A Swell Time at Jollywood Nights

My husband and I were lucky enough to attend the very first ever "Jollywood Nights" at Disney's Hollywood Studios on November 11, 2023. Here's my personal take on the event and my experience.

Why I Attended and My Mindset

As a Disney World fan and experienced party-goer at Walt Disney World events, I was definitely intrigued when Jollywood was announced. Once I heard that Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy would be hosting a show, I was sold. Bought my tickets, booked flights and a resort stay immediately.

From my experience with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, After Hours events and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland, I knew it would be important to have a 'game plan' in advance of the event. There is no way to do everything at a theme park or party / event. It's just not possible given the time constraints. I think it's important to accept that going in to avoid being disappointed. For me, there was one HUGE priority, and that was Kermit the Frog. If I did anything else that evening, it was gravy.

Dressing Up

If you have been to Hollywood Studios during the holidays, you know that the decorations have a retro vibe. I love going because I see huge replicas of decorations my mom had in our home growing up. It's all a very 1940s - 1960s look and I LOVE it.

So, for this event, I started planning my outfit early and found a super cute skirt on Her Universe. My husband rocked a snowflake pattern vest over black shirt and pants plus a Christmas bow tie. It's definitely NOT mandatory to dress the part but I think it adds to the fun. We got so many nice compliments from Cast Members and other guests and I loved seeing how other attendees interpreted the theming as well.

How it Went

We arrived at Hollywood Studios early. As Annual Passholders, we were able to enter the park before the party. I had stacked my Lightning Lanes using Genie+ and had planned to ride Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Slinky Dog Dash and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Unfortunately, MMRR was down when we arrived. We got an anytime Lightning Lane to use as a replacement but I was bummed. We did ride Slinky and Tower of Terror though.

We finished riding around 6:00 and went to get our wristbands, lanyards and event map. There was a spot inside the park but we just did a quick Exit and Entry. It took us a maximum of 10 minutes to scan in for the party and get our credentials.

Then we got in line for a photo op. Once the photos were done, we ran over and rode Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway with no wait!

Next, we got in line for the first Disney Holidays in Hollywood show that started at 8:45pm. I was NOT going to miss this show. While we were in line, my husband got us a Candy Cane milkshake to enjoy. We ate it so quick that I didn't get a photo.

The show was FANTASTIC! A live band played and there were two human hosts who sang beautifully along with a dance crew. When Kermit and Miss Piggy came out, the crowd went crazy! We also had Princess Tiana sing and she brought down the house. Belle made an appearance dressed in her Christmas gown and then Mickey and Minnie Mouse did a whole skit with songs. At 28 minutes long, the show was memorable and I am so glad I got to see it!

We had seen a long line for even merchandise before the shop opened and I was dreading waiting. But, as we exited the theatre, the line had disappeared. We walked in and a helpful Cast Member grabbed me a shirt. We paid and were done within 10 minutes or so. Easy!!

Next, we were hungry so we walked down Commissary Lane and enjoyed some Latin music. The lines for ABC Commissary were long so we went along to Baseline Taphouse. I think we waited about 5 minutes or so, ordered some drinks and snacks and went outside to sit down. Another band was playing there. Again, they were terrific! A great percussion section and a singer entertained the crowd.

Throughout the evening, we kept checking for a chance to enter the Virtual Queue to get into the Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. But it was closed each time. So we walked over to the Twlight Soiree at the Tip Top Club outside of Tower of Terror. There was a swing band playing (seriously, where did they find all this amazing talent!) and a little bar. We got in line and enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine for me and The Twlight Daiquiri for my husband.

Finally, we were able to join the Virtual Queue. While we waited for our table to be called, we got in line to meet Pluto in Animation Courtyard. He was adorable, of course. Then we were called for the Brown Derby. There was a pianist playing jazz and he sang as well. This aspect of the event was a little disappointing. I was expecting more theming but the restaurant looked the same as always. While the music was great, I wish there had been more to it than that.

At this point, the weather turned on us. It started raining. Hard. Since it was 11:30pm and we had done most of what we came for, we decided to walk back to our resort. While I enjoy "Jingle Bell, Jungle Bam!" I didn't want to stand in the pouring rain for it. (We had seen the show years ago when it was first introduced.)

Overall

All in all, I had a great time. I am sad that we didn't get to do some of the things offered, like What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing Along. If I had it to do over, I would skip Brown Derby for that. Otherwise, we had a fun night and hope that this event comes back next year.

If you are planning a trip or would like to chat about planning, please reach out to me. I am happy to help make your travels magical!!

Mary Graham

Owner & Certified Travel Advisor

Trips by Mary

phone: 919-817-4081

email: mary@tripsbymary.com

A Swell Time at Jollywood Nights

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