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The competition between Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World is one that most guests appreciate. This competition gives guests more advanced rides, unique experiences, and a better overall experience as the two theme park icons work to be the best.
Universal Orlando Resort is throwing some shade at Walt Disney World around the new holiday experience Jollywood Nights, this week.
Credit: DisneyParksBlog
What is Jollywood Nights
Disney is offering a special ticketed holiday event for the first time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Jollywood Nights will take place on select days throughout November and December.
This special event costs anywhere from $159 to $179 per person. During the event, guests can enter the park at 7:00 for the 8:30 pm party start time.
Entering early allows guests to experience some magic during regular park hours. This might be a dining reservation, Fantasmic, or riding a few rides.
The event brings new entertainment to guests. Disney Holiday in Hollywood features the Muppets at Theater of the Stars. Also available during the party is a new sing-along. What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along features the Pumpkin King at the Hyperion Theater.
To wrap up the evening, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Lights up the sky with holiday moments from Disney films.
Credit: Disney and canva
Major Fail
During the first Jollywood Nights, social media was full of complaints from those attending the event. Long lines for meet and greets, drinks, and snacks left a lot of guests upset about the experience.
Related: Jollywood Nights Called a “Complete Disaster” After Opening Night
Credit: Disney and Canva
Adjustments
In response to the complaints, Disney adjusted the special holiday event. Those who attended the second party were surprised to discover new, unique characters throughout the party.
Related: Disney Tries to Save Jollywood Nights With Exclusive Characters
One big surprise that guests experienced was Santa Duffy. This scarce character was a thrill for those attending the party. Other notable characters throughout the party were Santa Stitch, Jiminy Cricket, and Snow White and Dopey.
The second party seemed to go much smoother for Disney and its guests. Even with the improvement to the party, Universal Studios Orlando wasn’t ready to let Walt Disney World off the hook.
An original park character without needing a separate ticket? Yes, please. https://t.co/P2gexrsFdJ pic.twitter.com/gOu0iOH4wt
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 20, 2023
Universal Critiques Disney
In their social media post today, Universal Orlando Resort tossed some criticism at Walt Disney World. “An original park character without needing a separate ticket? Yes, please.” This post went along with a video clip of Earl the Squirrel.
The story with Earl, the Squirrel at Universal Studios, is that he snuck in on one of their Christmas trees and would steel blue Christmas lights to decorate his home.
Guests can search the giant Christmas tree at Universal Studios Florida for the hidden plush squirrel holding a small strand of blue lights.
Earl the Squirrel can also be met during the holiday season. Standing over six feet tall, this adorable squirrel in his holiday sweater is an experience everyone can have while visiting Universal.
Universal Studios seems to criticize Disney for only bringing out the special characters during ticketed events.
Part of us agrees with Universal in that it would be nice to see some of these more unique and memorable characters more often throughout Walt Disney World. On the other hand, for those spending the extra money on these parties, it is also excellent for them to get some bonus magic.
What are your thoughts?
Stop being a Disney buttboy. I’m a DVC MANBER who is tired of 25 years of gimme more money and lose perks!
I think Disney should not charge a separate admission for any of their holiday events. People pay enough to get into the parks on a regular basis, why pay for a cookie, hot chocolate, or candy and wait in line to see favorite characters. Do it for “FREE” leave the greed behind!
I’ve been a Disney guest off and on since 1986. The crowd levels are extreme now compared to how they were back then and get worse and worse every year. I hate seeing prices go up but it seems no matter how much they are increased, it does nothing to dispel crowd numbers. I don’t know what the solution is to make it affordable while not causing an even worse influx. Building an additional park would be a start, though. We need a villains themed park and a throwback park….put in all of the retired rides there for those who like nostalgia.