World of Color at Disney's California Adventure is a spectacular show using water, color lights, fire, music and scenes from new and classic Disney movies. Weaving fantasy and imagination together to create a dazzling show for the Paradise Bay Lagoon at Paradise Pier. The size of the screen is immense. If you have been to see a movie on a large screen or IMAX screen think of the size and multiply it by three. The water screens used to view this show are higher than a theater and much longer. Some of the water shoots up to 200 feet high. But while the screen size can be compared to that of a theater screen, this is not a movie you are watching.
The kaleidoscope of color will last 26 - 29 minutes, depending on whether the Tron portion of the show is included. It will be longer with Tron included. If Tron is included in the show it will appear after the show ends. It has been added as a separate entity.
To view World of Color you will need a fastpass. This special ticket to the show is like a regular fastpass, but once you have it you can still get fastpass tickets for the rides. The fastpass for the show can be obtained through the Grizzly River Run fastpass machines each morning, or through preferred dining reservations, or even by ordering a picnic.
Each fastpass will give you a color and a show time. Typically there will be two shows per night during the busy with a third show added on occasion. The color listed on your fastpass is for your viewing area. Color options are red, green, yellow and blue. The green section is for the dining reservations only, but does not include those who do the picnic option.
For each color section there are great and not so great standing areas. For example, if you have a child it is very important to be on a rail. The rails for each section are areas without people directly in front of you. This just about the only way to ensure your child can see the show. The blue and red sections also have a section at the very front wet areas. Be assured, you WILL get wet in this area, and if there is wind you can get completely drenched depending on exactly where you are standing. Again it must be emphasized that children will have their best view if they are up against a fence rail in your color section. If you have children it is important that you are at the front portion of the queue for your section, so try to be there at the beginning of your time or before. Go to your area and stay there until you can get into the queue.
Unlike standard parades, fireworks and shows, you can not stake out a seat for World of Color hours ahead of time. Your fastpass will tell you what time to show up in the line for your section. Do not report to that area too early as you will be turned away. For example, if your fastpass tells you that you are in the yellow section and time is 7:45, don't arrive before say, 7:15. These lines are out in the open so they don't allow lining up early. Once they are ready they will allow the line to get into the area.
It is important to note that there is no seating for World of Color. All viewing (aside from the Wheelchair areas) is standing room only. The World of Color Cast Members do not always allow you to sit on the ground when waiting. Often you are required to stand the whole time. Because everyone is standing, again it is important that if you have a child you are up against a fence in your section. There is a lot of fencing but not enough for every guest so be early. So parents, be sure to show up at the beginning of your fastpass return time, not the end of the time.
At this time there is no preferred seating for World of Color other than that available through dining options. Hopefully they will begin doing a special dessert package or something similar to the options for Fantasmic!
Until then, get your fastpass and let your family become immersed in a World of Color.
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World of Color Picnic Options