An introvert’s guide to 2023 Disney Jollywood Nights
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
What is it?
Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed after-hours event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s lightly themed as “Hollywood glamour meets holiday cheer.” Your ticket grants you five and a half hours inside the park (four hours of actual event time), with a variety of seasonal offerings:
- entertainment
- characters
- food and beverages
- attractions
- merchandise
- photo opportunities
- new in-park character
This introvert’s guide to 2023 Disney Jollywood Nights will prepare you for the event so you’ll know what to expect, how to deal with the crowds, and how to get the most out of the event.
When is it?
The event takes place on select nights in November and December:
- Saturday, November 11 (sold out)*
- Saturday, November 18 (sold out)*
- Monday, November 20
- Monday, November 27
- Wednesday, November 29
- Monday, December 4
- Wednesday, December 6
- Saturday, December 16 (sold out)*
- Monday, December 18
- Wednesday, December 20
*as of November 20
As you can see, all the Saturday nights are sold out. This is actually a good thing for crowds, as weekdays may be less crowded, and seeing as only three nights are sold out as of the time of this writing, you may just find yourself mixed in with light crowds.
How much is it?
Prices range from $159 to $179, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select nights.
Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. They’ll link with your account so you can use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get into the park.
(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get into the park.)
On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney Jollywood Nights.
Note: A cheaper child’s ticket is not offered for Disney Jollywood Nights; however, children under the age of 3 don’t need a ticket.
Where do I go?
Check in
Event hours go from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. But your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 7 p.m., so you have five and a half hours in the park.
Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the right side. This area is typically sectioned off from the left side with temporary barriers. The left side stays open for day guests to enter the park until the park closes at 8 p.m.
In my experience, guests started queuing up around 5:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m. If you want to make sure you’re at the front of this long line of people, I would be at the gate at this time. If you don’t get there early, I’d let the rush subside and be at the gate around 7 p.m. I observed maybe a ten-minute wait at 7 p.m. to get in.
A Cast Member will place a wristband on you and give you a credential (lanyard). Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband and credential to go on rides or enter lands, so be sure to keep both with you. This is also when you’ll receive an event map.
If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you can visit a wristband distribution location inside the park to check in:
- inside Star Wars: Launch Bay
- to the right of Muppet*Vision 3D
Note: You don’t need to go to the front of the park to receive your event map. They have them at all the distribution locations.
In my experience, these locations started distributing wristbands around 4:30 p.m. Since this is well over two hours before the event’s official start, I never observed long lines.
Although the official event start time is 8:30 p.m., some locations may open early around 8 p.m. For example, when I attended, Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction started selling the popular Christmas Gertie Cookie at 8 p.m., so I made sure to do this first thing. This is a great way to maximize the limited time you have during the event.
What do I wear?
Disney encourages its guests to don their holiday apparel for this event. In fact, they suggest getting fancy. Think old Hollywood red carpet with a holiday twist. Of course, dressing up is not required. I noticed there was a mix: some guests dressed up, some didn’t.
If you don’t want to dress up because you think it will bring more attention to you, don’t feel obligated. There were plenty of people not dressed up, so you won’t feel like an outsider if you decide to keep it casual.
What’s the plan?
Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan because four hours of event time is not enough time to do it all. If you’ve done any of the other Disney After Hours events, you know what I mean. We’ll go over all the event offerings so you can prioritize your list and know what’s best for you as a D•Introvert.
Generally speaking, for a themed after-hours event, I recommend focusing on event-exclusive offerings. This means you’ll be experiencing the most popular aspects of the night—which attract the biggest crowds.
Crowds are heaviest around Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and especially The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard area. If you need a break from the crowds, venture toward the attractions that are open during the event. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land were the least crowded in my experience.
You know your limits, but at the very least, I suggest the following things:
- Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club
- Disney Holidays in Hollywood
- What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
Note: With Disney Jollywood Nights being a brand-new event, offerings are subject to change at any time.
Entertainment
You’ll see below that various locations have live music during the event. In the marketing for Jollywood Nights, Disney says you can “dance the night away.” I don’t know about you, but dancing outside the comfort of my living room isn’t really my thing. The bands are great, and if you feel inclined to dance, perfect. But in my experience, these areas of the park didn’t really turn into dance floors. Phew.
Holiday Fiesta en la Calle
What: band playing Latin holiday music
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: Commissary Lane
Crowd level: low – Although Commissary Lane is a relatively narrow pathway, crowds were low throughout the night.
Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club
What: band playing postmodern jukebox-style holiday music
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard
Crowd level: high – You have four things happening in this courtyard: Tower of Terror ride exit, photo opportunity, live band on stage, and pop-up bar.
Tip: Walk back to the Twilight Soirée when the band is on a break. It will be less crowded then. Grab a drink at the pop-up bar while the line is short, get situated just in time for the band to return, and enjoy the music with drink in hand.
There’s something reassuring about being in a space before the masses arrive. I bet you arrive early to events at home and work. You’ve learned you’re more comfortable when others join you in your space instead of you inserting yourself into an existing crowd. The same holds true at Disney Parks.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
What: restaurant with event-exclusive menu and live jazz piano music
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: The Hollywood Brown Derby
Crowd level: medium – You may experience some crowds when the restaurant first opens for the night. Once the initial rush subsides and guests are seated, you’ll find typical restaurant crowds.
Note: Tables for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby are first come, first served at the start of the event. Once capacity is reached, you can join a mobile walk-up list through the My Disney Experience app.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
What: projection and laser show
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: The Hollywood Tower Hotel (viewed from Sunset Boulevard)
Crowd level: low to medium – Sunset Boulevard is a long street, so guests can spread out while watching the show.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
What: stage show inspired by vintage Hollywood TV specials
When: 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m, 10:45 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.
Where: Theater of the Stars (where Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage normally is)
Crowd level: medium to high – You’ll encounter a long line before the start of each show. As you file in, expect to be seated right next to someone. Later shows may be less crowded.
What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
What: stage show and sing-along inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas
When: 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m.
Where: Hyperion Theater (where For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration normally is)
Crowd level: medium to high – You’ll encounter a long line before the start of each show. As you file in, expect to be seated right next to someone. Later shows may be less crowded.
Note: This show is technically a sing-along. Audience participation may be a no-go for introverts. Don’t feel pressured to sing along. In my experience, guests were quietly singing along. The place didn’t turn into a Taylor Swift concert or anything. Phew.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
What: nighttime spectacular with fireworks, lasers, lights, projections, and holiday music
When: 12:30 a.m.
Where: in front of the Chinese Theatre/Hollywood Boulevard
Crowd level: low to medium – The Center Stage area in front of the Chinese Theatre can accommodate a large number of guests. You can also find less-crowded spots on the sides.
DJs throughout park
I noticed two DJs, one in Center Stage (in front of Chinese Theatre) and another in front of Pixar Plaza. The one near Pixar Plaza had a second person standing out in front, hyping up guests as they walked by. They encouraged you to dance to the music, etc. I can appreciate the idea, but as an introvert, you may want to avoid.
Characters
After the first night, Disney added additional character meet-and-greets to Jollywood Nights. As an introvert, characters have always been a little awkward for me. I don’t always know what to say or how to interact with them.
Even so, having more characters has a nice effect on crowds. They disperse the guests throughout the park so that the most popular areas are less congested.
If characters are your jam, here is who you can meet.
Animation Courtyard
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Goofy
- Pluto
Pixar Plaza
- Edna Mode
- Frozone
Echo Lake
- Max (as Powerline)
- Chip ‘n’ Dale (as Rescue Rangers)
- Phineas and Ferb
Vacation Fun exit
- Duffy
Center Stage (in front of Chinese Theatre)
- Pinocchio
- Jiminy Cricket
- Stitch
Near Muppets*Vision 3D
- Snow White
- Dopey
- Mary Poppins
- Penguin Waiter
Food and Beverages
Devote some time to try the themed, event-exclusive food and beverages! Portion sizes are smaller, but that also means it’s easier to sample a variety of items within a short period of time.
Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney Jollywood Nights.
Twilight Soirée at The Tip Top Club
- The 5th Dimension Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut and garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel
- Twilight 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
The Tip Top Club has two organized lines. When it gets busy, the entrance to join the lines is actually behind the Joffrey’s kiosk, right as you enter the The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard area. A Cast Member is stationed there with a sign directing you back there. This keeps you out of the main crowd in the courtyard. It works really well to alleviate some of the congestion in this area.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar
- Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats
- Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough
- Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, and avocado mousse
- Derby Slider: Bison and pork belly blend, taleggio cheese sauce, and fig stout jam
- Tuna Carpaccio: Mezcal pickled vegetables, salsa macha, and avocado crema
- Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
- Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
- An assortment of classic cocktails, zero-proof and nonalcoholic beverages, wine, and beer
ABC Commissary
- 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, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli
- Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (plant based)
- Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé for dipping
- Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel rum sauce and cinnamon
- Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle
- Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (nonalcoholic)
- Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange
BaseLine Tap House
- Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro
- Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives, and toasted focaccia bread
- Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over ice
Dockside Diner
- Spicy Pimento-Kimchi Dip: Topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips
- Roasted Eggplant Dip: Topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (plant based)
- Poutine Tots: Potato barrels 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 Hot Cocoa: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas–inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (nonalcoholic)
- Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries
Epic Eats
- Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables served on a mini funnel cake
- Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake: Beef brisket and sauerkraut slaw topped with thousand island dressing and 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 and served on a mini funnel cake
- Samuel Adams Winter Lager: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish
Fairfax Fare
- 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
- Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkles (nonalcoholic)
- Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves
Note: I observed the longest food line at Fairfax Fare. Even so, it only took 10–15 minutes to get through.
Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction
- Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (also available with mint soft-serve)
Market
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
- Frozone’s Snowball Macaroons: Coconut macaroons drizzled with blue vanilla frosting and topped with white snowflake sprinkles
- Spiced Apple Cider: Apple cider and cinnamon with an apple chip garnish (nonalcoholic)
- Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, ANGOSTURA Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim
- In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon
PizzeRizzo
- Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta
- Olive and Goat Cheese Flatbread: Olive oil–toasted flatbread, creamy goat cheese, rustic olive and tomato spread, balsamic glaze, and lemon watercress
- Antipasto Flatbread: Fresh mozzarella, salami, peperoni, country ham, olives, peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and marinara
- Tiramisu Puff: Sweet and savory with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and a coffee-infused custard and mascarpone cream
- Benvolio Pinot Grigio
- Banfi Chianti Superiore
- Peroni Nastro Azzuro Lager Draft
- Heineken 0.0 Nonalcoholic Lager
The Trolley Car Café
- Ornament Mousse: Dark chocolate-cherry mousse
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Tinseltown Tini: 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: 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 (nonalcoholic; available at the location in Toy Story Land)
Outdoor vending locations
- Gingerbread Bites (plant based)
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
Attractions
With everything else going on during the night, you’ll find attraction wait times to be lower than a regular park day. Below are the attractions open during the event.
Toy Story Land
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Toy Story Mania!
Sunset Boulevard
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Note: Rise of the Resistance is only available through a virtual queue during Disney Jollywood Nights. You can request to join the queue at 8 p.m. using the My Disney Experience app, and you do not need to be inside the park to join.
Echo Lake
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Merchandise
You can purchase an event T-shirt at three locations:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Celebrity 5 & 10
- Once Upon a Time
Photo opportunities
Disney PhotoPass is included in your Disney Jollywood Nights event ticket.
- Magic Shots, including an event-exclusive robotic arm Magic Shot and a camera array Magic Shot (boomerang style)
- PhotoPass Lens
- PhotoPass Video Memories
Note: It may take a day for all your photos to show up within the My Disney Experience app. You may find watermarks on any photos taken before the official start of the event (8:30 p.m.) However, your complimentary PhotoPass starts as early as 4 p.m. Disney has advised guests to give it a day, and those watermarks should be removed.
New in-park character named Ollie
Did you know Disney Jollywood Nights unveiled a brand-new in-park character? His name is Ollie, a gingerbread cookie who baked his dreams come true!
“There once was a cookie named Ollie
Who made his way west on a trolley
With oven-baked gleam, he followed his dream
And made all of Tinseltown jolly!”
Although you can’t actually meet him during the event, you can spot references to him throughout the park. With your keen introvert eye, you can turn this into a scavenger hunt of sorts.