A Complete Review of Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios
The host of the event is Ollie The Gingerbread Man!
I attended the second night of Jollywood Nights, a brand-new after-hours event at Hollywood Studios, and I must say—it was an amazing experience! While there were a few minor issues to be worked out, we navigated the event flawlessly and had a fantastic time overall. Dressed to impress in our theme park best, we fully embraced the festive atmosphere. Before diving into all the details, let’s cover the basics.
What is Jollywood Nights?
Get ready to indulge in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood while immersing yourself in the festive spirit at Disney Jollywood Nights, an exclusive after-hours event held at Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios. This event is uniquely crafted with adults in mind, offering a sophisticated blend of old Hollywood style and holiday cheer that sets it apart from other Disney celebrations.
From the moment you enter the park, you’ll be transported to a world of shimmering lights, jazz music, and elegant holiday decor reminiscent of Tinseltown’s golden era. Jollywood Nights features an array of entertainment, including live performances, dazzling character appearances, and specialty offerings designed to create an unforgettable evening.
What makes this event truly special is its emphasis on glamour and sophistication, making it a refreshing take on holiday festivities at Disney. Guests are encouraged to dress in their “theme park best,” adding to the atmosphere of classic Hollywood charm. With festive cocktails, gourmet treats, and an elevated entertainment lineup, Jollywood Nights strikes the perfect balance between holiday magic and upscale fun.
I truly appreciate the vision behind this event, which feels like a love letter to the timeless elegance of Hollywood paired with Disney’s signature holiday magic. As it continues to grow and gain popularity, I can only hope it becomes a staple of the holiday season at Hollywood Studios for years to come. Whether you’re attending with friends, as a couple, or even on a solo adventure, Jollywood Nights promises an enchanting evening of nostalgia and seasonal joy.
Dressed up for Jollywood Nights!
Will Joyllowod Nights be enjoyable for everyone?
In all honesty, I wouldn’t recommend this event for families with young children. As a parent of four kids aged 11, 8, 8, and 3, I feel that while the characters and shows are adorable, the event’s admission price—especially closer to the holidays—can be steep, and there’s not much geared toward younger kids. In fact, it can end up costing more than a regular park day with Genie+.
However, if your children are all pre-teens or older, Jollywood Nights is definitely worth considering. The entertainment is tailored to a more mature audience, ride wait times are impressively low, and dressing up for the occasion as a family adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.
Chinese Theatre
You get a map and lanyard for the event
Here is a complete list of everything we did at Jollywood Nights along with timestamps, and how we felt about it:
7:00 PM
We entered the park through the Standard Ticket line with our Annual Passes, as the park was still open to day guests until 8:00 PM. We chose this line because the Jollywood Nights entry line was incredibly long. For guests who don’t have Annual Passes, I highly recommend arriving between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM to join the Jollywood Nights line early. This ensures you can get into the park as soon as possible and get a head start on the party once entry begins.
7:08 PM
Our first stop was Launch Bay to pick up our Jollywood Nights materials, including wristbands, lanyard passes, and event maps. The wristbands distributed for this event were the traditional plastic kind, unlike the newer ones used at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Launch Bay was organized, and the process of collecting everything was quick and seamless.
7:25 PM
We made our way to the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, located in the Animation Courtyard behind the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant. The line to reserve a table filled up within 10 minutes of our arrival, so it’s crucial to get there early if dining here is part of your plan. Once in line, we gave our name, and the Cast Members informed us they would send a text notification when our table was ready. The estimated wait time they provided—approximately 90 minutes—was accurate. While waiting, we had time to explore other aspects of the event before returning for our meal.
This early entry strategy helped us maximize our experience at Jollywood Nights, allowing us to enjoy key experiences without feeling rushed or missing out on popular offerings.
7:50 PM
We lined up in Animation Courtyard to meet Daisy and Donald. It was exciting to see that the characters were already beginning to appear before the official party start time of 8:30 PM. However, we quickly learned that Donald and Daisy alternate at the same meet-and-greet spot. While you won’t get to meet both at once, we were thrilled to have Daisy as our first character encounter of the evening, as our girls absolutely adore her.
When we joined the line, there were about five people ahead of us, which made for a relatively short wait. In contrast, the line for Mickey and Minnie was significantly longer throughout the evening, with about 40 people already queued up by the time we arrived in Animation Courtyard. Goofy and Pluto were also meeting guests nearby, and their line length was similar to Daisy and Donald’s.
Daisy arrived exactly at 8:00 PM, so if meeting specific characters is a priority, it’s a good idea to line up early—even before the official start of the event. The interaction with Daisy was fun and personal, which made for a great start to the night.
Jack Skellington Large Puppet - Its Amazing!
8:15 PM
After finishing our meet-and-greet with Daisy, we headed directly to the What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along in the Hyperion Theater. This show was a special transformation of the Frozen Ever After Holiday Sing-Along, which runs during the day. For the party, the show featured an engaging retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas, complete with festive songs and a stunning appearance by a larger-than-life Jack Skellington puppet.
The show was interactive and lively, and we couldn’t help but join in the singing. The cast members and visuals truly brought the magic of the movie to life, and the finale was an absolute highlight, leaving us thoroughly impressed. The entire performance lasted approximately 20 minutes, ending at 8:51 PM.
8:44 PM
During the show, we received a notification from the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, letting us know our table was ready. Since we had to check in within 10–15 minutes to keep our spot, we timed our exit from the theater perfectly. The show’s conclusion gave us just enough time to head back to the lounge and continue our evening without feeling rushed.
This sequence of activities flowed seamlessly, and we appreciated how much we could fit in during the first hour of Jollywood Nights! It’s worth planning ahead to ensure you can enjoy both character interactions and key entertainment without missing a beat.
8:58 PM
We checked into the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant, a venue that effortlessly transports you back to the glamour and sophistication of old Hollywood. The space is both spacious and elegant, with an undeniable old-world charm. During Jollywood Nights, the restaurant transforms into a Jazzy Lounge, marketed as a swanky cocktail and appetizers venue. Interestingly, there wasn’t a single child in sight while we were there, and it’s clear that this area caters primarily to adults. Considering the upscale ambiance, menu offerings, and prices, I wouldn’t recommend bringing kids here.
The Jollywood Nights Jazzy Lounge offered a limited menu with items like duck, bison, and charcuterie boards. While my husband enjoyed his dish, I struggled to find something I liked, as I’m not a fan of duck or bison. Ultimately, I opted for the Charcuterie Board, which was nicely presented but not particularly memorable. We also ordered an Old Fashioned cocktail for $19—a decision my husband regretted after realizing the price, haha! For comparison, the Market near Toy Story Land serves a much better Old Fashioned for only $9, which we highly recommend instead.
One highlight of the evening was the live music, provided by a pianist and singer who serenaded guests throughout the meal. Their performances were exceptional, and the music created an atmosphere that was a complete vibe. That said, when I first heard about the Jazzy Lounge, I imagined a full jazz band with a piano, saxophone, and other instruments playing classic jazz tunes. The reality fell short of those expectations, as the live music was more of a background performance than the lively, immersive jazz experience I had envisioned.
Despite the atmosphere and talented musicians, the overall experience at the Jazzy Lounge was underwhelming. The menu was limited, the prices were steep, and the vibe didn’t quite meet the "jazzy" energy we were hoping for. That said, it was a nice little date-like escape within the larger party atmosphere of Jollywood Nights.
While we enjoyed the chance to relax and soak in the ambiance, I don’t see myself returning to the Jazzy Lounge during future Jollywood Nights events. There are simply better ways to spend your time and money during this magical evening.
Holidays in Hollywood at Theater of the Stars
9:28 PM
After leaving the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant, we made our way directly to Theater of the Stars for the 9:45 PM Disney Holidays in Hollywood show, and it absolutely delivered. The show was a standout part of the night, blending nostalgic charm with modern Disney magic. It’s designed to feel like a live TV special from the 1950s, complete with clever "commercial breaks" that add a fun twist to the performance.
The production featured a mix of songs, dance routines, and surprise appearances by beloved Disney characters. Seeing Princess Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse, and Mickey Mouse on stage added a special touch, and their performances were a delight to watch. The show was so good that I couldn’t help but think about how much my kids would have enjoyed it. The vibrant energy, recognizable characters, and engaging format make it perfect for families, though the event itself isn’t particularly tailored to younger children.
This stage show was easily one of the highlights of the evening for me. It’s a perfect blend of holiday cheer and classic Disney entertainment, offering something nostalgic for adults while still feeling fresh and fun. If you attend Jollywood Nights, this is a must-see!
After the show, I went to meet my friends Katie (@themagicaldetails) and Megan (@misswizardingworld) at Echo Lake in front of the Powerline Max meet and greet. It was great to catch up with them. If you're a fan of Universal Studios and Disney, be sure to follow both. Unfortunately, we were all busy that night and I forgot to take pictures with my friends, but they looked beautiful and I was so happy to hug them.
10:25 PM
After saying goodbye to Katie and Megan, we decided to grab some food at ABC Commissary and check out the Holiday Fiesta en La Calle. While the prices at ABC Commissary were reasonable, the portions left a little to be desired. That said, the food we tried was fantastic—we absolutely loved the street corn and the chicken and cheese empanada.
Afterward, we headed over to Baseline Tap House to try the ceviche and the strawberry lemonade, which turned out to be phenomenal. Both were refreshing and flavorful, making it a great stop for a light bite and a drink.
Unfortunately, the Latin band performing at Holiday Fiesta didn’t quite meet our expectations. I later found out there were actually two band setups, and I had only watched the solo singer. My friend Molly mentioned the larger band was excellent, so it seems I may have missed out on a different vibe. It might help if Disney added dancers to enhance the energy and make the area more lively. A creative idea could be transforming the space into a West Side Story-themed dance-off with street performers to encourage more guests to hang out and join the fun.
To be clear, the solo singer we saw was very talented and gave a great performance—it just wasn’t what I had envisioned for this part of the event. Having more variety in entertainment or additional interactive elements could make this area even more engaging.
After leaving Baseline Taphouse, we bumped into our friends Molly (@molly_mcawesome_) and Alan (@just_alan91). It was great to catch up - again - no pictures because we were running all over the park trying to cover this event. If you're a fan of theme parks they are 2/3 of @mammothclub.
10:58 PM
We decided to head back to Animation Courtyard to check out the interactive photo experience. On our way, we caught a glimpse of Jiminy Cricket greeting guests in front of the Chinese Theater, which was a nice surprise.
At Animation Courtyard, we stopped by the entrance of Disney Junior Play and Dance, which had been transformed into an interactive photo station. The setup looked impressive and seemed like a fun activity, but there was about a 20-minute wait to participate. Since we were trying to maximize our time, we opted not to wait. Still, for those who enjoy unique photo opportunities, it’s definitely worth checking out.
11:16 pm: After hearing horror stories about it, we finally decided to go to the Tip Top Club. We waited until close to the end of the event. Upon arrival, we noticed two lines for drinks (instead of one like the first night), we received our drinks within 5 minutes. I ordered the Twilight Daiquiri, which was sweet and delicious! The band performing that night was absolutely incredible. I am not exaggerating; if seating had been available, I would have spent the entire night listening to the singer crooning into the microphone. She was an exceptionally talented performer, and a large crowd had gathered to watch the band.
11:30 pm: We found a bench on Sunset Boulevard and watched the Tower of Terror light show, Sunset Seasons Greetings. We debated whether we could make it until 12:30 am for Jingle Jam, Jingle Bam. I wanted to head to Pixar Place to take pictures with a few more characters before we left. So, we met Edna Mode at the Edna Mode Experience and Frozone. There were also interactive photos and a couple of cute backdrops.
11:45 pm: We stopped at The Market and grabbed a quick snack - buffalo chicken egg rolls with jalapeno ranch sauce. They were amazing! That's when we discovered the Old Fashioned drink for $9. It had a round ice cube and tasted better than what we had before. It was definitely a better buy.
Santa Stitch!
11:56 pm: We decided to leave the park, and as we were walking out, we unexpectedly spotted Santa Stitch! Unfortunately, the line to meet him was closed, so I decided to take some photos instead. I noticed that the park had added several new characters, including Santa Duffy, that were not present on our first night. This is great news because it means that there will be more character meet and greets throughout the park, which should help to reduce wait times. However, the park's app still needs to be updated with this information.
We left the park at midnight feeling exhausted. I always advise against having a park day when traveling with children, and in hindsight, I should have skipped it even on our adults-only trip. We had been there for a half day from 8 am to 4 pm, took a break, and returned at 6:30 pm. Jingle Jame, Jingle Bam is a wonderful show. Fortunately, we saw the show before the pandemic. The only thing we missed out on was getting a new photo of the show. However, we had an early flight to catch the following day, and we wanted sleep.
Overall Thoughts…
My husband and I think Jollywood Nights is 85% there and we had a great time. The event is mainly for adults and feels like an adult-only event. If you're going for the rides and want a bit of holiday spirit mixed in, then it's definitely worth it. However, if you're only interested in the event offerings and bringing kids, skip it.
One thing to note is that we got the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance, which opens at 8 pm. We didn't join the queue until 8:16 and still got boarding group 49. That's how uninterested most people were in the rides. So, if you're bringing kids and rides are your focus, then go for it! Your kid can even meet Santa Stitch.
What would I want Disney to add?
I really wish I had an extra hour at the event. With only four hours, I felt rushed and couldn't spend enough time in any one area. I wanted to experience many different areas, but it felt like I only had 30 minutes in each. I would have loved to wait for one more character, like Stitch or Jiminy Cricket, but I didn't have an additional 30 minutes to spare.
Considering how expensive the ticket is, it would be great if the event offered something for free. Something similar to the cookies and cocoa stations at MVMCP would be nice, where attendees can explore more of the park.
Although the event was great, some aspects lacked the extra magic that makes Disney special. Adding things like Latin dancers to street performances, a few more specialty characters, places to sit and watch the live music, and more pieces to the jazz band at Hollywood Brown Derby would have added that extra Disney magic. There was something left to be desired in numerous areas.
Some things to note:
Photopass is included in the event, but it only starts after 8:30 pm. Therefore, any character pictures taken in Animation Courtyard before that time will not be included. If you are worried about the virtual queue for Rise, don't be. We got in after 16 minutes and still had a great board in group. Not all characters were listed, but this may change as they improve the event.
The Tip Top Lounge is a favorite of everyone because the band is incredible, but it will be VERY crowded if you go there first. So my advice is to wait until later in the evening. The Nightmare Before Christmas show is 20 minutes long, and the Hollywood Hills show is about 25 minutes long. If you are looking to grab a bite to eat, keep in mind that the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant is very expensive, and there is better food available around the park.
During the event, there was also a DJ in front of the Chinese Theater, and he was great. The music was so good that you couldn't help but start dancing. It kept the party atmosphere going, but it wasn't until the end of the night that a crowd formed there, and more than likely, they were gathering for the fireworks.
The Highlight of my evening:
Apart from greeting to see Katie, Megan, Alan, and Molly, the shows were incredible. They lived up to everything I expected and wanted from Disney. The Hollywood Hills show was a delight for everyone, irrespective of their age or preferences. The Nightmare Before Christmas show, on the other hand, requires a little love for the movie to enjoy it to the fullest, but it was still great, and I was thrilled to see Oogie Boogie making an appearance. My husband and I loved both shows, and we'd give them a perfect 10 out of 10.
The cast members emerged as the real stars during the second party night. They were everywhere, and I have never been in a place with so many legacy cast members. Every corner I turned, there was a blue cast member name tag. They were truly amazing and helpful.
In conclusion, we did Jollywood Nights 100% right. We had a game plan, knowing exactly what was essential to us, and we prioritized that. We left some room for magic with the character meet and greets and ended up taking pictures with three of them and also taking some cute photo pass pictures throughout the park, which was unexpected but delightful.
Here Was our Priority list in order:
Hollywood Brown Derby
Hollywood Hills Show
Nightmare Before Christmas
Tip Top Lounge
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam (did not happen - due to being too tired)
Everything outside of this was a bonus for us.
Tips if you want to go to the party:
If you're planning to visit with little kids, it's better to leave them at the resort with a theme park nanny, unless your top priority is to get on the rides. In my opinion, this kind of event would be more enjoyable to attend with pre-teens and teens who are Disney fans. I personally had a great time during my date night at the park.
If you're interested in visiting the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant, make sure to go there first. After the initial seating, there is a queue you can enter at the front door, but there is a high probability that you may not get in. Before deciding, take a look at the menu for options and prices. In my personal opinion, there are other places in the park with better food and drinks.
The Tip Top Lounge is on most people's must-do list, so it's better to go there later in the evening. Most people will rush there first because the band is phenomenal.
Don't miss the shows - they're great!
Make sure to meet some characters. The sensational six all have new outfits, and I loved getting to see them. The unique characters at the park were a surprise to me last night, and I'm sure that the park will continue to evolve.
We had an amazing experience at the event and are definitely planning to come back next year. It will be exciting to see the growth and changes that it undergoes. We appreciate that Walt Disney World took feedback from the first party and made improvements for the second one. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it. However, we have decided not to bring our kids next year as they are still too young to enjoy it. Although I would love for my daughter to meet Santa Stitch, it wouldn't be worth the money to bring all of them. Besides, my husband and I had a great time just the two of us.
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