Jollywood Nights Called a “Complete Disaster” After Opening Night

Walt Disney World welcomed this week’s holiday season with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. These special ticketed events are a magical way for guests to experience the holiday magic uniquely during their Walt Disney World vacations.

Related: Top Tips for an Amazing Holiday Trip

Following the opening night of Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some guests call the new event “a complete disaster.”

Credit: Disney

Disney Jollywood Nights

This year, Disney Jollywood Nights is a new holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can enjoy this special ticketed event on select evenings from November 11 to December 20, 2023.

Disney advertised the party as where “Hollywood Glamour Meets Holiday Cheer.” During the event, dapper decor allowed guests to enter a glamorous festival holiday season.

The event runs on select evenings from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; however, those with event tickets can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for Jollywood Nights range from $159 to $179 per ticket, plus tax.

Disney encouraged guests to “get glammed up for the occasion” to show off their unique style.

Credit: Disney

Event Festivities

Before the event, guests were excited about the promised event-exclusive shows. A show featuring Jack Skellington singing beloved songs from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) occurs at Hyperion Theatre.

Fans of The Muppets are thrilled that Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy performed in an all-new stage show full of glitz and glamour. Disney Holidays in Hollywood took place at Theater of the Stars and included not only Muppets but also Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse.

Credit: Disney Dining

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! was back to light up the night sky with heartwarming holiday moments from beloved Disney films.

With so much to enjoy throughout the evening, why was this event considered such a massive miss by some guests?

You all know that when it comes to covering theme parks for Ordinary Adventures, we are rarely overly negative. We are honest but try to highlight the good stuff.

A half hour in to Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios and I think this event is a complete disaster. I would not…

— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) November 12, 2023

Major Disaster

The frustration with Jollywood Nights started before the event even kicked off. Guests who wanted to check into the event were waiting in a line that stretched from Echo Lake to Galaxy’s Edge. Lines to get into Jollywood Nights via Disney’s Hollywood Studios main entrance were similar, with guests waiting an extended time before getting in

Lines continued as guests sought out the Twilight Soiree at The Tip Top Club. This bar provided themed drinks near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Those at the party wanting to try out a Twilight Daiquiri or a Sparkling Pomegranate-Apple Cider had to wait it out.

Just got quoted a 2 hour wait for the Phineas and Ferb meet and greet here at Jollywood Nights. We are committed to this as super fans. Let’s hope it moves faster. #forthevlog pic.twitter.com/6TMSjQkoLC

— Random Recess (@RandomRecess) November 12, 2023

Beloved characters such as Phineas and Ferb were also at the party. Guests wanting to meet this famous duo were waiting a few hours.

It wasn’t just the long waits that upset some guests with the overall party experience. Posts on social media included phrases such as “unorganized,” “chaos,” and “complete disaster.”

What do you think this line is for? Wait for the big reveal… #jollywoodnights pic.twitter.com/LPiNpDmANB

— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) November 12, 2023

For an exclusive, special-ticketed event, it was surprising to see so many long lines throughout the event. From getting into the event to enjoying special treats and drinks, guests who attended the first Jollywood Nights had to pack their patience.

We hope that these concerns that were voiced will be addressed by Disney before the next event that will take place on Saturday, November 18. As this date is also sold out, a large crowd is likely again.

These extraordinary holiday experiences make trips to Walt Disney World extra special. Let’s hope that with some adjustments, this new holiday experience will be just as magical moving forward.

Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on personal Disney parks guest experiences. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Disney Dining’s personal views on Disney Park operations.