I just returned from my first visit to Disneyland in 9 years. While there, I was lucky enough to do the World of Color – One dessert party at Disney California Adventure. So, I thought I would do my very first Disneyland post on this expensive, but possibly worthwhile add-on experience.
World of Color – One
The last time I visited DCA, I watched the original WoC show. Now, in celebration of 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, they have premiered the World of Color – One show. Both are beautiful light, laser, and water fountains shows. I think both shows are definitely worth seeing, if you happen to be visiting when either of them are playing. However, it tends to be a very popular show, especially the first (or only) showing of the night.
World of Color Viewing Options
As of May 2023, you can view the show with a few different options. First off, you can join the virtual queue (for free) at 12 PM. You simply need to ensure your tickets and park reservations are linked to your account ahead of time. You must also have scanned into the park prior to joining the queue. Either a blue or yellow section will be assigned to you when you join the queue.
Another way to view the show is with a dining package. You simply have to book an advance dining reservation for lunch or dinner at Wine Country Trattoria or dinner at Storytellers Cafe. Unfortunately, you can’t book a dining package in advance. Rather, you will have to let your server or host know that you would like the package when you arrive or pay the bill. If there are two showings, then dining reservations between 5 and 6 PM at Storytellers will be given passes to the first showing. Reservations between 6 and 7 PM at Storytellers Cafe will be assigned the second showing. The package costs $59 for an adult (aged 10+) and $35 for children ages 3 to 9.
It should be noted that technically there is a free walk-up option. However, this is not guaranteed as they will pull from the walk up line only if there is room and people don’t show up from the queue.
Dessert Party
When I visited DCA on May 4, 2023, I booked the World of Color – One dessert party! This is the only guaranteed seated viewing option available. For $89, you get a plate of goodies, a few beverages, and a great seated view of the show! During my party, I received a selection of cheeses, crackers, grapes, a riced cereal treat, raspberry filled shortbread cookie, mini bundt cake, triple chocolate layer cheesecake, and a birthday macaron. I enjoyed the cheese and crackers, grapes, cereal treat, bundt cake, and macaron. However, the cheesecake was really dry as was the shortbread cookie.
Unlike the dessert parties at Walt Disney World, this wasn’t unlimited food. Rather, I received just one plate of goodies. However, there really wasn’t time to visit a buffet and this was plenty of food for me personally. I also received a non-alcoholic blue cherry breeze drink, water, and a hot chocolate due to the unseasonably cool weather. I could have had some alcohol, but I don’t feel comfortable drinking alone. So, if you drink alcohol, you can count the costs of it towards the price of the party.
Tips
If you decide to book the dessert party, I highly recommend arriving early to check in and to be seated. I was able to choose my table at check in, so the earlier you check in, the better your selection. Then, when you are seated early, you have time to enjoy your treats as well as ask for more beverages. You are seated with other parties, so it’s also nice to get to know your tablemates during this time as well. Additionally, you have to pre-pay for this reservation, so keep that in mind when you register. Also, I noticed that the party came and went with availability. So, keep checking back if you want it.
High vs Low Table
Update: In May 2023, I selected a high table. When I returned with my mom in September 2023, she chose the low table view. She is short and thought it would be easier for her to sit down on a lower chair than to get out of a higher chair. While it was still a great view of the show, personally I prefer the high table now. Here are some pictures from the lower view for comparison.
Is it worth it?
At $89 a person, it’s a very pricey add-on to an already expensive trip. However, it was so nice to be able to sit down at the end of a long day. Plus, it made it easier to take pictures/video of the show since I was seated. I think it’s worth it if you can afford it. However, if you don’t want the food or to pay $89, the virtual queue would also work.
You can view my other post on the Disney100 at Disneyland Guide to see all of the other fun limited time celebratory events happening at the resort in 2023!
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