Did Disney fix its Jollywood Nights problem?

Disney World’s new separately ticketed holiday party, Jollywood Nights, got off to a very rough start, with guests and Cast Members alike struggling to navigate the event. 

Queues for everything from checking in to food to character meet-and-greets were not only long but also bewildering, far beyond typical Disney standards. Guests struggled to find the line where they belonged—was this a line for a show, a photo op, or a store? The only exception to this chaos was the ride lines, which, surprisingly, were the shortest we’ve witnessed in a considerable amount of time.

Our experience on opening night gave us low expectations for the event’s second night, but we were pleased to observe a smoother operation on the second night. Lines were shorter and more organized. But for Jollywood Nights to prosper in the future, Disney must implement several adjustments to get the party on the same level as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

So let’s break down the new party: what works well, what still needs work and what really needs to be changed.

It’s essential to recognize that, despite being hosted at a theme park catering to both kids and adults, Jollywood Nights is marketed as the “adult” Christmas party, in contrast to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Guests are encouraged to embrace the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, with highlighted bar areas creating a vibrant cocktail party ambiance. Special food and drinks further contribute to this atmosphere, and even the musical performances around the park are tailored to the adult crowd.

That being said, one great thing about this event so far is that the lines for attractions are nonexistent. The longest line we saw the first night was 25 minutes for Slinky Dog Dash. We bumped into one guest on the first night who said she and her family were able to get on all the rides in the park in the first two hours and were planning on spending the rest of the night on line for food and to see the entertainment. 

On the second night, the wait for Tower of Terror stood at 13 minutes, which is Disney-speak for no wait at all.  

So, if you want to ride an attraction, this is the party for you. 

The character meet and greets needed help after the first night and Disney responded to the negative reviews by bringing out several rare characters: Santa Stitch, Santa Duffy, a Holiday Jiminy Cricket, Pinnochio, and Mary Poppins and Penguin. It seems they have turned this around but it can still get better with more seldom seen characters coming out. 

The various specialty food highlights are excellent. It’s nice to see a variety of savory meals as well as sweets. Our quick suggestions: The Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake at EPIC Eats, the Holiday Turkey Popover and ‘Just the Sides’ Popover at Fairfax Faire and the Christmas Gertie Cookie. (We did find out the Gertie Cookies are completely handmade, including the little red chocolate Santa hat).

What is missing from this party are some included treats. Remember, guests are paying about the same amount for Jollywood as they are for the Halloween and Christmas parties. At Halloween you get candy. At the Christmas party there are cookies and hot chocolate available. Even if Disney doesn’t want to add unlimited treats to this event, there are ways to provide one free non-alcoholic drink and some popcorn by placing pull-off tabs on the lanyard. 

The entertainment offerings at this party are a significant highlight. While detailed reviews will be available later, two standout shows, Disney Holidays in Hollywood and What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, are strongly recommended.

Disney Holidays in Hollywood showcases two iconic showbiz couples, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. This delightful holiday show features exceptional music, comedy, a touching song by Belle, and an impressive singing performance by Tiana.

What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along diverges from the traditional sing-along format. Although lyrics are displayed on a screen, the fast-paced songs proved challenging for many to keep up with. Instead, it leans more towards performance art, with two engaging actors guiding the audience through a wordless narrative.

The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club boasts a ghostly quartet, playing together since 1939, presenting a range of standards that transport attendees to the era before the Hollywood Tower Hotel succumbed to lightning, transforming into the Tower of Terror. A word of caution: this area leans more towards Tip Top Garden than Tip Top Club, located at the Tower of Terror exit. Rapid overcrowding may occur, especially as the bar area is situated on the far side from where the band performs.

Commissary Lane undergoes a festive transformation into a holiday street fair with Holiday Fiesta en la Calle. Disney promotes “Latin holiday music fill[ing] the air as musicians play along the walkways.” However, the emphasis here is on “walkways,” and attempts to convert a major thoroughfare into an entertainment venue fall short. This setup poses challenges for bands and guitarists who lack the proximity to a nearby bar, inhibiting their ability to gather an audience. The constant flow of people using the walkways for park navigation dampens the atmosphere, preventing many from fully engaging in the music and dance. A different location would create a more enjoyable experience.

The event’s grand finale is our most significant concern – the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show. While this show features fireworks, lasers, and projections on the façade of the park’s iconic Chinese Theater, it does not measure up to its “nighttime spectacular” label. And it’s a retread; it debuted in 2016 at Hollywood Studios and remained free of charge until the COVID-19 shutdown. Viewing Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! as part of a $179 special event doesn’t feel like a great value, as other Disney parties at Magic Kingdom offer unique Christmas and Halloween fireworks. Placing previously accessible entertainment behind a “holiday party paywall” seems like a money grab. 

The end of the night can also use some more help. It might seem small, but the parting gift is a pair of Jollywood coasters. Again, compare this to other parties and it seems more like an afterthought than ornaments or pins the have been released at other parties.

In the end, Disney has fixed the logistical issues, to create a fun and entertaining evening that we are sure will evolve. But as whole, it needs a few more changes for it to be on the level it should be.