If you’re headed to Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some planning can make your evening even more magical! After last year’s debut, Disney has fine-tuned this holiday event to bring more fun, shorter lines, and exclusive experiences. Here’s my updated strategy, blending last year’s advice with new tips, so you’ll have the ultimate Disney Jollywood Nights experience!
Arrive Early to Make the Most of the Night 🌆
6:00 pm – Early Entry: Arriving early means you’ll be one of the first in the park! Grab a few festive Photos, snag a snack (or whole meal!), and get ready for an exciting night. This early entry is perfect for getting in the holiday mood and getting a lay of the land.
6:30 pm – Fantasmic! Fantasmic! starts at 6:30 pm for all guests, so catch this show before Jollywood Nights kicks off. It’s a fun way to set the stage for an enchanting night. If you have your sights set on a popular Character meet and greet- consider getting in line for that instead of seeing Fantasmic. In our opinion- see Fantasmic on another night and take advantage of the LEAVING crowds for prime ride time!
Head for Characters and Unique Photo Ops 📸
7:30 pm – Start with Popular Characters and PhotoPass: Once Jollywood Nights begins, head to key character spots like Christmas Duffy, the Three Caballeros, and The Mandalorian (nothing wrong with a little Oga’s too!) in Galaxy’s Edge. Lines for these favorites can build, so prioritize characters early in the night. Pro Tip: PhotoPass digital downloads are included, so capture all the magic!
Tip: The robot arm PhotoPass in Disney Junior Play & Dance is SO unique—don’t miss it! (We hope this will be back, but we are promised unique and festive photo ops at Studio 1!)
Catch the First Show, Then Explore Rides and Attractions 🎭
8:15 pm – Show Time or a Thrill Ride: Now’s the perfect time to watch either GLISTEN! or Disney Holidays in Hollywood at the Theater of the Stars. These shows are exclusive to the party and bring a festive atmosphere that sets the night’s tone. Prefer rides? Head to Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for shorter lines and extra thrills. People will most likely gravitate to party-specific activities FIRST, so this might turn out to be a great time to ride some rides.
Tip: Don’t skip the shows—they’re high-energy and add so much to the party experience! You can even plan to see one of your favorites twice.
Dance Parties & Holiday Vibes 💃🎶
9:15 pm – Pixar Disco and Holiday Fiesta in La Calle: Spend some time dancing and celebrating with your favorite Pixar characters at Pixar Disco, then check out the festive atmosphere at Holiday Fiesta in La Calle with the Three Caballeros. These are lively, fun spots to soak in the holiday cheer!
Bonus: Ready for a snack?? If you are interested in a Central American snack, consider stopping in the ABC Commissary. Market, close to Pixar Disco, will have some festive treats as well.
Time for Fireworks & Festive Treats 🍪🎆
10:00 pm – Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks Show: Get a good viewing spot for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Disney’s famous fireworks are back at a convenient time, so you can enjoy the display without missing the night’s later activities. Remember that snack? Take it over to the Chinese Theater to save your spot and await the show!
10:30 pm – Sip & Savor at Jazzy Holidays: After fireworks, if you’re craving a quiet spot, head to Jazzy Holidays at the Brown Derby for festive bites and jazz tunes. Remember, though—sit-down meals can cut into party time, so don’t stay too long if you want to keep the night moving! There are PLENTY of food locations specific to this party, so be sure to check those out! Our favorite? Fairfax Fare for that holiday-meal-at-home feel.
Shows, Rides, and Final Character Moments 🎢✨
11:15 pm – Catch Missed Shows or Take Advantage of Low Waits: The last hour is prime time to revisit your favorites:
•Catch Disney Holidays in Hollywood or Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-a-long if you missed them earlier.
•Ride Rise of the Resistance (Visit Oga’s Cantina and keep a lookout for Mando!), Slinky Dog Dash, or Toy Story Mania with shorter lines.
12:00 am – Last-Minute Photos and Character Meets: As the night wraps up, enjoy final character moments and photos. This is often the best time for quick waits with fan-favorites like the Three Caballeros, so capture those last magical memories before saying goodbye.
Key Tips for an Amazing Disney Jollywood Nights 🎄
1.Eat Before Arriving: Arrive full, and plan to snack on festive treats throughout the night when lines are shorter.
2.Skip Sit-Down Dining: Unless you’re all about the vibe at Jazzy Holidays, keep moving to make the most of your time!
3.Stay Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, the magic of Disney is in the moments! Be ready to adapt and enjoy the night.
4.Dress Up for the Swanky Vibe: Embrace the old Hollywood glam with your attire—it’s fun to feel like part of the theme!
With this Disney Jollywood Nights strategy, you’ll experience all the holiday magic without any of the stress. Enjoy, capture memories, and dance the night away—this is the holiday celebration you won’t want to miss! Like our strategy? We love sharing our plans with our clients! Book your magical Disney vacation with Fairytale Journeys Travel for a seamless experience!
