Yes, Disney still has World of Color at Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, California as of September 2023. World of Color is a popular nighttime show that combines fountains, lights, fire, fog, projection mapping, lasers, and music. It premiered in 2010 and has been updated with new scenes and technology over the years.
What is World of Color?
World of Color is a nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure that takes place in the Paradise Bay lagoon. It uses fountains, lights, lasers, fire, fog, and projection mapping to bring animation and film scenes to life through vibrant, colorful visuals choreographed to music and narrative storytelling.
The show utilizes one of the largest projection mapping installations in the world, with nearly 20 projectors blending animated scenes onto giant water screens made by shooting water up to 200 feet in the air. High-powered fountains can shoot water up to 200 feet high while lights, lasers, and fire effects create stunning visuals across the lagoon.
Since its premiere in 2010, World of Color has become an iconic Disney attraction that draws huge crowds on a nightly basis. Several updated versions have been created over the years with new scenes, technology enhancements, and music.
History of World of Color
Here is a brief history of World of Color at Disney California Adventure:
- 2008 – Construction begins on Paradise Bay lagoon infrastructure needed for World of Color.
- 2010 – World of Color officially opens on June 11, 2010 with the premiere of the original show.
- 2011 – Prep & Landing holiday show debuts for the Christmas season.
- 2012 – Updated version of original World of Color show debuts with new scenes and technology.
- 2014 – Winter Dreams holiday show debuts for Christmas season.
- 2015 – 60th Anniversary version celebrates Disneyland’s 60th anniversary with new scenes.
- 2016 – New scenes added to normal World of Color program.
- 2017 – 25th Anniversary version celebrates DCA’s 25th anniversary.
- 2019 – Magical Map show premieres for the summer season.
- 2022 – Normal World of Color show returns after Disneyland’s phased reopening during the pandemic.
As you can see, World of Color has seen many updates over the years with special versions created for holidays, anniversaries, and seasons. But the original World of Color show and framework lives on as a nightly spectacular.
Show Summary & Details
Here is an overview of the typical 25-minute World of Color show currently playing nightly at Disney California Adventure:
- The show begins with the theme “The Wonderful World of Walt Disney”, showing classic Mickey Mouse animation and Disney film clips.
- Scenes from movies like The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Up, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more are projected onto the water screens and fountains.
- A segment celebrates Pixar movies like Toy Story, Cars, The Incredibles, and more with their iconic music and characters.
- A “Heroes” segment features inspiring Disney and Pixar characters who overcome adversity.
- The finale combines fountains, lights, fire, lasers, and music for an impressive grand finale.
- The show runs about 25 minutes and plays nightly after dark.
With nearly 1,200 programmable fountains and fountain jets, World of Color’s “screens” of water, fire, and lights can reach heights up to 200 feet wide and 50 feet tall. The show integrates Disney animation and live-action films by using one of the largest projection systems in the world, blending colorful imagery and animation with timed fountains and lighting. State-of-the-art projection technology, lasers, and special effects like fog and flames add to the experience.
The musical score combines instrumental movie music and songs from Disney films, serving as the narrative thread tying the show together. Iconic music like “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story are timed with matching animation and fountains.
World of Color plays nightly after dark for park guests visiting Disney California Adventure. Guests can obtain a Fastpass ticket to view the show from prime viewing areas around the lagoon. Dining packages are also available to reserve fastpass viewing and a meal at select restaurants in the park.
Show Scenes and Segments
World of Color is made up of different themed scenes and segments highlighting classic and contemporary Disney animation. Here is a breakdown of some of the major scenes and what they include:
Opening – “The Wonderful World of Walt Disney”
The show opens with animation of Mickey Mouse conducting animated fountains and lights to classic Disney music. It transitions into a musical journey through Disney animation history with scenes like Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, and other classics.
“Part of Your World” – The Little Mermaid Segment
Undersea sequences from The Little Mermaid are projected on the water screens while the song “Part of Your World” plays and fountains dance along. Other Little Mermaid music like “Under the Sea” is also mixed in.
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Toy Story & Pixar
Woody and Buzz Lightyear animation is projected during this segment celebrating the films of Pixar while “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” plays. Other Pixar films like Finding Nemo, Up, Cars, and more make appearances.
“Go the Distance” – Hercules
The inspiring music from Hercules plays while projection mapping shows Hercules striving to become a hero and achieve his goals. Fountains and lights punctuate key moments.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Scenes and characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies are projected across the lagoon screens while clips from the ride soundtrack play. Fountains and flame effects add excitement when cannons fire and explosions go off.
Villain Segment
A montage of classic Disney villains like Ursula, Scar, Jafar and others appear on screen in dramatic fashion with foreboding music and fiery effects.
Finale – “Let It Go” from Frozen
The show culminates in a grand finale scene from Frozen with Elsa singing “Let It Go” while huge fountains, lights, lasers, and snowy projection effects fill the entire lagoon in spectacular fashion for the big finish.
Viewing Tips
To get the best views for World of Color, here are some tips:
- Get a Fastpass – Fastpasses allow preferred viewing from prime locations around the lagoon.
- Grab a dining package – Some restaurants like Wine Country Trattoria offer fixed price meals with guaranteed fastpasses.
- Stake out a spot early – Without fastpasses, you need to claim an open area 1-2 hours in advance.
- Center stage spots are best – For the full immersive experience, view from directly across the fountains near the Golden Vine Winery.
- Up close is impressive, but further back works too – While you can’t see the projections as sharply from a distance, you can see more fountains and get the full light show.
- Watch for wind – Fog and wind can obstruct projections, so cross fingers for optimal weather.
- Review the layout beforehand – Know where prime viewing zones are located before you go.
With a little advance planning, you can experience World of Color from an excellent vantage point and see Disney animation brought to life in stunning form.
Why People Love World of Color
There are many reasons why World of Color has become so popular and considered a must-see attraction at Disney California Adventure:
- Innovative technology – The show pioneered new techniques like projection mapping on water and mist screens that were groundbreaking when it premiered.
- Music – The musical score is filled with iconic Disney songs timed perfectly with matching animation and fountains.
- Nostalgia – It taps into Disney nostalgia by spotlighting classic films like The Little Mermaid and newer favorites like Frozen.
- Spectacle – Nearly every element like light, water, fire, lasers, images, and fog is supersized on a grand scale.
- Immersive environment – You’re surrounded by animation projected onto giant water screens larger than life.
- Innovative contrasts – It combines water and fire for beautiful juxtaposition between opposite elements.
- Emotional impact – Scenes match epic story moments for maximum inspirational and emotional effect.
Blending beloved Disney animation with sheer spectacle, World of Color is an artistic, emotional, nostalgic experience that appeals to all generations.
World of Color Dessert Party
Disney also offers a World of Color Dessert Party that provides reserved viewing and sweet treats for purchase. Here are details on the World of Color Dessert Party:
- Takes place on nights World of Color is scheduled
- Includes reserved prime viewing spot for the 9pm show
- Held at the Golden Vine Winery outdoor patio
- All-you-care-to-enjoy dessert buffet served from 8-10pm
- Buffet features mini desserts like fruit tarts, cheesecake, chocolate mousse, cookies, brownies, ice cream, etc.
- Also includes hot and cold beverages like coffee, tea, water
- Beer and wine available for separate purchase
- Standing outdoor reception style format
- Cost is $84 per adult, $50 per child ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included)
- Separate event admission from general park admission
- Can book online or call Disney Dining up to 60 days in advance
The World of Color Dessert Party provides guaranteed prime viewing spots plus a sweet way to fuel up on desserts before the show.
Dining Packages
In addition to the Dessert Party, Disney offers World of Color dining packages at select table service restaurants in Disney California Adventure. These include a multi-course meal along with specified Fastpass tickets for viewing World of Color.
Here are the restaurants offering World of Color dining packages and what’s included:
| Restaurant | Meal | FastPass Viewing Area |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Country Trattoria | 3-course dinner | Blue Section |
| Ariel’s Grotto | 3-course dinner | Yellow or Blue Section |
| Carthay Circle | 3-course lunch or dinner | Center Blue Section |
Pricing includes meal, tax, tip, non-alcoholic beverage, and the World of Color Fastpass. It varies by restaurant from around $45-$80 for adults and $25-$45 for kids ages 3-9. Dining packages can be reserved up to 60 days in advance online or by phone.
Annual Refurbishments
As a complex nighttime show relying on water, lighting, fire, lasers, projections, and more, World of Color undergoes annual refurbishments to maintain its technical infrastructure. This allows Disney to make any needed repairs and enhance the show with upgrades.
Recent refurbishment periods when World of Color was temporarily closed include:
| Year | Refurbishment Period |
|---|---|
| 2016 | January 4 – May 20 |
| 2017 | November 1 – November 17 |
| 2018 | September 4 – November 1 |
| 2019 | January 7 – May 23 |
| 2022 | April 19 – July 1 |
Refurbishment periods typically run from one week to a couple months when World of Color undergoes routine maintenance and upgrades to continue offering an innovative, state-of-the-art show each year.
Future of World of Color
World of Color celebrated its 10 year anniversary in 2020 and continues going strong. Disney has kept the show fresh with new versions and updates over the past decade.
All indications point to World of Color remaining a staple Disney California Adventure attraction for the foreseeable future. Disney fans can likely expect:
- Ongoing technology enhancements – Projection capabilities, lighting, lasers, and special effects will continue improving.
- New show versions – Holiday, seasonal, and anniversary shows will provide variety.
- Changes to film segments – As new Disney and Pixar movies release, their scenes may be rotated in.
- Infrastructure upkeep – Annual refurbishments will maintain fountains, lighting, projections, etc.
- Continued popularity – Its combination of music, animation, water, and lights will keep drawing crowds nightly.
For fans wanting to experience stunning Disney animation set to water, lights, lasers, and music on a grand scale, World of Color will immerse viewers in magic for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, World of Color remains a can’t-miss nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure. Since its 2010 debut, this innovative show combining water, fire, animation, music, fountains, lights, lasers, and special effects has dazzled crowds daily. It brings beloved Disney films to life through advanced projection mapping technology on an immense scale. World of Color underwent enhancements and new show versions over the past decade and continues going strong with shows nightly. Disney has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and evolving World of Color through ongoing infrastructure upgrades and new technology. All signs point to World of Color continuing to draw huge crowds mesmerized by the immersive, emotional Disney storytelling combined with stunning visual spectacle on display. For Disney fans visiting California Adventure, watching animation dance across mammoth water screens framed by bursts of water, flames, light, and music makes World of Color a must-see iconic Disney attraction for years to come.
