World of Color - How Will This DCA Show Impact DL Crowds?

[HydroGuy]

Ever since Al Lutz started speculating about World of Color, AP holders and crowds in 2009 (and continuing into this year) I have wondered how the crowds will overflow into DL. Normally DL is the big draw when people talk about AP holders and crowds. Now it will be DCA that is the draw for a change.

With ShowPass sounding very likely, the AP holders will not be able to camp out like they did for Fantasmic and Magical fireworks in 2009.

Will WoC crowds (18,000 people a day - 2 shows x 9000 each) and Showpass really impact DL that much? Or just DCA mostly? DCA averages about 17,000 per day (6 million visitors a year give or take). Will DCA itself be a madhouse? Will local SoCal AP holders camp out in the morning to get Showpasses then go home or to work and then come back at night just to see the show? Or will the AP holders get their Showpass then head to DL for the day?

I am by no means an expert and know mostly what I read. With that disclaimer I would venture into some speculation... I am interested in your speculation too!

My non-expert opinion is that it will not affect DL as much as we think - and it will affect DCA heavily. I think AP holders will get their ShowPass and then go home. Some will hang around. But many will just leave.

I think on Sundays the AP holders will come early, get their Showpasses, and then stay all day and visit both DCA and DL. Sundays will be crazy busy. Maybe Fridays too but not as much. But on weekdays they will be more likely to leave and come back at night. So weekdays at DL may not be as bad as we all think.

Anyone have any insight?


-> Reference threads for those who want to come up to speed on APs and World of Color rumors...

New Al Lutz: Lots of World of Color News (debuting June 10), Bye-Bye Maliboomer

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

"The Psychology of the DLR Annual Pass Holder" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2244322

 

[tinkermell]

Hmm? My 2 cents.....

I also think it will impact DCA tremendously!

I'm wondering how many AP holders will come, park, take the trolley, get their ticket and leave, only to do that all over again later to see the show? How many holders can come before work to get the pass? Something else to consider is, that if you want to see it with someone, they also have to come into the park to get their showpass. If I am not mistaken, Fasspasses will not work, unless you have passed through the gate to get activated. Right? So that could make for lots APers just staying put. So I also agree that Sundays are going to be insane!

I think from now on, DCA is going to be a big contender for crowds. Just in the last few years, it seems way busier! With all that is going on there now and in the future, I really think, that it will surpass the parks in Florida, of course excluding the MK. In a sense that is something to be proud of, but then it is scary to think what the DL Resort will become.

No matter what, I am really excited to see the show.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I think DCA will be a zoo.

Jack

 

[Sherry E]

I am certainly no expert, either, but I think that the good ol' glory days of DCA being a nice, roomy area to walk around in to escape the mobs in DL are soon coming to an end.

I know that Disney has a method to its madness, and the crazy standing-only viewing situation for WoC must make some kind of sense in person despite how it sounds in print, so I will be interested to see how that pans out. DCA is not as large as DL is to begin with, so I wonder how well it will accommodate a sudden influx of new visitors.

Since it has already been so crowded overall (not every single day, but on a whole) at DLR in the last year or two, I can only speculate that the crowds will get worse in both parks. I would like to think that DL will become less congested and some of the people already packed into DL will mosey on over to DCA to balance things out nicely so nothing is oppressively crowded. But I keep thinking that there will just be more people coming to DLR in general - more people in DL as well as more people in DCA, and just more crowds more often. That's only a thought, though. I have absolutely no clue if it will work that way. I hope hope hope that I am wrong!!

I can wait to see WoC until the initial frenzy wears off, but I am annoyed that they have to close down PP at night (no nighttime TSMM rides for me) to focus everyone's attention on WoC.

I also wonder how WoC will affect the TOTP during Halloweentime. Will WoC run exclusively for those TOTP guests who have paid their money for their TOTP tickets, or will there be no WoC on the TOTP nights?

 

[LuLusApple]

This is my personal scenario, how the LuLu demographic will most likely behave....
Myself and DD13 PAP holders
DGD2
either get a showpass for WoC or PS fo WoC spend the bulk of the day at DL and spend a couple hours before WoC at DCA.

Now this is because DCA is not as small child friendly as DL,
myself and DD13 can spend an entire day at DCA. But there just isn't enough to occupy or entertain a 2 year old. Not yet atleast.
So I would speculate that most families with small children the "stroller brigade" will stay in DL for the most part. Possibly making DL more crowded because once guests and those that are "new" that have small children get tired of the offerings at DCA they are going to head back to DL.
Just my 2 cents

 

[houseful of boys]

I'm going to DL for the first time this June. Can someone explain what a Showpass is?

TIA

 

[Sherry E]

This is my personal scenario, how the LuLu demographic will most likely behave....
Myself and DD13 PAP holders
DGD2
either get a showpass for WoC or PS fo WoC spend the bulk of the day at DL and spend a couple hours before WoC at DCA.

Now this is because DCA is not as small child friendly as DL,
myself and DD13 can spend an entire day at DCA. But there just isn't enough to occupy or entertain a 2 year old. Not yet atleast.
So I would speculate that most families with small children the "stroller brigade" will stay in DL for the most part. Possibly making DL more crowded because once guests and those that are "new" that have small children get tired of the offerings at DCA they are going to head back to DL.
Just my 2 cents

I can totally see that scenario happening as well. For as many new visitors as there will be to DCA, a group of them will stay in DCA and hang around for a while, adding to crowds (maybe the groups of adults who come and like to drink alcohol!), but the others will head back over to DL with the kids to spend the day, just opting do whatever they are going to do in DCA in the couple of hours leading up to WoC. And DL will still be jam-packed, no matter how you look at it!! So maybe DCA will get exceptionally packed at night, or in the late afternoon hours?

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

We are going in early October... and plan on seeing F! on Friday night (doing the reserved seating), in hopes that SoCal people will be over in DCA watching WOC. Then, we are hoping to see WOC on Saturday when SoCal is blocked, and since we are staying at PPH concierge, there are rumors that we will be given showpasses & don't have to worry about getting them... that said, if any reserved seating is concocted--if it is priced similarly to F!'s seating, I will by purchasing that... adding to that, my plan for our Sunday morning/early afternoon before we go home will be focused mainly on DL not DCA... unless by some miracle DCA doesn't look crazy busy.

 

[NVDisMom]

Here's my very nonexpert thinking...

Assuming that WOC showpasses will be available on a first come first serve until we run out basis - Mornings will be a very nice time to tour and collect fast passes. Sure there may be a single person in line for WOC showpasses, with the remainder of the party touring, but they will have all of that party's media, so they can't collect FPs for possibly hours. And I'm guessing a great many of those parties will probably fill up restaurants for breakfast because normally they wouldn't be out and about yet, but they have to activate their entrance media to get showpasses. SOCalAP holders I think will be very likely to gather their passes, leave and return, especially during the weekdays of summer. They may leave the kids behind while they go to work though since school is out. AP holders from further away will be arriving in droves to see the new show and staying throughout the day, touring as they normally would. Regular ticket holders will be more likely to spend more time in DCA because it won't occur to most of them to split up their party.

I'm also thinking that the couple hours before the show, then the times during the shows will be a wonderful time in DL. Lines will be manageable as will viewing of F! and fireworks.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I am very curious of how many locals will camp out and get the Showpasses when WoC debuts on June 11 the projected opening date for the public. Since my DA and I will be there on opening date for her Bday. I am hoping to get Showpasses that morning and get to see WoC the first day from the viewing area. But with the DAP not blocked out that day and it would be better to go on Saturday when all the AP are blocked out that day.

When I was at DL during the first weekend of Summer Nighttastic last year, it was a zoo in the afternoon, it was the worst time I have ever seen DL in my whole life since people camped out for Magical and F! for 6+ hours that week of June 11 to June 13, 2009. It was also crowded at DCA when they have the DEP and when the show ended, people head out to DL for Magical.

I believed with WoC coming this summer, the DLR is going to be busy that first weekend with locals coming only to see WoC. But this is a good opportunity for people to be in DL and to go on rides and possibly watch F! and fireworks.

 

[DLR29]

One thing that I don't think has been mentioned is how WoC will affect DL's nighttime crowds. Since Showpass will be limiting the number of people seeing WoC each night AND it has been rumored that most of Paradise Pier will be closing for the show AND the Electric Parade won't be showing, there is very little reason for those who were not fortunate enough to get a Showpass to stay at DCA.

Since it's predicted that WoC will bring in lots of crowds, that means there will be a significant portion that will not get a Showpass. All of those people will be hopping over to DL for the evening or afternoon for Fantasmic and fireworks. This will cause a huge surge of crowds for DL in the late afternoon, which could be

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm going to DL for the first time this June. Can someone explain what a Showpass is?

TIA

I suspected we would get some "what are you talking about?" questions here and so in the original post I included reference info for folks to read about all this stuff. Start with the first link.

-> Reference threads for those who want to come up to speed on APs and World of Color rumors...

New Al Lutz: Lots of World of Color News (debuting June 10), Bye-Bye Maliboomer

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

"The Psychology of the DLR Annual Pass Holder" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2244322

 

[mom2rtk]

We ended up moving our trip to 6/11 and 6/12 because of all the snow days our school added to our school year.

We don't even WANT to see WOC. You guys are scaring me.......

 

[LuLusApple]

I can see totally that scenario happening as well. For as many new visitors as there will be to DCA, a group of them will stay in DCA and hang around for a while, adding to crowds (maybe the groups of adults who come and like to drink alcohol!), but the others will head back over to DL with the kids to spend the day, just opting do whatever they are going to do in DCA in the couple of hours leading up to WoC. And DL will still be jam-packed, no matter how you look at it!! So maybe DCA will get exceptionally packed at night, or in the late afternoon hours?

that's exactly how I see it happening. DCA will be a madhouse a few hours prior to WoC. There will probably also be an influx of people who have no idea how a showpass will work (just like those that are clueless about FPs) not knowing they had to get a SP hours earlier and wander around DCA trying to see the show! Yikes!!
I can't wait to read the first few trip reports should be a hoot, lolol

 

[HydroGuy]

We ended up moving our trip to 6/11 and 6/12 because of all the snow days our school added to our school year.

We don't even WANT to see WOC. You guys are scaring me.......

Not to sound uncaring, but it is better to be scared now and informed than show up to overwhelming crowds and have no idea what is going on.

If I was in your shoes I would either

A) Move my dates if possible

Or

B) Realize it will be crowded and plan for it - you can still have a great trip

If you choose B then:

1. Bring your Indiana Jones whip with you (if you do not have one then buy one! ) and get everyone out of bed and into line 30 minutes (maybe 45) early each day. That means the bodies are in line at the gates and not just leaving the hotel.

2. Take afternoon breaks. Take naps and swim and conserve energy

3. Make sure you know how to use FP as well as you know your own name - and then use FP to the max

4. Be smart about how you tour (which rides to do early morning and late at night) and get RideMax if you need it

5. Use Magic Mornings as much as possible

6. Stay out as late as possible to get use of those late night hours.

Realize that most of the crowds are locals (many AP holders but many not) and they are on day trips. They do not have a hotel. Or a pool. Or a bed. At least not nearby. Use that to your advantage. Prepare yourself mentally. And then focus on having a great time and not letting the crowds bother you.

See:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

HTH

 

[mom2rtk]

Not to sound uncaring, but it is better to be scared now and informed than show up to overwhelming crowds and have no idea what is going on.

If I was in your shoes I would either

A) Move my dates if possible

Or

B) Realize it will be crowded and plan for it - you can still have a great trip

If you choose B then:

1. Bring your Indiana Jones whip with you (if you do not have one then buy one! ) and get everyone out of bed and into line 30 minutes (maybe 45) early each day. That means the bodies are in line at the gates and not just leaving the hotel.

2. Take afternoon breaks. Take naps and swim and conserve energy

3. Make sure you know how to use FP as well as you know your own name - and then use FP to the max

4. Be smart about how you tour (which rides to do early morning and late at night) and get RideMax if you need it

5. Use Magic Mornings as much as possible

6. Stay out as late as possible to get use of those late night hours.

Realize that most of the crowds are locals (many AP holders but many not) and they are on day trips. They do not have a hotel. Or a pool. Or a bed. At least not nearby. Use that to your advantage. Prepare yourself mentally. And then focus on having a great time and not letting the crowds bother you.

See:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

HTH

I understand, and would really rather be completely prepared. We are using our GAD vouchers on this trip, and we had already planned to trade one for a family FP one day, but might opt to do 2 for the 2 days we will be there.

My question is this: Our 2 days were going to be Friday & Sat the 11th and 12th. The 11th is blocked to all 3 levels of AP. THe 12th is blocked to all but deluxe.

We are kicking around coming in the prior week (don't know which days yet). If that put us into days not as fully blocked, do you think it would still be preferable?

 

[Dobie]

OK, so I understand that lots of people will want to see WOC.

But, blockout dates are still blockout dates, right? Are there so many Deluxe and Premium AP holders out there that they can swamp both parks all summer?

 

[HydroGuy]

OK, so I understand that lots of people will want to see WOC.

But, blockout dates are still blockout dates, right? Are there so many Deluxe and Premium AP holders out there that they can swamp both parks all summer?

They can, but they are far fewer in number. No one seems to know for sure, but reports are that at least 90% of DLR AP holders are of the SoCal variety. In absolute numbers that means 900,000 SoCal AP holders and 100,000 PAP and DAP.

That means two things:

1) They have more blockouts

2) Most visit DLR on day trips only (since they live in SoCal)

 

[Dobie]

Thanks, Hydroguy. I am planning a trip for the first week of August: arrive Sunday, have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday as full park days. I am hoping that since all four days are SC blockouts, that the weekdays will be manageable.

 

[HydroGuy]

I understand, and would really rather be completely prepared. We are using our GAD vouchers on this trip, and we had already planned to trade one for a family FP one day, but might opt to do 2 for the 2 days we will be there.

My question is this: Our 2 days were going to be Friday & Sat the 11th and 12th. The 11th is blocked to all 3 levels of AP. THe 12th is blocked to all but deluxe.

We are kicking around coming in the prior week (don't know which days yet). If that put us into days not as fully blocked, do you think it would still be preferable?

It depends. Have you been to DLR before? Are you planning to come back soon? Weekdays before June 11 will be off-season with reduced park hours and entertainment. Less crowds too. Do you even care to see World of Color? How mobile are you? How big is your group? Do crowds really bother you or just annoy you? How close would you be staying to DLR? A walking distance hotel?

For people who do not care about missed entertainment and really detest crowds, yes, I would say move your dates. For people who can handle crowds and do not visit DLR that often and do not want miss anything I would say stick with the current days. HTH.