There’s a certain kind of holiday magic that only Walt Disney World can deliver, and this year’s Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios wrapped it all in a vintage bow of Hollywood glamour. Our party night happened to be completely sold out, adding an extra buzz of excitement as my husband Jason and I stepped into this dreamy, retro tinsel-town celebration alongside our Disney Nerd partners in crime: Bradley, Misty, and Amanda. We arrived dressed in our very best Old Hollywood glam, ready to sparkle under the twinkling lights, and it truly felt like we’d slipped straight into a Christmas classic.

Together, we wandered through shimmering lights, jazzy holiday beats, and that timeless old-Hollywood charm that defines Jollywood Nights so perfectly. It was one of those evenings filled with laughter, nostalgia, and pure holiday enchantment. The kind of night that reminds you why Disney magic feels so special this time of year.

Since we didn’t have regular park tickets this year for the day of the party, our adventure began right at 5:00pm, when we joined the growing line of excited guests waiting for Jollywood Nights entry. Even with the crowds, everything was impressively organized. Guests with party only tickets were directed to the right after security, forming a neat queue just for event entry. Around 5:15pm, Cast Members began making their way through the line handing out event maps, answering questions, and guiding everyone into well organized corrals. By 5:30pm, the check-in process officially kicked off. First came ticket scanning, then a second Cast Member slipped on our event wristbands, and moments later another handed out the cutest little packs of holiday themed mini M&M’s. It was all so efficient that we found ourselves inside Hollywood Studios by 5:35pm, being ushered toward the right, we made our way down the alleyway behind the “Theater of the Stars” towards The Tower of Terror. Although the party itself didn’t begin until 7:30pm, Jollywood Nights guests were welcomed in early to enjoy a magical two extra hours in the park before the festivities officially began.

Once we entered the park, we were immediately swept into the charm of Hollywood Studios dressed in its Christmas finest. The entire park shimmered with vintage holiday glamour, twinkling garlands draped across Hollywood Boulevard, glowing stars hanging above the street, and classic tinsel touches that made the whole scene feel like a holiday postcard from the 1950s. Every corner sparkled with that old-Hollywood Christmas magic that Jollywood Nights does so well.

One of my absolute favorite touches was a delightful nod to the past: a window display on Hollywood Boulevard featuring the three iconic ladies from The Great Movie Ride, decked out in festive Christmas outfits, and yes, still sporting their signature swim caps underneath! It was such a charming tribute to the beloved attraction that once stood where Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway now lives, and it brought a warm little wave of nostalgia for longtime fans.

As we continued our walk around the park, we noticed that guests were already lining up for some of the special character meet-and-greets, even though the characters wouldn’t appear until the official party start time. The excitement in the air was contagious. People staking out spots early, swapping tips, comparing outfits, and buzzing about who they hoped to see. It felt like everyone was sharing in the same joyful anticipation.

With some time to spare before the party began, we decided to take advantage of the surprisingly low wait times for attractions, and what a win that was! We headed straight to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where we walked right onto Smugglers Run and then waited only 15 to 20 minutes for Rise of the Resistance, which is practically unheard of. Experiencing these incredible rides with friends made it all even better, we were laughing, cheering, and fully immersed in the adventure. It felt like the night was already delivering magic before the party had even begun.

After our adventure through the galaxy, we made our way back toward Tower of Terror to experience the Twilight Soirée at the iconic Tip Top Club. But first, one absolutely incredible ride on Tower of Terror itself. We ended up with a wild elevator sequence that had all of us laughing, screaming, and clinging to the handles (well at least I was) as we dropped, shot up, and dropped again. It was pure, chaotic joy. The kind of ride that leaves you breathless and immediately wanting to go again.

Stepping out into the courtyard, we were greeted by the dreamy glow of the Tip Top Club Swinging Soirée. A live band filled the night air with upbeat, jazzy holiday tunes that felt straight out of a glamorous 1940s Christmas party. We sang along, we danced, and we soaked up the enchanting vibe under the Hollywood Tower Hotel’s eerie, but somehow festive, shadow. While twirling around the courtyard, we treated ourselves to the specialty cocktails: the 1939 Royal and the Top Floor Daiquiri. Both were delicious, and we raised our glasses in a toast to friendship, fun, and the Disney memories that make nights like this unforgettable.

From there, we made our way down to Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, where the energy shifted into a vibrant, Latin inspired holiday street celebration. The music was lively, the beats irresistible, and we found ourselves dancing even more, because how could you not? We grabbed drinks from the nearby KRNR Rock Station, trying the Spiced Apple Sangria and the White Cranberry Margarita, both packed with festive flavor and absolutely delightful. Even though the drink lines hovered around 5–10 minutes, the atmosphere made the wait part of the fun. Surrounded by colorful lights, warm laughter, and the rhythm of holiday Latin tunes, it truly felt like a celebration of joy in every sense.

Next on our festive journey was the Disney Holidays in Hollywood show, featuring none other than the iconic duo themselves, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. We arrived at the theater just as the line began moving inside, and luck was clearly on our side because we snagged a fantastic seat with a perfect view of the stage.

The show itself was a dazzling blend of classic Disney charm and holiday spectacle. As the lights dimmed and the music swelled, the stage transformed into a glamorous retro Hollywood holiday scene with bright bulbs, glittering decor, shimmering ornaments, and that unmistakable old-school showbiz flair that fits Jollywood Nights so perfectly. From the very first number, the energy was absolutely infectious.

We were treated to lively performances from Princess Tiana and Princess Belle, each bringing their own signature magic to the seasonal songs. Tiana lit up the stage with her warm Louisiana holiday vibe, while Belle added a touch of elegance and winter charm. The dancers were phenomenal! Every routine filled with vibrant choreography, shimmering costumes, and toe tapping rhythm that had the whole audience bopping along.

And then, of course, Kermit and Miss Piggy made their grand appearance. Their comedic banter was spot on. Kermit with his gentle, earnest charm and Miss Piggy delivering the perfect over-the-top holiday diva attitude. Together, they brought the house down with laughs, sweet moments, and that nostalgic Muppet magic that’s impossible not to love. The combination of music, humor, and festive flair made the whole show feel like stepping into a vintage holiday variety special.

By the end, the entire theater was buzzing with holiday cheer. It was one of those experiences that perfectly blends Disney magic with seasonal sparkle, leaving you humming the songs long after you leave your seat.

As the evening rolled on, we made the decision to keep exploring the park, and it paid off big. The ride wait times continued to be amazingly low. We zipped over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania, and Slinky Dog Dash, and at no point did any of us wait more than 15–20 minutes. The perfect chance to ride with friends, grin at each other, and soak up all the joy.

Between attractions, we stopped to enjoy Glisten, the beautiful nighttime ice skating show. The rink glowed under soft twinkling lights as skaters glided across the ice with elegant choreography and festive grace. Their movements shimmered like snowflakes in motion. A dreamy, peaceful moment that perfectly balanced the excitement of the night.

As the time drew closer for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, we made our way toward the Chinese Theatre to find the perfect viewing spot. While we waited, I treated myself to a delicious pear based holiday cocktail from the outdoor bar at the Hollywood Brown Derby. It was the perfect festive sip under the glowing night sky. Jason and Bradley opted for an “In Holiday Fashion”, a warmly spiced mix of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry juice, lime juice, and cinnamon. Meanwhile, Misty and Amanda savored a Sugar Cookie Martini, blended with Stoli vanilla vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, Disaronno amaretto, milk, and sugar. A drink that smelled every bit as sweet and cozy as the season itself from a nearby outdoor cocktail cart.

Gathered together with our holiday beverages, we laughed and soaked in the simple joy of being in Walt Disney World during Christmastime. It was one of those picture perfect moments where friendship, atmosphere, and Disney magic come together effortlessly.

And then the show began an explosive blend of fireworks, holiday music, and dazzling projections dancing across the Chinese Theatre. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! delivered a spectacular festive celebration of color, energy, and cheer.

One of the truly special parts of Jollywood Nights is the amazing collection of exclusive photo opportunities scattered throughout the park. From beautifully staged holiday backdrops to rare character greetings you won’t find during regular park hours, there were magical moments to capture around every corner. Even better, PhotoPass is included with your party ticket, making it so easy to collect every sparkly snapshot from the night. Many of these specialty photo ops had wait times that varied throughout the evening, much like the character meet and greets, but the atmosphere kept them feeling fun and festive.

And speaking of characters, Jollywood Nights brought out an incredible lineup! At Echo Lake, guests could meet Phineas and Ferb, Max and Powerline, Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, and Baloo and King Louie. Stitch, dressed in his adorable Santa suit, was the superstar of the night with a wait time that stayed at 80 minutes from start to finish. Over on Commissary Lane, Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Minnie greeted guests in their holiday best. Grand Avenue featured Scrooge McDuck and Bing Bong, while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offered appearances from The Mandalorian and Grogu, along with Chewbacca. In Toy Story Land, you could find Partysaurus Rex, Bo Peep, and Lotso, and Animation Courtyard hosted Duffy the Disney Bear dressed as Santa. To top it all off, Miguel greeted guests along Sunset Boulevard.

Wait times for these rare characters ranged widely depending on popularity, from as low as 15 - 40 minutes for some to the constant 80-minute line for Santa Stitch. But with so many unique options, everyone had the chance to find something that felt special and magical to them.

To close out the evening, we made our way over to the Tip Top Soirée for one last burst of festive fun. The live band was still going strong, and we couldn’t resist grabbing one more holiday drink and dancing along to the music. It had that perfect blend of Hollywood glamour and Twilight Zone whimsy only Disney could pull off so effortlessly.

As the band played their final song, the night took a wonderfully unexpected turn. Ghostly bellhops and eerie Tower of Terror maids drifted out from the attraction, slipping into the crowd with playful banter and dramatic flair. They mingled with guests, posed for photos, and delivered the kind of mischievous, in-character interactions that you only get at a Disney after hours event. It was such a unique, memorable touch and had everyone smiling and laughing.

Just behind them, the Tower of Terror was wrapped in holiday magic, transformed by stunning projections that cycled through gingerbread scenes, wintry animations, and sparkling festive overlays. Seeing such an iconic, spooky building suddenly glowing with sugary sweet holiday charm was an absolute highlight.

And then, Disney’s perfect finishing touch. As we made our way down Hollywood Boulevard toward the exit, snow began to fall all around us, drifting through the air and shimmering in the lights. Music played in the background, the projections glowed behind us, and for a moment it truly felt like we had stepped inside a holiday movie.

Before we officially said goodnight, Cast Members surprised guests with a delightful keepsake: a 2025 Jollywood Nights ornament, the perfect little piece of magic to take home. Holding it in hand as we made our way out at 12:30am, snow falling, lights twinkling, hearts full, it felt like the night had tied itself together with a bow.

It was a magical, memorable way to end the evening. One of those Disney moments you carry with you long after you’ve left the park.

Quick Tips for Jollywood Nights:

Arrive early so you can take advantage of the extra hours and then jump right into photo ops, cocktails, and entertainment once the party begins.
Dress up! Vintage glam or holiday sparkle adds so much fun to the vibe.
Prioritize must-dos like the Tip Top Soirée or rare characters. They get busy fast.
Stay for the exit gift so you don’t miss the special Jollywood Nights ornament.

Jollywood Nights truly captures the spirit of the season in a way only Disney can. Until the next adventure, may your days be merry, bright, and filled with a little extra pixie dust!

Just Keep Dreaming and Disney(ing)!

Terri Lee