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Disney Makes a Surprise Move to Boost Its Least Popular Christmas Party

For months, fans have been watching Disney Jollywood Nights struggle to generate the same excitement as its holiday counterpart. Ticket sales have lagged behind Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and despite its glitzy old Hollywood theme, this Christmas event has only managed to sell out one night so far — opening night. Now, Disney is making a surprise move to try and turn that around.

A Slow Holiday Season for Jollywood Nights

When Jollywood Nights debuted, it was marketed as a more elegant, glamorous Christmas celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With themed entertainment, exclusive snacks, and a unique vibe that felt distinct from the more family-centric Merry Christmas Party, Disney hoped it would appeal to guests looking for something a little different.

But the reception hasn’t quite matched the vision. Many fans felt last year’s inaugural run lacked the magic and energy expected of a Disney holiday event. That reputation carried over, and this year, the ticket sales are reflecting it. With most dates still available, it’s clear Disney needs to add something extra to get people through the turnstiles.

A cheerful couple takes a selfie in front of a brightly lit Disney Jollywood sign. The man is wearing a hoodie, and the woman is dressed in festive attire with Minnie Mouse ears. They are standing next to a neon-lit gingerbread man decoration.
Credit: Disney

A Festive New Perk

This week, Disney revealed that Jollywood Nights guests will receive a complimentary holiday ornament as a parting gift. It might not be a massive change, but for Disney fans, exclusive keepsakes can make a difference.

The ornament features Mickey and Minnie perched above a film reel, decked out with the Jollywood Nights logo and a “2025” tag. It’s a collectible that can’t be bought in stores — a nice little holiday touch designed to make the event feel more special.

A square Disney Hollywood Studios ornament from Disney World with a blank center, decorated with gift boxes, Mickey Mouse faces, and "2023" on top, hangs by a red ribbon. The softly blurred background is yellow.
Credit: Disney

A Strategic Play

Disney is no stranger to making small, strategic updates when an event isn’t meeting expectations. A free souvenir may seem simple, but it taps into one of Disney’s biggest strengths: creating sentimental value. Guests don’t just leave with a memory — they leave with something tangible that reminds them of their experience.

And for fans on the fence about buying a ticket, the promise of an exclusive item could be enough to tip the scale.

Can Jollywood Nights Bounce Back?

The real question is whether this small but meaningful perk will be enough to breathe new life into Jollywood Nights. It’s still a young event with plenty of room to evolve, and Disney seems willing to make changes to give it a fighting chance.

If nothing else, it’s a sign that Disney isn’t ignoring the lukewarm response. Whether ornaments alone will drive ticket sales remains to be seen, but this move shows the company’s intent to keep Jollywood Nights in the holiday conversation.

Author

  • Andrew Boardwine

    A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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