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Ring in the Christmas Season with Glisten Lights, Glamorous Delights, and Festive Fun. On December 21, 2024, we had the opportunity of attending Disney Jollywood Nights. This was the final night of the 2024 Walt Disney World Christmas Party Season, and it was extremely cold. Due to the Weather, we decided not to stay for the entire party, however we still had a Fabulous Party Experience.
What is Disney Jollywood Nights?
“Happy Ollie Days!”
Slogan for Disney Jollywood Nights in 2024
Disney Jollywood Nights is one of two Separate Ticketed Events held at Walt Disney World during the Christmas Season. 2024 was the second season for this Remarkable Hollywood Christmas Party, and our second year attending this Fabulous Event. It is held Select Nights in November and December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The exact dates are usually released during June or July.
Ticket Prices vary based on the night that you will be attending, with the last night usually being the highest priced. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members maybe eligible for a Discount on Tickets on Select Nights. Disney Jollywood Nights have been known to sell out in years past, with any date being likely to sell out at any time. Check Out Disney Jollywood Nights page for the most up to date information on Dates, Availability, and Pricing.
Guests that are in Disney’s Hollywood Studios that do not purchase a party ticket, will have to leave the park by 7:30 pm. If you are still in the park at 7:30 pm for any reason, you will be asked to leave and escorted to the park entrance by a Cast Member.
Entering Disney Jollywood Nights 2024
Arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests with a Valid Disney Jollywood Nights Ticket are able to enter Disney’s Hollwood Studios at 6:00 pm on the day of their party, without having a Park Admission Ticket for the Day. The Party Hours are from 7:30 pm to 12:30 am. Guests with Party Tickets will be queued up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Turnstiles, and will usually start lining up to enter the party at least one to two hours before 6:00 pm.
The lines for Guests entering the party can be quite long. The Months of November and December can have a large range of temperatures, from Hot to Cold and everything in between. There is a small amount of shade near the Turnstiles at the entrance. We recommend that you plan accordingly if you will be arriving with time to spare before the party opens, because while there are a few drink machines, they are not conveniently located.
Getting Your Party Credentials
You will need to have your Disney Jollywood Nights Tickets ready so that you can enter the party. While entering the park, you will receive your Map and Party Wristband, which changes colors based on the party night. These Wristbands are how the Cast Members know which Guests have Party Tickets for that night.
We had purchased Walt Disney World Annual Passes in 2024, which allowed us to enter the park at approximately 11:50 am with reservations. This allowed us the opportunity to have lunch, do a few rides and experiences as well as meet some characters, before the party started. Since we were already in the park, we were able to get our Party Wristbands from the area to the right of Muppet-Vision3D in Muppet’s Courtyard. (We will miss Muppet-Vision3D and Muppet’s Courtyard.) It took us approximately 1 minute from the time we got in line to the time we got our Party Map and Wristbands.
Party Dress and Attire for Disney Jollywood Nights
Some Guests will choose to attend the party in regular theme park clothing, while others will choose to attend dressed to the 9’s. There will also be Guests who fit into any category in between at the party. There is no shame in your choice of attire, just as long as it meets Walt Disney World’s Approved Clothing Guidelines. We choose to not dress up, and have never felt out of place.
Decorations
The Glits and Glamour of Hollywood shines through at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the Christmas Season. This is amplified by the Vibe, and Festivities of Disney Jollywood Nights. The Decorations all around give a whole new meaning to the name Tinsel Town. From Tinsel Garland strung across Hollywood Boulevard, to Tinsel Stars lining Sunset Boulevard and More, Christmas Time Tinsel abounds.
During the Christmas Season, the Iconic Watchkeeper of Echo Lake, Dinosaur Gertie, expands her duties beyond standing Guard over Echo Lake to include handling the Parks Christmas Tree Decorating. The Christmas Tree and Echo Lake light up each night to serve as the backdrop for some Beautiful and Exclusive Picture Opportunities. You will also find that Andy and Crew have transformed his Backyard into a Toy’s View of a Christmas Wonderland. Guests will also spot Ollie, the Disney Jollywood Nights Mascot, in several of the Decorations around the Park.
After Sunset, the Lights dim around Echo Lake for the Lighting of Gertie’s Handiwork. The Tree Lighting is held nightly, weather permitting, and is usually held at a time when both regular park guests and party guests have the opportunity to witness it. Disney Jollywood Nights in 2024 was our 1st opportunity to experience this lighting and it was Festive and Great.
During the Party, the front of the Chinese Theatre comes to life with Beautiful Projections, including Ollie coming out of a Christmas Present.
Disney Jollywood Nights 2024 Dining and Treats
Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers guests some special Treats during the Christmas Season. On top of these offers, Disney Jollywood Nights adds some more Party Exclusive Treats and Snacks to the menu. In 2024, some of these exclusive Sweet or Savory Delights included Agent P Croissant, Christmas Gertie Cookie, Sandy Claws Dark Hot Cocoa, Duffy Brownie, and Antipasto Flatbread.
Disney Jollywood Nights offered guests the exclusive opportunity to endulge in an event-exclusive menu of light bites while listening to a pianist play festive music at Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby. This experience was for an additional fee and was only available by Reservation. These Reservations were hard to come by. We looked into this experience, but did not find the menu to be appealing to us. This realization lead us to decide against this experience in 2024.
Traditional Dining Offerings are available during the Party at the parks Quick-Service Dining and Snack Locations. These locations may not have a full menu during the party, and may only be open for select hours. We were able to get a Walk-Up Reservation at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant for Lunch. Due to the Cold Weather, after getting our Wristbands, we decided to get some Coffee from The Trolley Car Cafe (Starbucks). We decided to try their Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookie, a Christmas Time Exclusive Treat (Not Party Exclusive). We choose not to try any of the Party Exclusive Treats, but some of them were very cute.
Attractions
Most of the Parks Rides and Shows were open during the party. None of them offered Party Exclusive Ride Overlays, like some do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. However, Toy Story Land Glistens at Night during the Christmas Season with Lights and Decorations that can be viewed from Slinky Dog Dash. We choose not to do any rides during Disney Jollywood Nights.
Merchandise at Disney Jollywood Nights in 2024
Disney Jollywood Nights offers Guests attending the opportunity to purchase some Party Exclusive Merchandise. In 2024, some of the Event Merchandise included a Spirit Jersey, a T-Shirt, Pin, Ornament and More. They also offered an Exclusive Shirt for Annual Passholders. Since we attended the Last Party of the Year, Sizes and Availability of Merchandise were limited, and the Merchandise was only available in one store in 2024, Stage 1 Company Store.
Characters at Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney Jollywood Nights offers Guests the Opportunity to Visit with many Characters. Some of theses Characters are more commonly found, but they are meeting in pairs in their Festive Hollywood Holiday Attire, such as Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, or Goofy and Pluto. Chip and Dale also meet Guests together but they are in their Rescue Rangers Outfits. The Party also offered Guests the chance to Visit with some Rare Characters, such as Scrooge McDuck, Clarice (Chip and Dale’s Love Interest), Baloo, and Friends of “Mary Poppins”.
We headed over to Animation Courtyard for the Opportunity to meet one of the two Rare “The Three Caballeros”, José Carioca or Panchito. I was really excited for this meet and greet. You can usually find Donald in his “The Three Caballeros” Outfit meeting in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT. These two were rotating out meeting guests. When we got in line Panchito was greeting guests, and he is the Caballero that we go to meet. He was energetic and delightful, offering all of us Hugs and Greetings, but no Rooster Spurs. We are so glad that he traveled North to Florida from his home in Mexico.
Disney Jollywood Nights Exclusive Photo Ops and Magic Shots
Disney Jollywood Nights offered Guests some Exclusive Photo Opportunities through Magic Shots, Props, and Photo Sets. All Digital Photos and Videos taken during Disney Jollywood Nights, whether by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer or on Rides, were included in Guests 2024 Party Tickets. Disney PhotoPass Photographers are located throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the Party.
Photo Sets
These photo sets used special Camera Arrays or Robotic Arm Cameras to take Party Exclusive Pictures of Guests.
The Robotic Arm Camera was located in the Stage 1 Company Store on Grand Avenue. This Picture transported Guests into the world of “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. We did see this Photo Set while we were shopping for the Event Exclusive Merchandise, but decided not to try.
The Camera Arrays Photo Op was located in the Disney Studio Store at Animation Courtyard. We walked by the outside of this Photo Op, but we could not see much from the outside. We decided not to try this Photo Op.
Props and Magic Shots
They were offering Guests some great Magic Shots and Photo Props in 2024.
Located near the Archway into Animation Courtyard, Guests had the option of getting their picture taken with Ollie as well as some Jazz Instrument Props. We did not do this Photo Opportunity in 2024. However, we did do it in 2023, and greatly enjoyed it.
We ventured into the BackStage Party Entrance Area, where we found the Disney Jollywood Nights Sign Photo Opportunity. We were very glad that this was in a New Location with a Disney PhotoPass Photographer in 2024, unlike in 2023. The line for this Photo Op was not very long.
We choose to stop on Hollywood Boulevard on our way out of Disney Jollywood Nights to get some pictures taken. We got some great Photos with the Chinese Theatre in the background. These Photos featured some of the Park’s Gorgeous Tinsel Decorations. The Disney PhotoPass Photographer that we stopped at was located in front of The Trolley Car Cafe, and had a Special Disney Jollywood Nights Photo Prop that made for some extra special photos.
Party Exclusive Shows and Entertainment
Disney Jollywood Nights features some Awesome Party Exclusive Shows and Entertainment.
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
Live the Nightmare as you never have before. The Hyperion Theater transforms from an Arendelle Paradise into a Halloweentown Fright during Disney Jollywood Nights. Through Sing-A-Longs and Familiar Faces, the story of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas comes alive. We did not see this show in 2024. However, we did see this show in 2023, and it was Fun, Exciting, and Immersive full of Many Wonderful Moments as well as a Few Surprises. You can check out the 2023 performance we saw by clicking here.
Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club
Experience a Haunting Christmas Party held in the courtyard of one of the most notorious Hotels Around. The Soirée is bursting at the seams with Hollywood Style as you unwind to some swingin’ holiday tunes preformed by a Live Band. We decided not to check out this event, because we felt like it did not fit our style.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
You are invited to the “Filming” of this star-studded production featuring Kermit the Frog, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Tiana, and Belle. Held in the Theater of the Stars, this Holiday Extravaganza features a 8 Piece Live Band, Amazing Singers, and Wonderful Dancers. This Stage Show brings the Sprirt of the Season to Life through Beautiful Songs, and Fond Memories Shared. It is one of our absolute favorite Stage Shows on Property. We have seen this show in both 2023 and 2024. For us, it is a cannot miss experience, if you are attending the party. How did I forget that this show also features the Modest, Quiet, and Humble Miss Piggy?
Holiday Fiesta En La Calle
The Animation Courtyard comes alive with a lively street fair. The Latin Flair and Culture surrounds you as you are listening to Wonderful, Spirited Musicians perform Latin Songs and Music, both Seasonal and Non-Seasonal. We got to hear one of these preformers while we were waiting in line to meet Panchito. He was very good and entertaining. He had the crowd singing along to La Bamba, along with other favorites. I wish I would have gotten a video of him.
Echo Lake Holiday Celebration and Pixar Disco
The Young and Young at Heart will come alive over seeing, hanging, and maybe even dancing with some of their Favorite Characters. These Experiences were available at intermittently during Disney Jollywood Nights. Echo Lake Holiday Celebration was held on the shores of Echo Lake, and provided Guests with a Nostalgic Throwback to the 1990s and 2000s, featuring Fan Favorites like Powerline Max from “A Goofy Movie”, as well as Baloo and King Louie from “Talespin”. The Pixar Disco was held in Pixar Plaza, and provided Guests with the Opportunity to Groove with some of their Favorite Pixar Pals, including the Queen of No Capes herself, Edna Mode from “The Incredibles” and “The Incredibles 2”. We did not do either of these experiences in 2024, but we did meet Powerline Max in 2023, and he was Awesome.
GLISTEN!
In 2024, the platform in front of the Chinese Theatre was converted into a Ice Skating Rink. This Rink was the stage for a New Disney Jollywood Nights Exclusive Show. It starred Skilled International Champion Skaters as they gracefully soared to original songs and new takes on Disney Classics. This show did not have Chairs and Benches to sit on while viewing. Guests had the option of sitting on the ground near the stage, or standing in the area behind those seated. We choose not to see this show in 2024.
JINGLE BELL, JINGLE BAM!
Those “Prep and Landing” Boys are at it again. They are here to save Christmas, and along the way they will be traveling through some delightful holiday moments from Fan Favorite Disney Films and Festive Hits. During the Journey, the Skies will come alive with Gorgeous Fireworks, Lasers, and Lights, while the Chinese Theatre will help tell a story of Christmas Memories through projections. We did not see this show in 2024, but we did see it in 2023. We enjoyed this show, but felt that you may get a better view being a little further back in the viewing area. You can check out the 2023 performance of this Spectacular by clicking here.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
The Hollywood Tower Hotel goes from Haunting to Holiday in the blink on an eye. During the Christmas Season, Sunset Seasons Greetings adorns the exterior of the Hotel with Glistening Lights, Delightful Toys (even a Rubber Duck), and Gingerbread. With lighting that continues down Sunset Boulevard, this immersive show features beloved characters from Toy Story, Frozen, and The Muppets. You can see this show from many locations along Sunset Boulevard as well as parts of the queue area for Disney Holidays in Hollywood. Sunset Seasons Greetings played intermittently nightly featuring 4-5 different sections, and was offered on both Party and Non-Party Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We have seen this show in both 2023, and 2024. It is a great show that we really enjoyed, and will definitely see it again if the opportunity arises.
Leaving Disney Jollywood Nights 2024
We choose not to stay for the whole Disney Jollywood Nights, because it was extremely cold on our party night. In 2023 and 2024, Disney Jollywood Nights has given Guests a Exclusive Keepsake on our way out of each party near the turnstiles. We received Commemorative Coasters in 2023, and Champagne Flavored Marshmallows in 2024. We choose to keep the Marshmallows as a keepsake and to not try them. They came in a Pretty Commemorative Box that featured Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Final Thoughts
This was our 2nd year attending this Awesome Event, and in 2024 like in 2023, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It features Our Favorite Christmas Show, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, and many other Wonderful, Exclusive Experiences. The Characters that are out during the party are delightful, and create many cherished memories. The Shows are Heartwarming and Fill You with the Christmas Spirit. Let Your Spirit Shine and Set Your Christmas Vibes Free. This Party is all about experiencing the Glitz and Glamour of Hollywood at Christmastime, and it does just that. From Festive Treats to Grand Productions and more, Disney Jollywood Nights provides Guests with Unique and Delightful Experiences that will warm Your Heart and get you even more ready for Christmas. In spite of the Cold, We enjoyed our time at Disney Jollywood Nights, and will definitely attend this party again in the future, if we visit when it is occurring.
If you would like to Watch some of the Movies, TV Shows, or Cartoons referenced in this blog, most of them are available to stream on Disney+.
Comparing Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Walt Disney World offers 2 Parties during the Christmas Season: Disney Jollywood Nights, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We did both parties in 2023 and 2024. We greatly enjoy the Christmas Season and find both of these parties fabulous. However, they are not to be compared in my opinion. They both offer different, but equally Wonderful Exclusive Entertainment, Treats, and Fun. While some of the Characters maybe at both parties, They will more than likely be wearing different outfits at each party. If you will be visiting Walt Disney World during the Christmas Season, We recommend that you check out one or both of these parties, if you can fit it into your trip.
If you would like to learn more about Walt Disney World’s Other Special Ticketed Christmastime Event, You can check out Our Blog on the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party by clicking here.
Looking to Visit Walt Disney World?
If you want to visit Walt Disney World for a fraction of the cost, check out the Top-Tier Accommodations available through DVC Rental Store for Guests, and Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store, for Theme Park Tickets and sometimes Special Event Tickets. Some Top-Tier Accommodations located near Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
A Hui Hou Aku! See You Again Soon!
Your Thoughts
Have you ever attended Disney Jollywood Nights? What did you think and what was your favorite experience? Will you be attending Disney Jollywood Nights on your next Walt Disney World trip? Let Us Know in the Comments.
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