Disney's own blog site recently confirmed the process by which Disneyland Resort hotel guests can obtain Fast Passes for daily World of Color showings earlier than park guests not staying at a Disney hotel.
Disneyland hotel guests, including Disney Vacation Club members staying at the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, will be admitted to Disney California Adventure 30 minutes prior to the listed park opening time. Access is granted through the dedicated park entrance located at the Grand Californian. This process gives hotel guests an advantage over day guests when claiming Fast Passes for the popular water show.
Informally this process has been in place virtually since World of Color's debut.
Due to limited viewing capacity, guests wishing to view World of Color from Paradise Park must have a Fast Pass or purchase a dining package which includes show tickets. Fast Pass machines near Grizzly River Run are used to distribute World of Color passes until the day's supply has been exhausted.
Additional World of Color viewing tips can be found HERE in our first-hand report.
