World of Color Viewing

[DAKDarling]

Hi! I am currently planning my first trip to Disneyland. World of Color is a definite must-do. But I do have a few questions about the seating.

I have read on Pinterest from Disneyland Secrets that you can go to the right of Paradise Pier to get a front row seat for WoC without a FP. The only thing is the images are backwards. Does this matter at all? Since it is my first trip to Disneyland and my only one for a while, I want the best possible experience.

I have read that getting a FastPass for WoC is a very popular thing to do. Most blogs recommend getting one as soon as DCA opens. I've also read that FP given are first for blue seating and then for yellow. I think I would like a yellow seat. Since the blue seats are given first, at about what time do I have to be in line for a FP for a yellow seat? I will be going in early May, so crowds will not be too busy.

Also, does the park typically do two showings of WoC in May? If so, I would prefer the second showing as I know that will be less crowded. Then, which time should I be in line to get a FP for the second show? Or do I even need a FP for the second show?

I do not want to purchase a dining package, as they are out of budget for this trip. I also heard that you can watch WoC from the Cove Bar. I was planning on going to the Cove Bar anyways (I want to try that Mickey Fun Wheel and nachos!). How is the viewing from here? Does the place become crowded quickly?

Finally, do y'all have any photography tips for the show? I'm not an expert photographer by a long shot, but any advice would be appreciated.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

First off, Disneyland Secrets is wrong. You cannot view WOC from the Paradise Bay viewing area without a FP. Period. Also, there are no seats unless you do the WOC Dessert Party (an expensive, but very fun splurge). Without the Dessert Party, VIP seating, or HC seating, all viewing will be standing. (There is non-FP viewing in the back by the Little Mermaid ride, but the view from there is hardly great. The view that Disneyland Secrets recommends is possibly worse.) Next, you probably should get a WOC FP earlier than later since it is a priority for you. However, you don't need to rush to get one first thing in the morning. If you want a FP in the yellow section, just ask the CMs at the WOC FP machines (currently located next to the Little Mermaid ride) which area they are on at that time and when they estimate yellow will start. If you want the second show, assuming that there is one, ask the CMs when they think FPs for the second show will start being handed out. Then you can time your day and come back a bit before the estimated time to get the FP you want. Cove Bar is very fun, but the view from there is not good, especially if this is your first time viewing the show. Also, they used to charge a fee ($10?) to watch WOC from their patio. I don't know if this is still the case. Yes, the Cove Bar gets crowded. Do a search for the WOC super thread on this board. The first post should give you lots of helpful information.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi! I am currently planning my first trip to Disneyland. World of Color is a definite must-do. But I do have a few questions about the seating.

WOC does not have seating. Except for the dessert party. It has standing. And the reason it is so hard to see is because while Disney gets many things right, they did not get the WOC viewing right.

I have read on Pinterest from Disneyland Secrets that you can go to the right of Paradise Pier to get a front row seat for WoC without a FP. The only thing is the images are backwards. Does this matter at all? Since it is my first trip to Disneyland and my only one for a while, I want the best possible experience.

Yes it matters very much and it is absolutely not worth it IMO. WOC is a spectacular show but you will not experience it properly from there. Sort of like seeing a movie from the very front row and off to the side. Not enjoyable.

I have read that getting a FastPass for WoC is a very popular thing to do. Most blogs recommend getting one as soon as DCA opens. I've also read that FP given are first for blue seating and then for yellow. I think I would like a yellow seat. Since the blue seats are given first, at about what time do I have to be in line for a FP for a yellow seat? I will be going in early May, so crowds will not be too busy.

IMO Yellow section has more good views than blue. I always wait until Yellow is given out myself.

WOC has been in flux the last few years and the original show is now back. I personally have not seen the original since 2014. The WOC Superthread in my signature should mostly be accurate. It says to arrive 90 minutes before the show starts. If there is a second show that night, then 60 minutes is usually enough.

You usually need a FP for the second show. Especially if you want one of the few good spots.

I do not want to purchase a dining package, as they are out of budget for this trip. I also heard that you can watch WoC from the Cove Bar. I was planning on going to the Cove Bar anyways (I want to try that Mickey Fun Wheel and nachos!). How is the viewing from here? Does the place become crowded quickly?

I have never seen it from the Cove Bar. Others will have to chime in.

Finally, do y'all have any photography tips for the show? I'm not an expert photographer by a long shot, but any advice would be appreciated.

I am not a photographer. Can't help with this one. Another regular DIS person @mfv2678 takes great WOC photos. Maybe he can give you some tips.

 

[Nonsuch]

You might find the World of Color Superthread helpful.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As for photography, I do ask that whatever you do, please be considerate of the guests viewing behind you. After waiting 90 minutes for a good viewing spot, it can be very distracting and frustrating to have someone's lit camera screen/phone/iPad/etc. blocking the view and shining in front of you. Much like having someone hold up their phone to text right in front of you at a movie theater.

 

[ARNEL SORONGON]

I am not photographer, but as of today, if you have a smartphone you can take a picture or photo that want in any angles, then if it is something not good you edit the photo with adobe photoshop or adobe lightroom for color grading, what what I know..

 

[figment_jii]

I can chime in about the Cove Bar...the Cove Bar has last call about one hour before the park closes (they do not allow guests into the bar area after last call). They do allow guests who are dining at the Cove Bar to stay to watch World of Color, but you cannot just walk in and hope to view it. The Cove Bar almost always has a fairly lengthy line (>45 minutes) and at least half of your party has to remain in line the entire time (at least that's how things were a few weeks ago). So, while it's possible to view WoC from the Cove Bar, it takes a considerable amount of time (I'd say at least two to three hours).

In terms of the view, you are off to the side. You won't have a straight on view of the projections, but the view of the water fountains is very good. Still, this isn't the view I would necessarily recommend for a first time viewer. For that, I'd probably recommend the dessert party because at least then you know you'll have a view. With the standby and FP viewing, you'll get a view of the show, but how good of a view depends on how early you get there and how tall you and those around you are (if you're short, then it's tough to get a good view without a significant time investment).

 

[Niltiac]

I have read on Pinterest from Disneyland Secrets that you can go to the right of Paradise Pier to get a front row seat for WoC without a FP. The only thing is the images are backwards. Does this matter at all? Since it is my first trip to Disneyland and my only one for a while, I want the best possible experience.

The way this is phrased it sounds like you're talking about standing off to the side, and I think that's with others have been responding to. But since you said the images would be backwards, I wonder if you mean watching it from behind (near TSMM). I accidently saw the beginning of the show from there one time while sitting and waiting for someone. It was a nice, uncrowded view, and there were plenty of benches. But I haven't been to the parks since they installed the TSMM FP machines, and from what I've heard they may have replaced that bench area. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend seeing the show backwards for the first time, especially since a good view is a priority for you. Maybe try this if you want to see it a second time.

 

[cagirl4life]

I have read on Pinterest from Disneyland Secrets that you can go to the right of Paradise Pier to get a front row seat for WoC without a FP. The only thing is the images are backwards. Does this matter at all? Since it is my first trip to Disneyland and my only one for a while, I want the best possible experience.

From the backside you see most of the show but a lot of the projections happen on top of one another so this is not the best view. It is still cool to watch from there but if you only have one shot I would go with the fastpass side. The fastpass machines are in some of the area that used to have benches but they aren't distributing fatspasses at that time so you can walk up to the fence and watch from there.

I have read that getting a FastPass for WoC is a very popular thing to do. Most blogs recommend getting one as soon as DCA opens. I've also read that FP given are first for blue seating and then for yellow. I think I would like a yellow seat. Since the blue seats are given first, at about what time do I have to be in line for a FP for a yellow seat? I will be going in early May, so crowds will not be too busy.

Also, does the park typically do two showings of WoC in May? If so, I would prefer the second showing as I know that will be less crowded. Then, which time should I be in line to get a FP for the second show? Or do I even need a FP for the second show?

There has been only one show most of spring breaks so I would assume in May it will probably only be one also. If its 2 and you want yellow, you could go without. As far as pulling a yellow fastpass, they actually go half of blue, half of yellow, half of blue, half of yellow. You can usually get a blue one before rope drop. Otherwise ask the cast if they know what time they think, they usually have good ideas. The cast member in the white shirt and blue tie is the lead and they will know the best or could possible get you the one you want. Personally I prefer blue as I love watching from the bridge and the ramp down between the wheelchair and dessert viewing areas because there is less of a chance of a head being in your way. One of my other favorite viewing areas is actually non-fastpass. It is where they start lining up the blue fastpasses, in between Little Mermaid and the bridge. If you hang out there right after they let in fastpass they will open the section and if you can get against the railing behind the benches you will have no one standing in front of you most likely.