World of color reserved seating.

[Kramerica]

Hey all,

I know this question has probably been answered more than a few times on here. But I'm going to ask it anyway, because I'm a terrible person.

I'm thinking about making reservations for the world of color reserved seating through the carthay circle restaurant. I'm not all that much interested in the meal aspect of it. But more the reserved seating for world of color. I did fast pass last trip and wasn't all that impressed. It was packed and unless you're eight feet tall, you're likely going to have an obstructed view.

So. Where do they seat you? Is there any rush in having to get there early? Is it a good spot? All the general things I should know. Also, how early should I make reservations for this.

Thanks.

 

[Mummum]

I was there last Wednesday with a large family group (12 people + one stroller) and we did the WOC lunch at Carthay Circle. I can tell you that it is reserved standing not seating, unlike the Blue Bayou Fantasmic package which provided us with seat cushions. We were in the second tier (evidently the first closest is considered a get wet zone) behind a grassy fenced area and not appreciably higher up. It was very crowded and difficult for the kids to see. I would not recommend but it's hard to say where is good viewing and what you have to do to get it. If you do decide to try it get there one hour early instead of the half hour. I hope this helps.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Carthay gets you access to the "best" viewing area, but it helps to arrive as early as you can and try to go on a day that's not crowded to the gills (if it is a peak day, pick the second show).

 

[Bairstow]

'm not all that much interested in the meal aspect of it.

That's probably because you haven't eaten at Carthay Circle yet.
Do it. Arguably the best in-park restaurant ever created.
Spend some time at the lounge, too, and order something that requires them to make you an ice sphere.

 

[Kramerica]

That's probably because you haven't eaten at Carthay Circle yet.
Do it. Arguably the best in-park restaurant ever created.
Spend some time at the lounge, too, and order something that requires them to make you an ice sphere.

I did have a chance to have a few drinks (few too many probably) at the lounge this last trip. Met a fantastic older couple who kept telling me to check out trader Sams, which I fully intend to do this next trip.

Loved it. I'm 25. Yet. I despise the bar scene that dudes my age frequent nowadays. Loud music, testosterone fueled meatheads, and inexperienced bartenders making expensive drinks isn't my scene. I long for the days in which clubs like this existed. Classy. Quiet. Conducive for conversation. It was great. I'll be sure to try the food next time.

 

[LeafsFanNL]

I'll second both recommendations. We had a great meal at Carthay Circle, had a Manhattan there, it liked it a lot. Visited Trader Sams twice. I liked the Hippopomaitai, and the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum. Not much of a bourbon drinker, so I wouldn't get the Shipwreck again. The viewing area is ok, but not as good as the seated area for Fantastic. Worth it though

 

[DznyGrlSD]

We're doing the Carthay Circle WoC dinner package in October - can't wait!

 

[Bairstow]

Trader Sam's is very cool, but still much too busy for my tastes right now. It's worth checking out, but don't be surprised if you have to wait half an hour for a seat at the bar.

 

[PacNWTigger]

I have found Trader Sam's best in the early afternoon. Not too crowded at that time, and it's before the happy hour rush. Nothing wrong with having a drink at 1 or 2:00 in the afternoon when you're on vacation, right?!

 

[JediMasterMatt]

Due to my Disney photography penchant, I hate to admit I know more about the ins-and-outs of getting "good" viewing locations for their nighttime spectaculars than anyone would dare lay claim to.

Here's the scoop on WoC viewing. No matter how you do it, it's all based on first come/first served priority. The reserved options simply put you in a different corralled off area from the regular FPs. The first to arrive for their area, still gets the pick and that means you can get a "bad" view simply by not showing up before the others.

That said, the breakdown of the viewing areas can get a bit confusing as they are often adjusted based on how many dinning reservations they have sold that day. The important thing to note is that Carthay rules the roost when it comes to where you want to watch the show from. Sometimes, the Carthay area may not extend down to the very front rail and other times it will. If you want the front zone and have Carthay, simply ask to go there and they will let you. The key unfortunately is to still be early.

My preferred viewing location for WoC (at least version 1.0) was all the way down front in the wet zone at the railing. Only from up close can you see what no picture can capture effectively, the individual droplets of water catching the light. It's really quite amazing. If you get front and in the center (which is actually off the center line of the Wheel) all of the mist screens align properly and the show takes on a great 3-D effect.

So, bottom line... even with a reservation, you still need to be early to get a great unobstructed view.

 

[UofMGuy423]

Has anyone tried watching it from the Grand Californian's viewing area? I've heard they pipe the music in, etc.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Has anyone tried watching it from the Grand Californian's viewing area? I've heard they pipe the music in, etc.

I have. It's a completely off angle. Only worthwhile if you've already seen the show. The big plus is not being surrounded by 4,000 of your closest friends, but it's not a good place to really take in the show.

 

[UofMGuy423]

I have. It's a completely off angle. Only worthwhile if you've already seen the show. The big plus is not being surrounded by 4,000 of your closest friends, but it's not a good place to really take in the show.

Thank you! We'll use it then to see it a second time after we've already seen it up close.