Review and Guide to Disney Jollywood Nights (Is it worth it?)

After it’s debut in 2023, Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is back for 2024.

Happening from November 9 to December 21, 2024, Disney tweaked the special holiday event to add more characters, reposition the live musical acts, feature a new ice skating act, and extended the event by one hour!

If you’re thinking about attending, we’ve got details on this year’s event coupled with our review from 2023. We’re excited to return in 2024 to experience the new offerings first hand.

What to Expect in This Guide

If you are reading this guide, then you are probably just like us – excited about this relatively new party, but also worried about getting your money’s worth out of the evening.

And now, after experiencing this event ourselves, this is more true than ever. We learned a LOT on the opening night, and we’ve got our fingers crossed that Disney did, too. We’ve put all of that into this guide to hopefully help make your planning a bit easier to do.

Disney Jollywood Nights Map

Here’s the map for the 2023 Jollywood Nights event. We will update with the 2024 map when it is available.

Click to view the full-sized map.

2024 Jollywood Nights Entertainment Schedule

Disney Holidays in Hollywood (Theater of the Stars):

• 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m., and 12:15 a.m.

What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along (Hyperion Theater):

• 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! (front of the Chinese Theater):

• 10 p.m.

Holiday Fiesta en la Calle (Animation Courtyard):

• Intermittently throughout the evening, includes appearances by Jose Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros.

Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club (Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard):

• Sets begin at 7:30 p.m., 8:10 p.m., 8:50 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11:10 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.

New for 2024! Skating Spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard:

• Performances at 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:20 p.m., 11:15 p.m, and 12:15 a.m.

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby:

• Intermittently throughout the evening (limited capacity – can make a reservation in My Disney Experience.)

What is Disney Jollywood Nights?

Disney Jollywood Nights is a nighttime holiday party taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that debuted in 2023. This is a specially ticketed (costs extra) event that includes a special holiday-themed nighttime show, music, characters, and more.

Imagine being immersed in a world of sparkling decorations, modern beats blending with classic holiday songs, and indulging in mouthwatering dishes and craft cocktails. Disney Jollywood Nights is nostalgic, glitz, and glam all swirled together in a festive atmosphere.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? But, as we said, it is a specially ticketed event and all that glitz and glam is going to come with a price. More on that below.

When is Disney Jollywood Nights?

Disney Jollywood Nights takes place on 13 select nights in November and December 2024. That’s three additional nights from the debut offering in 2023.

2024 Disney Jollywood Nights Dates

Mark your calendars for the following dates:

• Saturday, November 9
• Wednesday, November 13
• Saturday, November 16
• Monday, November 18
• Saturday, November 23
• Monday, November 25
• Saturday, November 30
• Monday, December 2
• Saturday, December 7
• Wednesday, December 11
• Saturday, December 14
• Wednesday, December 18
• Saturday, December 21

The event unfolds from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., allowing you plenty of time to indulge in the festivities.

But here’s the exciting part: ticket holders can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 6 p.m. on the day of their valid ticket, giving you a head start on the holiday magic. No additional theme park tickets or reservations are required for this exclusive event if entering at 6 p.m., but if you wish to enter before then, you’ll need a regular park ticket.

Plus, Fantasmic! will come to life each night of the party at 6:30 p.m., so both day guests and party attendees will have an opportunity to view the nighttime spectacular.

This is an update from 2023, as the 2024 Jollywood Nights events will be an hour longer each night than they were in 2023.

Which Jollywood Nights dates have sold out?

Much like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, we do expect Disney Jollywood Nights to sell out – especially since there are not that many dates available. If you are interested in going, we would recommend you purchase your tickets as soon as you can.

Here are when the 2023 Jollywood Nights dates sold out:

2023 Jollywood Nights dates that have sold out:

• November 11 (sold out on August 21)
• November 18 (sold out on October 11)
• November 29 (sold out on November 28)
• December 4 (sold out on November 28)
• December 6 (sold out on November 28)
• December 16 (sold out on October 26)
• December 20 (sold out on December 18)

Will more events be added?

We don’t think so. Although adding additional dates to special events is something Disney used to do, they haven’t done that for quite some time.

How much do tickets to Disney Jollywood Nights cost?

Ticket prices for Jollywood Nights range from $159 to $179 per ticket, plus tax, with the price varying depending on the chosen event date. For reference, those prices are slightly less than the party tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which has prices from $169-$219 plus tax.

But, unlike Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there are no child tickets for Jollywood Nights. If you are bringing children, they’ll pay the same price as the adults.

Are there discounts available?

Yes! Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket to Disney Jollywood Nights, valid for all event nights.

When do Disney Jollywood Nights tickets go on sale?

Guests staying on-site at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green could begin purchasing July 2, 2024.

For everyone else (including offsite guests), tickets go on sale July 10, 2024.

Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407-939-4240 (beginning at 7 a.m.).

Tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase on the day of the event (or earlier).

Keep the following in mind if you’re thinking of buying tickets for many special events at Disney World:

Do I need a Park Pass Reservation for Disney Jollywood Nights?

No Park Pass Reservation is needed if you plan on only attending the party – using your party ticket to enter at 6 p.m.

If, however, you plan to arrive to Hollywood Studios before 6 p.m., you will need a regular theme park ticket and Park Pass reservation if your park ticket (like an Annual Pass) requires it.

Additionally, if you intend to go to a park other than Hollywood Studios before the party, you do not need a Park Hopper ticket if you plan to arrive at 6 p.m. or later.

Disney Jollywood Nights Start Time

The party events officially begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 12:30 a.m.

People with event tickets can enter Hollywood Studios as early as 6 p.m. to enjoy the park in its “regular” state before the party officially kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

What takes place during Disney Jollywood Nights?

Now that we’ve got through all of that, let’s dive into the fun stuff!

Party credentials/wristbands

Since the park is only open to party guests, Disney typically requires those with tickets to wear special wristbands to make it easy for Cast Members to know you are eligible to attend. For this event, guests attending received both a wristband and a fancier lanyard that had a QR code to access a Digital Event Guide.

You can get your wristbands in several locations:

• at the front of the park where you enter
• near MuppetVision 3D
• Star Wars Launch Bay

Glamorous and Festive Holiday Attire

This is a totally optional piece, but Disney has leaned heavily into the “glitz and glam” aspect of this party by encouraging guests to dress to the nines or simply share their unique style by expressing themselves in the most festive and fashionable way possible.

With PhotoPass opportunities and free downloads of your pics (more on that below), if you feel in the spirit, it is a fun way to show off your dapper side in the parks. When we attended, we saw lots of amazing outfits, everything from Old Hollywood to Disneybounding holiday-style to festive t-shirts. Truly, anything goes.

Festive welcome

There is a DJ spinning holiday tunes near the Chinese Theater. There is also sometimes a DJ in Pixar Plaza, too. (This hasn’t been officially announced for 2024, but it is common to have DJs at special event parties. We’ll keep an eye out if this Festive Welcome returns.)

Holiday Fiesta en la Calle (Latin Street Fair)

Animation Courtyard comes to life with a lively Latin Street Fair called “Holiday Fiesta En La Calle.”

Musicians play Latin holiday music. There are also drinks and treats inspired by Latin holiday traditions.

In a new location for the 2024 event, characters will also be a part of this experience. José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros are slated to join in the fiesta.

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby (limited capacity)

Important note: In 2023, The Hollywood Brown Derby used a walk-up wait list in the My Disney Experience app for this experience. Disney announced “reservations strongly recommended” for 2024. We assume this means a traditional Advance Dining Reservation. Disney said they will share details in September.

During the event, the Hollywood Brown Derby opens up its doors to offer exclusive small plates and drinks. There aren’t a ton of decorations here, but they do have some live entertainment, and everything we ate and drank was quite delicious.

While we did enjoy the Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby, the waitlist was chaotic (we were quoted a 10-minute wait but wound up waiting over 2 hours!) and the entire experience took up a large chunk of party time. Unless you just really want a place to sit, it may be better to skip it.

Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m., 8:10 p.m., 8:50 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11:10 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.

Taking place in the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, the live band plays several sets throughout the evening.

Last year, the live music was wonderful.

But, the entire area was so congested that it was difficult to see or do much. And the lines for the food and drinks were quite long. We’re hopeful that the additional offerings for the 2024 party will relieve the congestion at the Tip Top Club.

Disney Holidays in Hollywood – Hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy

Showtimes: 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m., and 12:15 a.m.

The Disney Holidays in Hollywood show was one of the highlights for us.

Hosted by Kermit and Miss Piggy (who aren’t really on stage that much, sadly), the show had a lot of that vintage flair we were hoping for. Plus, all the performers were amazing!

This show is adorable, and we consider it a must-do for the evening. Just know that the lines to get in can be long (especially for the first few shows).

What’s This? Nightmare Before Christmas Spirited Sing-Along

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m.

What would the holidays be without singing? And for Jollywood Nights, there is a special Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along experience at the Hyperion Theater.

During each show, the theater is transformed while two performers take you on a journey through the music of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas including classics like “What’s This” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws”.

Plus, of course, there are appearances by Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie.

When we watched it, there honestly wasn’t a lot of singing, but the people around us seemed to enjoy it and the large Jack puppet is pretty darn cool.

Definitely make time to see it if you are a Nightmare Before Christmas fan. We did find that this show was a bit easier to get in to see than the Holidays in Hollywood variety show.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Showtime: 10 p.m.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is back – but only for the paying guests of Jollywood Nights.

This show used to be part of the nightly lineup at Hollywood Studios – at least it was BEFORE the pandemic.

After the pandemic, it just went away and Disney never said a word, until they announced it would be available at Jollywood Nights.

While we love the addition of a nighttime show to Jollywood Nights, it doesn’t feel quite right to have the show be something that used to be free.

If you get the chance to watch it, you’ll find that Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM is a mix of projections, some low fireworks, lasers, snoap, and, of course, lots of Disney characters and festive holiday music.

Skating Spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard

Showtimes: 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:20 p.m., 11:15 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.

NEW for 2024! Gather for a dazzling skating spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard, set to your favorite holiday tunes. Take in the grace and skill of international champion skaters in an awe-inspiring twist on the traditional ice show.

Access to favorite rides and coasters

When we were in attendance at Jollywood Nights, everyone was so focused on the event exclusive parties that the lines for all of the attractions were extremely short or nonexistent.

Please note that Lighting Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass are not available during the party (and for most attractions, it’s not needed anyway).

Here are the attractions that are available during party hours:

• Toy Story Land – Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania! (Not yet confirmed for 2024)
• Sunset Boulevard – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Hollywood Boulevard – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Not yet confirmed for 2024), Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

How to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance during Jollywood Nights

During Disney Jollywood Nights, Rise of the Resistance utilizes a Standby Line similar to all of the other attractions.

In the past, Disney enabled a virtual queue. But for 2024, Rise of the Resistance will be available as a Standby Line.

Free PhotoPass downloads & Magic Shots

All PhotoPass photos taken during Disney Jollywood Nights are included with your event ticket.

In addition to regular PhotoPass pics, there are also several Magic Shots (select locations only), plus a special Disney PhotoPass lens that you can use to take pics with during the event.

New for 2024, Specialty Image Captures “with glamorous capture opportunities” are available at Stage 1 on Grand Avenue.

Important note: Photos can be downloaded from your Disney account as often as desired, up to 45 days after initial capture.

(These were the Magic Shot locations for 2023, we will update 2024 locations when they are available.)

Jazz with Ollie (in front of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway)

Muppets Holidays in Hollywood (near Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard)

Jollywood Nights Box (Hollywood Boulevard)

Life Day (X-Wing in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)

Twilight Soirée (exit of Hollywood Tower Hotel)

Meet Disney Characters

What would a Disney party be without characters?

For 2024, Disney announced more than 20 character experiences. We’re hopeful these additional opportunities will cause the character lines to be shorter than they were in 2023.

• Phineas and Ferb – meet together near Echo Lake in front of 50’s Prime Time Cafe
• Santa Stitch – at Celebrity Spotlight at Echo Lake
• NEW for 2024! Baloo and King Louie from Talespin

Holidays a la Mode at Pixar Plaza

• Edna Mode – meets inside the Edna Mode Experience in Pixar Plaza, NEW for 2024, Edna leads a dance party in Pixar Plaza

• Frozone – meets in Pixar Plaza

Santa’s Workshop at Grand Avenue

• Santa Duffy Bear

Animation Courtyard

• José Carioca from The Three Caballeros – shares a line and alternates with Panchito
• Panchito from The Three Caballeros – shares a line and alternates with José Carioca

Toy Story Land entrance

• Bo Peep from Toy Story movies – shares a line and alternates with Lotso
• Lotso from Toy Story movies – shares a line and alternates with Bo Peep

Grand Avenue (Not yet confirmed for 2024)

• Snow White and Dopey – shares a line and alternates with Mary Poppins and a Penguin Waiter
• Mary Poppins and Penguin Waiter – shares a line and alternates with Mary Poppins and a Penguin Waiter

Near Chinese Theater (Not yet confirmed for 2024)

• Jiminy Cricket – shares a line and alternates with Pinocchio
• Pinocchio – shares a line and alternates with Jiminy Cricket

Event exclusive merchandise

The 2024 event merchandise offerings feature Ollie the jolly gingerbread man. Disney teased Ollie themed Mickey ears and a Lug bag with promises to share more at a later date.

Holiday-themed treats and specialty offerings

New for 2024, guests will be given a Wondermade sweet treat when exiting the event. We presume this replaces the coaster gift from 2023.

This event is heavy on the treats and drinks (all of which do cost extra).

Here’s what we saw in 2023. We’ll be sure to update when we have the full list of offerings for 2024.

Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary

• Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese
• Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried pork belly, yuca, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli
• Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (Plant-based Item)
• Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé for dipping
• Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel rum sauce and cinnamon
• Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle
• Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (Non-alcoholic)
• Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange

Baseline Taphouse

• Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro
• Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives, and toasted focaccia bread
• Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over Ice

Dockside Diner

• Spicy Pimento-Kimchi Dip topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips
• Roasted Eggplant Dip topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (Plant-based Item)
• Poutine Tots: Potato barrels topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives
• Christmas Tree Cookie Stack: Vanilla cookie stack filled with pistachio buttercream, cranberry, and raspberry jam topped with sprinkles and a yellow candy star
• Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”-inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
• Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries

Epic Eats

• Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables served on a mini funnel cake
• Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake: Beef brisket and sauerkraut slaw topped with thousand island dressing served on a mini funnel cake
• S’mores Funnel Cake: Giant roasted marshmallow with chocolate and marshmallow sauce, topped with chocolate curls and cinnamon cereal served on a mini funnel cake
• Samuel Adams Winter Lager: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish

Fairfax Fare

• Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy, cranberry chutney, and chives in a house-made popover
• ‘Just the Sides’ Popover: Macaroni & cheese and savory collard greens with ham topped with cornbread crumbs in a house-made popover
• PB&J Doughnut: Glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate topped with crushed house-made salt and vinegar chips
• Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkle (Non-alcoholic)
• Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves

Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction

• Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (Also available with mint soft-serve)

Market

• Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
• Frozone’s Snowball Macaroons: Coconut macaroons drizzled with blue vanilla frosting and topped with white snowflake sprinkles
• Spiced Apple Cider: Apple cider and cinnamon with an apple chip garnish (Non-alcoholic)
• Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, Angostura Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim
• In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon

PizzeRizzo

• Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta
• Olive and Goat Cheese Flatbread: Olive oil-toasted flatbread, creamy goat cheese, rustic olive and tomato spread, balsamic glaze, and lemon watercress
• Antipasto Flatbread: Fresh mozzarella, salami, peperoni, country ham, olives, peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and marinara
• Tiramisù Puff: Sweet-and-savory with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and a coffee-infused custard and mascarpone cream
• Benvolio Pinot Grigio
• Banfi Chianti Superiore
• Peroni Nastro Azzuro Lager Draft
• Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Lager

Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club

• The 5th Dimension Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut and garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel
• Twilight Daiquiri: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, ube, lime juice, and a splash of shimmer
• Sparkling Pomegranate-Apple Cider: Pomegranate-green tea topped with sparkling apple cider and pomegranate seeds
• Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut

The Trolley Car Café

• Ornament Mousse: Dark chocolate-cherry mousse

Outdoor Vending Locations

• Gingerbread Bites (Plant-based Item)

Bar Locations

• Zero-Proof Gingerbread Spritzer: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, gingerbread syrup, and club soda garnished with a gingerbread bite
• Sugar Cookie Martini: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and DISARONNO Originale Liqueur mixed with milk and sugar in a sprinkle-rimmed glass with a sugar cookie garnish

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby

• Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar
• Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats
• Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough
• Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, avocado mousse
• Derby Slider: Bison and pork belly blend, taleggio cheese sauce, and fig stout jam
• Tuna Carpaccio: Mezcal pickled vegetables, salsa macha, and avocado crema
• Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
• Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
• An assortment of classic cocktails, zero-proof and non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• Tinseltown Tini: Toast to holiday cheer with this cold brew coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, a hint of light cream, and a dash of whipped cream with cocoa (Available at the location near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror)
• Round ‘Em Up Latte: A merry blend of espresso, cookie butter syrup, dulce de leche sauce, and milk topped with fluffy whipped cream, playful animal crackers, and festive sprinkles; available hot or iced (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (Available at the location in Toy Story Land)

Is Disney Jollywood Nights worth it?

Note: Our review below is from the opening night of Jollywood Nights in 2023. After the first couple of events, Disney listened to feedback and implemented some changes that made things more enjoyable, including adding additional characters and increasing the bartending staff. One of our team members attended the event later in the season and enjoyed her experience. We will be sure to update our review after we attend in 2024.

You know that saying, “prepare for the worst, hope for the best”? We really wish Disney had taken this to heart because, honestly, Jollywood Nights could be amazing, but the first night? Not so much. Long lines and a bunch of disappointed guests (us included) kinda put a damper on things.

The Highlights:

The shows were the real MVPs. The Disney in Hollywood Holidays Variety Show? A total treat. Sure, we could’ve used more Kermit and Miss Piggy action, but the performers were top-notch, giving us those vintage holiday vibes we love.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, despite there not being much actual singing along, also impressed. Maybe it is because the songs might not be as universally known as, say, “Frozen,” but the crowd remained pretty quiet. However, the towering Jack Skellington puppet was a spectacular sight, justifying the time spent waiting and watching the show.

Another standout experience was the food and drinks at the Hollywood Brown Derby, and our server was exceptional, too, which always makes for more fun.

The Challenges:

However, even that experience wasn’t without its issues. The entire process of dining at The Brown Derby took up a bunch of time. First, the only way you could get inside was by joining a walk-up list right at 8:15pm. When we joined, all 3 of us in our group were quoted a 10-minute wait. BUT, one person in our group was called back immediately, and the other one was called back over 2 and a half hours later.

The third person in our group cancelled her original spot to test the walk-up list availability later in the evening and struggled to ever get back on it. So, definitely learn from that and if you really want to spend some time there, join that Brown Derby walk-up list right at 8:15PM or you may miss out.

Note: there will be a new procedure moving forward for dining at the Brown Derby. Instead of starting with the walk-up list, tables will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until the restaurant reaches capacity. Only after that will the walk-up list be used.

While the Brown Derby food and drink offerings were excellent, everything else was basically the same, aside from a tiny decorated area where there was a very talented piano player providing some live entertainment.

Now, about those lines. While not everywhere, there were definitely lines at all the most popular spots, starting with a massive wait for Jollywood credentials. Disney, you’ve done better at other events. This was a miss and if you were around social media on opening night, you very likely saw and heard about it – and rightfully so! This was a significant oversight, especially given the smoother credential distribution at other Disney After Hours events.

While some sections of the park (like Hollywood Blvd.) remained nearly empty throughout the night, Sunset Blvd. was particularly crowded, detracting from the experience at attractions like the Tip Top Club and the Disney Holidays in Hollywood show. The uneven crowd distribution across the park was a notable issue.

The characters were a lot of fun, but those character lines were not. We’ve seen Disney more and more having 2 characters “share” a single line while only appearing one at a time. And we hate that set up because the single line system for alternating characters makes it impossible to predict which character would be available when reaching the front. This may not matter if you don’t care who you meet, but if you are trying to meet someone in particular OR you just want to meet all the available characters, you will definitely find yourself spending a lot of time in line.

And can we talk merchandise? Or more precisely, the lack of it? There was 1 shirt option, and it quickly sold out of all sizes except small and medium. People always want to purchase exclusive merchandise, so it was very surprising that for a brand-new event, the options were so limited.

The Extra Costs Sting a Little Bit:

This felt like the most nickel-and-dime-y event we’ve been to at Disney. Waiting in long lines to then pay more for food and drinks? After already buying an expensive ticket? Other Disney parties throw in some freebies, but not here. No free bottles of water. No hot chocolate. Nothing like what you get at the other After Hours events or the Christmas and Halloween parties over at Magic Kingdom. The only freebie at Jollywood Nights was PhotoPass pics, and even several of those had—you guessed it—long lines.

Positives Amidst the Negatives:

On a brighter note, rides had minimal lines, and Commissary Lane was a good spot for quicker food and drink service.

The Tip Top Club, despite the long wait for food and drinks, totally had the vintage holiday vibe we were psyched for, and the live entertainment there meant that even though we had to stand in line for what felt like forever, at least we had really good tunes to listen to.

And let’s not forget that they brought back Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Cool, but it used to be free, and now it’s part of this pricey event. That is decidedly not so cool. And when it started raining hard at midnight, we just bailed. We were over the lines and the extra expenses, and the rain was just the nail in the coffin of a long evening.

Concluding Thoughts:

Jollywood Nights has a killer concept—vintage holiday fun with unique entertainment and treats. But the way they pulled it off? Well, that left us feeling a bit sour, so recommending it is tough.

If you’ve already got tickets, please don’t panic. Just tweak your expectations and maybe focus a bit more on the rides and a little less on trying to see and do as much as you can with the holiday exclusives. If you do that, you might find yourself having a blast at the attractions while everyone else is lining up for Mickey.