World of Color Superthread

[skiingfast]

Thanks for all the input so quickly! One more question: When they were first announcing WOC coming to the park it was touted to be a show that could be seen from all around the lagoon. Is that true? Can it be viewed from the sun wheel side?

Yes, the show is visible all around but far better from Paradise Park. It is meant to be seen from the front so it appears much fuller from there.

You will notice in some of the maps of the color zones people post, they include a center line.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for all the input so quickly! One more question: When they were first announcing WOC coming to the park it was touted to be a show that could be seen from all around the lagoon. Is that true? Can it be viewed from the sun wheel side?

Yes, the show is visible all around but far better from Paradise Park. It is meant to be seen from the front so it appears much fuller from there.

You will notice in some of the maps of the color zones people post, they include a center line.

Yes, you can stand at other places but it is sort of like trying to watch a movie from the side of the screen. It was not designed to be seen from there. It was designed to be viewed from the front. In WOC's case that is the terraced Paradise Park area.

Good luck.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I have done the yellow fire hydrant in the blue section a lot of times and it is by far one of the best spots to see the show from the blue section. I use that spot to videotape the show and you can get the whole show from that spot. I go to the hydrant when the CMs open the viewing area to the FP holders for the show. Most of the people that start to show up around the hydrant is around 30 minutes until the show. Sometimes I see them 15 minutes or 50 minutes until the show.

 

[kikiq]

Thanks for all the input so quickly! One more question: When they were first announcing WOC coming to the park it was touted to be a show that could be seen from all around the lagoon. Is that true? Can it be viewed from the sun wheel side?

It can be viewed from the sun wheel side. And it isn't as bad as some would say. Granted the projections are not clear BUT if you have small children or just cannot stand and wait for a "good" spot, then it gives you a "general" idea of the show. My DH and I routinely watch it at least once a month from the backside just right of the seats behind the sun wheel. Yes, watching it from the Paradise Pier amphitheater is preferred, but we've sat/stood next to people who are still blown away by the show from the backside.

My DB and DN watched it from the side on Memorial Day weekend by the swings. A CM even pulled a bench around for them. They loved it even from that vantage point. The reality is if you have more than one small child waiting for a prime spot sometimes is not possible but does not mean you have to miss the show. Plenty of people stand around the lagoon to watch the show. Another non FP spot that sometimes goes empty is right behind Duffy's gazebo next to the bar before going over to the "backside" of the lagoon. Not centered, but you at least see some of the projections.

 

[HydroGuy]

It can be viewed from the sun wheel side. And it isn't as bad as some would say. Granted the projections are not clear BUT if you have small children or just cannot stand and wait for a "good" spot, then it gives you a "general" idea of the show. My DH and I routinely watch it at least once a month from the backside just right of the seats behind the sun wheel. Yes, watching it from the Paradise Pier amphitheater is preferred, but we've sat/stood next to people who are still blown away by the show from the backside.

My DB and DN watched it from the side on Memorial Day weekend by the swings. A CM even pulled a bench around for them. They loved it even from that vantage point. The reality is if you have more than one small child waiting for a prime spot sometimes is not possible but does not mean you have to miss the show. Plenty of people stand around the lagoon to watch the show. Another non FP spot that sometimes goes empty is right behind Duffy's gazebo next to the bar before going over to the "backside" of the lagoon. Not centered, but you at least see some of the projections.

Good info! Not a particularly common opinion but sometimes compromises are necessary based on your group mix. Thanks.

 

[teacherkaren]

Thank you so much everyone! The info is very helpful to make decisions. I think I will try to get the blue passes but if all else fails we'll look at one of these other places mentioned. Thank you for letting me glean from your recent experiences!

 

[kikiq]

Good info! Not a particularly common opinion but sometimes compromises are necessary based on your group mix. Thanks.

This last weekend, we wanted to get a spot in front of Little Mermaid to check that out. We only had Saturday night to do it. Wanted to see how fast the crowd moved into that area after the first show. But lost track of time and before we knew it, the DLR Plaza Garden swing band had stopped playing and we hadn't left for DCA...then the fireworks.

My DDs are older now and we have DGD who is 2. I have become acutely aware of meltdowns and restless children. Just wanted to give those folks an option.

BTW, thank you for all the terrific info you collect and pass on.

 

[Rbthemommy]

I'm having a hard time accepting that you have to do so much work for WOC! I mean, I'm excited for it and hope to take my kids to it in Sept. but man it's a LOT of work and waiting (and money if you choose to eat). Sheesh! I have a 5,6, and 7 yr old that I'm sure are not going to want to stand in line for hours when you add up the FP's and waiting to get a "good" spot. Any tips on what I should do? I read many many posts and it's overwhelming!

 

[skiingfast]

I'm having a hard time accepting that you have to do so much work for WOC! I mean, I'm excited for it and hope to take my kids to it in Sept. but man it's a LOT of work and waiting (and money if you choose to eat). Sheesh! I have a 5,6, and 7 yr old that I'm sure are not going to want to stand in line for hours when you add up the FP's and waiting to get a "good" spot. Any tips on what I should do? I read many many posts and it's overwhelming!

Getting the FP will take only about 5 minutes, even a long line moves quickly. Just go up and ask a CM what color and show, if multiple in a day, they are on. Then get in the FP.

It will help to be waiting when people are let into the area though, and this will take almost 2 hours of waiting. For the later shows much less. In any case don't race to the front, any spot on the rail is great, except the far side of the red zone.

Keep in mind a prime veiw of F! or Fireworks takes time too, WoC isn't much different.

 

[rentayenta]

Keep in mind a prime veiw of F! or Fireworks takes time too, WoC isn't much different.

I totally agree with this.



Rbthemommy, your children might not be ready to wait for 2 hours. Mine were the first time we saw WoC and it was well worth it. They also waited for fireworks a few times and F! once. Now they all prefer to ride BTMRR during the fireworks and only of of my daughters will suffer through the 2 hours for F!. We'll see what they decide about the WoC this next time. They are wanting me to order the picnic again.

 

[Rbthemommy]

Is there a sheet with the list of what things mean because I have no idea what btmrr or most of what you all say is LOL! Ok so WOC is worth the wait. Is F!? The week we are going the ONLY day I can see WOC is Friday, which happens to be the night before we fly back to Omaha. Oh joy, we are going to be keeping the kids up super late and getting them up at 5 the next morning for a flight lol!! But it's worth it I have read. I didn't know if F! was worth the wait too. If that's the case, Monday 9/12 is the only other night besides Friday 9/16 we can see it cause it's at the same time... I think anyway. I'm new to all this so I could be wrong.

 

[rentayenta]

Is there a sheet with the list of what things mean because I have no idea what btmrr or most of what you all say is LOL! Ok so WOC is worth the wait. Is F!? The week we are going the ONLY day I can see WOC is Friday, which happens to be the night before we fly back to Omaha. Oh joy, we are going to be keeping the kids up super late and getting them up at 5 the next morning for a flight lol!! But it's worth it I have read. I didn't know if F! was worth the wait too. If that's the case, Monday 9/12 is the only other night besides Friday 9/16 we can see it cause it's at the same time... I think anyway. I'm new to all this so I could be wrong.

I think WoC is totally worth it. It's amazing. Google pictures- it really is cool.

BTMRR= Big Thunder Mountian Railroad
F!= Fantasmic.

There is an abbreviation thread somewhere.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is there a sheet with the list of what things mean because I have no idea what btmrr or most of what you all say is LOL! Ok so WOC is worth the wait.

At the top of the forum is a thread that is always there. That is called a sticky thread. You may want to read it. Here is a link:

Sticky: * DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

In that thread near the top is this link:

"DLR Abbreviations List" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520784

Is WOC worth it? It depends. How many days do you have at DLR? And why is Friday the only night you can see WOC?

Is F!? The week we are going the ONLY day I can see WOC is Friday, which happens to be the night before we fly back to Omaha. Oh joy, we are going to be keeping the kids up super late and getting them up at 5 the next morning for a flight lol!! But it's worth it I have read. I didn't know if F! was worth the wait too. If that's the case, Monday 9/12 is the only other night besides Friday 9/16 we can see it cause it's at the same time... I think anyway. I'm new to all this so I could be wrong.

You need to do more research here. Fantasmic typically does not show on weeknights during offseason like Sept. Just to be sure I just checked the DLR calendar and it confirmed no Fantasmic on Sept 12.

Is F! worth it? Again, it depends.

In both WOC and F!s case it is not worth it, IMO, if you have a bad viewing spot. If you have the time and are willing to invest the time to get a good viewing spot, both shows are definitely worth it.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

I'm having a hard time accepting that you have to do so much work for WOC! I mean, I'm excited for it and hope to take my kids to it in Sept. but man it's a LOT of work and waiting (and money if you choose to eat). Sheesh! I have a 5,6, and 7 yr old that I'm sure are not going to want to stand in line for hours when you add up the FP's and waiting to get a "good" spot. Any tips on what I should do? I read many many posts and it's overwhelming!

ITA, it is overwhelming to contemplate all this extra effort after you've already traveled to the park and paid for park tickets. I think WOC feels crazier than F! or fireworks because it seems like there are a lot more ways for people with more money (and/or the willingness to spend it on this show) to get better viewing, plus the FPs, plus all these discussions about how different the viewing experiences can be from different locations. (Perhaps I just don't know about meals attached to F! and fireworks or other ways where you lay out cash for better seats?) But yeah, just wanted to let you know that you're not the only newbie who gets exhausted just contemplating all the different options (FP alone? Meal with a FP? How early to line up? Where to stand within a section?) at the end of a long park day with kids.

AJ

 

[HydroGuy]

ITA, it is overwhelming to contemplate all this extra effort after you've already traveled to the park and paid for park tickets. I think WOC feels crazier than F! or fireworks because it seems like there are a lot more ways for people with more money (and/or the willingness to spend it on this show) to get better viewing, plus the FPs, plus all these discussions about how different the viewing experiences can be from different locations. (Perhaps I just don't know about meals attached to F! and fireworks or other ways where you lay out cash for better seats?) But yeah, just wanted to let you know that you're not the only newbie who gets exhausted just contemplating all the different options (FP alone? Meal with a FP? How early to line up? Where to stand within a section?) at the end of a long park day with kids.

AJ

Not sure what you mean about people with money getting "better seats". First, there are no seats. Second, there are dinners and picnics for WOC. The dinners are already expensive at AG or WOC without WOC. Getting the WOC ticket package is not that much more. Picnics are inexpensive but not necesssary as they get one the same viewing section as those who get the free FP. Fantasmic reserved seats cost much more and give you less - a dessert box rather than a whole dinner.

Some people think the whole FP concept at Disney parks is difficult and overwhelming. Some people think the whole idea of trying to figure out which rides to ride and which will have long lines is overwhelming. So what is difficult for one person is not for another. Forums like this take this information and make it as simple as possible.

Anyone who wants a simple, care free Disney trip can take that approach. Forums like this are for people who want to dig deeper so they can have a better experience. It takes time. It takes research. It takes thinking. It takes planning. But the payoff is usually a much more enjoyable visit.

Not sure if you have ever been to WDW in Florida but DLR (with or without WOC) is a piece of cake in comparison with regard to planning and decisions.

Seeing WOC is not that hard. Get a free FP. Show up early if you want a good view. Show up later if you do not care. Take the advice in the OP on which viewing spots are best and then go there to see the show.

Seeing the first Fantasmic show of the night with a good view actually takes more time than WOC.

I hope that helps add some perspective. Best of luck to you!

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Not sure what you mean about people with money getting "better seats". First, there are no seats. Second, there are dinners and picnics for WOC. The dinners are already expensive at AG or WOC without WOC. Getting the WOC ticket package is not that much more. Picnics are inexpensive but not necesssary as they get one the same viewing section as those who get the free FP. Fantasmic reserved seats cost much more and give you less - a dessert box rather than a whole dinner.

Yes, I know there are no sitting arrangements. I did not mean literal seats. The WOC ticket is not that much more IF you were interested in dining at those places anyway, which I am not, given the food selections, photos and reviews I've seen, and the prices, but I know (and am glad) that others enjoy them so much.

Some people think the whole FP concept at Disney parks is difficult and overwhelming. Some people think the whole idea of trying to figure out which rides to ride and which will have long lines is overwhelming. So what is difficult for one person is not for another. Forums like this take this information and make it as simple as possible.

Yes, they do offer a lot of insight and information, which is what I come here for. It is not the forums or posters' explanations that are in any way problematic. Having looked at issues around rides, ride FPs, and the other nightly shows, WOC still feels like the most complicated matrix to consider, with the most time invested before and at the park to feel like you know what you're doing and what might be best for your group. At this point, unlike those other visit issues mentioned, I feel like more knowledge has led to more stress and uncertainty rather than less. Especially compared to, say, ride FPs, where I feel more confident and knowledgable about how we would want to utilize them and how using them really will give us a better experience. Part of me feels like I might've been happier just finding out where to line up for WOC and showing up and seeing whatever I see. So I just wanted the other poster to know she was not alone in her feelings about trying to plan the best WOC experience for her group.

Seeing WOC is not that hard. Get a free FP. Show up early if you want a good view. Show up later if you do not care. Take the advice in the OP on which viewing spots are best and then go there to see the show.

Well, yes, that's basically what I've already come away with. It seems like you have to let go and just accept a lot, no matter how much info and planning you might do. I can't seem to find any surefire way for not paying any extra money to know which color section you'll end up in, which some people have made sound like a BIG deal as for one's viewing pleasure. (Do diners at AG or the other place even know which color they will get for viewing? Again, because I nixed that idea early on, I don't even know the finer details about those options.) And of course, within a particular section, some people have made it sound like one's standing position can make or break the experience, given all the time you spend waiting for it.

Seeing the first Fantasmic show of the night with a good view actually takes more time than WOC.

That's just depressing. But, unless I'm mistaken (and there's a goodly chance I am), it seems more straightforward, with fewer decisions to make. Isn't F! more a simple First come, first served process where you show up as early as seems worthwhile to you to get your choice of viewing spot? So it might take you more time in the park to stand in line for where you feel good about your viewing odds, but I don't see a dozen threads about all the different options for the viewing experience or people expressing huge differences based on where one got to view it, so I'm not spending as much time pre-park contemplating F! or the fireworks or even Aladdin and its preferred seating.
Again, the main point of my post was to show solidarity with the OP about the array of choices to be made, which is not any kind of reflection on the quality, quantity, or general helpfulness of the contributors to the forum, who are always so helpful in relating their experiences and tips for others.

AJ

 

[skiingfast]

I can't seem to find any surefire way for not paying any extra money to know which color section you'll end up in, which some people have made sound like a BIG deal as for one's viewing pleasure. (Do diners at AG or the other place even know which color they will get for viewing? Again, because I nixed that idea early on, I don't even know the finer details about those options.)

Ariel's Grotto(AG) or Wine Country Trattoria(WCT) dinners=Preferred Dining section
WCT lunch=Blue
Picnic=Yellow
Free FP from the distirbution machines are given out in order, Blue then Yellow then Red. If you want a certain one just find out what's being distributed and get in the quick line then.

Isn't F! more a simple First come, first served process where you show up as early as seems worthwhile to you to get your choice of viewing spot?

If you think about it, all the night shows are first come first serve too. Be first there, get your spot of choice first.

 

[Rbthemommy]

You know what? I just think it's all way too complicated. I'm going to get my FP at GRR and show up a half hour before the show starts. What ever we get, we get! It's still a life changing experience I nor the kids will forget. I know what seats sort of to stay away from. I'm hoping to avoid the red section completely unless it's by the railing. I'm not the type of person to have to have the "best" seat.. hopefully we can see. What I'm on a mission to do at the moment is buy my darn tickets for the cheapest possible rate. THAT to me is the most important thing, or we don't go. I so wish Craigslist was reliable cause that's what I really wanna do, but I know it doesn't always work and you lose money.

 

[HydroGuy]

Yes, they do offer a lot of insight and information, which is what I come here for. It is not the forums or posters' explanations that are in any way problematic. Having looked at issues around rides, ride FPs, and the other nightly shows, WOC still feels like the most complicated matrix to consider, with the most time invested before and at the park to feel like you know what you're doing and what might be best for your group. At this point, unlike those other visit issues mentioned, I feel like more knowledge has led to more stress and uncertainty rather than less. Especially compared to, say, ride FPs, where I feel more confident and knowledgable about how we would want to utilize them and how using them really will give us a better experience. Part of me feels like I might've been happier just finding out where to line up for WOC and showing up and seeing whatever I see. So I just wanted the other poster to know she was not alone in her feelings about trying to plan the best WOC experience for her group.

WOC is a major show like F! and requires a similar time commitment to get a good view. F! has many more good viewing spots than WOC and so one's ability to see F! is much easier. WOC has fewer good viewing spots and requires more planning to get a good spot. In this way WOC is sort of like seeing a fireworks show like RDCT where you need to be careful where you stand if you want to see everything.

In general you are right that WOC requires more planning and effort than just about everything else at DLR. But still a lot less than figuring out dining reservations at WDW. WOC is a new show (well it is a year old now but still in the "new" phase) and is highly popular. So it is not surprising that it is harder to experience than other more well established attractions at DLR. IMO the payoff is totally worth it. FOR THOSE WHO INVEST THE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT. Otherwise it is likely not worth it.

Yes, many people wing it at DLR and do no planning. It is much easier and less stressful before they arrive because they do nothing. But those are the ones standing in the 90 minute lines in the heat of the day complaining and often irritable and, well, stressed. And their chance of getting a good spot to watch WOC is very small.

Like many other vacations, DLR takes planning and many advance choices to increase the chances of a good experience. Similar if you plan a trip to Hawaii or Italy or Africa - which I have - you need to do a lot of reading and planning and strategizing ahead of time to make sure you get to experience the things which are priorities.

I think you can relax a little. Just go get regular WOC FPs. Show up early (I recommend at least minutes before the show in order to get access to the best spots) and then enjoy!

Well, yes, that's basically what I've already come away with. It seems like you have to let go and just accept a lot, no matter how much info and planning you might do. I can't seem to find any surefire way for not paying any extra money to know which color section you'll end up in, which some people have made sound like a BIG deal as for one's viewing pleasure. (Do diners at AG or the other place even know which color they will get for viewing? Again, because I nixed that idea early on, I don't even know the finer details about those options.) And of course, within a particular section, some people have made it sound like one's standing position can make or break the experience, given all the time you spend waiting for it.

Ok, slow down. There are surefire ways that are easy and free. Just show up at DCA at 9:30AM (well, maybe a little earlier before it opens at say 9:20), go straight to the GRR ride where WOC FPs are distributed, and get yourself a blue FP which are always given out first. Then plan everything around the blue section. Easy peasy.

On any given day you never know what your FP times will be for anything - except first thing in the morning. So there is a lot of uncertainty for any FP ride. You know you can get the FP, you just do not know ahead of time when you can use it. WOC is similar except what you do not know is the color section you will get - except for first thing in the morning.

As long as you show up early enough before the show (90 minutes) then getting a good viewing spot IS NOT HARD. Just go to the front rail and stake out your spot - or in the blue section go to the rail at the bridge if you think that might be better.

That's just depressing. But, unless I'm mistaken (and there's a goodly chance I am), it seems more straightforward, with fewer decisions to make. Isn't F! more a simple First come, first served process where you show up as early as seems worthwhile to you to get your choice of viewing spot? So it might take you more time in the park to stand in line for where you feel good about your viewing odds, but I don't see a dozen threads about all the different options for the viewing experience or people expressing huge differences based on where one got to view it, so I'm not spending as much time pre-park contemplating F! or the fireworks or even Aladdin and its preferred seating.
Again, the main point of my post was to show solidarity with the OP about the array of choices to be made, which is not any kind of reflection on the quality, quantity, or general helpfulness of the contributors to the forum, who are always so helpful in relating their experiences and tips for others.

AJ

Yes Fantasmic has fewer choices for the basics. And it has more good viewing spots. Except you need to commit more time to it to see the first show. And/or remember to bring a blanket (and carry that around with you all day).

WOC is not Fantasmic. And it is much newer. And IMO better.

Hope that helps!

 

[HydroGuy]

You know what? I just think it's all way too complicated. I'm going to get my FP at GRR and show up a half hour before the show starts. What ever we get, we get! It's still a life changing experience I nor the kids will forget. I know what seats sort of to stay away from. I'm hoping to avoid the red section completely unless it's by the railing. I'm not the type of person to have to have the "best" seat.. hopefully we can see. What I'm on a mission to do at the moment is buy my darn tickets for the cheapest possible rate. THAT to me is the most important thing, or we don't go. I so wish Craigslist was reliable cause that's what I really wanna do, but I know it doesn't always work and you lose money.

You know seriously, if that is the approach you want to take I would recommend you skip WOC. Unless everyone in your group is tall, your approach is, IMHO, a recipe for disappointment. Just sayin'.