World of Color inside Disney California Adventure is a fantastic colorful water show with jets, lasers and pyrotechnics that happens nightly. This MUST SEE show happens every day and sometimes twice! Check the Disney app for showtimes when you’re in the park. You can also find the times 45 days before your visit on the Disneyland website calendar. Everything you need to know about how to get a spot, want a seat (my favorite way to see the show) and viewing tips below.
How to get a spot to watch World of Color
An all new virtual queue system through the Disneyland app is how we will now get preferred viewing spots in Paradise Gardens Park for World of Color. Here are the steps to follow:
- Guests with a valid ticket and theme park reservation for the same day may be able to join the virtual queue in the Disneyland app beginning at 12:00 PM (noon), subject to availability.
- To access the virtual queue, Guests must have entered Disney California Adventure Park with a one-park ticket/Park Hopper ticket, or Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket, prior to 12:00 PM (noon).
- To join the virtual queue in the Disneyland app tap the 3 lines in the bottom right corner and then click on virtual queues. See photo below.
- Then make sure to change your park to Disney California Adventure. If you’re scanned in this screen (in the photo below) will look different with a blue button that says join virtual queue. You can see all of this in the app before your arrive, so practice in the app.
- If the virtual queue reaches capacity, please visit the Paradise Bay viewing area 30 to 45 minutes before showtime to check in with a Cast Member for walk-up viewing options.
- Guests with a virtual queue selection will receive a notification through the Disneyland app to enter the viewing area via one of the 2 marked entrance points (Blue or Yellow) assigned to them, approximately 45 minutes before the show begins.
Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to view World of Color. The virtual queue for World of Color is not required to view the spectacular, but it is highly recommended. Additional viewing for each performance is located around Paradise Bay on a first-come, first-served basis. But these locations are very far from the show and not a good option in my opinion. You want to be in the reserved seating through the virtual queue or dining/dessert package options listed below.
Once you have your spot in the virtual queue it will indicate which assigned viewing area you must return to later that night. See the map below where each viewing section is for the show. It varies depending on your color and if you are with a special designated area or have reserved seating in the dining package or dessert party.
Viewing tips!
The viewing areas are standing room only. They allow you to sit until about 10 minutes before the show and then you stand for the whole show. I suggest that you arrive an hour before the show starts because even though you have a spot in the virtual queue the designated area it fills up quickly. Keep in mind that with standing room only it makes it very difficult for kids to view this show. That’s why I suggest arriving an hour before the show starts so you hopefully can get in the BLUE section over on the bridge leading to Pixar Pier for the best viewing option if you’re assigned to the BLUE area. Or the front row of the yellow section but some of that is the splash zone. The show lasts 24 minutes.
Dining package options
If you want a better viewing area you can also book a dining package at Wine Country Trattoria or Storytellers Cafe. Prior to the show, enjoy a delicious 3-course meal, including dishes like chicken parmesan, fettuccine alfredo, salmon, roasted vegetable lasagna, and tiramisu to name a few. Simply check in with your host or server about upgrading your reservation to the dining package! Or another dining package option at Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Indulge in an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner buffet with specialty sweets and a non-alcoholic beverage followed by reserved seating for World of Color. Upon arrival for your reservation, just let your server or the host know you want an upgrade to this exciting enhancement. Book online or in the app under the name of the restaurant. This option has a reserved viewing area, but not seats. If you want a seat I have the best option for you below.
The other option is the World of Color Dessert party featuring sweet and savory selection of desserts and cheeses! I was able to do this and it was fantastic! You will indulge in sweet delights including raspberry cookies, cheesecake, Mickey rice crispy and more. Then whatever you don’t finish they give you a to go box to take home your treats. In addition to desserts you get unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, hot chocolate and blue cherry breeze (non-alcoholic drink). And 2 alcoholic drinks for adults.
Enjoy this party before the show in a special viewing area of World of Color with a seat, cost $89 per person. To book go into the app or on the Disneyland website under dining and choose World of Color Dessert Party. Arrive 60 minutes prior to the start of the show and check in at Redwood Creek Challenge area. 
Is the World of Color desert party worth it?
So many have asked me this question and I say YES! For the seat alone, I think it’s totally worth the price. In order to get a good view for World of Color you have to arrive about an hour before the show starts and then the show is almost 25 minutes! An hour and a half is a long time to stand after a long day in the parks. So that’s why I feel like the dessert party is a great option to view the show. Now I realize the dessert party is not cheap and especially when you’re paying for an entire family. This would definitely be a fun one time splurge for the opportunity to have a great viewing area with a seat to sit on the whole time! I won’t do the dessert party every time I want to see the show. I don’t think that’s necessary, but it was an awesome way to experience it indeed and totally recommend it at least once!
World of Color Variations
The new World of Color – ONE show debuted on January 27, 2023 in conjunction with the Disney100 celebration to celebrate 100 years of the Walt Disney Company. This spectacular show has a beautiful song with a great message. Scenes from many Disney movies including Moana, Star Wars, Avengers and more!
There are some seasonal versions of World of Color as well. For instance during Christmas time it changes to Seasons of Light. And during Lunar New Year they show a short pre-show tied to this celebration. No matter the time of year you should see this spectacular show at least once on your visit.
For more entertainment options check out these posts about fireworks, parades and Fantasmic!
