Jollywood Nights has begun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. This special ticketed event includes holiday-themed entertainment, special food items, and exclusive character interactions.
We went to the first night of the Jollywood Nights event to share what you need to know for this year. There are a few changes from last year that guests should be aware of, like new characters and changes to entry times. At Mickey Visit, we report on all the latest Disney news, including the controversy surrounding a popular travel agency and updates on the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.
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1. Earlier Entry Time for Party Guests
Jollywood entrance
This year included a new change to when Jollywood Nights guests could enter the park. Now guests can enter Hollywood Studios as early as 5:30 PM, before the party officially begins at 7 PM. In previous years, guests could only enter the park an hour before the event began.
2. Jollywood Nights Adds New Characters
Jollywood Nights characters
This year included three new characters introduced to an already robust lineup of character interactions. Miguel from Coco is greeting guests at the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle. Bing Bong from Inside Out is greeting guests at Grand Avenue, and Partysaurus Rex can be found in Toy Story Land in his outfit from the holiday Toy Story short.
3. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Included in Celebration
Jollywood Nights characters
For the first time, outside of just general merchandise, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is being included in the holiday celebrations. Chewbacca is greeting guests in his Life Day outfit, which is a promising sign we might finally get to see more holiday decor in this area for future seasons. We’ve been asking for this for years now!
4. New Food Items Added to Lineup
Jollywood Night food items
This year introduced a few new food items to Jollywood Nights including the Arepas de Choclo. This was really good and one of our favorite food items. The sweet corn pairs perfectly with the cilantro aioli. As for the new Tropical Tidings (blue drink), the taste was very sweet like Powerade, but the coconut helped dampen the sweetness a little.
As for the Figgy Pudding Martini, it had a lot of fig taste but wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet. And the creaminess wasn’t overbearing. It’s great to see Disney continue to mix up and change the menu with these new items.
5. Characters Interacting More with Guests
Jollywood Night characters
We also noticed some changes in character interactions at the event. Last year, Jose and Panchito were doing meet and greets. This year, they’re dancing with the live bands at the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle! As a reminder, this is where you can also meet Miguel from Coco.
6. Pixar Disco Improved with More Decor
Pixar Dance Party
This year, we also saw the improvement of the Pixar Disco experience with more characters, additional decor, and lighting. These are all signs that Disney is continuing to invest in Jollywood Nights in hopes of growing the popularity of the event.
7. New Free Souvenir for Party Guests
Jollywood Nights
Following the tradition of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights changed up their free souvenir this year to a photo frame ornament. Anyone attending the party received one of these at no additional charge.
8. Entertainment Improvements
Jollywood Nights entertainment
The show, Glisten, returned for its second year, but this time with a bigger stage in front of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This expanded stage area did wonders for the show, as this gave the entertainers more room to work with and put a greater emphasis on the experience.
9. New Drink Popular with Guests
Jollywood Night drink
A new drink themed around a dill pickle was a hit with party guests. The Holiday Dill-Light was a crowd favorite, according to cast members we spoke to. We enjoyed this drink as the dill taste isn’t too strong. It’s essentially a dirty martini with pickle juice.
10. Jollywood Nights Merchandise Expanded
Jollywood Nights merch
The Jollywood Nights merchandise this year was expanded with items like spirit jerseys, ornaments, Minnie Ears, mugs, and more. All the merchandise this year features Ollie the Gingerbread Man.
Walt Disney World is continuing to work hard to get Jollywood Nights to the same level of popularity as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I am glad to see Disney invest in this event, especially after its slow start when it was first introduced.
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