Is the New World of Color the “One”? Info and Review

World of Color is getting an update. The new version of the popular fountain show, titled: World of Color – One, officially premiered on January 27th as part of the Disney100 Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. The show demonstrates how one action can lead to a wave of change.

The original World of Color show has been largely the same since its debut in 2010, with various seasonal shows and a short-lived version for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary. It’s also the first time that several characters are making their nighttime spectacular debut at Disneyland, including members of the Avengers!

We were able to preview the show during a media event on January 25th on a VERY windy night – which impacted the ability to see the projections. UPDATED – We watched the show again from a better location on a less windy night on January 28th (video below). Here are all the details about “World of Color – One,” along with how to find a good spot to watch and our initial thoughts. 

About “World of Color – One”

As part of the Disney100 Celebration at the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure is launching an entirely new World of Color show.  “World of Color – One” attempts to weave a tale that shows how a single ripple can cause a wave. The nighttime spectacular features songs and stories of some of Disney’s most courageous and inspiring characters… let’s call them wave-makers. This includes characters from “The Lion King,” “Moana,” “Coco,” “Mulan,” “Soul,” “Star Wars,” and even from “Avengers: Endgame.”

This new show is the first nighttime spectacular at Disneyland to feature characters, music, and moments from Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, the Avengers, and Star Wars all in the same production. 

“World of Color – One” is set to a musical score that is made of 18 different compositions, including a new, original song “Start a Wave.” This new song was written by Cody Fry, a Grammy-nominated artist, and features lead vocals by Loren Allred, a singer-songwriter/actress.

If you’re wearing a MagicBand+ during the show, you’ll see it light up and feel it vibrate in sync with the performance.

Here’s a preview of what’s ahead (we have the full live video for you at the bottom of this article):

“World of Color – One” plays at Disney California Adventure at 9pm and 10:15pm starting January 27, 2023. The show lasts about 24 minutes.

Little Ripples Make Great Waves

To give you an idea about the characters featured in “World of Color – One,” we’ve created a basic outline for you of the major segments in the show. Tiny glimpses of other characters also appear, but the sections below are the ones you’ll notice most because their songs are dominant in the production. 

“World of Color – One” starts with a quote from Walt Disney about having his work appreciated. A voice-over says that 100 years ago, Walt Disney sent ripples of happiness and imagination in motion. And the new Ripples song plays. You’ll first see a montage of various Disney films before the traditional World of Color clip-show begins. 

Here are the main segments of “World of Color – One”:

• Pocahontas
• Encanto
• Ratatouille
• Soul
• Coco
• A return to the Ripple theme
• Star Wars
• Lion King
• Mulan
• Moana
• Avengers
• Another montage of various movies set to the “see the ripples watch them turn to waves” theme. You’ll see Coco, Toy Story, Pocahontas again, Raya & the Last Dragon, and more. 

And then the show has a somewhat awkward false ending where the voice-over inspirationally tells the audience that “No matter who you are, or where you’re from, you have the power to make a difference. It just takes… ONE!” The show then goes mostly dark and the music ends. The audience of course claps and it feels like everything is done. But the stadium remains dark and then another clip of Walt Disney appears where he says that this has all been a sort of dress rehearsal and they are just getting started. 

The night we watched was the first preview of “World of Color – One.” The front of the theater was filled with cast members. With some media, including us, behind. Unfortunately, it was a VERY windy night. So, not only do you hear the wind in the audio, but the fountains are blown so dramatically that you can’t always see the projections. Still, you’ll see how beautiful the show is and hear the music.

In the video below, Disneyland President Ken Potrock says a few words to Cast Members about how important they are to the resort and about the new show. It’s a rare glimpse behind the scenes. 

Take a look for yourself and then we’ll give you our thoughts. NEW VIDEO from a better location on a less windy night (this video includes the short Lunar New Year short “Hurry Home” in front of World of Color – One): 

And our original video from a press preview on a VERY windy evening: 

Our Thoughts On “World of Color – One”

Let me start by saying that a lot of really talented people were involved in the making of this complicated show. From the music, to the colorful technology behind the fountains, to the surprise elements which sweep into the audience itself… this is a pretty show. Many guests would enjoy any version of World of Color regardless of the songs and clips used because… who doesn’t love a good water show?!

But we had some issues with “World of Color – One” which shouldn’t keep you from seeing it for yourself.

The whole premise of “World of Color – One” is that just one drop can start a ripple which becomes a wave. For this show, that drop was Walt Disney himself. And the ripples he created became a wave of Disney happiness and creativity which has spanned 100 years. 

Unfortunately, after a brief clip of Walt at the top of the show, those early pioneering animations he created aren’t really part of the production. There’s no Steamboat Willie segment. No Snow White. No Pinocchio. And no Fantasia. Essentially, Walt’s ripples apparently weren’t important enough to feature. Instead, the show leaps right to Pocahontas… a movie that Walt Disney had absolutely nothing to do with. And from there the show focuses on just the modern era Disney films and the films of the companies and properties Disney purchased during the Iger era. So you’ll also see Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. But little to nothing from Walt Disney himself…

So, perhaps Disney is trying to tell us that somehow Walt isn’t the… “One.” Not just a missed opportunity but an offensive omission for a 100th-anniversary show. There was much that could have been cut or truncated in this ponderous water pagent to allow the inclusion of Walt’s great accomplishments and properly show the ripples of the man who launched the Disney Company through his personal fame and showmanship. It was Walt who made Disney and its characters a household name. Without Walt… There would be no Disney… He IS the ONE!  

So, while beautiful, “World of Color – One” misses the point in such a way that it left me feeling disappointed… perhaps even angry. It’s also an example of what’s wrong with Disney today… they seem to have forgotten where they come from and refuse to honor the man who made them what they are today. And in the forgetting, they also fail to recognize that their fans love Disney for the “Disney” and not just for the stuff that’s been purchased or created in the last 15 years. 

We’re curious to hear your thoughts. (A higher quality video has now been posted below)

 

How to Watch “World of Color – One”

There are a few options to secure a viewing spot for watching World of Color – One. Here is what you need to know before arriving at Disney California Adventure starting January 27. 

Virtual Queue (FREE)

The free method to obtain a reserved “World of Color – One” viewing area is through the virtual queue system. This system will give you a guaranteed spot to watch the show. Simply open your Disneyland app at noon and attempt to reserve a spot via the Virtual Queue navigation in the app. (note that all Virtual Queue viewing areas are standing room only -no chairs).  

• Guests with a valid ticket and theme park reservation for the same day can join the virtual queue for “World of Color – One” in the Disneyland app starting at 12pm
  • To access the virtual queue, guests must have entered Disney California Adventure (or Disneyland with a Park Hopper ticket)
• 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), approximately 45 minutes before the show begins.
• If the virtual queue reaches capacity, you can visit the Paradise Bay viewing area 30 to 45 minutes before showtime to check in with a Cast Member for walk-up viewing options. Though, don’t expect there to be great spots available for last minute walk-up. You may be placed on the bridge toward Pixar Pier or told there is no room at all. 
• Note that we expect Disney to offer at least two shows per night while demand remains high. You can always check for show times in the Disneyland app. The 2nd show will almost always offer greater availability than the first.  

Paid World of Color Viewing Options: Dining Packages

There are two different methods for obtaining a reserved viewing location for “World of Color – One” that revolve around food. So, it can be a little tricky to make sure you’re booking the correct option.

World of Color Dining Package

The first method is to purchase a World of Color dining package at a participating restaurant. You can choose from the dinner buffet at Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian Hotel, or a full-service lunch or dinner at Wine Country Trattoria at DCA.

If you want to purchase the World of Color dining package, be sure to let your host or server know. Although reservations for either restaurant can be made through the Disneyland app or online, dining packages can only be purchased in-person so be precise when ordering this package… AND MAKE SURE THE RESTAURANT STILL HAS TICKETS AVAILABLE. Your server should bring you your World of Color reserved viewing tickets. Don’t leave the restaurant without them. 

Each dining package includes:

• Lunch or Dinner at Wine Country Trattoria: Prior to the performance, Guests ages 10 and older will receive a 3-course prix-fixe meal (starter, entrée and dessert, plus a nonalcoholic beverage) and Guests ages 3 to 9 will receive a 2-course prix-fixe meal (entrée and dessert, plus a nonalcoholic beverage).

Package Pricing (pricing and offerings are subject to change):

• • • $59 for Guests, ages 10+; $35 for Guests, ages 3 to 9 ($10 upcharge for those ordering the rib eye steak)

Or

• Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe: an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, a nonalcoholic beverage (specialty coffees not included) and a specialty sweet treat.

Package Pricing

• • • Dinner Buffet: $59 for Guests, ages 10+; $35 for Guests, ages 3 to 9

World of Color Dessert Party

The other paid dining option for a reserved “World of Color – One” is by booking a World of Color Dessert Party Package. This is the only method (aside from VIP Tours) that will give you an actual seat in a reserved viewing area. (all the other methods are standing room)

The Dessert Party includes:

• A selection of desserts and cheeses
• 2 alcoholic beverages for adults, age 21 and older
• Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water
• Reserved seating in the World of Color preferred viewing area at Paradise Gardens Park, where you can sit at a table with folding chairs or a high-top table with director chairs

The price for booking a Dessert Party is $89 which includes tax and gratuity. Children 2 and younger may attend free of charge, provided they are seated on the lap of an adult.

More Disney100 Information

“World of Color – One” is just part of a much larger celebration around the Disneyland Resort. Get the full details about everything happening for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company in the article below:

UPDATES! Disneyland’s 100 Years of Wonder Celebration Details

This article was assembled by Nathan Villamor, with review and video from Dusty Sage, and photos from Mike Kindrich

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