December 12th, 2024
Dear Readers,
Did you know there’s a special ticketed event at Hollywood Studios in November and December where you can enjoy snacks, go on rides, watch shows, and explore the park with little to no lines? Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it’s a reality… for a price (around $180). When I saw that price tag, the first question I asked myself was, “Is it really worth it?” I’m here to discuss Jollywood Nights—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and at the end, I’ll let you know if I thought it was worth it.
What Comes with the Jollywood Nights Ticket?
You might be wondering: If I’m paying about $180 for this event, what’s included?
First, you can enter the park as early as 6:00 PM with your ticket, and the party lasts until 12:30 AM. At 7:00 PM, guests without a ticket are asked to leave, so lines begin to decrease significantly.
Your ticket also includes free PhotoPass photos taken around the park, so you don’t have to spend the evening asking others to take pictures with your phone.
Throughout the event, you’ll experience shows featuring music, ice skating, DJs, and Disney magic everywhere you turn. Additionally, exclusive merchandise and snacks will be available for purchase—items you can’t get at any other time.
How I Spent My Time at Jollywood Nights
The big question: With 6.5 hours to enjoy the event, how did I spend my time?
Rides
I managed to go on seven rides, all with wait times under 30 minutes—most were 15 minutes or less! Here’s what I rode:
- Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
- Star Tours
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Mania
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Rise of the Resistance
Food
As I mentioned earlier, the event offers exclusive food items, and I got to try a few.
At ABC Commissary, I had the birria tacos with caldo and a coquito. Both were delicious! I was nervous about the Latin-themed menu because I’m used to my mom’s homemade Mexican meals, but the food exceeded my expectations.
For dinner, I ate at the Hollywood Brown Derby, where I ordered sweet and spicy sticky wings and a sugar cookie margarita. The Brown Derby never disappoints, and this night was no exception. If you want a good sit-down meal during Jollywood Nights, reserve a table as soon as possible because it fills up fast!
Decorations
What’s a Christmas party without decorations? The festive touches were so cute and worth seeing.
Let’s start with Gertie the Dinosaur. During the regular season, Gertie is adorable, but in November, she wears a Santa hat and holds an ornament in her mouth.
The Christmas tree in the lake was another highlight. When it lights up after sunset, it’s breathtaking, and the photos are incredible!
I won’t spoil all the surprises, but here’s a hint: Keep your eyes open in Toy Story Land—you won’t be disappointed!
Shows
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see many shows because I was so busy (lol)!
I did meet Panchito from The Three Caballeros, and while waiting in line for him, I caught part of the Latin Salsa show—it was fantastic!
I also caught the tail end of “Glimmer,” an ice-skating spectacle performed front and center at Hollywood Studios, as well as a few character dance parties.
If I go again, I’d make sure to prioritize more of the shows.
The Ultimate Question: Is Jollywood Nights Worth $180?
Considering that ride lines are practically non-existent, PhotoPass is included, and you get access to exclusive shows, I’d say absolutely!
If you were to buy a regular day park pass with Lightning Lane and PhotoPass, it would cost much more than $180. Plus, at Jollywood Nights, you get 6 hours to enjoy everything, which is plenty of time to ride all the attractions, grab some food, and catch a few shows.
I hope you have a magical holiday season filled with pixie dust!
Until next time,
The Eternal Traveler