World of Color Superthread

[JeriLee]

We did the preferred dining Saturday, 1/28/12 and waited our 90 minutes to get "The Best Spot" along the rail. We've done this before and for us, it is worth the price and the time on special occasions. Unfortunately, "The Best Spot" is now reserved for handicap. The handicap area is large and allows enough room for their family members to stand behind and to the sides of the benches.

I don't begrudge people who require special assistance and I'm thankful my family is not among them, however, I'm not sure taking the entire sweet spot of the preferred dining area is the right thing to do. I now believe I get Zero advantage with the preferred dining package, so we will not do it again, unless things change.

 

[LMcQueen]

I was at WOC tonight. The fire hydrant spot is not available because it is used as a walkway. I was told by a CM this was due to the construction in front of LM. We were able to walk in 30 min before the show and get an ok view that my 5 year old could see from. The spot was in the blue section just before you get on the bridge. If you look at the hi def photo on the first page the spot was close to the red umbrella. People were constantly standing in front of me before the show as they were getting to their spots. However once the show started, CM's didnt allow people to stand there. People did walk in front of me if they left the show early. I would recommend the spot if you cant or dont want to come early.

 

[skiingfast]

A repaving is starting in front of LM.

Some people are suggesting that it will take until the beginning of March. In the meantime because this is directly behind Paradise Park there will be no viewing there. Also Paradise Park will temporaily eliminate the red area, the whole park will be used, but divided between Blue and Yellow Show Passes. Blue will line up to the east of the repaving work, yellow to the west.

In regards to this, I have confirmation that the repaving work will take until the end of February.

 

[Aby]

I just wanted to share my experiences this past week at WOC. On Wednesday night we lined up for the blue section (we just asked a CM) 90 minutes before the show. We were first in line! Unfortunately shortly after we started lining up they told us the show was cancelled due to technical difficulties (the middle section of fountains would not come up out of the water). We took the opportunity to scope out our best choices for spots (I'm short) and decided that our first choice would be the fire hydrant spot and our second spot would be along the front rail right at the top of the last set of stairs so that noone could block my view.

We tried again the next night and although I wasn't first in line I was within the first 50-75 people in. They started letting us in very early, almost 75 minutes before the show and I headed for the fire hydrant spot. Sadly someone else had the same idea as me so I went down to the rail instead. My hubby came to join me a few minutes later, so I asked him to check the hydrant spot again. He waved me up but then he was shooed away from that spot as the CM said it was a walkway and not a viewing area. So we ended up at the rail.

Looking at the map on the first page of this thread, we were just to the left of the "best" view spots on the blue section on the first rail. There is a set of stairs leading to the landing of the lowest level and we were at the top of the stairs against the rail. We had a great view and really enjoyed the show.

I just wanted to warn people that the hydrant spot (by the way the hydrant is now painted green!) may not be an option any more. No idea if they let people into the area when it got close to show time because we couldn't see up there once the park really started to fill in.

Hope this helps others planning on seeing the show!

Aby

 

[HydroGuy]

I just wanted to share my experiences this past week at WOC. On Wednesday night we lined up for the blue section (we just asked a CM) 90 minutes before the show. We were first in line! Unfortunately shortly after we started lining up they told us the show was cancelled due to technical difficulties (the middle section of fountains would not come up out of the water). We took the opportunity to scope out our best choices for spots (I'm short) and decided that our first choice would be the fire hydrant spot and our second spot would be along the front rail right at the top of the last set of stairs so that noone could block my view.

We tried again the next night and although I wasn't first in line I was within the first 50-75 people in. They started letting us in very early, almost 75 minutes before the show and I headed for the fire hydrant spot. Sadly someone else had the same idea as me so I went down to the rail instead. My hubby came to join me a few minutes later, so I asked him to check the hydrant spot again. He waved me up but then he was shooed away from that spot as the CM said it was a walkway and not a viewing area. So we ended up at the rail.

Looking at the map on the first page of this thread, we were just to the left of the "best" view spots on the blue section on the first rail. There is a set of stairs leading to the landing of the lowest level and we were at the top of the stairs against the rail. We had a great view and really enjoyed the show.

I just wanted to warn people that the hydrant spot (by the way the hydrant is now painted green!) may not be an option any more. No idea if they let people into the area when it got close to show time because we couldn't see up there once the park really started to fill in.

Hope this helps others planning on seeing the show!

Aby

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you ended up with a good view in the end!

Anyone else try the fire hydrant spot lately?

 

[mvf-m11c]

I am also interested to hear from someone else if they had done the fire hydrant lately. It seems that every month that the viewing area at PP is changing. Where the fire hydrant spot is a spot to see the show from the blue area and now all of a sudden it isn't a spot to watch from the blue section. I will be down there in two weeks and would like to be at the fire hydrant spot to see WoC. If not, I could always go with another spot.

 

[gardener14]

I saw the show three times recently. I'm not a frequent visitor, so I don't know what the normal setup is like, but I know that some regular viewing areas are currently walkways because of the repaving project between the viewing area and the Little Mermaid ride. I read elsewhere that the fire hydrant spot is currently a walkway because of this paving work. Perhaps that is why I couldn't find the fire hydrant...it wasn't in a viewing area, and now I read that the fire hydrant is green, not yellow.

By the way, the last of the three times I saw the show during our trip, it was the second of two shows that night. We joined the huge line of people waiting to get in just as they opened the gate fifteen minutes before showtime. Needless to say we were nearly last in line. We got great spots behind one row of people along the fence in the last tier. We could see the show beautifull between the heads of the single row of people in front of us. I still question the suggestions of wasting well over an hour waiting for the show. I understand that families with children or shorter people may have a different experience (I'm not tall), but for teens and adults of average heights who don't mind a little jockeying for position to see around some heads, seeing the show is not as difficult as others make it out to be.

 

[HydroGuy]

I saw the show three times recently. I'm not a frequent visitor, so I don't know what the normal setup is like, but I know that some regular viewing areas are currently walkways because of the repaving project between the viewing area and the Little Mermaid ride. I read elsewhere that the fire hydrant spot is currently a walkway because of this paving work. Perhaps that is why I couldn't find the fire hydrant...it wasn't in a viewing area, and now I read that the fire hydrant is green, not yellow.

By the way, the last of the three times I saw the show during our trip, it was the second of two shows that night. We joined the huge line of people waiting to get in just as they opened the gate fifteen minutes before showtime. Needless to say we were nearly last in line. We got great spots behind one row of people along the fence in the last tier. We could see the show beautifull between the heads of the single row of people in front of us. I still question the suggestions of wasting well over an hour waiting for the show. I understand that families with children or shorter people may have a different experience (I'm not tall), but for teens and adults of average heights who don't mind a little jockeying for position to see around some heads, seeing the show is not as difficult as others make it out to be.

Yes, viewing spots for WOC has a range of opinions.

When I personally recommend showing up earlier it is not only because of children. I have seen the show from various spots and I strongly feel it just does not seem as good from further back or from the side. Yes, one can see it. But the experience to me is not nearly as good.

Some folks like to watch DL Remember Dreams Come True fireworks from the train station on Main Street. Yes you can see the fireworks from there. But to me it does not compare to the experience of actually being in the hub.

 

[gardener14]

Yes, viewing spots for WOC has a range of opinions.

When I personally recommend showing up earlier it is not only because of children. I have seen the show from various spots and I strongly feel it just does not seem as good from further back or from the side. Yes, one can see it. But the experience to me is not nearly as good.

Some folks like to watch DL Remember Dreams Come True fireworks from the train station on Main Street. Yes you can see the fireworks from there. But to me it does not compare to the experience of actually being in the hub.

You're right that viewing opinions vary because I found my experience in seeing WOC to be very different from what you just explained your preference to be. On the first night, I waited an hour and viewed WOC from a closer spot. My view was unobstructed, and I enjoyed the show. On the following two times I viewed the show we found great spots further back, and I actually enjoyed the view more because I could see the "whole show." By that I mean that I didn't realize until seeing it from further away that I enjoyed it more being able to take it all in in one view rather than seeing only left, right, or what's in front of me. It's similar to being too close in a theater where you can see the actors well, but you can't see the entire stage well.

 

[HydroGuy]

You're right that viewing opinions vary because I found my experience in seeing WOC to be very different from what you just explained your preference to be. On the first night, I waited an hour and viewed WOC from a closer spot. My view was unobstructed, and I enjoyed the show. On the following two times I viewed the show we found great spots further back, and I actually enjoyed the view more because I could see the "whole show." By that I mean that I didn't realize until seeing it from further away that I enjoyed it more being able to take it all in in one view rather than seeing only left, right, or what's in front of me. It's similar to being too close in a theater where you can see the actors well, but you can't see the entire stage well.

I agree and always tell people that when you see WOC from different locations it can feel like you are seeing two different shows. The viewing spot matters. Having seen WOC from the back twice now I had a much better experience being closer to the front. However, being at the very front wet zone is a bit too close for me. Everyone who enjoys WOC and has the chance should try it once because it is a really cool feeling to being so immersed. You just are too close - like your theater analogy. Everyone also should try it from the back near the fire hydrant (assuming that spot re-opens). You see things there you don't really notice when you are close. My personal preference is to be one section back from the wet zone.

 

[consultant]

Going to be ad DCA today. We are going in the afternoon and staying for the second WOC show at 9:15. This is then end of Presidents Day weekend but we are banking on the fact a) many families with small children (in my experience) don't stay past 8 so most will be at the first show and b) tomorrow is a work day so locals will probably mostly not stay until close.

With that said, despite being a DLR veteran, this is our first WOC. I've read the beginning and end of this thread. It seems unclear the best line-up strategy. We won't get to the park until 12-1 PM today. Hopefully there will still be FPs for the second show. Standing in line 90 minutes is out of the question. That's a little ridiculous and we've done that a few times for various things at WDW and DLR and every time I would say standing around an hour and a half wasn't worth it no matter how good the show is. (Too each their own on how much they value their time and value seeing the show from the 'perfect/best' spot).

Anyone have any specific advice regarding tonight's show. My best guess based on what I've read is to show up 45 min ahead of time. We can stand that. I'll have a 10-yr and 12-yr with me and 6 other adults. Should I try to get a FP for a certain color section or will I be lucky to get one at all if I arrive at the park around 12-1 PM?

 

[HydroGuy]

Going to be ad DCA today. We are going in the afternoon and staying for the second WOC show at 9:15. This is then end of Presidents Day weekend but we are banking on the fact a) many families with small children (in my experience) don't stay past 8 so most will be at the first show and b) tomorrow is a work day so locals will probably mostly not stay until close.

With that said, despite being a DLR veteran, this is our first WOC. I've read the beginning and end of this thread. It seems unclear the best line-up strategy. We won't get to the park until 12-1 PM today. Hopefully there will still be FPs for the second show. Standing in line 90 minutes is out of the question. That's a little ridiculous and we've done that a few times for various things at WDW and DLR and every time I would say standing around an hour and a half wasn't worth it no matter how good the show is. (Too each their own on how much they value their time and value seeing the show from the 'perfect/best' spot).

Anyone have any specific advice regarding tonight's show. My best guess based on what I've read is to show up 45 min ahead of time. We can stand that. I'll have a 10-yr and 12-yr with me and 6 other adults. Should I try to get a FP for a certain color section or will I be lucky to get one at all if I arrive at the park around 12-1 PM?

There almost certainly will be FPs available when you arrive. Possibly still for the first show. Again, repeating from the OP the intent of arriving 90 minutes early is not to have the perfect spot vs. an imperfect spot. It is between being able to see the show vs. not being able to see to it at all. As you have read, the viewing area is imperfect.

I hope it works out for you tonight. If it was me I would try and get a FP for yellow section because I think it has the highest percentage of decent viewing spots.

 

[kats6776]

HydroGuy - I know your kids are older but I'm hoping you can give me some advice on seeing the show with two toddlers at the end of March. Mine and another family (both with 2 year olds) made dinner reservations to get preferred viewing in hopes that it will be easier to get good spots for our little ones (we're not the kind of parents who would put them up on our shoulders, thus blocking the view of people behind us) and to minimize wait time. It sounds like from your post that the wait time will be about the same, which is a bummer. Any advice for us? We've got 5:30 reservations and want to catch the 8pm show.

 

[HydroGuy]

HydroGuy - I know your kids are older but I'm hoping you can give me some advice on seeing the show with two toddlers at the end of March. Mine and another family (both with 2 year olds) made dinner reservations to get preferred viewing in hopes that it will be easier to get good spots for our little ones (we're not the kind of parents who would put them up on our shoulders, thus blocking the view of people behind us) and to minimize wait time. It sounds like from your post that the wait time will be about the same, which is a bummer. Any advice for us? We've got 5:30 reservations and want to catch the 8pm show.

If possible move the reservation to 5PM is my advice. Not everyone agrees but I think it will give you the most reliable chance to get one of the spots where the kiddos can see.

 

[kats6776]

<Dupe - can't figure out how to delete>

 

[kats6776]

But do you think it's worth doing dining since we have to wait the same amount of time with fastpasses? It's my understanding from others that the wait time with dining is shorter and it's less crowded in the preferred area. What do you think?

 

[skiingfast]

But do you think it's worth doing dining since we have to wait the same amount of time with fastpasses? It's my understanding from others that the wait time with dining is shorter and it's less crowded in the preferred area. What do you think?

Ultimately the wait time, and crowds are both the same with the extra high demand for the spots against the rails where is is easiest to see.

The best reason to get WoC Show Passes through the dining option, is for the food, or if you can't get to DCA early enough to get a free Show Pass from the FP distribution.

 

[kats6776]

I may cancel our reservation then. I just know that my two year old son won't wait in line for 90 mins so I was trying to avoid that. I don't really care about the food, I just want to make sure that he gets a good spot with minimal waiting (as much as that's possible).

 

[PigletSeeker]

Just wanted to share our recent WOC experience. We were there this past Monday (President's Day)- a very busy day in the parks. We spent the day at DL and decided to take a break around 5 PM and head back to our hotel. On a whim, I decided to stop in DCA to see if there were any WOC FPs left- thinking surely there wouldn't be. There were and we got 5 in the yellow section for the 9:15 show. It said to line up at 8:45 at the Jumpin' Jellyfish. We got there around 8:40 and there was already a MASSIVE line there. My husband was spooked and wanted to leave, thinking we were too late to get a spot for our 3 kids (ages 7, 5, and 2) to sit. I convinced him to stick it out and 5 min later they let us in. There was plenty of room. We got a great spot up against the fence on the second tier. We were able to sit down for the half hour before the show started. We could see everything perfectly. Even though it was late, my kids did great. I'm so glad I didn't waste 2 hours in line anywhere like some have suggested.

 

[HydroGuy]

Just wanted to share our recent WOC experience. We were there this past Monday (President's Day)- a very busy day in the parks. We spent the day at DL and decided to take a break around 5 PM and head back to our hotel. On a whim, I decided to stop in DCA to see if there were any WOC FPs left- thinking surely there wouldn't be. There were and we got 5 in the yellow section for the 9:15 show. It said to line up at 8:45 at the Jumpin' Jellyfish. We got there around 8:40 and there was already a MASSIVE line there. My husband was spooked and wanted to leave, thinking we were too late to get a spot for our 3 kids (ages 7, 5, and 2) to sit. I convinced him to stick it out and 5 min later they let us in. There was plenty of room. We got a great spot up against the fence on the second tier. We were able to sit down for the half hour before the show started. We could see everything perfectly. Even though it was late, my kids did great. I'm so glad I didn't waste 2 hours in line anywhere like some have suggested.

OK, just to get all of this summarized for others who might be reading this post and come to some misconclusions...

I cannot recall anyone suggesting that one must line up two hours early to see WOC. Where did you see this?

I and others recommend arriving 90 minutes early for the first show if one wants to be sure they will have a good view. If they are willing to risk a poor view, then they can show up later. Does showing up later mean the view will be poor? No. Does it greatly increase the risk of having a poor view? Yes definitely.

Second show is a different issue and you went to the second show.

The OP discusses all of this and as far as I know it is still sound advice.

When should I arrive to the WOC queue?

Each WOC FP or dining reservation pass lists a suggested return time to the queue. Ignore these times. Follow the times below.

For the first show here is my advice for queue arrival time. See viewing chart map shown above for queue locations.

1. If you want a slam dunk/for sure access to the best viewing spots, show up 90 minutes before the scheduled show time. Note a queue may not yet be established. Check with a WOC Cast Member on where the queue will start. And stay in the area.

2. If you would like a good shot to a good viewing spot but are willing to risk getting a poor spot, show up 60 minutes before the scheduled show time. Note that during recent shows the Cast Members guided guests from the queue to the viewing area 60 minutes before the show starts.

3. If you do not care about a good viewing spot, show up 30 minutes before the scheduled show time.

Preferred Dining guests should use the above times as guidelines. The PD queue does not setup until the Blue (#13 in the viewing chart) queue and East Yellow queue (#11) are cleared and those guests are taken to their viewing areas. As soon as that happens a Preferred Dining queue is formed by PD guests who hang around the area by the red tower (#12 in the viewing chart) and they move to the queue location (#10). It is probably OK for PD guests to show up 75 minutes in advance rather 90 to get one of the best spots at the elevated front rail.

Preferred Dining guests who want to have a relaxing dinner before the show should make the reservation at least 3 hours before show starts. This will allow you 90 minutes to be seated, order and dine - and then have enough time to walk to the PD queue and be there about 75-90 minutes early.

Note some sections have decent viewing spots in the rear that can remain open for much longer than the front sections. One such spot is the so-called fire hydrant spot in the Blue section (#9 in the viewing chart).

Second show queues are located by Wine Country Tratorria and Grizzly River Run. The FP tells you where to queue.