The newest iteration of this nighttime spectacular just might be the best one yet!
One of the most exciting happenings of the 2023 Disney100 Celebration is the premiere of a brand-new nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure: World of Color – ONE. This vibrant and exciting show takes the idea behind the original World of Color and revamps it, infusing special details and entirely new scenes (plus some cool new effects!) to celebrate the milestone 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.
We were lucky enough to catch a media preview of the new World of Color – ONE nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure. And it’s definitely a show that’ll wow you! Find out more about what’s in store for this special Disney100 edition below.
The Story of World of Color – ONE
A peek at a scene from The Little Mermaid in World of Color – ONE. Photo by Danny Shuster
With an all-new story, fresh music (including a brand-new original song created just for the show!), and more of your favorite Disney characters, moments, and films than ever before, World of Color – ONE takes the California Adventure staple show and makes it even more incredible.
As Stephanie Shuster, WDW Magazine’s CEO, shared, “World of Color – ONE personally is my favorite version of World of Color that I have ever seen.”
At the heart of this new nighttime spectacular is a fresh story that brings guests into the Walt Disney Company’s story of making an impact on the world with just one action. The through line of the show is the idea that everything starts with one drop – which turns into a ripple effect, and from there builds into a wave. It’s meant to highlight just how important your own single drop can be, and how each Guest can be the drop that begins the larger ripple.
A look at two more character appearances. Photo by Danny Shuster
And, of course, some of the most beloved Disney animated films, musical scores, and characters make appearances throughout the show! “There’s really great representation of a broad cross section of Disney and films,” Stephanie shares. “There’s an adventure scene, a Star Wars scene, a Coco scene, Pocahontas, Mulan, Encanto – so, so many beautiful films. And there’s great use of color, as you would expect with World of Color!”
Because celebrating the storytelling legacy of Walt Disney is at the heart of this new nighttime spectacular, it’s the very first time some spectacular film moments are brought to life at Disneyland! World of Color – ONE is the first to feature characters, music, and stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers, and Star Wars all in the same production.
In addition to highlighting an impressive cast of characters and films, you’ll also love the accompanying soundtrack! This spectacular features a whopping 18 musical compositions, giving you a chance to enjoy the tunes of some of your favorite Disney classics both new and old.
Keep an Eye Out for New Special Effects
A look at the brilliant colors that light up the night during each performance. Photo by Danny Shuster
What makes any World of Color show so special are the stunning water screens that bring Disney music, moments, and characters to life. World of Color – ONE is no different. This new show takes all of the cool effects you already know and love in the classic iteration of this nighttime spectacular and enhances them. And yes, there are new additions to look for!
For example, you’ll notice that World of Color – ONE features new fountains. They aren’t obvious at first glance, but inside the shrubbery that lines the waters of Paradise Bay fountains will come to life at various points in the show. It’s a fun detail that brings the show right to the audience, making it up close and personal. According to Disney, there are a total of 1,200 fountains used in World of Color – ONE, acting as dancers and “playing” musical scores.
And you’ll certainly be immersed into a world of color throughout the performance! Brilliant lighting and projection highlights come together to turn Paradise Bay into a colorful spectacle, with deep hues of everything from red to purple to vibrant green and gold. Mickey’s Fun Wheel also joins the performance, lighting up too to add even more of a visual effect to key moments.
Plus, there’s a special perk for anyone who’s wearing a MagicBand+. Disneyland Resort’s MagicBand+ interacts with the show, glowing with color and pulsing with vibrations so you’re fully involved and immersed.
Paradise Bay turns gold during the show. Photo by Danny Shuster
World of Color – ONE Sets a New Standard for Disney
With the impressive additions to World of Color made just for the Disney100 celebration, it’s clear that Disney is off to quite a start for 2023! Best of all, this is just the beginning. With so many more exciting new things to come, from the revamp of Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland to the premieres of both World of Color – ONE and Wondrous Journeys before guests, it’s clear that the new era of all of things Disney theme parks is bound to be a thrilling one.
And World of Color – ONE is the first move down this new path, this new direction. Can’t wait to experience all that this year’s Disney100 Celebration has in store? Starting Friday, January 27, 2023, you’ll be able to catch these events, experiences, and nighttime spectaculars – plus so much more in the months ahead! – as the big celebration gets underway.
Don’t forget: In order to catch a showing of World of Color – ONE during the Disney100 festivities, you’ll want to check the daily entertainment schedule in the Disneyland app before visiting. Each day, Guests can join a virtual queue in the Disneyland app to get access to special viewing areas for each showtime. However, these viewing areas are limited and likely to run out, so make sure to get into California Adventure early so you’re ready to snag a spot! Additional walk-up viewing options may be available, but they are even more limited and are first come, first serve for each World of Color – ONE showing.
Stay up-to-date on all things Disney100 with our complete guide to the events, attractions, merch, food, and more!
Thanks to Disney for hosting us on a 3-day Disney 100 Press Preview at the Disneyland Resort where we we able to learn about the magic behind new offerings like World of Color – ONE, Wondrous Journeys, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, food and merchandise for the celebration. #Disney100 #DisneyParks #Disneyland
