Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for its fourth year, and Disney is making several changes. After a rocky debut in 2023, can this year’s additions finally win guests over?
Here’s a look at what’s new.
A Quick History
| Year | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Event debuts; guests report frustrations; Disney adds characters and makes operational fixes mid-season |
| 2024 | Extra hour added, Glisten! ice-skating show debuts, livelier character experiences, improved arrival process |
| 2026 | New characters, new lounge, Glisten! upgrades, January dates |
The early backlash centered on a party that didn’t fully meet guest expectations for its price. Each year since, Disney has made adjustments.
What’s New in 2026
Characters
- George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc. join the lineup
- Mike Wazowski returns
Entertainment
- Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie join Glisten!
New Lounge
- Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in the Walt Disney Studios Lot
- Specialty drinks, a DJ, and entertainment
- Includes the non-alcoholic Candy Cane Cooler, a lemonade with mint, pomegranate, and sweet cream
Food and Drinks
- Reimagined Kermit sundae
- Creative non-alcoholic sodas
- Exclusive Passholder drinks
Merchandise
- New Gertie merchandise
- Kermit straw clip
- Complimentary Chip and Dale ornament
Dates
- Jollywood Nights extends into January for the first time
Returning Favorites
| Experience | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Disney Holidays in Hollywood | Stage show with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Disney characters |
| What’s This? Sing-Along | Nightmare Before Christmas show with puppetry and effects |
| Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster holiday overlay | Festive Muppets version of the coaster |
| Alien Swirling Saucers makeover | Seasonal update to the Toy Story Land ride |
| Lounges | Tune-In Lounge and Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club |
Included Perk
Disney PhotoPass digital downloads are included with Jollywood Nights admission. That’s a big plus for guests planning to dress up and take photos.
Pros and Cons
Reasons it could be better:
- More rare characters
- Bigger Glisten! show
- New lounge space
- More non-alcoholic options
- More dates to spread out crowds
Things that could still be a challenge:
- Rare characters may mean long lines
- Entertainment schedules can be tight
- More offerings don’t guarantee a better night
Tips for Attending
- Choose a few must-dos. You can’t do everything in one night.
- Check the schedule early. Plan shows around character meets.
- Arrive early for shows. About 30 minutes for better seats.
- Dress up. It’s meant to be a glam night, but wear comfy shoes.
- Use PhotoPass. Downloads are included.
Final Thoughts
Jollywood Nights has come a long way since 2023. The 2026 additions show Disney is still investing in the event, and this could be its strongest year yet.
Whether it’s worth the ticket depends on your priorities, but for guests who skipped it before, this might be the year to give it another try.
What do you think of the 2026 changes?
