World of Color on 8/24- Lamplight Lounge vs. regular viewing area?

[megankj]

I'll be in DCA for one day with a friend on Thursday, August 24th. We're late 30s/early 40s; I'm the planner and he's very game for whatever I put together- which works well.

We'll be there rope drop till park close, and I know we'll be going hard on a hot park day. We definitely want to see World of Color. I also know we'll likely want to visit Lamplight Lounge at some point- even if it's just to take a break and split the lobster nachos with a drink or two. I'm considering trying to combine the two, and booking a late reservation at Lamplight Lounge and asking for an outside table, but I'm conflicted. We've just got a couple weeks until ADRs open- so I've got to figure it out!

Here are my thoughts:

• One of my biggest memories of the previous two times I've seen WOC is being exhausted by the time it rolled around. I was also pretty ready for it to end by the time it did. It's a great show, so I think we'd enjoy it more if we're sitting (and I'm not interested in the dessert party).
• We definitely want to see/hear the show, but I don't care too much about a perfect view. I know it's a side view (I've looked up Youtube videos), and that actually might be ok. Both of the previous times (I've seen the regular WOC and the holiday overlay, but not One), I paid way more attention to the water and light and music than the projections. Is a clear view of the projections particularly important for WOC: One specifically?
• My biggest worry is what happens if it doesn't work out. Especially if there is only one show, I don't want to miss our chance to see it if we can't wait for an outside table, or if the view is truly terrible, etc.
• Park hours and showtimes are not out yet, but TouringPlans is predicting a 9pm park closing with just one WOC show at 8:15. Does that seem right? The corresponding Thursday night last year (8/25/22) looks like it had an after-hours event, but I can't figure out what it was and whether it's likely to happen again this year.

Thanks for your insight!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Just be aware that you might not be seated outside at LL. Be prepared that you might get seated inside. Or they might seat you at the community table outside (this could be a problem for some people). If you really don't need a stellar view, you can view standby from the bridge (we've seen the second row wide open without long waits) or from behind the show (in front of IC, along the railing by the water -- railing spots can be open right up to showtime).

 

[megankj]

Just be aware that you might not be seated outside at LL. Be prepared that you might get seated inside. Or they might seat you at the community table outside (this could be a problem for some people). If you really don't need a stellar view, you can view standby from the bridge (we've seen the second row wide open without long waits) or from behind the show (in front of IC, along the railing by the water -- railing spots can be open right up to showtime).

Yep, that's my concern. The community table would be fine, but being seated inside and missing WOC if there is in fact only one would really stink. If we made a late reservation in hopes of watching from LL, I don't think we could count on being done in time to get a spot on the bridge or otherwise. I really wish they'd announce park hours and showtimes prior to ADRs opening up rather than asking us to gamble!

 

[Jperiod]

We tried this in december and it didn't work out how I hoped. I had an 8:10 reservation and WoC was at 9. We showed up early, maybe about 7:30, and told them we were willing to wait for an outside table. Nothing came and they later warned me something to the effect that the place shuts down before WoC - we'd have to order and pay before the show started. They seated us inside but we saw clearing tables outside as people left. My husband was livid that they wouldn't seat us there. We were in a crazy rush. If I remember right, they were willing to let us go watch at the railing as long as we paid before. But I can't remember if that's standard or if because my husband was making such a fuss. Ultimately, the manager got involved and brought us to watch in the empty upstairs (after we quickly ate our meal), which turned out to be a beautiful view. It was very kind of the manager, but the whole experience was super embarrassing because of my husband's behavior. All that to say, don't ever plan on trying to see WoC from LL!

 

[ParkHopper1]

From Lamplight you don't get to see the "show"...just some pretty fountains and lights. If you are not head on-ish, you miss a most of the visuals and experience.

They originally put the infrastructure in for people to stand all around Paradise Bay as an option to view WOC but everyone quickly realized you can't really see the what really makes the show from the sides and back.

Book the WOC Dessert Seating...you get a seat, the show, and food and drink

 

[megankj]

We tried this in december and it didn't work out how I hoped. I had an 8:10 reservation and WoC was at 9. We showed up early, maybe about 7:30, and told them we were willing to wait for an outside table. Nothing came and they later warned me something to the effect that the place shuts down before WoC - we'd have to order and pay before the show started. They seated us inside but we saw clearing tables outside as people left. My husband was livid that they wouldn't seat us there. We were in a crazy rush. If I remember right, they were willing to let us go watch at the railing as long as we paid before. But I can't remember if that's standard or if because my husband was making such a fuss. Ultimately, the manager got involved and brought us to watch in the empty upstairs (after we quickly ate our meal), which turned out to be a beautiful view. It was very kind of the manager, but the whole experience was super embarrassing because of my husband's behavior. All that to say, don't ever plan on trying to see WoC from LL!

Ugh what a mess- I’m so sorry that happened!

I think at this point I’m leaning toward a midafternoon reservation to get out of the sun, off our feet, and enjoy some lobster nachos. Fingers crossed, maybe if we’re more intentional about pacing ourselves in the middle of the day we won’t be exhausted by the evening!

 

[ParkHopper1]

maybe if we’re more intentional about pacing ourselves in the middle of the day we won’t be exhausted by the evening!

Very few people can physically withstand rope drop to park close without being miserable, especially on hot days.

A MUST do with that strategy IMO is to take a few hour break mid day well before your are burnt out, go back to hotel for a few hours, get off your feet, take a shower and freshen up, head back to the park fresh for sit down table service meal and close out the park strong.

You will be a LOT more enjoyable and efficient than trying to drag yourself though the night exhausted.

 

[megankj]

Very few people can physically withstand rope drop to park close without being miserable, especially on hot days.

A MUST do with that strategy IMO is to take a few hour break mid day well before your are burnt out, go back to hotel for a few hours, get off your feet, take a shower and freshen up, head back to the park fresh for sit down table service meal and close out the park strong.

You will be a LOT more enjoyable and efficient than trying to drag yourself though the night exhausted.

Staying a mile away, that would be more trouble than it’s worth- but we can definitely plan on a sit-down meal in the afternoon, some air conditioned shows, and maybe even a visit to the lobby and bar at the Grand Californian.

 

[pennym]

We booked Lamplight at 7.15pm for this very purpose, it was an 8pm show. We were seated at about 7.30, and had eaten our meals just in time for the show to start. We did not ask for an outside table, but were given one (maybe because we booked 60 days out? We also got waterside Blue Bayou without asking, so I wonder if a priority system exists?) We thought it was a nice view, we were looking at the Fun wheel, could see all projections etc. Would do again. The only weird thing was, when the lights came back up we found the bill on our table, no chance for dessert or coffee. I assume they close immediately after the show.

 

[dec2009mama]

Here is a list of events I've seen -- DCA will close early for an event on 8/24, pretty sure this will effect WOC show times!

 

[megankj]

Here is a list of events I've seen -- DCA will close early for an event on 8/24, pretty sure this will effect WOC show times!View attachment 767127

Thanks for this! I guess that explains the reported early close. I'll probably start another thread about this, to see what others have experienced as far as crowds, and whether this means I should switch our park days.

 

[dec2009mama]

Thanks for this! I guess that explains the reported early close. I'll probably start another thread about this, to see what others have experienced as far as crowds, and whether this means I should switch our park days.

If you have a one park per day then I would switch to DL vs DCA - they get to mix into the park at 6pm and the event starts at 9pm!

Each winner and their guest(s) will be admitted into Disney California Adventure® Park (“Park”)during regular operating hours beginning at 6:00 p.m. PDT on August 24, 2023 and will each receive a wristband at check-in providing access into the private party portion of the Event which begins at 9:00 p.m. PDT.

 

[megankj]

If you have a one park per day then I would switch to DL vs DCA - they get to mix into the park at 6pm and the event starts at 9pm!

Each winner and their guest(s) will be admitted into Disney California Adventure® Park (“Park”)during regular operating hours beginning at 6:00 p.m. PDT on August 24, 2023 and will each receive a wristband at check-in providing access into the private party portion of the Event which begins at 9:00 p.m. PDT.

Ugh, thank you for this! Much better to know now when I can change plans (either swap days or plan to add park hopping) than after I'd made dining reservations, etc!

 

[babyruth]

OP did you end up watching from LL? I have been considering a reservation for your same reasons.

 

[megankj]

OP did you end up watching from LL? I have been considering a reservation for your same reasons.

We did not- it ended up that there was an after-hours event the night we were there, so only one WOC show for regular park guests. Since we didn't want to risk missing it, we booked a mid-afternoon visit to LL for a break off our feet, and then got a regular virtual queue for WOC. We actually managed to book it for one last ride on Incredicoaster after the show, getting in one minute before the line closed!