Curious if Disney Jollywood Nights is worth a visit? One Disney expert (and Disney parent) shares their honest thoughts on the after hours experience.
If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m a Disney Parks character and entertainment aficionado. Combine that with my love for all things Disney Christmas, and you’d think Jollywood Nights would be a slam dunk for me… but was it?
This was my second year attending the popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios after-hours holiday event, and I have a lot of feelings about it!
More to Do Than Ever
Every year, Jollywood Nights continues to grow its offerings—and the difference between last year and this year was noticeable. In 2025, the party featured more characters, more PhotoPass opportunities, and more unique entertainment than ever before.
Photo by CJ Ayd
That expansion not only increased the chances of finding something you’ll genuinely enjoy, but also helped spread guests more evenly throughout the park. From the far corners of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (where you can meet Chewbacca in his Life Day outfit!) to the shadows of Tower of Terror, where the Twilight Soirée band sets the mood, there’s something happening at nearly every turn.
How to Get the Most Out of Jollywood Nights
The key to getting the most out of Jollywood Nights? Stick to what’s exclusive. Don’t spend 20 minutes waiting for Sunset Seasons Greetings—that show begins nightly for all guests starting November 14, according to My Disney Experience. Instead, catch one of the incredible live performances unique to the party, like the ice-skating spectacular “Glisten!” or “Holidays in Hollywood,” starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and a host of Disney friends.
A Surprising Standout: The Food and Drinks
The Jollywood Nights food offerings are a noticeable step up from daytime fare. The buffalo chicken spring rolls and Mike-aroon from Market inside Pixar Plaza were pleasant surprises, but my favorite combo of the night came from Baseline Taphouse: the macaroni and cheese croquettes paired with a beer margarita.
The croquettes had just the right amount of Disney-friendly spice, and the drink (made with Patron Silver, Cointreau, and North Coast Brewing Co.’s Scrimshaw Pilsner) was easily one of the best hand-poured cocktails I’ve had in a Disney park. Refreshing, balanced, and not too sweet; it may not scream “Christmas,” but it’s definitely a winner.
The Glamorous Holiday Vibe
The park-wide theming alone makes Jollywood Nights feel special. Vintage Hollywood holiday décor and warm lighting transform the park into a glittering celebration. While much of that ambience can be enjoyed on a regular night in December, the added energy of guests dressed to the nines truly completes the scene.
Couples in gowns and suits, groups of friends decked out in glamorous vintage styles—it all adds to the atmosphere. While dressing up isn’t usually my thing, I loved seeing everyone embrace the theme.
My Favorite Parts of Jollywood Nights
Some of my personal highlights? I loved meeting all the specialty characters, but there was one that really hit home. Meeting Bing Bong and getting to tell him we did indeed take Riley (our daughter named after his Riley) to the moon when we moved here to Florida. I’ll never forget that one, honestly. Or, watching Goofy, in a full tuxedo, breaks out in a dance battle with park guests in the middle of Grand Avenue.
Photo by CJ Ayd
When people ask whether I think Jollywood Nights is for kids or just adults, I’ll show them that clip. Taking in Glisten! will never stop being cool (pun intended). A legit “ice” skating performance right in front of The Chinese Theatre?! It really is stunning and a must-watch in my opinion.
Last but not least, I just enjoyed the general ambience around the park while we strolled. Hollywood Studios is significantly less crowded than a normal day, so take that in and enjoy hanging out by Echo Lake for a little or take a walk through a very, almost eerily, quietly Galaxy’s Edge.
The best way to answer what I thought of Jollywood Nights overall? We are going back this weekend as a family with some really dear friends so they can experience what I believe is one of the best Christmas offerings in Walt Disney World this year.
Thank you to Disney for hosting us during the first Jollywood Nights event this year.
