World of Color Dessert Party Review
World of Color is one of Disneyland Resort’s most popular nighttime spectaculars, and getting a good view isn’t easy. This DCA dessert party review takes a look at the food & drinks, seating area, and more to address whether this upcharge offering is worth the money at Disney California Adventure.
Specifically, whether the World of Color dessert party offers enough value-for-money to justify its $89 per person cost. There’s no sense in beating around the bush–this experience is undeniably expensive. That price point alone is going to rule out many guests, who simply do not have a few hundred dollars for their family to do this. For those who do, we’ll cover whether the World of Color dessert party is a worthwhile splurge.
Fortunately, the World of Color dessert party is not the only way to score good spots for Disney California Adventure’s nighttime spectacular. There’s also a virtual queue for World of Color, which is free but highly competitive. In terms of paid alternatives, there are less expensive dining packages available at two unpopular restaurants, plus Carthay Circle.
When booking the World of Color dessert party, pre-payment in full is required. You can still cancel without penalty up to 24 hours before the dessert party, so it’s better to book early and cancel if it ends up not working out with your plans. Currently, the World of Color dessert party is being offered for both nightly performances, but that could change seasonally.
Each person in your party must purchase a World of Color Dessert Party Package in order to enter the viewing area. The package 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
A separate theme park reservation and valid admission for Disney California Adventure on the same date is required for each Guest ages 3 and older and is not included in the World of Color Dessert Party package.
With the official details out of the way, let’s turn to the process for making World of Color dessert party reservations. Like the rest of Disneyland dining, the World of Color dessert party can be booked online via Disneyland.com or in the app, up to 60 days in advance.
If you’re having trouble finding availability for the World of Color dessert party, you’re not alone. While not quite as bad as the Main Street Electrical Parade dining packages, it’s still quite difficult. I’d hazard a guess that the entire World of Color dessert party viewing area accommodates only ~100 guests, which is very limited. Cancellations are always possible, so we’d recommend that you keep checking as your travel dates near. (The night before is often the best bet.)
Next, the day-of experience of the World of Color dessert party. I booked the second showing of World of Color (no strategic reason for this–it was simply all I could find), which was at 10:15 pm on this particular evening. My Disneyland Dining reservation was for 9:15 pm, and indicated that check-in was possible as early as 8:55 pm.
That’s when I showed up at the check-in location, which is easy to find–there’s an illuminated sign across from the Little Mermaid dark ride. It was a bit chaotic since it was right as the first World of Color was set to start, and DCA was packed on this particular evening. Even at this time, there were several parties ahead of me waiting to check-in.
You want to check-in as early as possible, because seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that guests arriving earliest get to choose their seat. Even if you’re totally unfamiliar with World of Color, the Cast Member checking you in guests should be able to advise as to the best spot.
Of course, “should” doesn’t have the same meaning as “will” and on top of that, “best spot” is a subjective term. So you might want to have an idea of where you want to sit and which type of seats you want before heading up to the podium. (We’ll address both in a moment.)
I checked in, scored the best seat in the house, and did an impressive high kick to thundering applause from everyone in Disney California Adventure. (It’s possible they were cheering for World of Color, but I doubt that.) The whole process went smoothly, and I left feeling pretty good about myself.
Once completion of check-in, I was given a wristband and told to return “no earlier than” 9:30 pm, as seating wouldn’t begin until 9:45 pm.
Naturally, I showed up at about 9:20 pm. As a diehard Disneyland fan, I’ve sworn a solemn oath to show up to things too early and then grouse about having to wait around. Once again, there were several parties in front of me–all fans who had presumably taken the same vow.
Cast Members began seating guests at 9:44 pm. By this time, the line behind me was quite long, and judging by the lack of wristbands, over half of these guests had not already checked in and been assigned tables.
I mention this because parties are each checked in and seated by a Cast Member, and then attended to be a server. I was one of the first people seated–in my chair by 9:46 pm. A server took my order by 9:50 pm and had my desserts to me a few minutes later–all well before 10 pm. If my review were to occur in a vacuum, I would say that being seated was a painless process, with service that was prompt and attentive.
However, the family with whom I shared a table was much further back in that line, and wasn’t seated until shorter after 10 pm. Their server got to them around 10:05 pm, and their dessert plates arrived moments before the show started. To be sure, this was not “bad service” by any means–it was just delayed as compared to mine. (One notable thing is that the adults in their party were not able to order second alcoholic drinks. Disney’s claim of “unlimited refills” on regular drinks is also a bit dubious given the server situation.)
Whether my “hurry up and wait” approach is a good tactic is a matter of perspective. I wasn’t doing the World of Color dessert party to save time or guarantee myself a spot. I’m great at virtual queues (my parents regularly brag about this when their friends start talking about their daughter who’s a doctor) and I have nothing but spare time on my hands.
I was doing this to write about the dessert party. (Since you’re reading this, I’d say mission accomplished!) I knew exactly where I wanted to sit and how much time I’d need to get photos to accompany this post. So, I hatched a plan and executed on it. Your circumstances are probably different than mine since you are (hopefully) visiting Disneyland Resort as a tourist looking to have a good time all day long. Nevertheless, there’s still the reality that the World of Color dessert party costs $89 per person, so maybe you don’t want to take too laid back of an approach with it.
Now that I’ve given you a play-by-play of the booking and arrival process, and also bragged about my spectacular plan and high kicking prowess, let’s turn to the pros and cons of the World of Color dessert party…
First, the World of Color dessert party is the only option that guarantees a seated viewing location for the nighttime spectacular. Sitting down can be possible in other locations (we’ve watched World of Color while seated on several occasions), but if the viewing areas are packed, you’ll be asked to stand.
Reserved seating is 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. This may seem like a minor thing, but keep in mind that World of Color happens at the end of the evening, and otherwise you’ll be standing for at least 45 minutes before, during, and after the show. In short, the seats are an unequivocal plus for the World of Color dessert party.
Next, the location. The World of Color dessert party seating area is on the left side (facing Paradise Bay) of the reserved viewing area in what’s essentially the third tier back. The dessert party location is behind and to the right of the World of Color dining package area.
This may sound like a bad section, but it’s not. From this tier, it’s easier to see the length of the fountains, and the mist screen projections are more clear here than just about anywhere else. Plus, you have elevation above the tiers in front of you, and it’s difficult to have your view blocked.
With that said, not all tables in the World of Color dessert party section are equal. The spots on the far left are too far off-center–not great for photos or viewing. The directors chairs have people directly in front of them (the dessert party guests at the regular seats). The tables on the far right potentially have dining package guests directly in front of them, which is a wild card.
Given all of that, my recommendation is requesting one of the 3 tables on the far right side of the front row. These offer the ideal view, and are immediately above the ‘center of the house’ section where the dining package guests can stand. (The stairs in front of this section are roped off, so there’s a buffer between dessert party tables and the section below.) If you can’t get one of these tables, I’d suggest trying for the few next to them before moving to the second row, far right.
I would rate these far right seats as the “best overall” view for World of Color, taking into consideration the mist screens, fountains, and everything else. My personal favorite location is the very front row–I think it’s better to be “immersed” in World of Color even if you can’t clearly see all of the projections. From my perspective, the show is more about spectacle than story, and nowhere beats the front row.
Next, the food and drink offerings. Aside from the price, this is where the World of Color dessert party disappoints the most. This is not an all-you-can-eat buffet of savory snacks and decadent desserts. It’s an incredibly underwhelming premade plate of what you see above–although that’s obviously subject to change.
Even if it does, I can’t imagine it being more or less underwhelming–its “whelmingness” probably wouldn’t change much. Two of the three cheeses were super low quality (the other was decent), the crackers were pre-packaged, and the grapes were normal (very grape-like). Two of the desserts were good, while the other was just fine. If you’ve had Disney buffet desserts, you know the drill.
The specifics of each individual piece of cheese and dessert don’t really matter–the point is that you only get one plate of them. I’ve been around the block a few times with Disney dessert parties, and they are most definitely a quantity over quality type of deal. Nothing wrong with that–sometimes it’s incredibly satisfying to scarf down a dozen mediocre desserts.
The problem here is that the World of Color dessert party offers neither quality nor quantity. It’s a limited number of mediocre items. As for the drinks, they’re great if you like sugar and artificial colors/flavor.
Ultimately, it is very difficult to recommend the World of Color dessert party given the price point, plus the dessert and drink quality and quantity. While the view is among the best in the house, there are excellent alternatives for good or better views that don’t cost anything. The free virtual queue can get you to the front row, and the cheaper dining packages (which also include an actual meal of food) get you to the dead-center of the viewing area. Comparatively, the World of Color dessert party offers poor value for money.
However, there’s something to be said for having some breathing room and a reserved seat for World of Color, especially at the end of a long day at Disney California Adventure. It’s a nice way to decompress and enjoy the nighttime spectacular in a stress-free way, and I could see the appeal for families with small children or anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to stand for World of Color. If money is no object or that seat and peace of mind have a high value to you, the World of Color dessert party might be worth it. As always, whether something is “worth it” is a subjective question.
We’ve done a lot of Disney dessert parties and this one was definitely the…most recent! Joking aside, the World of Color dessert party is actually the worst one we’ve ever done. It had far and away the worst spread of food & drinks, while also being among the priciest. That coupled with the fact that we don’t typically have a ton of difficulty seeing World of Color makes this a big no-go for us.
Speaking for ourselves, the World of Color dessert party is absolutely not worth the money. We believe in the importance of “putting our money where our mouths are” and there’s a reason why only I did the World of Color dessert party whereas we both did the Main Street Electrical Parade dining package at Plaza Inn. From our perspective, this is not a good splurge at Disneyland Resort for most guests who fall outside the aforementioned categories. Your money is better saved here as this isn’t even close to “worth it” unless you really want or need a seat.
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you done the World of Color dessert party at Disney California Adventure? Think this is a good or poor value? Having trouble scoring reservations for this party? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment on viewing locations for the nighttime spectacular, food & drinks at this party, or anything else? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Note that this article is now slightly outdated. It appears that Disney has dropped the # of included alcoholic beverages from 2 to 1 while retaining the $89/guest price. If you review the official site, it now states that only a singular alcoholic beverage is included: “The package includes:… An alcoholic beverage for adults, age 21 and older.”
While it was already a poor value, this makes it an even poorer value.
I’d have to completely disagree with the “arrive earlier than early” mentality expressed here. It’s become an integral part of American exceptionalism to push to continually arrive before even the earliest “competition”. “I’m in front of you, so I’m better!” It’s silly and a waste of time. Your hours and minutes in the park are a commodity that you’ve paid for, why waste time when you’ve already got a confirmed seat? And, regardless of what’s said in this blog, you don’t get to “choose” the best seat – your seats will already be assigned. Of course, you can ask to be re-assigned, but the idea that everyone walks up and does a “seat selection” is incorrect. Furthermore, every single seat is good. Your experience won’t be substantially better or worse no matter where you sit – you’ve got a reserved table and chairs!! I say enjoy the park and arrive AFTER the start of checkin. You paid a premium for Disney to hold a premium spot for you – you don’t have to waste time lining up early!
Every time we’ve done this, and it has been several times spanning many years, we have chosen our seats. It may be that if you show up late, you’ll be assigned as there aren’t many or any other tables left. But it is absolutely true you choose your seat. They ask you if you want low or high top and then they even show you the map. If you ask questions they’ll point out where the Fun Wheel is, etc. And then you pick from what is available. With other packages (RBT Fantasmic premium), you do not pick your seat.
My kids are going to need to sit by this hour (coming from East Coast time). When you’ve sat with the virtual cue, what does that look like? Sitting on the ground?
The Virtual queue viewing area and dining package areas are standing room only. For a seated option you would need to book the dessert party, or a Lamplight lounge reservation with a request for water side seating (7:30/7:45, and checking in early, letting the CM know you would be happy to wait if needed). It’s a side view, but beautiful!
Thanks, Traci. I am asking a follow-up question to this portion of the post
“First, the World of Color dessert party is the only option that guarantees a seated viewing location for the nighttime spectacular. Sitting down can be possible in other locations (we’ve watched World of Color while seated on several occasions), but if the viewing areas are packed, you’ll be asked to stand.”
Just did this package for the second show… was the absolute worst experience I’ve ever had with Disney! I would never recommend this to anyone, even if you have the extra cash laying around!
Can you elaborate about what made it so bad? I mean, I agree with you, but it’s helpful to know why something was the “absolute worst experience” ever with Disney. 🙂
When we checked in, at 8:55 they let us choose our table, and then we took them for their word to show back up at 9:30, little did we know if you show up at that time you’ll be at the end of the line or the last group to be seated. So when we were finally able to be seated they gave us a different table because they gave our table away. As the reviewer stated, the last groups to be seated are lucky to any drinks, they gave us to go containers before our food was even at the table! It was an overwhelming feeling of being unwelcome, since the show had started before our first drinks arrived they said it was the only one we could get because they were closing the bar already. The desserts were also extremely underwhelming! If I had done more research than to just trust a Disney product being exceptionally nice I wouldn’t have done the whole thing.
Honestly, I’d be more likely to pay Disney $89 to NOT put that orange colored cheddar in front of me. I get a little intense about my cheeses, and that might have put me over the edge. In all seriousness, though, that dessert look profoundly sad. Everything on that plate looks like it could be wrapped in plastic and sold on a rack in the gift stores, or came from form a Lunchable. Many people use food as an expression of love; if someone put that plate in front of me, it be a very clear and very different message.
Excellent delivery on the Jungle Cruise joke.
If you could choose between these 3 options, which would you choose?
World of Color Dessert Party, Wine Country Trattoria Dining Package, or 8:20 PM reservation at Lamplight Lounge
It will be me, my mom (in her 60’s), my 8 year old daughter, and 2 year old son. I’m having a really hard time deciding which reservation to keep, so I’d love anyone to chime in.
Personally, I’d do the dining package. The dessert party is NOT worth it, but World of Color is amazing and having seating for it is priceless (IMO, having stood for it far too often) — plus, you’ll get a good meal at the Trattoria as well.
I agree with doing the dining package. And the angle from the lounge to view WOC, assuming you get a table outside, is not good at all. Any standing area in the dining section is great but we like the front. You feel like you are surrounded by the show!
Thank you, Tom and Sarah. What time can advanced dining reservations be made for the California parks?
Are you kiddin’ me with the desserts! Why bother calling it a dessert party.
I would easily pay the $89 per person price but not looking at the picture of the desserts.
The question becomes, is the premium view worth $89 per person – nope
Logistically, with a single point of entry it will be difficult to get that many people seated and served twice in between the first show and the second. That being said, there’s no point assuming the first showing works any better; does anyone know if they start seating the ahead of the first show relatively earlier (for example, 45 minutes rather than 30 minutes before the show)?
From what I can tell, carthay circle is not an option anymore is it?
Not according to the official page.
Huh. Has it always been the case that one has to reserve a regular meal reservation and request the World of Color package add on once you check into the restaurant?
I checked a Castleberry online and it’s not available
I totally agree that it’s not worth the price. I did the dessert party for my birthday on April 26, i was served just as the show started and ended up taking my deserts in a take out box I waited in line for 25 minutes with a reservation for a seat and there is no option to stay after to finish your desserts. I had one small alcoholic drink and never saw the waitress again. Mediocre bakery items, low quality cheese and dry packaged table crackers.
We will take a well timed Lamplight Lounge reservation with a waterside table over the party every time. You can order whatever you like and enjoy the show from comfy seating with heaters. The view is not bad at all.
I totally agree the front row is the best, and I also fully agree about projections not being the best up there. They are better middle to back. But being immersed in the show is worth this. When I did the dessert party before the shutdown, our view was blocked by lamp posts and speakers and kids on shoulders. And the round table was too small for three. We were crowded so much in there that the server spilled coffee all over me. My back was to the show and my kids were on the other side. So it was an awkward way to view the show. I almost felt alone. It would have been better to have long skinny tables facing the show, like bar seating. This summer our trip is an overdue graduation presents to the kids, and they want to do the dessert party. So we booked it. I’m hoping it is better this time. I wouldn’t have minded it so much last time if all I wanted was some entertainment and a seat with my meal. But I’d rather have a meal with my entertainment. I’m sure we’ll have a great time, because Disneyland. But I agree it really isn’t worth it with the other options available (actual meals with viewing sections or free areas).
We splurged on this dessert party when we took our kids for the first time in 2019. Having done the dessert parties at the Magic Kingdom, we were not prepared for the single, fixed plate of food that this World of Color package provides. It was only ~4 single bite desserts, a few pieces of cheese, and grapes. Some of these desserts were a bit polarizing (cheesecake in specific), so no one ate their full plate. Additionally, the “unlimited” drinks were only provided before the show began. (I do appreciate that the “hosts” weren’t walking around during the show, of course.) We were all incredibly disappointed in this party. Great way to view the show (though we did get a bit wet), but we won’t do it again.
Unless you REALLY need a seat for WOC, your dollars are much better spent at the Carthay Circle WOC lunch or dinner. The three course meal is great although it tends to be slow and relaxing and the reserved standing area for WOC has always been front and center and not crowded. And you get a meal not a plate of sugar!
That’s a great tip; the dining packages seem to offer a much better value. Thanks, Beth!