World of Color Front and Center: Where to Watch this Disney Show

The best Disneyland World of Color viewing areas, including reserved dining, virtual queue viewing and last minute spots. The first World of Color show is typically at 9:00 PM and the second World of Color show is typically at 10:15 PM. World of Color run time is approximately 22 minutes long. See today’s World of Color schedule for updated times. Keep reading for viewing area specifics, what time to arrive and details on the World of Color Dessert Party.

Best World of Color Spots
Best World of Color Spots

World of Color joins the line up nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland Resort which run throughout the year. You’ll definitely want a multi-day park hopper ticket to enjoy these iconic nighttime shows:

 

  • Disneyland Parades change throughout the year and the next parade to watch for is Magic Happens
  • World of Color a nighttime show at California Adventure Park over Paradise Bay, which is the show we will cover in this article

World of Color – ONE at Disneyland Resort is back January 18, 2024

This Disney night show runs most days of the year at Disney California Adventure Park. Here’s what to expect, where to watch, what time to arrive and more. If you’re looking for a  major Disney production, this is it!

This entire area of California Adventure was built specifically for this show. 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 filled show.

Disneyland Resort itself explains it best, 

“Thrill as graceful jets of water shoot into the air, lasers electrify the night and perfectly timed pyrotechnics explode in a blaze of brilliant color. Watch in wonder as water, fire, light and music weave together to celebrate the magic of Disney storytelling.”

World of Color Quick Info

World of Color is front and center each night at California Adventure Park featuring both a first show and a second show. World of Color is exclusive to our very own Anaheim theme park and does not run at any other Disney resort in the world, not even Walt Disney World.

Here’s a quick look at World of Color showtimes, which version is you’ll see and what’s coming up during your visit to Disneyland Resort. 

World of Color Shows

 

world of color water show
World of Color water show

 

World of Color Showtimes

 

Where to Watch World of Color

World of Color requires theme park tickets and reservations at Disney California Adventure Park. This Disney Parks show is displayed in Paradise Bay and can be seen from Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier.

We’ll dive into specifics on where to watch for the best view of the projections and powerful fountains below.

Disney World of Color Viewing Map

Where does everyone watch World of Color? This map outlines the most common options for viewing the live show, most of which are standing room only. 

 

World of Color viewing map
World of Color viewing map updated May 2022.

 

Here’s a detailed description of the map and how you can watch from the best spots:

Blue World of Color Viewing Area

If you want to watch from this viewing area, you’ve got to be quick! Blue fills up first and will be distributed via virtual queue. If you are the first to line up at the bridge blue section, you may be watching from the very front row. 

 

WoC Classic

 

  • What You’ll See: up close action, but not a full scope of everything. For this type of show, being a bit farther back can get you a better view.
  • Disability Viewing Area: yes, there is a roped off portion in the blue section for those in scooters, wheelchairs or who have other needs.

 

Wheelchair viewing area World of Color

 

  • Will You Get Wet: yes, with 1,200 powerful fountains with heights that range from 30 feet to 200 feet in the air, you’re bound to get a least a little wet in these front row viewing areas.
  • Time Commitment: front row typically requires more time commitment than most, but if you’re watching from the side and on the bridge of Pixar Pier it might not require as much time, but certainly come early for the first show.

Yellow World of Color Viewing Area

The yellow section is the largest viewing area for World of Color. Yellow is what color most people get when distributed via virtual queue. This is the most popular color given.

 

World of Color Disneyland

 

  • What You’ll See: a better view than you might think once you’re packed in with a ton of other new friends. The projections are so high and large, you actually can enjoy it from any of the yellow areas.
  • Disability Viewing Area: yes, there is a roped off portion in the yellow section for those in scooters, wheelchairs or who have other needs.

 

World of Color Wet Zone

 

  • Will You Get Wet: yes, you’re bound to get a least a little wet in these front row viewing areas. If you’re farther back you might feel some mist or spray depending on the wind conditions.
  • Time Commitment: front row typically requires more time commitment than most, but if you’re watching from the back of the crowd it’s nice because it gives you an easier exit when the show is over.

Orange World of Color Viewing Area

The orange section is for those who did not secure a virtual queue spot. If you’re looking for a walk up spot for World of Color viewing, this is your place. It’s also perfect for those who want an easy exit spot and lower crowd levels.

 

World of Color spot Ariel
Viewing area in front of Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

 

  • What You’ll See: 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. 
  • Will You Get Wet: Nope, you’re far enough away from the fountains.
  • Time Commitment: Cast Members usually suggest this spot for last minute viewing. There will be a roped off area in front of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariels’s Undersea Adventure. That is where you slip in. 

Green World of Color Dining Viewing Area

The green section is reserved space for those dining at select restaurants in California Adventure. More details on those packages below, and sometimes the dessert party.

 

Villainous world of color
Villainous World of Color

 

 

World of Color dessert table views

 

  • Time Commitment: This is meant for a leisurely, upgraded experience and not to rush. 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. The Dessert Party dines on site. 

World of Color Dessert Party Viewing Area

Black Circles. The black circles in between blue and green viewing areas are specialty reserved seating and Dessert Party seating. It’s one of the few ways to see World of Color while sitting down.

 

World of Color dessert party sign

 

  • What You’ll See: a fantastic view with little to no 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 night out. Need a sitter so you can enjoy a romantic night out? Nanny-Land comes with you to the parks or tucks the kids in at night! Use crown code HAPPIEST to save!
  • Will You Get Wet: Not here but maybe a little mist.
  • Time Commitment: This is meant for a leisurely, upgraded experience and not to rush. 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. The Dessert Party dines on site and enjoys prime viewing of World of Color. It’s my favorite way to see the show.

I also cover the Dessert Party in more detail below. 

World of Color Disability Viewing Area

 The black circles are disability seating area with benches to the side of Desert Party viewing area. See a Cast Member to be directed to this area for viewing. There has also been some part of the yellow and blue section added to expand the area.

 

World of Color show views
World of Color show views.

 

  • What You’ll See: a wonderful view with fewer people than the general viewing area. 
  • Will You Get Wet: Not here but maybe a little mist.

 

World of Color disability viewing area

 

  • Time Commitment: Come early for better viewing and to make yourself comfortable. 

Unique World of Color Viewing Options

Maybe you don’t want to be near tons of people or you arrive later in the day. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy World of Color and all the stunning water fountains and visual effects.

One spot not noted on the map above? At Lamplight Lounge on the lower level patio. Reserve dining about 90 minutes prior to closing and ask to be seating outside as you check in. The counter height dining that faces the water will give you an amazing and unique view of the show.

 

Lamplight outdoors

 

I have personally viewed World of Color from the yellow area, green area and Dessert Party area. I felt both were very similar and couldn’t tell much of a difference between them. But the Dessert Party spot blows it out of the water. Ever since doing that, I can’t imagine viewing it any other way.

Where have you watched this night time spectacular? Which spot do you think is ideal?

World of Color Dining Packages

I covered the viewing options for all spaces above. But let’s get further into the reserved, premium space. Those with a dining package.

 

World of Color Wine Country

 

Wine Country Trattoria World of Color dining package includes:

  • Lunch: $59 for Guests, ages 10+; $35 for Guests, ages 3 to 9 ($10 upcharge for those ordering the rib eye steak)
  • Dinner: $59 for Guests, ages 10+; $35 for Guests, ages 3 to 9 ($10 upcharge for those ordering the rib eye steak)
  • Reserve dining at Wine Country and let your server know you want this upgraded package.

 

Disneyland Resort salmon

 

Carthay Circle World Restaurant of Color dining package NOT currently being offered 

  • Full-service, 3-course meal from a prix-fixe menu, plus a non-alcoholic beverage
  • One voucher that reserves your spot in the viewing area shown above
  • Lunch – starting at $56 for adults; $25 for children (ages 3 to 9)
  • Dinner – starting at $74 for adults; $25 for children (ages 3 to 9)

 

Carthay Circle

 

Storytellers Cafe World of Color dining package includes:

  • Dining at Storytellers Cafe inside the Grand Californian Hotel
  • Buffet meal, plus a non-alcoholic beverages
  • One voucher that reserves your spot in the preferred viewing area shown above
  • Dinner Buffet $59 for Guests, ages 10+; $35 for Guests, ages 3 to 9
  • Book your dining reservations here and let your server know you’d like to upgrade to the World of Color package. 

 

Storytellers Cafe

World of Color Dessert Party

The World of Color Dessert Party is by far the best viewing experience for World of Color. It also comes at a price of about $100 per person. And while we’re on price point let’s get the cons out of the way.

World of Color Dessert Party Cons

  • High price point 
  • Check in process is never smooth
  • Check in process takes up too much park time
  • When the show is over you’re rushed out of your spot for clean up

A little more about the check in process. It constantly changes. Sometimes you check in near Paradise Bay, sometimes you check in at an alternative spot (as you can see with the make-shift edit to the sign below). The process takes way too long and is a downer after paying such a high price for one of the most premium experiences at the Resort. Luckily the show quickly made me forget!

 

World of Color dessert party check in

The Disneyland website says,

“Please arrive at your reservation time and check in at the Eureka water wheel near the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Your reservation time is for the dessert party and not the performance time for the World of Color show. Guests arriving prior to their reservation time may be given a wristband and instructions for when to return.”

During my last World of Color Dessert Party the check in process went like this:

6:00 pm My friend Becca at This Crazy Adventure Called Life helped me out a ton by waiting for me, although this isn’t always possible. At this time she was looking for the check in spot because it wasn’t wear she was used to finding it. 

6:30 pm Becca arrives at check in spot. Cast Members say the line starts forming at 7:00 pm for the 9:00 pm show, but a line of about 20 people is already formed and she takes a spot in the back. 

7:00 pm Middle of the line, 20-30 more people have showed up behind Becca.

7:30 pm Becca is able to check in for our group with confirmation numbers in hand, the Cast Member distributes the wrist bands and assigns her our group tables for the Dessert Party. Just as a note we had 3 separate reservations for a total of 18 people. 

 

More World of Color Dessert Party tables

 

8:00 pm I arrive at the new line with Becca and our group where Cast Members will walk us in our parties to our tables in the viewing area. We’re offered drinks and desserts are delivered.

9:00 pm World of Color begins.

World of Color Dessert Party Pros

The pros heavily outweigh the cons. I’ve learned over time that the set up to an event, a vacation, a ride…many things make or break the experience. Having an actual seat and being waited on before the show truly makes you feel like a VIP. You can relax, unwind and be entertained. I never enjoyed World of Color until I started upgrading to the Dessert Party. It’s that much better!  

Dessert Party Package includes:

 

world of color dessert party seats

 

See those tables in the photo above? That’s where you’ll be sitting!

World of Color FAQs

The brief overview at the beginning of this article gives a quick glimpse into World of Color logistics. Here we deep dive into specific questions you may have about World of Color.

Don’t see an answer to your question? The comments are always open!

Do I need a Park Hopper ticket to see World of Color?

If you’re not starting your day at California Adventure, you will need a valid park hopper ticket. I suggest getting your ticket at a discount from my partners here

How do I join the Virtual Queue to see World of Color?

You must first be scanned into California Adventure Park OR Disneyland Park to join the virtual queue. Virtual queue will open at NOON. Read more about virtual queues and how to join quickly here.

Which World of Color is at California Adventure today?

World of Color schedule for today is listed here:

 

World of Color sights
World of Color sights.

How long is World of Color? 

The show is approximately 22 minutes long. Total time commitment is about 90 minutes when you include showing up to your spot an hour before, along with time to exit the area. 

What time does World of Color start?

Nightly performances in 2023, World of Color will run at 9:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Check the Disneyland App for undated schedules on the day of your visit. 

Why does the show start after the park closes? 

Sometimes throughout the year you’ll notice the show starts just as the park closes and that’s not a typo.

World of Color at California adventure is what Walt Disney would call a “kiss goodnight.” It’s the very last thing guest experience before heading home, and Walt Disney loved to end your day on the best note possible. Hosting the show as the park closes gives you an incredible farewell to your Disneyland day.

 

WoC One fountains

Do I need FASTPASS for World of Color?

No, Disney discontinued FASTPASS during the closure. We now have an upgraded version hybrid of both FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass called Disney Genie+. But you do not need this for World of Color.

Do I need Disney Genie+ for World of Color? 

No, you need instead to join the Virtual Queue on the Disneyland App.

Will you be watching a Disney’s World of Color during your vacation? What is your favorite version of World of Color?

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By Jessica Sanders

Recognized authority on all things Disneyland Resort. Offering dynamic planning strategies and the latest theme park information since 2013. Jessica's insights have been featured on Yahoo! News, InStyle, The Washington Post, and many others.

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