting a fastpass from the machines in front of Grizzly River Rapids. You still have to line up at least an hour (and some suggest 90 minutes) before the show to get a good spot, but at least then you haven't paid $40 to do so.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

Thanks for the feedback Sonnyjane

We are debating. I think it should be fine, but my mom thinks it would be fun to do the package. Since she is paying then I figure why not? Ha.

But I was just looking for feedback from those that have. On a side note also wondering how the food is at both restaurants. I have not cared to dine at either in my previous trips.

I know this post may seem repetitive, and I'm sure I could spend time going through old posts, but I don't really have that time, and we are trying to get our reservations done early. That's how we plan. I haven't been on the boards in quite a while, as I only come on when planning or needing a quick fix.

All feedback is much appreciated.

 

[skiingfast]

We are debating. I think it should be fine, but my mom thinks it would be fun to do the package. Since she is paying then I figure why not? Ha.

But I was just looking for feedback from those that have. On a side note also wondering how the food is at both restaurants. I have not cared to dine at either in my previous trips.

If you are not sure you want the food that is part of the package. It's likely that you should go another route. You are paying for the food, the Show Pass is an added benefit.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

If you are not sure you want the food that is part of the package. It's likely that you should go another route. You are paying for the food, the Show Pass is an added benefit.

What I meant was I haven't taken the time to do so. Poor word choice.

I am actually heading out of town to visit my parents today, so I guess we can decide together what to do.

This is our 14th trip. We have our planning down to an art, and always have a good time with or without reservations, paying for extras, etc.

I was just looking for input from those that have paid for the package and wondering if there was a significant benefit in doing so.

 

[skiingfast]

I was just looking for input from those that have paid for the package and wondering if there was a significant benefit in doing so.

I would say the only benefit is you don't have to be at the GRR FP distribution to get you show passes. You already know with the dinner package what show and what vieiwing area you will be in. So that makes planning simpler.

Other than that it is like I was implying do the meals look good.

Here are links to the menus so you can discuss them with the family.
WCT, WoC dinner package menu
AG, WoC dinner package menu

 

[23bw]

If you want to ensure a nice WOC experience, do the dining package. Our family has the done the WOC dining package once and also one time without it.

The first time we did the Aerial's Grotto WOC package. We spent the 1st half of the day at DL and took an afternoon break. Then made a leisurely trip to dinner knowing the WOC FPs were waiting for us. I thought the food and service was pretty good. Not spectacular but pretty decent for being in a theme park. The FPs that come with the dining package allow you into the “premium dining” section of WOC which is located in the prime viewing spot. Even if you get to the viewing area late, you are still in the prime reserved section. We really enjoyed the show. It’s not cheap though. Dinner for 2 adults and 2 kids came out to be around $150.

Our 2nd time to WOC, we decided to try getting FPs at Grizzly. After all, we already saw it once before. First we had to get to DCA at around 9:15am to be greeted by long lines outside of the gates. When the gates opened at 9:30am, I felt I was running in a marathon to the FP machines. We got blue section FPs which were the preferred ones to get according to most. With FPs in hand there wasn’t a lot to do before 10am. Only ride opened was Soarin’ so everyone who was in DCA lined up for that ride or got FPs for it too. Then we waited for the rest of the park to open and head to TSMM. Guess what?…everyone else did the same thing too! Basically, I feel we wasted 2 hours in the morning just to collect those FPs. And turns out the blue section we managed to squeeze into was way off to the left side. I’ll admit we got there a bit late, around 30 min before the show, so it was already pretty packed in every section. Then after the show, we needed to find a late dinner. That’s when it dawned on me that we should have done a dinner package because you have to eat dinner regardless.

 

[sonnyjane]

Our 2nd time to WOC, we decided to try getting FPs at Grizzly. After all, we already saw it once before. First we had to get to DCA at around 9:15am to be greeted by long lines outside of the gates. When the gates opened at 9:30am, I felt I was running in a marathon to the FP machines. We got blue section FPs which were the preferred ones to get according to most. With FPs in hand there wasn’t a lot to do before 10am. Only ride opened was Soarin’ so everyone who was in DCA lined up for that ride or got FPs for it too. Then we waited for the rest of the park to open and head to TSMM. Guess what?…everyone else did the same thing too! Basically, I feel we wasted 2 hours in the morning just to collect those FPs. And turns out the blue section we managed to squeeze into was way off to the left side. I’ll admit we got there a bit late, around 30 min before the show, so it was already pretty packed in every section. Then after the show, we needed to find a late dinner. That’s when it dawned on me that we should have done a dinner package because you have to eat dinner regardless.

I'm not sure when you went to the parks last to see WOC, but getting FP's is no longer competitive AT ALL unless it's a busy, busy holiday. For the most part, you can get free FP's well into the afternoon. I went to the parks in August on a weekday and was able to get a FP for the show at 5:00 PM! There is also not a line to get the FP's anymore... it literally takes two minutes to get a free FP from the machine now that the initial rush after WOC's opening is over.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

It's definitely not necessary. Have you read the WOC Superthread to understand what exactly the Preferred Dining Package includes?

I thought I had, but apparently not.

I understand what the package includes.

What I was wondering is what people who have done it think vs not.



For example: I have enjoyed doing a similar package for Fantasmic, but it is not necessary (in my opinion). It is much preferred for me in the summer just because the crowds are crazy.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

I have the information I was looking for. I really appreciate the feedback.

 

[23bw]

I'm not sure when you went to the parks last to see WOC, but getting FP's is no longer competitive AT ALL unless it's a busy, busy holiday. For the most part, you can get free FP's well into the afternoon. I went to the parks in August on a weekday and was able to get a FP for the show at 5:00 PM! There is also not a line to get the FP's anymore... it literally takes two minutes to get a free FP from the machine now that the initial rush after WOC's opening is over.

That's great to hear because we'll soon be heading to the park again and WOC is on the list of things to do. My 2 WOC experiences indeed did happen within the first 6 months of WOC debut. Those were some crazy busy days for WOC.

 

[sonnyjane]

I thought I had, but apparently not.

I understand what the package includes.

What I was wondering is what people who have done it think vs not.



For example: I have enjoyed doing a similar package for Fantasmic, but it is not necessary (in my opinion). It is much preferred for me in the summer just because the crowds are crazy.

The Fantasmic! dessert package is MUCH more beneficial than the WOC preferred dining package. For the F! package, you are guaranteed a seat to the show whereas others need to stake out a spot hours in advance if they wanted one that was comparable, plus you get to SIT instead of stand. The WOC dining package still requires you to line up just as early as if you had a free FP. If you were going to eat at one of those two places anyway, then the preferred dining makes sense. It's fine to get the preferred package, just remember that you still have to show up about an hour early if you want to get a good spot in front.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

Perfect Sonnyjane! Thank you so much for clarifying.

 

[sonnyjane]

Perfect Sonnyjane! Thank you so much for clarifying.

No problem! I don't want to completely dissuade you from doing the preferred package, I just want you to understand that it's not the same premise as the Fantasmic! package. It's not quite the same level of convenience, so you can't assume that you can just stroll up 10 minutes before the show and be completely happy with your experience just because you paid $40 for it. As skiingfast said earlier, you're really paying for the meal primarily, and the show ticket is just an additional perk - so much so that if some type of weather-related or technical problem was to cancel the WOC show, you will not receive a refund, whereas if Fantasmic! is cancelled, guests paying for reserved seating ARE refunded. They are totally different experiences.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

I'd rather opt for dinner at Storyteller Cafe beforehand and just wait with everyone else.

You are right! Fantasmic IS worth it. I'm glad to know the difference between the two. We'll talk it over.

I am so looking forward to seeing World of Color.

 

[Eeee-va]

One more thing to keep in mind is that people's reserved dining areas experiences in the past may differ from more recent experiences. You may have seen in the superthread that they used to have a very big area roped off for the preferred dining area (I was there opening night in June 2009 and there was a TON of room for preferred dining folks--room for kids to run around!--while the other groups were all packed like sardines). It seems now they may adjust the size of the preferred dining area based on how many meals they sell. At any rate, it's substantially smaller than it used to be. It may still be a better experience but probably not nearly as different from the general area as it was when the show first came out.

 

[Rhonna]

Thanks for this thread, OP. I was trying to decide this also even though I read the WOC superthread. I was thinking the same as you, Storytellers for dinner and then the show. Now I just need to figure out which area we would prefer and what time frame to be there to get the right color FP ticket.

 

[Astylla]

For our Honeymoon last year we decided to go with some special extras , includuding the WoC dining package at Ariel's Grotto. It was such a wonderful esperience we have made repeat reservations this year.

I called about 30 days ahead of time to make a reservation for 6:30pm dinner. The process was easy , no CC required , just my last name was the confirmation. We arrived at 6:10pm and were seated rather quickly outside overlooking the lagoon area I believe it was. This blog really outlines the experience well in my opinion and mimics closely what my husband and I ordered as well : http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/06/24/ariels-grotto-world-of-color/

We arrived at the WoC area about an hour ahead of time and had a great view , only slightly marred by a rude man who refused to give up his prime video spot so a wheelchair bound guest could see. My husband and I happily accommodated and allowed them our spot and offered to stand behind where they had been , and it wasn't only our pleasure to do so , it only enriched our experience and our view was not blocked in any way. I really hope whatever you do it's enjoyable that's what matters most!

 

[RangerPooh]

Has anyone done the prefered dining experience recently? We are headed there in 3 weeks and are debating to do it or not. The last time we saw WOC last Christmas we watched from the bridge but hated having to wait for the lines ot open and then almost 2 hours for the show to begin. With little kids it was a very long wait! Does anyone have picture of the area? Do you really have to wait in line an hour prior to entering the area? And if so is it shortly before the show begins or is it an hour before the show begins? If we do gow ith the dining package is there a dining that you recommend.

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

Has anyone done the prefered dining experience recently? We are headed there in 3 weeks and are debating to do it or not. The last time we saw WOC last Christmas we watched from the bridge but hated having to wait for the lines ot open and then almost 2 hours for the show to begin. With little kids it was a very long wait! Does anyone have picture of the area? Do you really have to wait in line an hour prior to entering the area? And if so is it shortly before the show begins or is it an hour before the show begins? If we do gow ith the dining package is there a dining that you recommend.

Thanks!

For me it was recently as in August. There are pictures in the Superthread and you should try to arrive 90 minutes early as discussed in the Superthread.

"World of Color Superthread" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

HTH