An introvert’s guide to 2024 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 themed as “Hollywood glamour meets holiday cheer.” Your ticket grants you six and a half hours inside the park (five hours of actual event time), with a variety of seasonal offerings.
- new for 2024
- entertainment
- characters
- food and beverages
- attractions
- merchandise
- photo opportunities
- event character Ollie
This introvert’s guide to 2024 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 9
- Wednesday, November 13
- Saturday, November 16
- Monday, November 18
- Saturday, November 23
- Monday, November 25
- Saturday, November 30
- Monday, December 2
- Saturday, December 7
- Wednesday, December 11
- Saturday, December 14
- Wednesday, December 18
- Saturday, December 21
Last year, all dates eventually sold out. We’ll see this year, but opt for a Monday or Wednesday, which may be less crowded.
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 any night.
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 7:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. But your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 6 p.m., so you have six 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 7 p.m.
Guests may start queuing up around 4:30 p.m.–4:45 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.
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. Last year, distribution took place in a couple locations:
- 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 last year, these locations started distributing wristbands well over two hours before the event’s official start, so I never observed long lines.
Although the official event start time is 7:30 p.m., some locations may open early around 7 p.m. For example, when I attended last year, Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction started selling the popular Christmas Gertie Cookie a half hour early, 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 five 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:
- “Glisten!” Skating Spectacular
- Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club
- Disney Holidays in Hollywood
- What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
New for 2024
With this only being the second year of Disney Jollywood Nights, offerings are bound to change. We have quite a few changes for 2024:
- One hour longer (7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. instead of 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.)
- Ice skaters on Hollywood Boulevard
- Wondermade treat included with your ticket (provided when exiting)
- More character encounters, including these new ones: Baloo and King Louie, José Carioca and Panchito, Bo Peep and Lotso, and The Mandalorian
- New, more spacious location for Holiday Fiesta en la Calle (Animation Courtyard), with appearances from José Carioca and Panchito
- Dance party in Pixar Plaza with Edna Mode and other Pixar pals
- Ollie and other event merchandise
- Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby accepting reservations
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance standby line instead of virtual queue
- One additional showtime for What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
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.
“Glisten!” Skating Spectacular
What: ice skating show set to holiday tunes
When: 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:20 p.m., 11:15 p.m., and 12:15 a.m.
Where: Center Stage area at the end of Hollywood Boulevard
Crowd level: medium to high – With this being a new offering this year, we shall see how crowded it is. I do think it will be popular because it’s new. The Center Stage area in front of the Chinese Theatre can accommodate a large number of guests; however, you may need to be close to have a good view of the performers.
Holiday Fiesta en la Calle
What: street fair with musicians performing Latin holiday tunes and appearances from José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: Animation Courtyard
Crowd level: low – Last year, the band performed in Commissary Lane, a relatively narrow pathway. Animation Courtyard should help spread out the crowds.
Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club
What: band playing postmodern jukebox-style holiday music
When: 7:30 p.m., 8:10 p.m., 8:50 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11:10 p.m., and 11:50 p.m.
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 typical restaurant crowds. A later reservation time may be less crowded.
Note: Reservations are accepted for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby this year.
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: musical variety stage show hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
When: 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m., and 12:15 a.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: 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.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.
Pixar Plaza Party
What: dance party with Edna Mode
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: Pixar Plaza
Crowd level: low to medium – With so many other entertainment offerings, not as many guests make their way back here.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
What: nighttime spectacular with fireworks, lasers, lights, projections, and holiday music
When: 10 p.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.
Note: Although Fantasmic! isn’t unique to Jollywood Nights, the show is at 6:30 p.m., and since your event ticket gets you in at 6 p.m., you can experience Fantasmic!. If this show is a priority, head there first thing.
Characters
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 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
- José Carioca
- Panchito
Note: These two alternate.
Pixar Plaza
- Edna Mode
- Frozone
- Joy
Note: Disney has mentioned “other Pixar pals” will be in this area.
By Pixar Plaza
- Goofy
- Pluto
Echo Lake
- Max Goof (as Powerline)
- Chip ‘n’ Dale (as Rescue Rangers)
- Phineas and Ferb
- Baloo and King Louie from Talespin
Note: Although he hasn't been officially announced, Scrooge McDuck has been spotted in marketing materials. If he appears, I imagine he'll be in Echo Lake.
Celebrity Spotlight at Echo Lake
- Santa Stitch
Santa’s Workshop at Grand Avenue
- Santa Duffy
Red Carpet Dreams on Commissary Lane
- Minnie Mouse
Hollywood Boulevard near Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Mickey Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
Entrance to Toy Story Land
- Bo Peep
- Lotso
Note: These two alternate.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- The Mandalorian
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 was not available during Disney Jollywood Nights last year. I imagine it won’t be available this year, either.
Twilight Soirée at The Tip Top Club
- 1939 Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Orange 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 (nonalcoholic)
- Sparkling Apple Cider (nonalcoholic)
- Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut
- Amore di Amanti Prosecco
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
- Chorizo Arancini: With parmesan dust and salmorejo tomato sauce
- Hamachi Crudo: With caper aïoli, Dijon-avocado mousse, and citrus-champagne vinaigrette
- Jazzy Holiday Slider: Bison and pork, onion jam, dulce gorgonzola, arugula, and a brioche roll
- 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
- 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 (nonalcoholic)
- The Sleigh Bell: Ginger beer, rosemary syrup, pomegranate, cranberry, and lime juice (nonalcoholic)
- Old Fashioned: Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, and Maraschino Cherries
- 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
- Peppermint Schnapps Sipping Chocolate: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Peppermint Schnapps
ABC Commissary
- 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)
- 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
- 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 (nonalcoholic)
- Mango Chamoyada: With tequila
- Coquito: Coconut cream, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, Bacardí Rum, and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum topped with cinnamon
- 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
- Macaroni and Cheese Croquette: Fried macaroni and cheese with aïoli dipping sauce
- 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
Dockside Diner
- 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)
- 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 (nonalcoholic)
- Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Blended Canadian 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 a pickled slaw served on a mini funnel cake
- S’mores Funnel Cake: Giant roasted marshmallow with chocolate and marshmallow sauce topped with chocolate curls and cinnamon toast cereal served on a mini funnel cake
- Warm Spiced Chai Cocktail: Twinings Chai Tea, RumChata Cream Liqueur, vanilla syrup, and cinnamon
Fairfax Fare
- Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and cranberry chutney in a house-made popover
- Just the Sides’ Popover: Macaroni and cheese and savory collard greens topped with cornbread crumbs in a house-made popover
- PB&J Doughnut: Half-glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate and served with house-made salt and vinegar chips (also available at Hollywood Scoops)
- Kermit’s Frozen Banana Shake: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkles (nonalcoholic) (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)
Note: Last year, I observed the longest food line at Fairfax Fare. Even so, it only took 10–15 minutes to get through.
Market
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a house-made jalapeño ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
- Caramel-Apple Cider: Werther’s Original Caramel, apple cider, cinnamon, and Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine garnished with a sugar tuile served warm (nonalcoholic version available)
- In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon
PizzeRizzo
- Italian Beef Sandwich: Sliced beef sweet and spicy peppers and Barilla Sweet & Spicy Pepper Pesto served with a side of au jus dipping sauce
- 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
- Cranberry Fizz: Cranberry juice, Sprite, wild cherry syrup, and house-made rosemary simple syrup with a lime (nonalcoholic)
- Snowppino: Lemon sorbet, prosecco, grappa, and rosemary
- Holiday Cheer: Aperol Apéritif, vodka, Sprite, wild cherry syrup, and house-made rosemary simple syrup with an orange slice and rosemary sprig
The Trolley Car Café
- Agent P Croissant: Waffle croissant dipped in caramel-chocolate and topped with mint cream, a chocolate hat, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Round ‘Em Up Latte: A merry blend of espresso, cookie butter syrup, dulce de leche sauce, and milk adorned with fluffy whipped cream, playful animal crackers, and festive sprinkles (nonalcoholic) (available hot or iced at location in Toy Story Land; option to add spirits)
- Tinseltown Tini: Toast to holiday cheer with our cold brew coffee topped with Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur, Grey Goose Vodka, a hint of cream, creamy vanilla cold foam, and a dash of cocoa (available at location near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror)
Ice Cold Hydraulics
- Duffy Brownie: Coca-Cola fudge-filled cherry-white chocolate chip brownie covered in Coca-Cola buttercream and a caramel-chocolate Duffy paw
- Dark and Snowy: Frozen blend of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola topped with sweetened coconut cream and cinnamon
Outdoor vending locations
- Christmas Gertie Cookie: Gertie sugar cookie with a Santa hat
- Gingerbread Bites (plant- based)
Various lounge locations
- 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
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 (also available as nonalcoholic cold brew)
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. Additional attractions may be available.
Toy Story Land
- Slinky Dog Dash
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
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Note: This year, Rise of the Resistance is only available through a standby line during Disney Jollywood Nights.
Merchandise
Event-exclusive and Ollie-themed items are available for purchase. Ollie is the “face” of Jollywood, a character created for this event. More on Ollie below.
Last year, you could find event merchandise at these 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. You’ll find PhotoPass photographers throughout the park, as well as specialty image captures like The Muppets Christmas Carol opportunity inside Stage 1 on Grand Avenue.
Event character 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.