World of Color Superthread

[bjscheel]

Did the fire hydrant view. Perfect. The distance from show is ideal. All in perspective from there.

I'm thinking that is what we will shoot for, because I'm just guessing others will try to get closer to the front and it won't be so crazy back there. Is that right?

I figure it is better to know where you are headed rather than wander around checking out the different views...So my plan is to enter sometime during the day (maybe while Goofy is doing his thing there) and figure out how to go to the fire hydrant. Or wherever we decide to try for.

 

[bjscheel]

Also, I see on the map there is a North queue for blue and a South queue. North appears to be very close to the fire hydrant spot. Should we be sure to get in the North line if we want fire hydrant?

 

[HydroGuy]

Also, I see on the map there is a North queue for blue and a South queue. North appears to be very close to the fire hydrant spot. Should we be sure to get in the North line if we want fire hydrant?

Yes, and usually no one goes to the hydrant so the advantage is nto having to go to any queue at all. Just show up 30-45 minutes before and that usually works.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm thinking that is what we will shoot for, because I'm just guessing others will try to get closer to the front and it won't be so crazy back there. Is that right?

I figure it is better to know where you are headed rather than wander around checking out the different views...So my plan is to enter sometime during the day (maybe while Goofy is doing his thing there) and figure out how to go to the fire hydrant. Or wherever we decide to try for.

Good idea to scope out the area during the day.

I personally am not a big fan of the hydrant spot. It is not a bad spot. It is just too far away for me. Some people love the hydrant spot so it really depends on the person.

For me I would much rather be at the very front wet zone than at the hydrant. But the hydrant is good for people who do not want to wait as long and have zero desire to get any kind of wet - which usually is not that bad in the wet zone but can be.

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Have not seen WOC yet and will be visiting July...help me out...hydrant spot? can you refer me to a map that I could see where that is?

 

[acpalmer]

Have not seen WOC yet and will be visiting July...help me out...hydrant spot? can you refer me to a map that I could see where that is?

There is an excellent map in the very first post of this thread. The hydrant spot is number 10 on that map.

 

[boomtown83]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered, but search is currently disabled and after clicking through a few pages I couldn't find what I was looking for, so please bear with me!

On nights with two shows, is the second show generally less crowded? Any guidelines as to how early to queue up for a decent spot for the second show? Just a little confused as to whether we'll need to queue up while the first show is still going (even though I know the second queue is in a different area by WCT)...

Thanks all!!

 

[panthergirl]

Any thoughts on what time I should make my Carthay Circle dinner reservation so I could make the first show in the reserved area?

 

[HydroGuy]

Any thoughts on what time I should make my Carthay Circle dinner reservation so I could make the first show in the reserved area?

From the OP in this thread...

When should I arrive to the WOC queue?

Each WOC FP or dining reservation (Reserved Viewing) 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.

Some people report arriving just 15 minutes before the show and getting a good spot to see WOC. Yes, and some people leave at 6PM in a big city and do not hit traffic. It happens. But it is not the rule. Below is a photo of the Blue section queue on a Saturday night in October 90 minutes before the show.

Reserved Viewing (Dining Package) guests should use the above times as guidelines. It is not uncommon to be able to arrive 60 minutes before the show and still be able to get a good viewing spot.

Reserved Viewing 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 RV waiting area 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).

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered, but search is currently disabled and after clicking through a few pages I couldn't find what I was looking for, so please bear with me!

On nights with two shows, is the second show generally less crowded? Any guidelines as to how early to queue up for a decent spot for the second show? Just a little confused as to whether we'll need to queue up while the first show is still going (even though I know the second queue is in a different area by WCT)...

Thanks all!!

I have limited personal experience with the second show queueing but it is my understanding that 60 minutes before the show starts should be fine. You may want to stay around the area that evening and keep an eye on the queue. If it starts getting long then get in line.

 

[jojomojo]

I started reading this thread again around page 60 or so the other day to get caught up, and now I can't remember where I left off.

Last August we had lunch at Carthay Circle and the CMs for WOC showed me to the reserved area in the back (marked CCT - Lunch? on the map), but said that we were welcome to move down front if we wanted. We stayed in that area and the view was great, took the whole thing in. We're heading back in about a month and I have lunch reservations at Carthay again. This time I REALLY want to be right down front, probably at the rails just behind the wet zone (and I'm willing to show up 1.5 hrs early too!).

Several pages back I read someone report that dinner reservations at Carthay had the option to choose where they wanted to stand, but lunch reservations did not and have to remain in the area shown by CMs. Is this still the case? If so, what time qualifies as a dinner reservation? I'm determined to get a spot down front

Just got back and thought I'd update on the question I asked. I wasn't very happy with how it went (mainly because Disney decides to change things all the time and you never know what to expect!).

We were there on Monday 4/29, had lunch at Carthay. We showed up at about 8 for the 9:15 show (only show). Started to line up where preferred dining was let in last time we went (but the sign was still white), even asked the CM if it was for preferred dining. At about 8:15 or so they made everyone step back and wait in front of Little Mermaid. About 8:30-8:40 they announced that place we just were was for WCT and CCT would be down a little ways at another entrance. When we entered there I asked a CM if we would be allowed to move closer where WCT was just let in - they weren't sure and asked around and finally said yes. A CM had to walk us down there and make sure the CM "guarding" that area knew we were allowed in. We barely got some rail spots at the end next to two VERY tall people, so we still had some trouble seeing.

Last time we went one person was able to leave and bring back corndogs & drinks. It didn't look like that was going to work this time, so we just sat there hungry Last time we did this (August 2012) we were let into the viewing area at about 8, so standing there an extra 30-40 minutes outside the viewing area with no queue really threw a wrench into our plans.

This has nothing to do with Disney, just my preferences, but to top it all off, I felt the view was just as good if not better last time from the upper left area on the map marked "reserved dining" (we were on the steps).

I REALLY wish they would do the viewing similar to how they do Fantasmic. I think the way they have it now is just ridiculous.

 

[ArchOwl]

Just got back and thought I'd update on the question I asked. I wasn't very happy with how it went (mainly because Disney decides to change things all the time and you never know what to expect!).

We were there on Monday 4/29, had lunch at Carthay. We showed up at about 8 for the 9:15 show (only show). Started to line up where preferred dining was let in last time we went (but the sign was still white), even asked the CM if it was for preferred dining. At about 8:15 or so they made everyone step back and wait in front of Little Mermaid. About 8:30-8:40 they announced that place we just were was for WCT and CCT would be down a little ways at another entrance. When we entered there I asked a CM if we would be allowed to move closer where WCT was just let in - they weren't sure and asked around and finally said yes. A CM had to walk us down there and make sure the CM "guarding" that area knew we were allowed in. We barely got some rail spots at the end next to two VERY tall people, so we still had some trouble seeing.

Last time we went one person was able to leave and bring back corndogs & drinks. It didn't look like that was going to work this time, so we just sat there hungry Last time we did this (August 2012) we were let into the viewing area at about 8, so standing there an extra 30-40 minutes outside the viewing area with no queue really threw a wrench into our plans.

This has nothing to do with Disney, just my preferences, but to top it all off, I felt the view was just as good if not better last time from the upper left area on the map marked "reserved dining" (we were on the steps).

I REALLY wish they would do the viewing similar to how they do Fantasmic. I think the way they have it now is just ridiculous.

Tx for the update, I too find the viewing area logistics so frustrating. I am going to be meeting a friend at DL in June for a half day. She has 't been to the parks in a few years and we are trying to hit the highlights in 7 hours!! Anyway, I know she would love WOC, but I can't see taking out such a huge chunk of time to see it. If it were easier to see, it would be at the top of my list, but as it stands we most likely will not see it. I wish Disney would fix this problem.

 

[HydroGuy]

Just got back and thought I'd update on the question I asked. I wasn't very happy with how it went (mainly because Disney decides to change things all the time and you never know what to expect!).

We were there on Monday 4/29, had lunch at Carthay. We showed up at about 8 for the 9:15 show (only show). Started to line up where preferred dining was let in last time we went (but the sign was still white), even asked the CM if it was for preferred dining. At about 8:15 or so they made everyone step back and wait in front of Little Mermaid. About 8:30-8:40 they announced that place we just were was for WCT and CCT would be down a little ways at another entrance. When we entered there I asked a CM if we would be allowed to move closer where WCT was just let in - they weren't sure and asked around and finally said yes. A CM had to walk us down there and make sure the CM "guarding" that area knew we were allowed in. We barely got some rail spots at the end next to two VERY tall people, so we still had some trouble seeing.

Last time we went one person was able to leave and bring back corndogs & drinks. It didn't look like that was going to work this time, so we just sat there hungry Last time we did this (August 2012) we were let into the viewing area at about 8, so standing there an extra 30-40 minutes outside the viewing area with no queue really threw a wrench into our plans.

This has nothing to do with Disney, just my preferences, but to top it all off, I felt the view was just as good if not better last time from the upper left area on the map marked "reserved dining" (we were on the steps).

I REALLY wish they would do the viewing similar to how they do Fantasmic. I think the way they have it now is just ridiculous.

Thanks for the feedback. I think anyone in your shoes should not be shy about staying on top of the CMs to make sure you get to go where you want and do not get shuffled.

I agree the WOC viewing experience and the reserved viewing needs improvement. We have done reserved four times and did not have your problem yet.

 

[czmom]

Hmmm...I didn't realize the restaurants for the dining package, as well as lunch vs dinner, had designated areas within the Reserved section. That is a challenge.

Also- Can 2-3 people enter the viewing area and save spots for the rest of the party? Or is that frowned upon?

 

[HydroGuy]

Hmmm...I didn't realize the restaurants for the dining package, as well as lunch vs dinner, had designated areas within the Reserved section. That is a challenge.

Read the OP. It explains this. It is not a challenge at all if you know that the CMs will let you go anywhere if you ask. And you should ask.

Also- Can 2-3 people enter the viewing area and save spots for the rest of the party? Or is that frowned upon?

Not really and yes it is frowned. It will be hard to hold onto your spots without everyone there. You can and should leave one or two at a time before the show starts to use the restrooms as necessary. Ask the CMs before you leave and they will give you a pass to get back in.

 

[jojomojo]

Tx for the update, I too find the viewing area logistics so frustrating. I am going to be meeting a friend at DL in June for a half day. She has 't been to the parks in a few years and we are trying to hit the highlights in 7 hours!! Anyway, I know she would love WOC, but I can't see taking out such a huge chunk of time to see it. If it were easier to see, it would be at the top of my list, but as it stands we most likely will not see it. I wish Disney would fix this problem.

I agree, with only 7 hours, I can't imagine spending time on the chaos of WOC.

Thanks for the feedback. I think anyone in your shoes should not be shy about staying on top of the CMs to make sure you get to go where you want and do not get shuffled.

I agree the WOC viewing experience and the reserved viewing needs improvement. We have done reserved four times and did not have your problem yet.

Even if you stay on top of everything, if the CMs are stingy with their info or seem to just make up plans as they go, it makes it hard to be in the right place. I wasn't shy about making sure I was in the correct place and still felt shuffled.

I won't do preferred dining again until they make some serious improvements. I will however get a blue fastpass, show up super early and do my best to snag a good view because the show is definitely worth it! (if you have the time, of course!)

 

[almond31]

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the information in this thread. I was able to get a great view for my 4 yr old daughter and a great location to take pics. I was at the 2nd green star in the blue zone outside the "wet" area.





IMG_5634_810-2_sm by almond31, on Flickr

 

[AddictedtoDoleWhip]

Okay serious question,

May 24th, the day where I am sure a million people will be jam packed in the park, I imagine that this time around the Fast Passes will be gone, and it will be hard to find a place to see the show. I was thinking of doing the picnics, because I don't like the options at the Cathary circle... since I will not be getting into the parks until 3:30 or 4

Do you think it will be necessary for this one night? To have this huge plan? I'm thinking yes, but I am hoping someone can tell me if I am freaking out over nothing. (I also want to see Fantasmic! but I don't think there will be enough time between the 9:00 show to the 10;15 show with how crazy busy it will be..)

 

[HydroGuy]

Okay serious question,

May 24th, the day where I am sure a million people will be jam packed in the park, I imagine that this time around the Fast Passes will be gone, and it will be hard to find a place to see the show. I was thinking of doing the picnics, because I don't like the options at the Cathary circle... since I will not be getting into the parks until 3:30 or 4

Do you think it will be necessary for this one night? To have this huge plan? I'm thinking yes, but I am hoping someone can tell me if I am freaking out over nothing. (I also want to see Fantasmic! but I don't think there will be enough time between the 9:00 show to the 10;15 show with how crazy busy it will be..)

First, there is enough time to see 9:00 WOC and 10:30 F! You just have to make your way thru a crowded Main Street during fireworks. But very doable.

As for regular WOC FPs being available at 4PM, on most days they are for the late show. If you want to see the first show you will likely need to do the picnic or a dining res.

 

[almond31]

Word of advice for parents with small children. I didn't use a stroller, so right before they dropped the rope to let people in I picked up my daughter. I'm glad I did because when that rope dropped a lot of people took off almost at a run to get to the viewing area.

Just something to consider if you're not taking a stroller with you.