The holiday season is right around the corner. For Disney World fans, November signals the return of beloved annual parties and events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. That also now includes Disney Jollywood Nights, returning in 2024 for its second season.
Billed as a “nighttime soirée,” Disney Jollywood Nights will be a hard-ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios after regular park hours on select evenings. Think all things jazz, tinsel, festive food and drinks, and dancing. It’s like if Disney were to roll out a red carpet for the holidays. Even in its own words, Disney describes the event as “brimming with red-carpet moments, Hollywood vibes, glimmering décor and fantastic photo ops.” Guests are even “encouraged to don your holiday best!”
So it’s like a glitz-and-glam-themed Christmas gala. Or a swanky, jazzy, silver-and-gold-laden party. It’s giving me Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, if it took place over the holidays and had less to do with the American Dream and more to do with theme park food and the Muppets.
If you are debating whether or not to buy tickets to Jollywood Nights, or you already have tickets and are wondering what’s in store, I’ve compiled everything we know so far about the event. This way, you can begin to map out your evening (it’s only four hours, and it looks like Disney’s really packing a lot into that time frame!).
The Basics: Who, What, Where, When, and How Much
Disney Jollywood Nights is a brand-new after-hours holiday party that will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will occur across ten select nights from November 9 through December 21. The full list of dates is as follows:
- November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30
- December 2, 7, 11, 14, 18 and 21
The event will last from 7:30 PM until 12:30 AM, one hour longer than 2023’s parties. Ticket holders can enter Hollywood Studios as early as 6:00 PM on the night of their event. Once the party begins, attendees have access to virtually all of Hollywood Studios, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which won’t have any party-specific offerings but will remain open. (NOTE: A virtual queue will be in place for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance during Disney Jollywood Nights)
Tickets to Jollywood Nights are available for purchase on Disney World’s website. Prices range from $159 to $179 per person, depending on the night you attend. Note that there is no difference in price between adults and children ages 3-9. A $10 discount is available for Annual Passholders.
Entertainment
If an event like the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is known for its food, then Disney Jollywood Nights could go down as being known for its entertainment. After all, the event is branded as a park-wide soirée filled to the brim with jazz and Latin music, dancing, DJs, and more.
Event-Exclusive Shows
NEW for 2024 is Glisten! a ice skating spectacular taking place along Hollywood Boulevard. The show stars a cast of champion ice skaters who “perform breathtaking routines set to a vibrant holiday soundtrack—including original songs and Disney favorites like Be Our Guest and When You Wish Upon A Star.” Showtimes of Glisten! are at 8:15 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:15 PM and 12:15 AM.
Exclusive entertainment also includes a “musical variety show” called “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” at Theater of the Stars, featuring – are you sitting down? – Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. The show will also include appearances from Disney Princesses, including Princess Tiana, who has a brand-new original song in the show. Performances take place at 8:15 PM, 9:15 PM, 11:15 PM and 12:15 AM.
Over at the Hyperion Theater, attendees can participate in a sing-along inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas! called “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along.” Guests can catch performances at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM.
The evening wrap up with the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – “a seasonal nighttime spectacular that’s jam-packed with music, special effects and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.” Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! takes place at each Disney Jollywood Nights event at 10:00 PM.
Themed Entertainment
Aside from live shows and nighttime spectaculars, Jollywood Nights will host a series of themed entertainment areas including live music, dance parties, and more:
- At Echo Lake, take in a “throwback bash” filled with nostalgia, including appearances from Phineas, Ferb and Max Goof as Powerline, as well as Baloo and King Louie from from Talespin.
- Animation Courtyard will be home to Holiday Fiesta en la Calle. This lively street party will be filled with Latin holiday music along with food and drinks inspired by Latin holiday traditions (keep reading to find out exactly what those food and drink items will be). Keep your eyes peeled for appearances by José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros.
- Another street party will take place in Pixar Plaza, featuring appearances by Edna Mode, Joy, Frozone, and other Pixar characters.
On top of all of that, there are two limited-capacity happenings at Jollywood Night that we have to talk about. The first is Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club — yes, that Tip Top Club. If this is the first you’re heading of it, the Tip Top Club is a famed spot in the lore of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
This club will come alive in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel and will feature craft cocktails and a live band. Sets begin at 7:30 PM, 8:10 PM, 8:50 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:10 PM and 11:50 PM.
The second is Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant will be transformed into a jazz club, a place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying “holiday tunes amidst sparkling décor.”
This “sophisticated setting” will include ” holiday music, craft cocktails and an exclusive menu of light bites.” NOTE: Reservations are strongly recommended.
Food and Drinks
Like most seasonal events, Disney has released a full foodie guide to Jollywood Nights. There are a ton of party-exclusive items to choose from – in fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to enjoy everything, so go through this list and pick your top choices to try in between dance parties and shows.
ABC Commissary (Commissary Lane)
- Cauliflower Taco: Chili pepper-lime dusted fried cauliflower on top of a corn tortilla with diced onions, cilantro, and a chipotle cashew “crema” (Plant-based) (New for 2024)
- Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with a beef consommé for dipping
- 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 fries, red pickled onions, and chili-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli
- Taco ‘bout a Holiday Cookie!: Cranberry cheesecake-filled chocolate cookies dipped in cranberry-white chocolate topped with pistachio whipped cream, gold crispy pearls, chocolate holly leaf décor, and holiday sprinkles (New for 2024)
- Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Holiday chocolate cookie streusel, whipped cinnamon-chocolate cheesecake, and spiced whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a Wondermade Churro Marshmallow
- Mango Chamoyada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili-lime sauce topped with chili-lime seasoning (Non-alcoholic)
- Mango Chamoyada with tequila
- Coquito: Coconut cream, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, Bacardí Rum, and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum topped with cinnamon (New for 2024)
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, and flavors of chocolate and orange served over ice and garnished with an orange
Baseline Tap House (Grand Avenue)
- Macaroni and Cheese Croquette: Fried macaroni and cheese with aïoli dipping sauce (New for 2024)
- Charcuterie Cup: Toma cheese, blue cheese, chorizo, and salami with a skewer of green olive, cherry tomato, and blistered shishito pepper, cornichon pickles, and a toasted focaccia crostini
- Bavarian Pretzel with beer-cheese fondue and spicy mustard
- Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner served over ice
Ice Cold Hydraulics (Grand Avenue)
- Duffy Brownie: Coca-Cola fudge-filled cherry-white chocolate chip brownie covered in Coca-Cola buttercream and a caramel-chocolate Duffy paw (New for 2024)
- Dark and Snowy: Frozen blend of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola topped with sweetened coconut cream and cinnamon (New for 2024)
Dockside Diner (Echo Lake)
- Spicy Pimento-Kimchi Dip topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips
- Samosas: Potato and pea stuffed samosas with curried chickpeas, herb “crema,” and tomato-pomegranate chutney (Plant-based) (New for 2024)
- Poutine Potato Bites 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 Dark Hot Cocoa: Dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
- Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries
Epic Eats (Echo Lake)
- Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables 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
- Warm Spiced Chai Cocktail: Twinings Chai Tea, RumChata Cream Liqueur, vanilla syrup, and cinnamon (New for 2024)
Fairfax Fare (Sunset Boulevard)
- 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 (Also available at Hollywood Scoops)
- Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkle (Non-alcoholic) (Also available at Hollywood Scoops)
- Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves (Also available at Hollywood Scoops)
Various Lounges and Outdoor Vending Locations
- Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing
- Gingerbread Bites (Plant-based)
- Zero-Proof Gingerbread Spritzer: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Non-Alcoholic Spirit, gingerbread syrup, and club soda garnished with a gingerbread bite
- Sugar Cookie Martini: Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur, and Disaronno Originale Liqueur mixed with milk and sugar and topped with holiday sprinkles
Market (Pixar Plaza)
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
- Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, Angostura Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim
- Caramel-Apple Cider: Werther’s Original Caramel, apple cider, cinnamon, and Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine garnished with a sugar tuile served warm (Non-alcoholic version available) (New for 2024)
- In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon
PizzeRizzo (Grand Avenue)
- Italian Beef Sandwich: Sliced beef sweet and spicy peppers and Barilla Sweet & Spicy Pepper Pesto served with a side of au jus dipping sauce (New for 2024)
- Antipasto Flatbread: Antipasto spread of meats, olives, peppers, onions, Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto, and mozzarella
- Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta
- Caramel-Mocha Napoleon: Layers of puff pastry and caramel mascarpone cream with a whipped coffee crémeux, salted caramel crispy pearls, chocolate curl, and sprinkles (New for 2024)
- Cranberry Fizz: Cranberry juice, Sprite, wild cherry syrup, and house-made rosemary simple syrup with a lime (Non-alcoholic) (New for 2024)
- Snowppino: Lemon sorbet, prosecco, grappa, and rosemary (New for 2024)
- Holiday Cheer: Aperol Apéritif, vodka, Sprite, wild cherry syrup, and house-made rosemary simple syrup with an orange slice and rosemary sprig (New for 2024)
The Trolley Car Café (Hollywood Boulevard)
- Agent P Croissant: Waffle croissant dipped in caramel-chocolate and topped with mint cream, a chocolate hat, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies (New for 2024)
Snack Cart across from Beverly Sunset Boutique (Annual Passholder Exclusive)
- Frozen Espresso Martini: Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, Minute Maid Vanilla Smoothie, SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, and Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur with chocolate sauce and topped with chocolate curls (New for 2024) (Also available as non-alcoholic cold brew)
Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club (Sunset Boulevard)
- 1939 Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut
- Top Floor 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
- Amore di Amanti Prosecco
- Sparkling Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic)
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Boulevard)
- Chorizo Arancini with parmesan dust and salmorejo tomato sauce (New for 2024)
- Hamachi Crudo with caper aïoli, Dijon-avocado mousse, and citrus-champagne vinaigrette (New for 2024)
- Jazzy Holiday Slider: Bison and pork, onion jam, dulce gorgonzola, arugula, and a brioche roll (New for 2024)
- Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
- Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette (Plant-based)
- Shrimp Cocktail with house-made cocktail sauce and spicy avocado spread
- Sticky Chicken Wings with sweet-and-spicy soy (New for 2024)
- Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough
- Holiday Mickey Hot Cocoa: House-made hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, caramel-chocolate brownie Mickey ears, and holiday sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) (New for 2024)
- The Sleigh Bell: Ginger beer, rosemary syrup, pomegranate, cranberry, and lime juice (Non-alcoholic) (New for 2024)
- Old Fashioned: Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, and Maraschino Cherries (New for 2024)
- Espresso Martini: Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur, and Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew
- Peanut Butter Whiskey Cream: RumChata Cream Liqueur and Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
- Sidecar: Courvoisier VS Cognac, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, and sweet-and-sour
- Pomegranate Whisky Sour: Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky, pomegranate juice, and sweet-and-sour
- Hollywood Lights: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple, and cranberry
- Vodka Martini: Grey Goose Vodka and Dry Vermouth
- Spiced Pear Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, spiced pear syrup, and lemon juice (New for 2024)
- Peppermint Schnapps Sipping Chocolate: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Peppermint Schnapps (New for 2024)
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
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)
The Rest of Hollywood Studios
Aside from the party-exclusive entertainment, food, and drinks, you’ll still have access to much of Disney’s Hollywood Studios to explore. If you have additional time during your vacation to spend in the park, my suggestion would be to focus mainly on the party-exclusive offerings. Still, it could wind up being a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk onto Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster wearing a swanky evening dress or suit.
Confirmed Rides and Attractions Available During Jollywood Nights
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (virtual queue only)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Disney noted that more rides will be available and to check back later for details. I’ll keep you updated with what I hear.
Speaking of Tower of Terror, Disney has shared that Sunset Seasons Greetings will return this year. Check out the Hollywood Tower Hotel as its facade is “magically transformed into an array of holiday scenes as snow falls along Sunset Boulevard.”
Character Meet and Greets
- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and friends in event-exclusive outfits “inspired by the party’s vintage vibe, which celebrates the glitz and glam of Hollywood.” (Animation Courtyard)
- Powerline Max, Rescue Rangers Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Phineas and Ferb (Echo Lake)
- Edna Mode (Pixar Place)
- The Mandalorian (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) (New for 2024)
- Bo Peep and Lotso (Toy Story Land) (New for 2024)
- Santa Stitch and Santa Duffy
PhotoPass
If you’re into PhotoPass, then you’ll be happy to hear that your ticket to Disney Jollywood Nights comes with the photo service and downloads included! Feel free to download all of your photos taken by PhotoPass Cast Members, who will be found throughout the park during the event.
Those PhotoPass Cast Members will also be equipped with special effects and special lenses to add some holiday magic to your photos. Disney PhotoPass Video Memories will also be available during Jollywood Nights. Be on the lookout for a Robotic Arm Magic Shot as well as a Camera Array Magic shot that will give you and your friends a boomerang-style photo shoot.
Be sure to follow along for more updates as I hear them, and of course stay tuned for more holiday season planning tips for Walt Disney World.
Click here to read about how EPCOT is celebrating the holidays this year.
