Disney California Adventure

• Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline
• Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party
• World of Color
• ElecTRONica
• Disney Channel Rocks
• Disney Dance Crew
• Pixar Pals/Pixar Play Parade
• Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
• Disney Junior Live on Stage!
• Turtle Talk with Crush

• Disneyland Parades & Shows

Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline

Show begins performances 02/17/12.

Minnie Mouse and a four-member crew sing songs from the '40s, '50s and '60s in this interactive show beneath the control tower in Condor Flats.

Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party

Guests have a chance to join in on dancing and activities while a DJ spins songs in this interactive dance party featuring the Disney Channel favorites.  The fun takes place several times a day near Paradise Park.

Disney's World of Color

• World of Color Photo Gallery
• World of Color Blue Carpet Premiere Images
• World of Color-A Tale of Two Views (Part 1)

This nighttime water spectacular premiered June 11, 2010.  World of Color combines fountains, movie projections and lighting effects to produce the highly anticipated show.

Fountains shoot water 200 feet into the air, creating the world's largest projected water screen measuring 380 feet by 50 feet allowing for 19,000 square feet of viewing.  The jets of water move in time to the original Sherman Brothers score from the 1960's TV show "World of Color."  Popular Disney characters are brought to life in the sprays of water and on the shimmering mist screens. 

The 25-minute show is scheduled to run once a night at 8:15 p.m. on weekdays and at least twice, usually at 9 and 10:15 p.m., on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This may change for special Holiday performances so please check our current Park Hours for more up to date information.

World of Color Review
by Pete Werner

World of Color, the new nighttime show at Disney California Adventure, marks a major advancement in the company’s plans to rehab this much-maligned theme park. When California Adventure opened in 2001, it was met with a wide spectrum of emotional responses – from love to abject disgust, depending on whom you talked to. As a result, attendance at the park has never been what Disney hoped for and two years ago they announced a plan to completely overhaul the park with a $1.1 billion ‘rehab’ in an effort to boost attendance. The $75 million World of Color show is the first major step in that direction, and is it ever a good one.

I’m not sure what my expectations were before seeing the show – I knew about it, I knew it was getting good buzz, but beyond that, I hadn’t thought much about it. After seeing it the first time – two things happened: 1) I knew I had to see it again and 2) It was better than Illuminations at Epcot – something I never expected to feel, as I’ve always considered Illuminations the best nighttime show Disney has ever produced. What’s truly amazing about World of Color is that there are no fireworks – at least not in the literal sense. This is all done primarily with water. The show takes place on Paradise Bay in the center of the park, and uses lighting effects, fog, lasers, fire and water – lots and lots of water. At 26 minutes, this is a long show and there’s no seating – it’s all standing room. When you consider that you need to arrive about 1 ½ before the show to have any chance of getting a decent spot – you will be standing for quite some time.

The show incorporates elements of some Disney’s most famous (recent) films like The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Aladdin, A Bugs Life and many others. Scenes from these films are projected onto the water in much the same way as in Fantasmic. Meanwhile, the 1,200 fountains that make up the show are swooning and blasting water in all directions, enhancing the effect with lighting and lasers. The show truly is a testament to the brilliance of Disney’s creative team. Seeing this show should be at the top of the list for anyone visiting Disneyland, but you’re not going to be able to just stroll up to the bay and enjoy it. This is going to require some tactical planning. First and foremost this show REQUIRES a fast pass – something that had many visitors at DCA more than just a little upset. Disneyland resort guests who are staying at one of the three on-site hotels can get into the park 30 minutes early to get fast passes. The areas around the bay are divided into colors (blue, red and yellow) – and your fast pass will tell you which section you’re in. Fast passes are issued right outside Grizzly River Run and the line for these passes can get obscene. If you’re staying on-site and want to see this show, take advantage of that 30 minute lead time you get – it could make the difference between a good viewing location and a lousy one.

There’s also the option of a “World of Color” dining package at either Ariel’s Grotto or the Wine Country Trattoria ($36.99 for adults, $20.99 for children). They both offer ‘prix fixe’ menus (meaning limited items) and guaranteed viewing for the show. The “Preferred Dining” viewing area is good, but you’re too close to the action to really appreciate the full scope of the show. However, even with the dining package, unless you show up REALLY early for the show (and I mean like hours before), you won’t get a great view of it.

That’s the other thing – unlike many other Disney nighttime shows, not all viewing locations are good. Disney will have to go back to the drawing board to create a better viewing environment for this, but in the meantime the ‘blue’ section is the best spot. As you’ll see from the video below, the best area to view this (in my opinion) is from the bridge that leads to Paradise Pier. This is considered “blue” section viewing, but almost everyone heads closer to the water. This show is big – not just in scope, but in size, and to get a complete view (or close to it), the bridge is the best spot. On the video, I shot one angle from the bridge, and another from the ‘Preferred Dining’ viewing area. I’ll let the video speak for itself in terms of where the best area is to watch the show. Also, the closer you are to the water, the more likely you are to get wet. I wasn’t aware of this, and my camera actually got wet while filming in the preferred dining area. Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad, but water and electronics are never a good mix. For that showing we were on the third tier of the Preferred Dining viewing area. The closer you get to the action, the more water will be involved. Best to keep this in mind especially if you plan on brining an expensive still or video camera to capture the action.
No discussion of World of Color could be complete without discussing the cast members who are responsible for managing the crowds. In my opinion, these cast members should be given raises and medals (in that order) for demonstrating tolerance and professionalism on a level I could never muster. Many people at the park on the nights we were there had no idea they needed fast passes to see the show. I think Disney could do and should do a better job in communicating that– but that’s beside the point. The ABUSE I watched cast members endure from guests who wanted to see the show and did not have fast passes was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed in a theme park. Cursing, yelling, threatening was not uncommon. I spoke to one CM who said she’d been hit, kicked and spit on. Even still, she had a smile on her face; she was calm and polite to everyone who was screaming at her. I watched as cast members were either abused or ignored as they repeatedly told the same people that they had to keep moving, or they had to move from the area where they were. I counted 5 times in 3 nights where I saw security get involved – that’s how bad this was getting. Really people – BE NICE TO CAST MEMBERS. They don’t make the rules, they’re not sitting around off hours thinking of ways to make your vacation miserable, they’re not there to mess with you – they have a job to do. If you have a problem with how things are being handled, take it to guest relations but LEAVE THE CM’S ALONE!!

With that said, I think Disney has done a brilliant job in managing the crowds for this. Each show can hold a little more than 4,000 people in the viewing area (during the summer months at least, they’re doing 3 shows a night to accommodate the crowds). Between the issuing of Fast Passes, the way lines were organized prior to the start of the show, the way people were moved in and out of the area – this was more like a finely tuned military operation than a theme park event in the best sense of the term. Universal Orlando should send people to California to take copious notes on how to manage crowds (you didn’t really think I was going to miss the opportunity to make that dig, did you?).

World of Color is, in my opinion, the best nighttime show Disney has produced in the 20 years I’ve been visiting their theme parks. And that’s saying something, considering almost every nighttime show Disney does is better than the one that preceded it. The bar was set impossibly high for the creative forces that conceived and executed World of Color, and they not only rose to the challenge, they’ve created a show that will be daunting, if not impossible, to surpass. Although I’m happy with the way this video came out, it does not do the show justice. This has to be seen in person. Watching the video, seeing pictures or reading trip reports can not convey the emotion that’s conjured during this show. I’m not one to usually get sappy about these things – but this show really moved me and I would plan a trip to California just to see it again. As a matter of fact, I already have!

CLICK HERE for the DIS Photo Gallery from World of Color

Want Reserved Seating?

There is room for approximately 4,200 guests to view World of Color from the Paradise Pier area.  Please note - this is standing room only.  In spite of its size, this area gets crowded very easily, as World of Color is quite popular.  We recommend getting a reserved location to view the show.  There are a few ways to do this. 

FASTPASS

Guests can get a FASTPASS in the morning for the evening's show at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals.  There are a limited number of FASTPASSES available and you will get an assigned time to view the show.  If you arrive before park opening to get a FASTPASS, you may enter the Esplanade at 7 am and line up at Disney California Adventure's Main Entrance.  You will be walked into the park at opening and over to the FASTPASS terminals.  Guests with fast passes can view the show from Paradise Park in three distinct areas, delineated as the ‘blue section’, ‘red section’ and ‘yellow section’.  The color of your section depends on how early you get your fastpass, with blue being the first ones given out, followed by red, then yellow.  Guests without fastpasses will need to view the show from the boardwalk area and will only see the ‘back side’ of the show.  These are mostly obstructed view locations, and while you can still appreciate the water display, I’m not sure how good the film projection on to the water will be from that angle.  There is also a VERY small area to the right of Ariel’s Grotto restaurant that is for non-fast pass holders.

Early FASTPASS entry:  Guests staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ) are now able to enter Disney California Adventure through the private entrance located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 30 minutes earlier than the park's listed opening time. This will allow resort guests to get in line for Disney’s Fastpass tickets to that evening's performances of World of Color.

World of Color Picnic and Dining Packages

Enjoy a Picnic in the Park, dinner overlooking the bay or a relaxing adult lunch or dinner followed by special reserved viewing for the World of Color show.

Picnic meals can be ordered for $14.99 online here or by walk-up at the Sonoma Terrace, Golden Vine Winery.  They may be picked up at the Sonoma Terrace from

2 pm - 8 pm and will include a reserved viewing ticket indicating your assigned time to view the show.

Dining packages are available at Ariel's Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria.  Space is limited and they must be reserved by calling 714-781-DINE.

• World of Color Dining Package at Ariel's Grotto
• World of Color Picnic & Dining Package at Wine Country Trattoria

ElecTRONica

Disneyland Resort has announced that ElecTRONica will power down in the Spring of 2012.

In the Summer of 2012, Disney California Adventure will present the Mad T Party, featuring live bands, dancing, unique entertainment and fun-filled games, plus exclusive signature foods, beverages and merchandise all inspired by Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland".

ElecTRONica celebrates the world of the digital film "TRON: Legacy" and turns the Hollywood Pictures Backlot into a nighttime dance party complete with food and drinks.

Music and lights fill the air as you dance in a re-creation of Flynn's Arcade and play TRON video games. Kids will love the face painting area and adults will appreciate the live entertainment that rock the theme park Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. ElecTRONica runs seven days a week during peak times.

One of the highlights of ElecTRONica is a performance by Laserman.  Dressed as one of the TRON characters, Laserman dances and plays with actual laser beams projected from the platform he stands on.  He intercepts the beams with his hands and diverts them to form patterns and effects in time to his music.  The lasers appear to respond to his gestures and swirl around him as he moves. 

Disney Channel Rocks

As of 01/03/12, Disney Channel Rocks is no longer being performed and Disney Dance Crew has increased its number of daily performances.

Disney California Adventure's newest show began November 26, 2010 on the Paradise Park stage.  The show is being described as a "rock-concert style show" and incorporates music from the "High School Musical" series as well as "Camp Rock" and other Disney Channel favorites.

Disney Dance Crew

Disney Dance Crew, performed several times a day on the Hollywood Pictures Backlot stage, features two groups of "competing" dancers, plus a guest appearance by Mickey Mouse.  After the show, there's an opportunity to take a picture or get an autograph from Mickey.

Pixar Pals

With the Pixar Play Parade taking a construction-induced vacation, Disney California Adventure took some of the floats, costumes and characters and created Pixar Pals, 10-minute interactive mini-shows.

The shows are presented in 2 different locations (check your daily guide): Sunshine Plaza and Hollywood Boulevard. "The Incredibles: Heroes in Training" and "Monster Mayhem" can be seen several times throughout the day.

Pixar Play Parade - on-hiatus

• Pixar Play Parade Photos
  

The Pixar Play Parade is on-hiatus due to extensive construction at Disney California Adventure.  In the interim, there are plans to use the characters and floats as mini-shows running several times a day during the weekends.   Check the daily schedule for times and locations.

Join ‘Pixar’ Characters from Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Monster's Inc, Ratatouille, Cars, Toy Story and A Bug's Life in Disney's newest parade.

Among the floats is "The Incredibles" themed Omnidroid Robot with Syndrome and a fiery Jack-Jack. Accompanying this float will be Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible and Frozone flying hovercrafts.

Be prepared to get a bit wet. Buzz Lightyear's rocket ship has a laser that shoots water and trails a vapor mist. Mr. Potato Head's lapel flower squirts and Dory and Nemo blow bubbles.

Check daily guide for times.

Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular – Hyperion Theater/Hollywood Backlot

This is the absolute best Disney theme park stage show. The cast is always great with the Genie stealing the show.

The theater itself is huge and has balcony seating as well as orchestra and mezzanine. Once the show begins, you're dazzled by the amazing staging, the special effects and the incredible cast. Even the Magic Carpet comes to life in this production.

Aladdin's parade is spectacular. If you get a front row seat in the mezzanine, it passes right in front of you. (The kids will love that.)

The best is the Genie. Sure, it's the same songs but there are plenty of references to current pop culture that are hilarious.

Even if you're not a huge fan of Aladdin, you won't want to miss this show.

Check daily guide for show times.

Disney Junior Live on Stage! - Hollywood Backlot

• Blog - Disney Junior – Leaving the "Playhouse" Behind?

Disney Junior features current Disney Channel favorites in a cute 20 minute interactive show.

Characters from "Jake and the NeverLand Pirates", "Handy Manny", "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "Little Einsteins" are among those featured in this preschool designed show.

The audience is invited to sit on the floor. Kids can join in and sing and dance along with familiar tunes from the Disney Channel pre-school lineup.

Check daily guide for show times.

Turtle Talk with Crush
By: Katie Dezak
Disneyland Travel Specialist

katie@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

This interactive show with everybody’s favorite turtle from Finding Nemo, opened at  Disney's California Adventure Park during the summer of 2005.  This has quickly become a hit with many Disneyland guests.

Crush can be found in the Disney Animation building, in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot.  Inside the show, there are movie theater like seats for the adults and a large open space on the floor, in front of the screen, where children are encouraged to sit (adults are welcome to join them there too if they like). 

Before long your host will be introducing you to Crush, who appears on the screen to look at all “the humans in the human tank”.  Through some amazing technology, Crush is then able to interact with the children in the audience. Even being an animated character on a screen he still gives the children a personal touch.  When Crush asks them their names he gives them a nick name, such as “Jammin Josh”.  He can also identify which child he wants to speak to by specifying something about them.  Throughout the show Crush asks questions of the audience members and then answers some too.  He also encourages children to use words such as “totally”, “righteous”, and “dude”.

Every show of Turtle Talk offers a different dialogue, but it is always filled with lots of laughs. While the show is very entertaining, it also offers a nice cool break.  Most everyone is delighted by this show….Totally!