ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Disneyland Resort's latest iteration of the World of Color nighttime spectacular in Disney's California Adventure park is sure to delight audiences.
World of Color -- One has 1,200 fountains, lighting, lasers, fog and even flames. The energetic show features fan-favorite characters from Mulan to C3P0 and a sweeping musical score for which Disney is known.
World of Color -- One is one of two shows making a debut as part of Disney100, the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Co.
I caught the show during a cast member and media preview on Wednesday night. It officially opens Friday.
It takes place, like its predecessors, on Paradise Bay with the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel and the structure of the Incredicoaster in the background, both lit to great effect during the show.
"We are so incredibly excited to be part of the 100th anniversary, and so excited that you guys are able to be part of it as well," Disneyland president Ken Potrock said. "We're going to kick off this celebration tonight with one of two spectaculars. I don't think there's a better word than 'spectacular' for what you're going to see tonight and tomorrow, when we launch not just World of Color -- One, but also Wondrous Journeys over at the Disneyland park."
Potrock called the shows "exquisite creations."
World of Color -- One tells the story of "how a single action -- like a drop of water -- creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change," Disney said.
It begins with Walt Disney and segues into a variety of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters and music, including favorites like Pocahontas, Moana, Mulan and Coco. Never before have so many properties been brought together in one show.
The show has an original song, "Start a Wave," and 18 musical compositions, one hit after another.
The strong wind impacted the quality of projections on water the night I saw the show, but it didn't diminish the overall effect because of the musical score and the characters.
While Walt himself does appear briefly, the show relies on Disney, Pixar and Star Wars characters to drive it. I would have liked a little more infusion of Walt considering it's the company's 100th anniversary, but I don't think most guests will take much issue with that because of the strength of the characters and music.