Our 1-night itinerary for Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios affords a step-by-step Christmas celebration plan for minimizing time ready in strains for character meet & greets, seeing fireworks, all three stage reveals and leisure acts, and avoiding crowds throughout Walt Disney World’s arduous ticket vacation season occasion.
For many who are unfamiliar with it, Disney Jollywood Nights (DJN) is held on two evenings per week at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) through the vacation season. It begins in mid-November and runs till the week earlier than Christmas, and is a 5-hour vacation celebration from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM–friends with Christmas celebration tickets might enter DHS as early as 6:00 PM. DJN is a limited-capacity, individually ticketed occasion that happens after hours, and options family-friendly enjoyable for friends of all ages.
Actually, Disney Jollywood Nights is quite a bit like an After Hours occasion, minus the “free” refreshments however with a whole lot of leisure added. Whereas we’re going to give attention to what’s distinctive to the Christmas celebration right here, simply know that you can additionally decide to do rides as an alternative–most can have waits of beneath 10-Quarter-hour. Slinky Canine Sprint could be the one exception–we’d suggest saving that for later within the night to reduce ready.
In order for you the occasion information and our evaluate of whether or not it’s well worth the cash, see our Disney Jollywood Nights Christmas Occasion 2024 Assessment: Wow, What a Distinction a Yr Makes! It is a celebration plan or itinerary, targeted solely on maximizing time on the occasion for attendees.
One thing we must always disclose up-front is that this Disney Jollywood Nights Christmas celebration plan could be very a lot tentative. We’ve solely attended DJN twice ever (with a 3rd celebration booked for December). And truthfully, what we realized from celebration #1 is nearly totally irrelevant, because the occasion modified a lot from final 12 months to 2024. So actually, this 1-night itinerary relies on just one evening. Usually, I love to do a whole lot of area testing and analysis earlier than releasing itineraries and technique guides, however that merely isn’t attainable (but) right here.
That is additionally a pointy distinction to our planning sources for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion (MVMCP). We’ve been attending that occasion yearly since 2007, and in some circumstances have gone 4-5 instances in a single 12 months. (It was a a lot cheaper occasion and we love Christmas…don’t choose!) Not solely that, however MVMCP doesn’t change a lot from 12 months to 12 months, so what we realized a decade in the past nonetheless kind of applies.
The one saving grace with this DJN celebration plan is that we’ve performed quite a bit of Walt Disney World particular occasions through the years, and most of the planning ideas are moveable. The teachings we’ve realized from MVMCP apply right here at the least partly, which is one thing so that you can additionally bear in mind for those who’ve performed that however are a newcomer to Disney Jollywood Nights. With that out of the best way, let’s begin the night at DHS!
Arrive Early – Buying an occasion ticket to Disney Jollywood Nights provides you entry to DHS beginning at 6 PM. This overlap with common park hours, referred to as the occasion mix-in, is scaled again as in comparison with MVMCP, however it’s nonetheless bonus time and you need to take full benefit–it’s a great alternative to do issues that aren’t distinctive to the Christmas celebration itself.
We suggest planning to get to DHS by 5:45 pm. If you have already got admission for today within the park, you possibly can enter even earlier by means of the non-event turnstiles and get your wristband inside somewhat than the entrance of the park. In contrast to at MVMCP, this isn’t essential. Even on the bought out DJN date we attended in 2024, the check-in and wristband course of on the entrance of the park was seamless. It’s attainable that’ll change sooner or later, however we had been shocked by simply how clean it went.
Additionally in contrast to MVMCP, the mix-in time throughout Disney Jollywood Nights isn’t significantly busy. Trip wait instances are already beginning to lower, seemingly owing to friends–each day and celebration attendees–being pulled to the lone displaying of Fantasmic. Should you’ve by no means seen that present and that is your solely (partial) day in DHS, we’d extremely suggest it. In any other case, think about doing one thing apart from Fantasmic–it’ll be busier than regular.
That is all topic to alter as Walt Disney World ‘tweaks’ the attendance cap for Disney Jollywood Nights, however that also requires greater demand for the occasion (which hasn’t been the case but). That is in all probability the distinction between a Christmas celebration at Magic Kingdom vs. Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Suffice to say, that is just about an After Hours occasion–in contrast to MVMCP, which not guarantees low crowds.
Eat Early – We discovered that counter service eating places round Disney’s Hollywood Studios started serving the particular Disney Jollywood Nights menus previous to the occasion starting. I used to be capable of eat the above unfold (fortunate me) at PizzeRizzo as of ~6:30 pm. I additionally noticed different eating places and snack stands able to roll effectively earlier than 7:30 pm, making mix-in a great time to eat.
Another choice, and doubtless a greater one, could be consuming an everyday meal earlier than the mix-in begins. I’ll by no means cross up a chance to suggest one in every of my private favorites, Sebastian’s Bistro, which is a good worth (higher than ‘Ohana) and a brief Skyliner experience away from DHS over at Caribbean Seashore Resort. I’d suggest the earliest attainable reservation for Sebastian’s Bistro for those who decide to try this.
Skip Characters – One other approach that Disney Jollywood Nights is in contrast to MVMCP is that not one of the marquee characters begin assembly early throughout mix-in. A minimum of, not materially early. I can’t be all over the place directly, however in doing laps of the park, I noticed lengthy strains however no characters between 7 pm and seven:20 pm.
This results in one of many largest items of recommendation this Disney Jollywood Nights 1-night itinerary has to supply: skip characters early on through the occasion. In the course of the Disney Jollywood Nights that I attended, the entire meet & greets–each single one–had longer strains through the first hour than later.
After all, for those who’re one of many first to line up, you received’t wait as lengthy as soon as the characters do seem. However you’ll nonetheless be ready–it’ll simply be that you just’re pulling that ahead to the mix-in. Whether or not that is the precise determination for you actually depends upon what number of characters you wish to meet. In some unspecified time in the future, it turns into a math downside–you possibly can solely meet so many through the remaining couple of hours, and it’s not attainable to get to all of them then.
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas Sing-Alongside – It is a probability to hitch Jack Skellington at Hyperion Theater for a stage present impressed by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas. Sing together with the Pumpkin King to beloved songs from the movie as you observe two mates on a larger-than-life journey.
“What’s This” is a must-see, and it’s the piece of marquee leisure with the earliest showtime: 7:30 pm. We discovered demand for this stage present to be decrease than absolutely anything else on the 2024 Disney Jollywood Nights, which is exactly why we suggest doing it first. You received’t wish to allocate useful celebration time later within the occasion to this when crowds are beginning to skinny out.
We’d suggest sitting on the far facet of the theater. (If individuals are stopping within the center, you possibly can at all times go across the entrance row and loop again to the top.) Not solely does this offer you a greater view of Jack Skellington, however it makes for a sooner and simpler exit. That could be necessary with the following step.
With that mentioned, if characters do actually matter and also you wish to meet over a half-dozen, think about prioritizing one or two of these (getting in line for a preferred one earlier than 7 pm) and slotting in “What’s This” later. Should you go for characters, you need to do the final displaying of “What’s This” at 12:30 am. It is a good method for extending the occasion.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood – Hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, this star-studded vacation extravaganza consists of appearances from Characters similar to Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse—accompanied by a gifted forged of singers, dancers and jazz musicians.
That is the opposite marquee stage present throughout Disney Jollywood Nights, and my favourite a part of the occasion, interval. The primary displaying of Holidays in Hollywood is at 8:15 pm, which is 45 minutes after What’s This? The earlier stage present ends at 7:52 pm, which supplies you a somewhat slim window to make it to Theater of the Stars on Sundown Boulevard. It ought to take you lower than 8 minutes to stroll between the 2, which is a 15-minute (give or take) buffer. We discovered that to be greater than enough, however your mileage might fluctuate.
Twilight Soirée on the Tip Prime Membership – It is a swingin’ celebration within the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Resort. Right here, you possibly can sip cocktails and unwind in model whereas a stay band swoons and croons vacation tunes. The subsequent showtime is 8:50 pm.
Whereas the window is a tad tight between What’s This and Holidays in Hollywood, this must be straightforward. Actually, you need to have loads of time to seize drinks from the bar earlier than the band comes on–or mingle with the previous Hollywood characters within the crowd.
Characters & Dance Events – Between the Twilight Soirée and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, you have got nearly an hour to do no matter. I’d suggest taking this time to knock out a few characters and/or take a look at the opposite ancillary dance events (Pixar Disco and Vacation Fiesta en la Calle). You’ll be able to even kill two birds with one stone, doing each on the similar time–it’s straightforward to get pleasure from Vacation Fiesta en la Calle whereas in line for José Carioca or Panchito, and you’ll snag selfies with Pixar buddies at that disco.
After about 9:30 pm can also be a great time to fulfill Santa Duffy. In the course of the celebration I attended, he had a 70 minute posted wait in the beginning of the occasion, and was a literal walk-on solely a few hours later. My working principle is that there’s a comparatively restricted pool of Duffy diehards that prioritize him as #1, however most different friends don’t care. As soon as that preliminary rush is labored by means of, there’s solely a trickle of friends all through the remainder of the occasion.
Following Santa Duffy, think about knocking out a meet & greet or two (time allowing) round Echo Lake. Once more, that is what I did and it labored effectively to fulfill Disney Afternoon characters with ~10 minute lengthy strains. You don’t have to fret about staking out a spot for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM with this plan.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – It is a nighttime spectacular that may make spirits brilliant. Watch in awe as heartwarming vacation moments from favourite Disney movies are delivered to life on the façade of the park’s iconic Chinese language Theater. It’s a show of fireworks, lasers, lights, projections and merry music.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM shouldn’t be my favourite nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World, to be completely trustworthy with you. Nonetheless, it’s seasonal fireworks and I by no means cross up the chance to see it. I don’t, nevertheless, put in a ton of effort. My favourite spot for watching is round Echo Lake. It is a nice view for the pyro and different results, and is the easiest photograph spot (10/10 Disney photographers agree).
It’s not, nevertheless, a great view of the projections on the entrance of Grauman’s Chinese language Theater. If these are a must-see for you (they completely usually are not for me), head to Hollywood Boulevard. It’s nonetheless pretty straightforward to get an honest spot last-minute.
Extra Echo Lake Characters – The opposite motive I like watching Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM from Echo Lake is as a result of it places you in a major place to leap in line for a personality as soon as the fireworks finish and earlier than the push arrives.
A few of these characters proceed assembly throughout the fireworks, so you can technically multi-task and wait in line whereas watching the fireworks. (Simply make sure whichever one you do has a clear view over the water in the direction of the theater/Runaway Railway. In any other case, your view could be blocked by bushes.
Extra Characters Across the Park – Following that, it’s a great time to fulfill remaining characters in your checklist. This consists of higher-priority ones like Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy or Pluto on the walkway between Pixar Place and Toy Story Land, or Phineas and Ferb or Max Goof as Powerline in Echo Lake.
Notice that most of the characters do their remaining units effectively earlier than the top of the occasion, so you can’t wait till 11:30 pm or later to knock all of them out.
Glisten – It is a beautiful ice skating present on Hollywood Boulevard the place worldwide champion skaters carry out breathtaking routines set to a vibrant vacation soundtrack—together with unique songs and Disney favorites like Be Our Visitor and When You Want Upon A Star.
As the massive new factor for 2024, Glisten drew bigger crowds through the earlier showings on the Disney Jollywood Nights we attended. By the ultimate two performances, it was pretty empty. You would technically see it every time–it’s not drawing actually big crowds at any efficiency–however the views get quite a bit higher with the ultimate two performances. I like to recommend seeing it at 11:15 pm to unlock the top of your night.
Final Name for Characters – Count on character meet & greet units to finish round midnight on the newest. On the Disney Jollywood Nights that I attended, this was the official final name for each Santa Sew and Minnie & Mickey (assembly collectively) at Crimson Carpet Desires.
Should you e-book it from Glisten over to Santa Sew, you may be capable to meet him and soar into line for Mickey and Minnie (proper across the nook) earlier than the clock strikes midnight. It actually relies upon upon attendance (is the DJN you’re attending bought out?). Specializing in whichever meet & greet is higher-priority to you might be the smarter method.
Free Time – This leaves concerning the final Quarter-hour as free time. Should you actually loved Holidays in Hollywood, you need to have time to catch the ultimate (12:15 am) efficiency. Should you skipped What’s This? earlier, that reveals at 12:30 am.
This may also be a great time to seize PhotoPass Magic Photographs, of which there are a number of at Disney Jollywood Nights.
In the end, you need to be capable to have an environment friendly night with loads of enjoyable and many leisure (maybe an excessive amount of) by following this Disney Jollywood Nights Christmas Occasion plan. We actually get pleasure from this particular occasion and had a blast throughout its sophomore season. There’s sufficient to try this leaves you wanting extra, however the crowds are additionally sufficiently low that you need to have a satisfying evening even for those who don’t strictly observe this 1-night itinerary.
That’s in all probability price underscoring. In contrast to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion, which nearly “requires” savvy technique to keep away from crowds and have a great time, Disney Jollywood Nights is rather more laid again. You don’t have to method this celebration like a navy incursion with a view to have enjoyable.
You don’t even have to strictly keep on with the step-by-step technique laid out right here! Whereas I’d personally not suggest ready in line 70 minutes for Santa Duffy when you possibly can see him later in beneath 10, what you are able to do is take the broad contours outlined right here and match them to your individual wants.
As you possibly can in all probability inform by our preferences and suggestions, what we actually love is the party-specific leisure. Hopefully this Christmas Occasion plan offered a balanced night, with time for character meet & greets, exploring the park, getting photographs, and having fun with the environment. But when this strikes you as “an excessive amount of,” then merely skip steps or change issues up! Trip a pair rides, seize a couple of drinks and bites to eat. There’s a great quantity of flexibility, particularly for those who’re occurring an evening that Disney Jollywood Nights doesn’t promote out–or for those who don’t actually care about uncommon characters.
Ultimately, Disney Jollywood Nights is pricey, however can supply a whole lot of bang in your buck. Go in with sensible expectations, however attempt to do as a lot as you possibly can–characters, fireworks, each stage reveals. This itinerary must also exhibit why we don’t suggest doing common sights through the Christmas Occasion, but when that’s all you care about, extra energy to you. A ticket to Disney Jollywood Nights is cheaper than Lightning Lane Premier Move and you’ll get extra sights performed! By which case, all the things else is icing on the cake.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you ever attended this 12 months’s Disney Jollywood Nights Christmas Occasion? Which character meet & greets and different leisure are your high priorities? Did you meet Santa Sew/Duffy, Disney Afternoon characters, or Fab 5 mates of their vacation finery, or had been the strains too lengthy for you? Do you disagree with something in our 1-night DJN plan? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
