Want the secret to an amazing view for World of Color? It’s not using the Virtual Queue. It’s not booking a table at the World of Color Dessert Party (though, that can be a relaxing way to watch the show and guarantee good seating). The best place on property to watch World of Color is from a table on the outdoor patio of Lamplight Lounge. It’s a little-known viewing location, but I’ll show you how to secure a spot…
Disclaimer
Watching World of Color from Lamplight Lounge is always a bit of a gamble because you can’t guarantee ahead of time that you will be seated at a table with the best view. Below, we will outline tips for securing a good view (it’s worked for us all three times!). However, if you are only spending one day at DCA and World of Color is on your “must-do” list, you may want to go the Dessert Party route instead. Or, if you want to take the gamble, there’s always the second World of Color showing. So if you end up not liking your view at Lamplight, you can stay in DCA and grab a spot for the second showing. Without further ado, here are my tips for watching World of Color from Lamplight Lounge!
Book Your Dining Reservation 60 Days Out
If you want a table at Lamplight during World of Color, you’ll have to set your alarm to book 60 days out at 6:00 AM. This is one reservation that goes fast, so jump on a couple minutes before 6:00 and make sure you are logged into your account on your Disney mobile app or your account on the Disneyland website. We prefer the app for quicker navigation and booking.
You will want to book a dinner reservation between 7:30 and 8:30 PM. We’ve found that a 7:45 or 8:00 PM reservation times things just perfectly. And don’t forget to make your park reservation for this day! As with all Disney dining locations inside the parks, you must have a park reservation. While there is a possibility of walk-up availability, that is an additional gamble you may have to work through.
Arrive Early and Request a Patio Table
In order to secure the best view of World of Color, you will need to make a request for a table on the patio. Your best bet is to arrive at your reservation a little early and make your request in person when you check in. My recommendation is to not check in via mobile check-in, as you will not be able to make any special requests.
Head up to the host or hostess, check in and let them know you are hoping for a table on the patio with a view of World of Color.
Don’t Be Shy About Asking for What You Want
We’ve found that once your name is called, it helps to remind the seating hostess of your request. We’ve also discovered, if you’re extra nice, your waiter has the ability to move you to an open table with a better view if you ask.
If you don’t like your seat, keep an eye out for guests leaving right before the show and don’t be afraid to ask if you can move to the open table. We scored the most amazing seats right on the water just by asking. It was a truly magical moment for our toddler to be up that close. A reminder that the best way to get a little Disney magic is to approach Cast Members with kindness. Kindness always wins. But be flexible for disappointment and realize that things may not always go your way.
Order Your Favorite Lamplight Lounge Items
Not only is the view of the show fantastic, but we love that you can get a full meal and drinks for less the than cost of the World of Color Dessert Party (which goes for $89 a person). We think it’s the best “dinner and show” at the Disneyland Resort.
If you’re not sure what to order, the Lobster Nachos are a fan favorite. However, we also recommend our two personal favorite dishes: the Al Pastor Pork Chop and the Salmon PLT. The kid’s “Budding Artist” menu is super fun at this restaurant with kid-friendly options like pasta, burgers and PB&J, with a fun Pixar-themed presentation. As an allergy family, we’ve been impressed with the number of menu options for those with dietary restrictions as well.
Order Another Round of Drinks Before World of Color Starts
Don’t forget to put in your order for a second round of drinks before the show starts. This is a crucial step in order to watch World of Color. The restaurant will close out all checks before the show begins, but you can sip on your drink and finish your meal while watching the show.
For those who enjoy a cocktail, “Nectar in the Rye” is a nice drink to finish the night. We also enjoy ordering the dessert Donuts with coffee (yes, they have Joffrey’s!).
Pro Tip: If you are sitting on the bar top tables right along the water, your food and drinks WILL get lightly sprayed with water. So plan accordingly. When seated here, we finished our food before the show and placed a napkin over our drinks between sips. Don’t be scared off though – these are the best seats in the house! Your view is unobstructed and you’re completely immersed in the magic of the show.
Enjoy the Show!
If all works out, you’ll have created a Disney memory to last a lifetime. There’s something about the patio at Lamplight Lounge on a summer night with the lights from Pixar Pier glowing around you. Show or no show, the ambiance of an evening meal at Lamplight Lounge cannot be replicated anywhere else on property. But add a close-up view of World of Color to your meal, and you have a truly magical evening.
This is our favorite location to watch the show with small children because it omits all the standing and waiting, and your kids are entertained with food while you wait for the show to begin. There’s no lifting up on shoulders or carrying your toddler on your hip so they can see. Instead, your little one will have a front-row seat to watch World of Color. And we think that’s the way it should be!
The downside… as you can see from the images above, this is a side view of the show. So, you’ll hear the music and see the fountains, but this is not a good view for projections.
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Let’s Hear From You
Now that you know about my favorite place to watch World of Color, are you going to give it a try? Have you seen World of Color from Lamplight Lounge before? Where’s your preferred spot to watch World of Color? Let us know about your experience in the comments.
For some of my other tips and tricks at Disneyland, take a look at the articles below!
5 Kid-Approved Table Service Restaurants at the Disneyland Resort (That Adults Will Love Too!)