Walt Disney World is known as the most magical place on Earth. It’s even more magnified during the holiday season. While most would experience the Christmas season adorned with Mickey ears posing along Main Street, there’s a new offering for the 21 and over community. For the first time ever, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has their own Christmas program: Jollywood Nights.
Pegged as the ultimate Christmas party, Jollywood Nights takes place after official park hours, though ticket holders can enjoy the park’s attractions throughout the night. Now through Dec. 30, on select nights, guests can partake in Christmas cheer and are encouraged to be dressed in their old Hollywood glam best.
The adults-only party kicks off each night at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m. After a full day of family fun at the likes of Animal Kingdom, it gives adults a chance to enjoy libations while bringing joy to their inner child with character interactions, holiday-themed food and treats, and special surprises. Jollywood Nights promises a more refined holiday experience, with holiday décor, contemporary Christmas music, and nostalgia unlike the family-friendly vibe enjoyed at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, an event that happens annually. The itinerary is jampacked for the four-hour event. However, there were some moments I enjoyed and heard others also particularly rave about.
Highlights of Jollywood Nights
One major highlight is the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club, a rooftop-inspired shindig at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Guests enjoy cocktails and relax while a band performs live modernized Christmas music. Guests can also head over to Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. The classic eatery transforms into a limited-capacity supper club, where holiday music, craft cocktails, and small bites are in abundance.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood is a one-of-a-kind stage show that immerses vintage Hollywood TV specials mixed with all things holiday. The night is topped off with “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Hollywood Studios’ nighttime spectacular returns, but only during Jollywood Nights. Accompanied by fireworks and laser lights, moments from favorite Disney films are brought to life via projections.
Walking around the park, many attractions were still open, including the coveted Rise of the Resistance and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. For Rise, a reservation via virtual queue was needed. Most wait times at other attractions were short or nonexistent as many preferred to partake in the holiday fun.
As someone who enjoys matching a theme in attire, I love the holiday merchandise available for purchase. There are Christmas Crocs, new ears, sweatshirts, and more to go Christmas crazy with. The party calls for something a bit more spruced up. However, anyone familiar with Disney and all the walking it entails may opt for comfortability.