On Saturday, November 11th, 2023, Disney launched a new special event at Hollywood Studios. Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios is a hard ticket event, after hours, that is all about the glitz & glamour of the golden age of Hollywood mixed with the beauty and wonder of the holiday season.
Magical Memory Planners has all the details for you about this annual event and things to consider when deciding whether or not to include this event in your vacation plans.
Cost
The price of this special event ranges from $169-$199 per person, plus tax. There is a $10 savings on tickets for children 3 to 9.
Appropriate Ages
While the party is “technically” for all ages, the price point being what it is, we feel this event is more suited for adults vs the young’ens.
Also, due to the late hour of the start time and the more grown up options, ie alcohol, bands playing jazz music, children will find themselves bored. We saw many a child asleep in their stroller and heard a few different parents saying the kids didn’t have anything to do.
The main draw for this event is the glam of Hollywood. So, think shimmering drinks, yummy desserts and bites as well as entertaining music and just strolling and enjoying the magic of Hollywood Studios at night.
This has become a great night out for Disney adults with lots of guests dressing up and getting in the holiday glam mood (although there is no dress requirement).
What to Wear?
You will find a range of attire on the guests at this event. From formal dresses to pajama pants, we saw it all. The “Golden Age of Hollywood” seemed to really shine in the guests that attended. But don’t feel bad if you don’t have anything like that to wear. I wore shorts and didn’t feel at all underdressed. BUT..if you long to put that flapper dress to use, then DRESS UP! You will be glad you did.
Entrance
The event takes place from 7:30pm to 12:30am. Party ticket holders are allowed entrance beginning at 5:30pm. If you enter 5:30pm or after, you will go through a special queue to enter (to the right of the 100th Anniversary sign) where they will scan your ticket (or magic band) and then you will receive a wristband, then a lanyard with a placard on it that has the QR code with the event guide. The maps are handed out by a Cast Member after you enter.
If you are already in the park and are staying for the party, the queue is inside the park entrance. Please note: This line can get extremely long.
Photo’s
The photo pass for any photos taken at the event are included in the price of your ticket. This makes the Photo Pass lines a little long. BUT, they do have some extremely CUTE magic shots!
Character photos and ride photos are included also.
Food
There are a few food options available.
Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby: We highly recommend dining reservations for this location/event. Guests can sip craft cocktails and indulge in an event exclusive menu of light bites with smooth holiday jazz.
Cost of food wasn’t terrible, but the menu (at least at the first event) could not be accessed via the app. Not to worry! We have the menu for you!
Tip Top Club: located at the Tower of Terror Courtyard. This location is extremely popular. The waits to reach the specialty drink bar were pushing 2 hours. We recommend heading there first if you want to experience the Tip Top Club.
The jazz band at the Tip Top Club was extremely good. Very limited space, though, so pack your patience.
Epic Eats & Dockside Diner: artisan funnel cakes and also a good plant based option
Fairfax Fare & Market: snack type foods including popovers, PB&J doughnut and buffalo chicken spring rolls.
For more information on food offerings check out Disney Foodie Guide
Entertainment
Disney Holidays in Hollywood: a brand new, original show at the Beauty and the Beast theater. In one word, AMAZING!
We won’t spoil it for you, but, we can say Tiana, Belle, Ms Piggy and Kermit are ALL there. As well as Mickey & Minnie in their holiday best.
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing a long: This show is located at the Hyperion Theater (Frozen Sing a long theater) and has 4 show times. 8:45, 9:45, 10:45 and 11:45.
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam!: fireworks show that takes place over Hollywood Boulevard. Revisits favorite Disney films. If you’ve seen the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! show at Hollywood Studios before, you’ll recognize much of this show. They recycled many parts for this “new” version.
Holiday Fiesta en la calle: located at Commissary Lane. This latin band is lively and fun.
Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club: jazz band at the Tower Courtyard
Character Greetings
There are several character options for you at the event. Some new ones not yet announced for 2026 as well.
Returning in 2026:
- Chewbacca
- Partysaurus Rex
- Bing Bong from Inside Out
- Baloo or King Louie from TaleSpin
- Lotso from Toy Story 3
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Joy from Inside Out
- Phineas and Ferb
- Max Goof as Powerline
- Chip ‘n’ Dale from Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
- Stitch dressed as Santa
- Duffy
- Edna Mode and Frozone from The Incredibles
- Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.
- Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
- Scrooge McDuck
- Goofy and Pluto
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Disney does advise that characters are subject to change without notice.
PRO TIP:
If meeting any of these characters is a TOP priority, then be sure and jump in those lines ASAP. Due to popularity, lines are long.
Attractions
Lines for the attractions had extremely low wait times as it appears everyone wants to experience the food/drinks/entertainment.
Jollywood vs Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Aside from the obvious difference, one is in Hollywood Studios and one is in Magic Kingdom, one big difference is the target audience. Jollywood’s target audience is adults whereas Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, while can be fun for adults who love Mickey Mouse, is geared for families.
Another big difference is what is included in the event ticket. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket there are cookie and hot cocoa/cider/egg nog stations around the park. At Jollywood, there is no food or beverages included in the event ticket. Every food/drink option is an additional cost.
At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party you receive a commemorative ornament when you arrive. For Jollywood we received 2 drink coasters when we left. Pretty cool for adults, but a kid might be kinda bummed.
Hours of the party is another large difference. MVMCP starts at 7pm and ends at 12am and you can enter at 4pm. Jollywood doesn’t start until 7:30pm and lasts until 12:30am and you can enter at 5:30pm.
Thoughts
We love this new event. Disney needs an adult option for those of us who grew up going to MVMCP and still love Disney but don’t want to go to MVMCP again. Disney Jollywood Nights is JUST the event us “Disney adults” are craving.
For more information on other Disney special events check out Special Events at Walt Disney World
