World of Color Show- Disney California Adventure
add photosThe World of Color at Disney California Adventure is a spectacular waterworks show where lights, water, and music are choreographed into a dazzling display. It is free with admission to Disney California Adventure. There are reserved viewing areas that you can get a fast pass ticket to secure a spot in, but it can also be viewed from other areas around Paradise Pier. It's standing room only and outdoors. Fast pass tickets are available for World of Color next to Grizzly River Run right by the entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. There are two showings and fast pass tickets go fast, so pick one up as soon as you enter the park. Tickets to reserved viewing area can also be secured in advanced when you purchase a World of Color Meal Package online or by calling Disney dining reservations at (714) 781-3463
19 Reviews for World of Color Show- Disney California Adventure
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10 families found this helpful
"Awe struck!"
Our family has been fortunate enough to visit the Disney parks in both California and Florida and have had a chance to see Fantasmic! on both coasts as well. We are all big fans of Fantasmic! and figured that World of Color would pretty much be the same show. After talking to a Cast Member, we took her advice and sat on the top of the stairs just before the bridge that leads to California Screamin, Toy Story Mania, etc. It was a good thing that we took her advice because mobs of people began to sit in front of and all around us and then stood up when the show began. Had we not been on the top of the stairs we would not have been able to enjoy the most incredible show we've ever seen on Disney property. The music, lights, and water displays throughout the show were simply mind-blowing. It really helped that all of the rides behind the water displays (roller coaster, ferris wheel, etc.) shut down prior to the show. For 30 solid minutes every one of us, including our three young kids, stood in awe at the incredible scenes and movement of water and light. World of Color ranked right up there with the Candlelight Processional in regards to must-see shows at either Disneyland or Disney World.
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'133 families found this helpful
"Disappointing for Kids"
We love everything Disney, but I must say World of Color was disappointing for our kids. This is not because it is a bad show. It is because the kids could not see anything. We got Fastpasses for the show first thing in the morning and were in the middle section. Our group consisted of 5 adults and 6 kids ranging from ages 12 to 4. Well, when the show started and the crowd stood up, the only person who could actually see the show was my friend's husband who is 6 feet tall. None of the kids could see anything and the adults could only see portions of the show. I ended up holding my 4 year old so he could see part of it, but he is about 50 lbs and man were my arms tired. My 7 year old worked his way to the front of our section, but still could not see. Overall, our group was disappointed. I wish they would have thought out the layout better or at least had everyone sit down for the show. When we first got to the viewing area, we thought it would be great since we were in the middle. Sitting down, we could see the entire area and thought we had great seats for the show. That was until the crowd stood up. The sections are not tiered enough to allow children or shorter guests the opportunity to view the show. Of course, there were the kids who were lucky to have a tall Dad put them on their shoulders, but that just made our view more obstructed. Maybe if we had a closer viewing section it would have been better. Overall, a big disappointment for our group. I'm sure the show was great for those who could see it.
0 families found this helpful
"Great for kids."
This is one of our favorites at Disneyland. It's suited for kids and we love taking them there! The most important part is either to get in line early or get a fastpass. Once the show starts, the people in front will either be tall or will put their kids on their shoulders so you won't see anything! Make sure you're in front! But then, the show starts and it's amazing, visually breathtaking. Make sure you try watching it from the Cove Bar since you'll get a panoramic view from there.
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing"
Do not miss this show! It is truly magical, we were in awe!
You do have to get a "fast pass", first thing in the morning in order to reserve a place for a good view. Once you have that, it will give you a time to start lining up in the evening... It is a long wait, but worth it. You can see it from other places than the set viewing areas, but it is better to have a spot.
The music integrated with the light/water show is top notch.
0 families found this helpful
"World of Color"
This show is a must-see! I can't believe how magical it is and the effects are amazing. My kids were entranced by the whole thing. It showed all the favorite characters. Get there early if you can to get a good spot. If you want to send a representative from your group to hold down a spot, that is good too so you can take the kids on a few last rides before the show.
1 family found this helpful
"Could be great..."
While the actual World of Color show is incredible, we had some problems before and during the performances. First of all, the cast members recommend you get a fast pass for the performance early in the morning. For example, the World of Color show we saw started at 9pm...however, we were required to start lining up to claim a spot in the section at 7pm. We then were let into the viewing area around 8pm to "save" a spot for the 9pm show. All in all, we wasted over 2 hours for a 30 minute show. On top of this, everyone is required to stand during the performance. This made it hard for little ones to see, so parents were putting them on their shoulders, which made it hard for the adults to see the show. Due to these problems, I gave the experience 2 stars. There are going to have to be some great improvements in the experience before I will do it again. We went to California Adventure in late August, with a very moderate crowd flow...I can only imagine what it is like when the park is in peak season.
0 families found this helpful
"Could be great..."
While the actual World of Color show is incredible, we had some problems before and during the performances. First of all, the cast members recommend you get a fast pass for the performance early in the morning. For example, the World of Color show we saw started at 9pm...however, we were required to start lining up to claim a spot in the section at 7pm. We then were let into the viewing area around 8pm to "save" a spot for the 9pm show. All in all, we wasted over 2 hours for a 30 minute show. On top of this, everyone is required to stand during the performance. This made it hard for little ones to see, so parents were putting them on their shoulders, which made it hard for the adults to see the show. Due to these problems, I gave the experience 2 stars. There are going to have to be some great improvements in the experience before I will do it again. We went to California Adventure in late August, with a very moderate crowd flow...I can only imagine what it is like when the park is in peak season.
0 families found this helpful
"Get a ticket if you have small kids"
You'll be in standing room only without a fast pass or reserved ticket. Which is fine for us adult types alone. But with small kids, you'll be miserable trying to get them a view, it's huge but adults are in kids' way pretty easily. The lights were great and it was a highly enjoyable show, a la Bellagio Las Vegas.
0 families found this helpful
"Incredible"
This show was truly amazing. The attention that was paid to every detail was incredible! We saw this one before we even had kids and we were enthralled with it. This is truly a must see when you visit. Definitely worth your time. It s super crowded so get there early If you want a good place.
0 families found this helpful
"Wonderful Night Show"
I love Disney shows. Fantasmic has been my all-time favorite thing about Disneyland for over a decade. That is until I saw World of Color. This show is amazing. The music and visuals combine to transport you as only a Disney show can. I love the use of fire. This show is well worth the wait. We like to grab a corndog and find a spot to wait for the show. Another plus with this show is they have an earlier start for it than Fantasmic so if you've got little ones I'd suggest this one so you can get your kiddos in bed.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful!"
We really enjoyed world of color! It is amazing how the movies are displayed on the spraying water. My kids loved it when one of their favorite movies were featured. The music is wonderful also. The cast members were very helpful, ask them for advice on the best seats.
0 families found this helpful
"Most amazing show EVER!!!"
Wow, I can't believe how fantastic the World of Color Show at Disney California Adventure park is! If you only have limited time to at Disney Resort this is a MUST SEE on your list. The way they use the water and lights to create beautiful scenes is just amazing. I can't even describe it with words, just you HAVE TO SEE IT to believe it, is one of the best attractions at Disney. HEADS UP--- Make sure you get the fast pass as early as you can in the morning to ensure good seating.
1 family found this helpful
"Dancing water and colors - Amazing!"
This show does not disappoint! It is absolutely astounding. It is everything that you would expect to see from a Disney production and more! Stunning is the only word I can think of to describe it. STUNNING!
The drawback to World of Color has to be the seating. It is the worst situation I've ever seen. You really should go get a fast pass for it early in the morning and then arrive earlier than the time on the card says to have any chance of getting a decent seat. The other drawback is that everyone STANDS for this show. I've seen this show multiple times and I just can't figure out why Disney has it set up like this. The little kids, if not right in front of a railing, just cannot see, so where do they end up? On their parents shoulders. Then of course no one behind them can see. So it's really a lousy situation.
So, yes, the show is incredible, but do yourself a favor, get the fast pass and get there early at sit right at a railing to wait so you have the best unobstructed view possible. (p.s. if you're right front up on the dock, you will get wet, although you'll have the best view of the show - dock standing room is reserved for guests who eat at Ariel's Grotto or other select dining in California Adventure).
1 family found this helpful
"It’ll Make Your Jaw Drop"
I get chills every time I see the show. Just as others have said, it’s a must see show. I like the fiery explosions the best. You can feel the heat from a great distance. They have added an extended Pirates of the Caribbean sequence that wasn’t there when I first saw the show in 2011. Also, they are now projecting video onto the center of the California Screamin’ loop.
While we were there recently, we came back late one night around midnight, and noticed from our window that they were testing a new show that had elements from the new movie Brave. We also saw some 4th of July scenes. I’m not sure if they are both part of the same show, or two different new shows they are working on. If you’ll be visiting around the 4th of July, then I think you’re in for a special World of Color treat.
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing show"
We were completely thrilled with this water fountain on steroids show filled with our favorite Pixar movie characters: Up, Buzz Lightyear, Finding Nemo and some good (but not well known to us) Disney movie characters: Ariel, Pocahontas, and more. It is well done and spectacular.
We were standing a few rows back and had a great view and did not get wet, although we felt the mist from the high fountains several times.
Tip: Because the wind usually flows from the ocean to inland, I am thinking that the areas around Ariel's Grotto and to the left of Mickey's Wheel (when facing it) have a greater potential of getting splashed. We saw the tops of the fountains flowing that way and I'm glad we weren't in the splash zone on the cold evening.
Downside: My hubby and I had to hold our 3 and 5 year olds nearly the whole time even though we were standing on a set of stairs in order for them to see. Tired arms!
Tip: I recommend trying to find a spot in front of the planters so that there is a railing that little kids can look through on their own, or a potential railing they can stand on.
We purchased the World of Color picnic boxes and were disappointed with the deal. We understood that we could pick up our boxes, get our preferred seating and eat it in the viewing area while waiting for the show (a one hour wait if you enter when it opens). We misunderstood, however, because the ticket for the show is the same as the FastPass tickets that everyone else gets. On our way to the viewing area we were told 3 different things by different cast members and we became quite flustered when we were shuffled into the long line of people entering the viewing area. Because we were in a standing room only area (as everything is) it was quite difficult to eat our food while everyone was coming in and wanting to get into our area. The food was good... but it was served chilled (as described) and didn't feel like a good value for $15.99 a person (kids meals too). The kids did enjoy their light-up bracelets, goldfish crackers and cupcakes though!
Tip: The benefit of pre-ordering the World of Color Picnic boxes is that you don't have to wait in line for your FastPass ticket (free, but required) in order to see the World of Color. This is important because the first showing of WOC tickets get handed out quickly which may mean that families have to stay for the second showing (9:30 pm or later). It also can save you 15 minutes to 1 hour waiting in line for the ticket. In this case, the ticket with the picnic is well worth it. If you don't get the picnic dinners, arrive at CA Adventure early and get to the FastPass station for WOC early. Located near Grizzly River Run.
Tip: If purchasing the picnic boxes, pick them up anytime during the day (after 11am I believe) and enjoy them separate from the show.
2 families found this helpful
"Well worth the wait!"
I found out a great way to see the show without having to get fast-passes, wait in incredibly long lines or pay for reserved seating.....
We were leaving the park just as the late showing was beginning (9:00 pm-ish). As we walked by the back side, just past the Toy Story Mania ride, I noticed that the show was starting and that the "wet zone" was absolutely empty. My daughter and I walked right up & stood at the rail. We had the best seats in the house. The best part is...we did not get a single, solitary drop of water on us! Awesome view, no wait, no hassles!
The show was magnificent. The colors & water dancing are amazing, as are the pyrotechnics & music. It is loud & the best seating was for the late show. Also, you can really feel the heat from the explosions when you're on the rail, so it's not necessarlily good for very little ones. It is a truly remarkable show, though!
1 family found this helpful
"Disney setsthe bar impossibly high once again"
Instead of telling you just how incredible the World of Color is (because it is) or telling you everything you might see, I figured I would share with you a few tips on how to avoid getting to CA Adventure when it opens to score a Fastpass ticket and then waiting for a long time to see the show.
1. If you eat at Ariel's Grotto or Wine Country Trattoria near showtime, you can get priority seating.
2. You can purchase special boxed picnic meals and eat dinner in a preferred seating area while waiting for the show. I have added a link with more details to the bottom of this review.
3. If you are not a morning person like me and have never actually been to a Disney park with it opened, you can still see the show and not have to wait forever for a spot. Simply head over to where the swings are and hang out under the covered area below. You won't be able to see everything because you will be viewing the show from the side but it is still very enjoyable. Plus, if it rains like it did on one of our visits, you will be nice and dry during the show!
2 families found this helpful
"Keep the kids up late for this one"
We saw World of Color the summer it opened which meant there were LONG lines waiting to get a fastpass and LOTS of crowds at the show.
We waited in a one hour line to get a fastpass (which guaranteed us a spot to watch), but were then unable to pick our showtime. The machine gave us the last showtime, which meant we had to keep our then 4 & 5 year olds up till 10pm to watch the show. We also had to arrive in the fastpass return line by 9pm to hold our spot. So in total we waited in 2 hours of lines to get our spot.
The show itself was really awesome, although I wished there were more of a plot like Fantasmic. It is truly amazing the way Disney can incorporate music, theme, water, fire and lights to make a truly awe-inspiring show. Our reserved spots were pretty good, although still far away as the close up seats are in a splash zone.
Midway through the show, due to the LATE time slot, my husband had to take our 4-year-old out because she had hit the wall. He walked her back through the lines and lines of people and found that the spot near the restroom was almost as good as the one we had waited 2 hours for via the fastpass process.
Next time we visit, we will just watch the show from whatever vantage point is available to the non-fastpassers and save us 2 hours of free time in the park.
2 families found this helpful
"Disney has outdone itself!"
The World of Color Waterworks show is nothing short of perfection! Disney has outdone itself! If you think you’ve seen plenty of water and light shows but haven’t seen the spectacular that is World of Color at Disney California Adventure, let me just say, this will knock your socks off.
As the sun set over Paradise Pier in preparation for the show, I had no idea what a dazzling explosion of the senses I was about to experience. But as soon as that first blast of water shot 12 stories into the sky and Paradise Pier burst into color and song, our whole family was transfixed. Photos and videos just don’t do this display justice. The fantastic choreography of dancing water and lights all around Paradise Pier was like watching fireworks on steroids. Projected into the spray of water were familiar scenes and a medley of beloved songs from famous Disney movies. Indeed movies are dancing colors, but boy when Disney puts it’s special touch to it, the experience is magical no matter whether you’re sitting - in a movie theatre or outdoors watching lights, water and music playing in perfect unison.
When visiting Disney California Adventure, watching the World of Color is a absolute must see. The show can be viewed from many areas around Paradise Pier, but there are several reserved and preferred viewing areas.
There are a couple of ways to secure a spot in the reserved viewing areas:
1) Get a Fastpass ticket to guarantee a premium spot in the viewing area. Pick one up immediately after entering the park to avoid standing in a long line later in the day. The World of color Fastpass ticket station is right next to Grizzly River Run and the park entrance from inside the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
Or
2) Reserve a World of Color meal package that includes lunch or dinner and tickets to the reserved viewing areas. World of Color Meal packages are offered at Ariel’s Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria. You can also order a World of Color Picnic Meal package online. Reservations for these meal packages must be done before you arrive and preferably weeks in advance.
All viewing areas are outdoors and standing room only, so make sure little tired legs get a rest before the big show or bring along a child carrier so you can lift your child up for the hour long show. In preparation for the show all the Paradise Pier rides and attractions close down about an hour before the first show of the evening. So, be sure to get on those rides before closing time.
Get a taste from this video: http://www.youtube.com/embed/s0J5LPUYHzM
**This review is based on a complimentary visit to Disney California Adventure Park. I received no other compensation and the ranch did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. These opinions are entirely my own.
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