Okay, let’s be honest about Disney Jollywood Nights. When it debuted at Hollywood Studios in 2023, it was supposed to be this super glam, old Hollywood holiday party. And then… it kind of flopped. Guests had issues pretty much from opening day, and a lot of people walked away wondering if they’d just wasted their money.
But here we are, heading into year four, and Disney is throwing a whole bunch of new stuff at it. New characters, a new lounge, a bigger ice show, and more dates than ever. So the question is, could this finally be the year Jollywood Nights is actually good?
Quick Recap of the Drama
That first year in 2023 had some real hiccups. Disney actually started fixing things before the season was even over, adding more character meets and changing up how things ran.
By 2024, things got better. Disney added an extra hour to the party, brought in an ice-skating show, made the character experiences more fun, and finally fixed the arrival process. That’s when Jollywood Nights started to feel like its own thing instead of just a Hollywood Studios version of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
But a lot of fans still weren’t totally sold.
So What’s New This Year?
Here’s everything Disney is adding for 2026.
New Monsters, Inc. characters. George Sanderson and Needleman are joining the party, along with Mike Wazowski. George is the guy from the iconic sock scene, so yeah, that’s a deep cut. And with Monstropolis being built at Hollywood Studios right now, the timing is kind of perfect.
Glisten! got an upgrade. The ice-skating show is adding Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie from Aladdin. Donald and Daisy on ice? We need to see this.
A brand-new lounge. Checkin’ It Twice Lounge is opening in the Walt Disney Studios Lot with specialty drinks, a DJ, and entertainment. They’re even serving a non-alcoholic Candy Cane Cooler, which is a lemonade with mint, pomegranate, and sweet cream. Sounds amazing.
More food and drinks. There’s a reimagined Kermit sundae, creative non-alcoholic sodas, and exclusive drinks just for Passholders.
New merch. You’ll find new Gertie merchandise, a Kermit straw clip, and a free Chip and Dale ornament. Free is always good.
More dates. For the first time ever, Jollywood Nights is running into January. More dates could mean smaller crowds, which, honestly, would be a huge win.
The Stuff That’s Still Great
Some parts of Jollywood Nights have actually been really good, and they’re back.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood is a stage show with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and a bunch of Disney characters, and a lot of people love it. What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along has puppets and theatrical effects that are seriously cool. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster gets its festive Muppets overlay, and Alien Swirling Saucers gets a holiday makeover too.
And the lounges, like the Tune-In Lounge and the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club near Tower of Terror, are still a whole vibe.
Plus, PhotoPass downloads are included with your ticket. If you’re getting dressed up anyway, that’s a pretty great perk.
But Will It Actually Be Better?
Here’s the thing. More stuff doesn’t always mean a better night. If the new characters have three-hour lines and the shows are scheduled at the same time, it could still feel stressful.
So whether 2026 is actually the best year yet is going to come down to how Disney runs it. Wait times, schedules, and the overall vibe will make or break it.
Our Tips
Pick a few must-dos and don’t try to do everything. Look at the entertainment schedule as soon as you can. Get to shows about 30 minutes early if you want good seats. And dress up, because it’s supposed to be a glam night, but please wear comfy shoes.
Second Chance?
If you went before and didn’t love it, this might be the year to give Jollywood Nights another shot. Disney is clearly trying, and the new additions look really fun.
So, are you giving Jollywood Nights another chance this year?
