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Jollywood Nights Called a “Complete Disaster” After Opening Night

jollywood nights fail
Credit: Disney, Canva

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.”

walt disney world tickets on sale event mickeys very merry christmas party jollywood nights

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.

jollywood nights hollywood studios christmas show times tickets muppets

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.

Jollywood Nights

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?

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.

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.”

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.

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.

One comment

  1. You’d think they’d have learned a thing or two after that Villain’s Unleashed event. Sounds like the the same issues presented.