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

[mom2rtk]

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.

1) We're a group of 5, with 3 kids age 9, 15 and 17

2) We have done DL in summer 05, 06 and 07. Since then we've been WDW regulars.

3) We only have 2 days and have no plans of making it back any time soon

4) We don't plan to see WOC or Fantasmic. I'd just like to photograph the fireworks one night.

5) We're staying at HoJo.

6) We plan to be at rope drop both days and probably stay all the way through and leave after the fireworks. (even if the park is open much later)

7) I don't have a phobia about crowds, but do find them extremely annoying. (So all my friends can't figure out why I like Disney so much!) We always try to go to WDW off season for the lower crowds. This trip to DL is really just an add-on to our road trip through the southwest.

Too much information??????

I have emails out to the teachers to see if we'd miss finals to leave a day or two earlier to get into that preceding week. I appreciate everyone's opinions on this!

 

[Albort]

Theres a few things i would like to add.

a) its quite possible that if the show is popular, a 3rd show would probably be added. This will push DCA closing to 24:00 like DLR.

b) I always wonder if the showpass would integrate into the fastpass system. This may make ppl stay away from the showpass?

c) AP affect on park no longer SEVERELY affect crowd levels as much as they do before. Though we did not reach peak crowding BUT DCA has gotten more guest than ever before...

 

[skiingfast]

I remember reading something in 99 or 2000 about attendance and adding new attractions. I was atonished when I read this and it still sticks out. The jest was that if a seasonal park like Cedar or 6 flags or Kennywood added a new big attraction ie: coaster. Their revenue would jump 25% over the pervious year. They could bump there gate price and still get more customers. This is why during the late 90's there was a coaster revolution. Because the investment paid off like that.

Not that it works as well for Disney, there parks already capable of capacity. So with WoC will we see a 20% rise in visitation? I think it is quite likely.

Mainly I like to look at WDW for what DLR wants to be. It's parks in millions are 15,12,10,10 for annual visits. I think that DL and MK at 15 and DCA should be at 10 like AK and DHS. It's not that I think it should be this way, this is what I think the Disney company thinks.

I see it like this, WoC just a show or supplement. Ther e'sstill going to be construction galore in DCA. But more walls will be down than last summer giving some more room to roam but it's probably going to see 7 million visits plus change.

With Little Mermaid + 1 million, with cars land + 1 million. Then it's almost at ten with the other small inprovments to the park.

 

[skiingfast]

I also want to know how people feel about Paradise Pier closing down for WoC? For those that have been, has it been a hassle when Fantaslyland closed for the Remember fireworks?

Do you think California Screaming will close? The que is far to the side of the lagoon, would it matter if it was lighted for loading/unloading and the track is dark? It sounds like Ariels Resturaunt will be open and it is nearly in the line of site from paradise park to the CS que.

 

[skiingfast]

Theres a few things i would like to add.

a) its quite possible that if the show is popular, a 3rd show would probably be added. This will push DCA closing to 24:00 like DLR.

b) I always wonder if the showpass would integrate into the fastpass system. This may make ppl stay away from the showpass?

c) AP affect on park no longer SEVERELY affect crowd levels as much as they do before. Though we did not reach peak crowding BUT DCA has gotten more guest than ever before...

B is a really good point. As everyone speculate people would grab the showpass and then goto DL. But the reason the WoC is being built is to give people a reason to stay later making DCA an all day park. Perhaps the showpass vending won't start until say, six, the time people would be staking their claim to the veiwing area.

 

[NVDisMom]

B is a really good point. As everyone speculate people would grab the showpass and then goto DL. But the reason the WoC is being built is to give people a reason to stay later making DCA an all day park. Perhaps the showpass vending won't start until say, six, the time people would be staking their claim to the veiwing area.

Now that is an interesting point. I know I was making the assumption that WoC SP would be available first thing in the morning. If they waited until 6pm that would change the game entirely! People would be lining up ALL DAY to be sure to get a SP. That would be almost as bad for Disney as letting people save spots in Paradise Park all day.

Either way, can you imagine being the first person in that long line who is denied a SP because they are all gone? After waiting for who knows how long?

 

[DLR29]

I also want to know how people feel about Paradise Pier closing down for WoC? For those that have been, has it been a hassle when Fantaslyland closed for the Remember fireworks?

Do you think California Screaming will close? The que is far to the side of the lagoon, would it matter if it was lighted for loading/unloading and the track is dark? It sounds like Ariels Resturaunt will be open and it is nearly in the line of site from paradise park to the CS que.

FL closing for the fireworks is slightly different than Paradise Pier closing for WoC.

First of all, PP is a solid 1/3-1/4 of the entire attractions at DCA. FL is not as big of a portion and there are still lots of stuff to do for those not watching the fireworks.

Second, the fireworks only close FL down for about a half hour. Then it either reopens or the park closes. The thing is that the Paradise Pier rides will probably close in early evening and not open up again. That's a potential 3-5 hours that they will be closed.

Screamin is going to close for the show because the backdrop for the show needs to be completely dark for the best effect. It also is so that the sound of Screamin doesn't interfere with the sound of the show. I'm pretty sure everything that is considered a "Paradise Pier" ride will close except for maybe Mulholland Madness or Jumpin Jellyfish.

 

[Sherry E]

FL closing for the fireworks is slightly different than Paradise Pier closing for WoC.

First of all, PP is a solid 1/3-1/4 of the entire attractions at DCA. FL is not as big of a portion and there are still lots of stuff to do for those not watching the fireworks.

Second, the fireworks only close FL down for about a half hour. Then it either reopens or the park closes. The thing is that the Paradise Pier rides will probably close in early evening and not open up again. That's a potential 3-5 hours that they will be closed.

Screamin is going to close for the show because the backdrop for the show needs to be completely dark for the best effect. It also is so that the sound of Screamin doesn't interfere with the sound of the show. I'm pretty sure everything that is considered a "Paradise Pier" ride will close except for maybe Mulholland Madness or Jumpin Jellyfish.

You raise excellent points, DLR29!! You clarified it quite well, and, although I was annoyed at the prospect of PP closing at night, I hadn't quite looked at it the way you just explained it, but you are absolutely right. If FL has to close for a brief time while fireworks are happening in DL, there are tons of other things to ride, do and see in DL. If all of PP closes down for the entire evening, DCA takes a bit hit because there aren't all that many things to do over there anyway (yet). TSMM being closed for the whole evening really aggravates me - especially knowing that there will be all new games in TSMM in June, but the ride will most likely be closing early so that all attention can shift to WoC.

I don't doubt that WoC will be beautiful, stunning, awe-inspiring and all of that, and I am sure that when I ever get around to seeing it, I will enjoy it. DCA definitely needed a big nighttime spectacle of some kind. But I wish there were more options already in place for alternate things to do in DCA for those folks who would like to go to DCA but not watch WoC. To take Screamin' and Toy Story off the roster each night is to remove two of DCA's biggest attractions!!!

Well, like LuLusApple said earlier, I can't wait to start hearing the first reports from people who go to DLR in the initial couple of weeks after WoC's opening, so we can hear all about exactly what the viewing set-up is like and how bad the crowds are (or aren't) in both parks.

 

[HydroGuy]

It would not surprise me at all that even if PP closes they keep TSMM open. It is an indoor ride and will not distract from WoC.

 

[Sherry E]

It would not surprise me at all that even if PP closes they keep TSMM open. It is an indoor ride and will not distract from WoC.

I hope you're right! That would be a good scenario and it would make sense. I wasn't sure what the access to PP would be like, and if they would have all roads/paths to get to PP closed off except for the direct line to WoC! It definitely seems as though they don't want to let us forget for one second that WoC is there! Well, it should be interesting to see what exactly happens and what the set-up is like when WoC opens.

I wonder who will be the first of the folks here on this board to see WoC and report back to us?

 

[Albort]

I hope you're right! That would be a good scenario and it would make sense. I wasn't sure what the access to PP would be like, and if they would have all roads/paths to get to PP closed off except for the direct line to WoC! It definitely seems as though they don't want to let us forget for one second that WoC is there! Well, it should be interesting to see what exactly happens and what the set-up is like when WoC opens.

I wonder who will be the first of the folks here on this board to see WoC and report back to us?

as of right now, the rumor is that some paradise pier rides will close. DCA is on WoC deployment for trials and errors...

 

[PinkBudgie]

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.

Those are exactly the days we will be there too! Except we will also be there Thursday all day.

Reading this makes me realize this trip could be the first time we line up to go to DCA first thing in the morning instead of DL!

I can't imagine that if they used showpasses they would wait until 6 to give them out. The whole point of it would be to make people (locals) come to the park in the morning and as long as they are here anyway, spend money all day. I think most "locals" will stay because I bet that most Socal AP holders do have to drive long enough to make it not worth it to leave. They will take a day off. And don't forget they still have to park and take the tram or bus over. When you add all that up to time standing in line, I just don't think they will have time to go before work. I predict most will stay. That's my guess.

I can't wait to hear from the first people to go so I can start planning our strategy for Aug!

 

[HydroGuy]

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.

Should be. I think your dates are as good as you can get.

We will miss you by a day Dobie. Leaving DLR on Saturday the 31st for a week at the beach. Have a magical trip.

 

[Dobie]

Thanks, Hydroguy!!! You too!

 

[skiingfast]

When I've made it to DL, do they need to close big thunder or Splash for Fantasmic, I just can't recollect?

The noise of the sound system will be loud. If you've been to the Bellagio fountain show the sound system is loud and when you aren't near a speaker the water is loud. Both the blast of the nozzles and the splash as it come down. Since the fountains will be going along with the Video on the spray screen, the WoC audio volume will need to keep up with the background noise.

It may be able to drown out noise from the rides, but not the light. If there is polluted light projected onto the front or back of the screens it will cause problems. If they operate attractions near the lagoon they will need egress lighting for the mass of guests.

I don't think they will close down PP for the evening, that would be dumb, obviously it's a large part of the park. But I don't see people walking through the dark in the TSM or SSS ques either. I imagine they knowing the que times could cut off the ride, wait time + 15 minutes beforehand. They won't just be closing at 5 or 6, it doesn't get dark until late in summer. Plus the likelyhood of PP being open after the show is great. DCA will never have had as many people in the park late, as it will when they stay to watch WoC.

Anyone knows that the shortest wait of the day for TOT and GRR will be when a third of the visitors are waiting and watching WoC.

 

[Eeee-va]

What does Disney do with crowds on New Year's Eve? Do they end up turning people away from both parks? Is there a point where they don't let people with handstamps re-enter? My concern's more with the latter.

While in theory only 18,000 people are going to see WoC each night, I still think DCA could fill to capacity in the evening--especially if there end up being 3 WoC shows, or if masses of people try to see the show from outside the viewing area, despite not seeing the show the "right" way.

Meanwhile, it's at least somewhat likely that people will come in to get Showpasses, then duck out to Disneyland (or even away from DLR). So I wonder if DCA may have to either stop allowing people to enter when the park is relatively uncrowded (with the Showpass-holders having exited the park, leaving it relatively open) or else some people may have trouble re-entering in the evening.

If Showpass works like FP it could be even worse, because the group might enter Disneyland and then the runner might take the tickets over to DCA to get Showpasses. That would mean that a whole family might be wanting to get back into the park, even though only one person actually set foot in it.

My guess is that a sizable number of AP-holders will come and spend the whole day at the parks. It takes so long to park, I can't see the majority getting there early and then leaving for 6 or 7 hours, only to come back at 5 or 6 PM to be sure to get back into DCA on time. I do think the main issues will be sheer novelty of the show (drawing a ton of people in) and the Southern California blockout dates.

I assume that Showpass will be available first thing in the morning, which I think has the potential to create lines like those Disney had imagined Captain EO would have.

I hope there are soft openings before the official premiere. A ton of people would love to see the very first showing ever, and if the first public showing is announced well in advance, they may make plans for it. (If the opening is a bit of a surprise, then that should dissipate a little bit of the crowding because there's no longer quite as much motivation to be there the very first night.)

There's no way of knowing how things will be...but I'm pretty sure I am going to use my GAD voucher for FPs on 6/11.

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I may be in the minority, but I'm a SoCal Select AP holder who has NEVER seen the ELP or Fantasmic, and probably won't see WoC either.

I would like to, but I'm usually not there that late, and don't like the crowds. I drive up for the day, and when my kids start getting tired or crabby, or we just feel like we're "done", we head home. Sometimes it's at 9pm close, and sometimes it's around 5pm.

My guess would be that many AP holders will want to see WoC once, and then not bother with the crowds after that.

I also wonder if the AP numbers have really increased greatly, given the state of the economy, and the increase in rates. Not everyone who has an AP renews it the following year. I had one in 2008, didn't have it in 2009, and got one in 2010. And an AP holder like my husband may only visit a handful of times in a given year, if that, because it is cheaper to get the SoCal AP than several single-day tickets. So even with one million AP holders - they aren't all going to be crowding the parks as soon as WoC opens.

 

[Albort]

While in theory only 18,000 people are going to see WoC each night, I still think DCA could fill to capacity in the evening--especially if there end up being 3 WoC shows, or if masses of people try to see the show from outside the viewing area, despite not seeing the show the "right" way.

You would also have to factor everyone AROUND the pier. not to mention Ariel's Grotto(possible PS). Id say, a good extra 2,000 can fit around the pier...

Disney is projecting over 40,000 guest at DCA per day due to WoC. Its quite possible of even doing a 3rd/4th show if necessary...

 

[darph nader]

What are the chances that when WoC is up and running,F 'wont' be? I know I've said this more than once,but I want to ride the Mark Twain at night.

 

[DLR29]

I don't think they will close down PP for the evening, that would be dumb, obviously it's a large part of the park. But I don't see people walking through the dark in the TSM or SSS ques either. I imagine they knowing the que times could cut off the ride, wait time + 15 minutes beforehand. They won't just be closing at 5 or 6, it doesn't get dark until late in summer. Plus the likelyhood of PP being open after the show is great. DCA will never have had as many people in the park late, as it will when they stay to watch WoC.

I really don't know how you can run rides like Screamin, Maliboomer, SSS, etc. without any lights. The lights cannot just be "turned down" either (except maybe TSMM). Also, since WoC will be so popular and will be running 2 or 3 shows a night, there is almost no chance that PP will be open after the shows.

First, WoC if there is a 9PM and a 10:30PM (just for example purposes, no official show times have been confirmed, but just taking Fantasmic times for this example), then the show will end around 10:50ish. That's pretty late and so even if DCA extended the hours until midnight, that's still only another hour of PP, probably not worth it. Also, keep in mind that once a ride closes down for a period of time, it takes a significant amount of time to get that ride running again. They have to do test runs, start up the lights again, etc. This all takes time and that late at night it will not be worth it again.