Disney’s World of Color nighttime show at California Adventure Park (DCA) returns April 22 so let’s look at the the show details and the best places to view including reserved dining and last minute spots!
The show runs most nights in the waters of Paradise Bay in California Adventure. There will be 2 shows (wind and weather permitting), the first at 9pm and the second at 10:15pm. The water show pays tribute to Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color and features Disney films, favorite characters, high-definition projections, special effects and more during a 22 minute long water fountain show exclusive to DCA!
There are a few versions that run throughout the year, here is what we have seen in the past and will hopefully be the same going forward.
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Classic World of Color ( Spring, Summer and most nights between major seasons)
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Hurry Home on select nights during the Lunar New Year celebration (Jan & Feb)
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Villainous World of Color runs in the Autumn during the Oogie Boogie Bash
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World of Color-Season of Light runs in November, December and early January during the Holiday and Christmas season.
Now lets talk locations! This map shows the viewing options for viewing the water show, most are standing room only and you can expect to get misted in all viewing areas and more so in the front rows of each section. So lets break it down…
Yellow viewing area is the largest and is what most people got when tickets were given in the old Fastpass system. If Disney makes this option available again in the future you will most likely get yellow.
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This is a better view than you might think once your packed in with a bunch of new friends ( pack a mask if this makes you uncomfortable, it will get tight) The projections are high and huge and you can enjoy the show from almost anywhere in Yellow
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To get prime standing you’ll have to commit more time than most (60-90 min early)
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If you are in the back of this area, it can make for a quick escape at the end of the show.
Blue area can go quick. If you are first in this area, you may be watching from the front row!
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You will see up close action but not every angle of the show. The rows further back may have a better vantage point.
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If you don’t want to spend the time waiting you can usually still get a spot on the Pixar Pier bridge pretty close to showtime.
Orange section is for those waiting until the last minute. Its also great you want a an easy exit spot and less crowding (depending on the night)
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You’ll get a decent view with less people. Viewing from here doesn’t run as many people deep as other areas. If you’re prone to being a bit claustrophobic, this could be the best option for you.
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You won’t get misted in this area
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Cast Members usually suggest this spot for last minute viewing. There will be a roped off area in front of The Little Mermaid. You can usually slip right under into the roped off areas.
Green section is reserved spaces for those dining at select restaurants in DCA. (I’ll go over those in a minute)
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This provides a good view with less people blocking your view. If you have some room to splurge in your budget, this is the place to splurge! Especially for a date night or girls trip.
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This area is meant for a leisurely, upgraded experience and not rushed. Your dining package will include details on when to arrive. You might even consider arriving a tiny bit earlier than the suggested time to choose your ideal seating option. *Note that you dine in a different location than the show for full meals.
Dark Blue circles are reserved seating and Dessert Party seating. Its one of the only ways to watch the show seated. Reservations are a must (60 days before your trip)
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It has prime waterfront views with little to no people in your way.
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A sweet and savory selection of desserts and appetizers plus beverages are included.
It is similar to the green area in that you don’t need to arrive too early but if you’d like to pick that prime table, plan accordingly 😉
*Each person in your party must purchase a package in order to enter the viewing area. Previously tickets were $84 per person
Dark Blue benches are for Disability Viewing. You will need to connect with a cast member ahead of time to be directed to this area.
Now back to the dining packages for the Green area…
(the dining and dessert packages are not available as of 4/1/22)
Reserve a World of Color Dining Package. You’ll can first enjoy a full-service lunch or dinner at Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle Restaurant or choose a dinner buffet at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. When you check in for your meal you will be given a voucher for each person in the package (per person charge). That voucher reserves your spot in the preferred viewing area!
Keep in mind, just having a reservation for one of the restaurants does not get you a voucher, you have to reserve the World of Color Dining Package.
Each package includes:
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Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle Restaurant: 3-course meal (starter, entrée and dessert) from a prix-fixe menu, plus a nonalcoholic beverage.
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Storytellers Cafe: An all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet and a nonalcoholic beverage (specialty coffees not included).
I can help you grab those hard to get dining reservations with my free travel planning services. If you would like more info on a trip to Disneyland, please message me for more info
Where will you be watching from?
