When we visited Disneyland and California Adventure last year to celebrate Darius' 5th Birthday, we watched some of the work being done on the new World of Color attraction. It didn't cross my mind until earlier this week that when we visited again this year, the show would be finished.
Disneyland's World of Color is a water and light show unlike any other. I kept trying to explain it to Darius during the day. Finally, he said to me "Mommy, I don't get it. I'll just have to see it." And he is totally right. Pictures and videos do not come close to capturing even an iota of the magic. You have to see it in person.
FASTPASS for Preferred Viewing
While you can see World of Color from anywhere on the boardwalk in California Adventure, I highly recommend getting the FASTPASS for the show. One member of your party can go over to California Adventure when it opens and get all the passes - just remember to get a FASTPASS you must have everyone's tickets to the park. When we were there, the park opened up 30 minutes early to allow people to FASTPASS the show... so make sure that you ask a Cast Member what time the park will be opening. My dad waited in line for us while Darius and I rode Toy Story Mania. Having those passes gave me peace of mind knowing that we'd have excellent seats. FASTPASS kiosks are shared in the section for the Grizzly River Run passes.
FASTPASS is given from the earliest show to the latest
My dad got in line at 9:45am and we were able to snag tickets for the 9:00pm show. I was talking to a Cast Member later that day when Darius and my dad were riding Tower of Terror (not a ride for those of us with babies in our belly). He was telling me that they give out approximately 5000 passes per show before the Preferred Viewing is sold out and the next show time begins. This week in June showtimes for World of Color were 9:00pm, 10:30pm, and 11:15pm. Times change at Disney, show be sure to pick up your weekly calendar of events (typically right next to the maps at the gates) to find out the times when you are visiting.
Get to know your Preferred Viewing Section
Around 6:00pm, the Preferred Viewing Section was blocked off and many Cast Members were standing guard available to answer any questions. By going over early, we found out that our section (RED) was on the far right side and was an area that was a WET ZONE. We then had time to decide whether or not to go back to our hotel to get sweatshirts, buy the ponchos at the park (for $6.50), or huddle together to get wet. Knowing in advance where we'd be seated made sure that there were no hiccups when we arrived.
Make sure you arrive during the time listed on your FASTPASS
When we arrived at 7:30 (the earliest time listed on our FASTPASS for the 9:00pm show), there was already a slew of people in front of us. If you arrive at the tail end of your time window, be prepared to be standing behind tall people or having to put your kids on shoulders to see.
If they say you are going to get wet, be prepared to get wet
We elected to go down to the very front of the RED section. This is the ultimate wet zone. Whenever a breeze came our way, it was like standing in the rain. The mist and rain did not distract from the show at all. And the very front of our section meant that we had awesome, unobstructed views of the entire show. It was worth it to get a little wet. NOTE: we could not take photos or video in our section because of the constant mist.
If you can't FASTPASS for the show you want, find a spot on the boardwalk
Unlike parades at Disneyland where people start lining up and hour or more in advance, the Boardwalk stayed clear of viewers until about 30 minutes before showtime. While you can see World of Color from anywhere around the Boardwalk, I'd recommend going exactly center just left of the hot dog stand by Toy Story Mania. This way you'll have the best view of the video projections on the mist (something that is truly spectacular).
