Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is the holiday show presented nightly from early November through early January at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
This fun seasonal spectacular is free for everybody to see, but for guests looking for something special to do, there is an optional Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party that can be reserved.
Here's everything you need to know before you book it...
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party overview
Santa Claus has gone missing - but don't worry, there are a couple zany elves on the case and with their help Christmas (and Santa!) are sure to be saved.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! mixes projections, some of your favorite Disney characters, holiday songs, lasers, and even special effects like snow all together to create a family-friendly holiday spectacular.
It's a very cute show and a definite must-see if you're going to be in the park when it's scheduled.
The best views for the show are snatched up fairly early, so if you're planning on seeing it you'll need to find a spot about 45 minutes before the show starts.
However, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party makes seeing the show a breeze because everybody that attends gets access to a reserved seating area.
In addition to having a spot saved for the big show, you'll also get some other perks like heavy appetizers, desserts, and alcoholic drinks.
If the food (and drinks!) and reserved seating aren't enough, the evening has a couple other little surprises. More on what those are below.
How to book it
Booking the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party is easy. You can book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
Cost
The cost for the party depends upon the date, with parties during the week of Christmas and New Year's the most expensive:
- November 6 to December 22, 2018: $79/adult; $45/child
- December 23, 2018 to January 1, 2019: $89/adult; $49/child
- January 2, 2019 to January 6, 2019: $79 /adult; $45/child
Location
The location of the dessert party is just about as front and center as you can get.
For the dessert portion of the evening, tables are set up out in front of the Chinese Theater in the little courtyard area.
Even though there are tall walls that partially encloses the space, this area is still open to the elements so we highly recommend bringing a jacket if the evening temperatures are expected to drop.
One other observation - Disney really crams the tables into the space which can make it difficult to navigate, especially with drinks and plates of food.
In case of inclement weather, the dessert party does get moved inside, and you'll find Cast Members near the front of the theater an hour ahead directing you to the alternate location.
Check in
Even though the Disney World website says that check in starts 15 minutes before, you can actually check in out in front of the Chinese Theater up to an hour (or even a little more) before the party. Because the check-in line can get quite long the closer to the start of the festivities you get, we highly recommend you check in earlier rather than later.
Checking in early is especially important on dates when Hollywood Studios closes before 9 p.m. because it frees up some time between dusk and when the party starts to check out the holiday decorations at night (which we highly recommend doing).
Your limited time is much better spent watching Sunset Seasons Greetings or getting PhotoPass pictures in front of the Christmas tree at Echo Lake instead of standing in line.
When you check in you'll be given a lanyard and told your table number. Depending on your group size you may be seated at a table with other people, which is typical of some of the dessert parties at Disney World.
What's on the menu?
Even though this is billed as a dessert party you'll find lots of savory items available, as well.
Probably the most popular of the non-desserts is the pretzel bread and cheese fondue, but you'll also find other favorites like flatbread and artichoke dip, potato chips, and an assortment of cheeses.
When it comes to the desserts, this party delivers on the goods!
You'll find everything from bread puddings to ice cream to pastries and cupcakes, and, of course, no Christmas party would be complete without a Yule Log.
Included in your admission are beverages, and that includes specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The menu for the specialty alcoholic beverages is very cute and fits perfectly with the theme of the party.
You'll find typical dessert party fare like wines and beer (Bud Light & Yuengling), but you'll also have the options of a Gingerbread Martini, Hot Chocolate Martini, Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Cocoa, or the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Punch. All of the specialty drink options were delicious (especially the Gingerbread Martini).
Fun extras
In addition to the desserts and the reserved seating, guests attending the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party get a couple other extras:
Reserved seating for Disney Movie Magic. Disney Movie Magic is a tribute show to Disney films and it takes place directly before Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam!
Character meet with Santa Goofy. To keep the lines from getting too long, each table's place card has a time on it indicating when they can head over for a photo. However, if you have checked in early you should be able to jump in line with Goofy before the party even starts (which frees up more of the dessert party time).
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! ornament to commemorate the evening.
How is the view for the show?
About 15 minutes before the Disney Movie Magic show begins a Cast Member will start directing you to the seating area. While there isn't a bad spot there, the best ones are definitely on the wall along the back of the reserved area.
That spot is just about perfect and since it is a short wall, it makes it more comfortable than sitting on the ground. If that appeals to you, you may want to head out to the area a bit early to snag one of those prime spots.
Because you are up fairly close to the Chinese Theater, you'll have an excellent view of the projections. While the close proximity is perfect for projections, it can cut off some of the fireworks; however, there aren't as many fireworks in this show (as compared to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular), so that isn't as much of a concern for this dessert party.
Is the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party worth it?
We think it is a good fit for some families, but it isn't necessary. If your group is comprised of a lot of people that don't drink alcohol or aren't yet of age to drink, you may find that the price of the party isn't worth it.
But, if you are traveling with people that are likely to try some of the festive seasonal cocktails in the park and/or you plan to make the most of the food offerings at the party as a light dinner, you may find the party well worth the cost.
Considering that the other holiday offerings at Hollywood Studios are "free" to see, this might be the perfect thing if you want something special during your visit .
