My thoughts from the premiere event on 5/20/15:
- I really enjoyed the new show. I am a big Disney history geek and this show is a great tour of the companies history covering animation and Disneyland. So it was perfect for me. They have added several new effects including a large projection surface on the Fun Wheel, smoke effects and an very large new fire ball.. referred to as a mega fireball! This show seems even more dependent being able to see the screens than the original which I think is a challenge and a drawback to the show considering the relatively small number of good views.
- I thought the Dream of Disneyland sequence was very well done. I always enjoy attraction round ups and the World of Color platform is a great way to do it. The Star Tours segment morphing into a long Star Wars one was kind of odd from a story perspective but very well done and sure to be a crowd pleaser.. including the addition of a clip from the soon to be released film. The other awkward portion for me was Let it Go! It was a long sequence for a single film. When talking about the Disney Animation you have to include Frozen, but does it have to be so much? I did not clock it but it was the longest non montage segment in the show by a long way.
- I am curious how the show will play to non-disneygeeks as well as children. I will find out next week as I am going with relatives of which it will be a first visit to Disneyland for 4 of the 5. So looking forward to getting some first hand feedback.
- I would recommend sticking around for the two exit sequences.. the fountains look great. Curious how this will work with regular crowds. I am assuming most will head for the park exit as soon as the finale finishes.. so this would be a great way to let the park empty a bit and see the fountains and lights for a while.
- For pictures and video of the show here is my full posting from the premiere on May 20, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it true everyone has to stand all the time?
For the most part yes. In Paradise Park there are a few benches in the wheel chair accessible sections but other than that you are left to stand. Same with the areas around the Bay. They have been letting you sit on the ground and wait for the show, until your area becomes crowded then they ask everyone to stand so more guests can fit in the area.
- How does viewing of the show work?
Currently the Paradise Park as well as the bridge to Paradise Pier are designated as reserved viewing. This means you need a Fastpass to enter one of these colored sections. The rest of the Pier is open (first come/first serve viewing).
- How do you get a Fastpass for the show work:
- Option 1: Arrive at the park early and head to GRR where they are distributing Fastpasses for the show. They start with the first show then move through all additional shows of the days. You have no choice for the show or viewing area
- Option 2: Sign up for one of the dinner packages with preferred viewing. You can book at the park or (714) 781-DINE.
- Where is the best place to see the show from?
I have seen World of Color from quite a few viewing locations now and its hard to pick the absolute best location. It really depends how you would like to experience the show.
Here are some general tips. You definitely want to be in Paradise Park (which means you need a FastPass). You want to try and align yourself with the center water screen and be as square to it as possible. You can tell this by looking at the three projector housing out in the center show platform and lining yourself up with them and the Fun Wheel more or less. This will give you the best view of the screens and laser effects. I think it is also good to be able to see the tops of the fountain heads in the Bay. Since the viewing tiers are flat for the most part you will want to be toward the front of your section if possible to accomplish this.
It is hard to pick a favorite for me. Standing in the blue section near where the programming trailer was (near the trellis about the third tier) is a great view to see the breath of the show. Standing along the waters edge lets you experience the power of the show but you miss some of the breath. Standing on the bridge (which is part of the Blue section) gives you a great overview but a bit more removed. I have posted similiar clips from several viewing locations on our YouTube site (//www.youtube.com/disneygeekcom). Click through and get a feel for the different angles.
- If I am not in Paradise Park where should I watch the show from?
I have watched from several spots around the Bay and none are really ideal. If you want to really experience World of Color the way it was intended you have to be in the Paradise Park viewing area. Probably the best of the first come/first serve spaces is the backside, directly behind the platform, so you are looking at the viewing area. Watching it from the area under the swings is great in terms of being up close to the fountains but very few of the effects are visible/work from that angle.
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