World of Color

Is there life after dark at Disneyland parks? Yep…plenty of it, and worth sticking around for too! Today we are exploring one very special after-dark attraction—an incredible nighttime spectacular water show available only at Disney California Adventure. Similar to the water fountain show at the Bellagio, World of Color is even larger and more remarkable than the Las Vegas water show.

Back in June 2010, Disney unveiled this one-of-a-kind not-to-be-missed evening event. Submerged beneath the surface of Paradise Bay are about 1,200 powerful water jets shooting water up to 200 feet in the air. Not such a big deal, you say? The high-pressure jets artfully spew up fountains and water screens combined with laser lights and fire to produce an outstanding half-hour long musical and visual presentation worth staying for.

With a backdrop of Mickey’s Fun Wheel (which has special lighting effects for the show) the powerful synchronized jets shoot up, sway, and swirl choreographed to a montage of Disney songs. Colorful images and short movie clips are projected on water screen. Pretty impressive for a bunch of dancing fountains and definitely a fantastic way to end a day at Disneyland.

The breath-taking show is presented nightly (up the three times during busy times) and is awesome eye candy after a day of fun in the parks. The show is included with your park admission, but since the viewing area for the uber-popular show accommodates far fewer folks than the parks do, FastPasses are highly recommended. Due to the limited viewing area, it is literally standing room only, so rest your tired feet before you get in line for your World of Color FastPass. Although there is no seating for World of Color, handicapped guests can be accommodated in each viewing area.

As with all other Disney FastPasses, there is no charge for these little tickets, but they are limited and available on a first-come basis, so getting them early is crucial. When multiple shows are scheduled, your FastPass will designate which viewing you will attend—get your FastPass early to attend an early show. Disneyland Resort guests staying at one of the three Disneyland hotels can use their room key to enter through Disney’s Grand Californian half an hour prior to park opening to obtain FastPasses at the Grizzly River Run FastPass machines. Day guests can obtain FastPasses at this same location after park opening. World of Color FastPasses are also available with select dining options at Wine Country Trattoria, Carthay Circle, and with special World of Color picnic meals. (Choose the more expensive Carthay Circle option if you prefer VIP area seating.) Picnic meals with FastPasses are also available for advance purchase online.

When you visit Disneyland, be sure you plan to stick around at least one evening in Disney California Adventure for World of Color. You’ll be glad you did!

Today’s Takeaway:

With World of Color, Disney’s Imagineers blended art with science. Would you like to do the same? Visit the Science Buddies website to discover how to reveal brilliant hues hiding in shadows.

You will need:

• A room where you can dim the lights
• White wall or piece of white paper taped to a wall
• A pen to serve as a shadow maker
• Small lump of clay to serve as an anchor for the pen
• Small table or stand
• Two small white light “Maglights” or pen flashlights of equal size and brightness
• Three LED micro-flashlights of equal size and brightness in red, green, and blue (“Photon Micro-Light II” key chain lights work well for this project because they have an on/off switch, are exceptionally bright, show true colors, are generally available, and are moderately priced. They can be purchased online at various sites, or check your local camping or electronics supply store. LED flashlights with similar properties from other manufacturers will do just as well, however.)
• One thick book to set the flashlights on
• Notebook
• Pen or pencil

Follow the steps here to experiment with colored light combinations and analyze the data.

You can click here to see how the PBS Kids made colorful shadows by mixing light, separated the color spectrum by bending light, and viewed projected images on a moving wand by bouncing light.

SCHOOL SUBJECT: Physical Science
SKILL LEVEL: Upper Elementary/Middle Grades

Today’s feature was provided by our very special Guest, Denise Stufflebeam, who is a Magical Travel Specialist with 3D Travel Company, a veteran homeschooler, and a bigtime Disney fan! Thank you so much for being our Guest today, Denise!

To request a quote from Denise for your next Disney vacation, use the following links:
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