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Jollywood Nights Starts Tonight and Here’s Every Character You Can Meet

It’s party time, people! Disney Jollywood Nights officially kicks off tonight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and if you’re going, you’re probably wondering one thing. Who can I meet?

Good news, because Disney just shared this year’s character lineup, and it’s a good one. There are rare characters, holiday outfits, and two brand-new faces from Monsters, Inc. So grab your sparkly outfit and your phone, because here’s who’s out and where to find them.

Quick Party Info

Jollywood Nights runs on select nights from November 7, 2026, all the way to January 5, 2027. That’s right, it’s going into January for the first time ever.

One heads-up before we dive in. Disney announced who’s coming, but not every location is officially confirmed yet. Some of these spots are based on where characters showed up in past years. So definitely keep the My Disney Experience app open all night.

Entrance to Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Credit: Disney

Echo Lake Is a Disney Afternoon Dream

If you grew up on Disney Afternoon cartoons, Echo Lake is where it’s at. Chip and Dale are dressed as Rescue Rangers. Baloo or King Louie will be out in their TaleSpin outfits, swapping back and forth. Max is here as Powerline from A Goofy Movie, which is iconic.

You’ll also find Phineas and Ferb, plus Stitch dressed as Santa. Santa Stitch? Yes, please.

Classic Characters on Commissary Lane

Mickey and Minnie will be at Red Carpet Dreams, looking extra glam. Donald and Daisy are hanging out on Commissary Lane too. Perfect for a very fancy holiday photo.

Grand Avenue

Goofy and Pluto are on Grand Avenue, along with Scrooge McDuck.

Now, a little mystery here. Bing Bong from Inside Out was at Jollywood Nights last year, but it’s not totally clear if he’s coming back. So if he’s on your list, check the app.

Head to Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars fans, Chewbacca is celebrating Life Day, which is basically Wookiee Christmas. You can also meet The Mandalorian and Grogu. Baby Yoda in the holiday season? Adorable.

Toy Story Land

Over in Toy Story Land, you’ll find Lotso from Toy Story 3, Partysaurus Rex, and Bo Peep. Partysaurus Rex is such a fun one to meet, so don’t skip him.

Entrance to Toy Story Land at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Santa Duffy Takes Over Walt Disney Presents

During regular park hours, Santa Claus meets guests at Walt Disney Presents. But during Jollywood Nights, Duffy takes over, dressed as Santa. A tiny bear in a Santa suit? We’re melting.

The Pixar Disco Is Where the New Stuff Is

Okay, this is the big one. Pixar Plaza turns into the Pixar Disco, and that’s where you’ll find the brand-new Monsters, Inc. characters, George Sanderson and Needleman.

George is the guy from the famous sock scene, so yeah, people are going to be lining up. Mike Wazowski is there too, along with Frozone and Edna Mode from The Incredibles, and Joy from Inside Out.

Our advice? Go here early, because these lines are going to get long.

Characters in the Shows

Some characters are only in the shows, not meet-and-greets.

Disney Holidays in Hollywood at Theater of the Stars has Kermit, Miss Piggy, Mickey, Minnie, Belle, and Tiana. Glisten! has Donald, Daisy, and Genie, and it’s their first time ever in the ice show. And What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along at Hyperion Theater has Oogie Boogie and Jack Skellington as a puppet.

Jollywood Nights fireworks
Credit: Disney

Our Game Plan

Hit the Pixar Disco first for the new characters. Plan your route by area so you’re not zigzagging all over the park. Keep checking the app. Leave time for the shows. And use PhotoPass, because those downloads are included with your ticket.

Let the Party Begin

Between Santa Stitch, Santa Duffy, the Rescue Rangers, and a guy who got a sock stuck on his back, Jollywood Nights has some seriously fun characters this year.

So, who’s first on your list tonight?

Erica Lauren

Erica Lauren is a theme park writer and content creator based in Orlando, Florida, allowing her easy access to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and other attractions. As a frequent park visitor, she offers an authentic perspective from her experiences in the parks. A dedicated runDisney participant, Erica combines her love for running with theme parks, making unforgettable memories on their magical courses. When she's not writing or racing, she’s planning her next adventure with the goal of discovering new theme parks. As a thrill ride enthusiast, her favorite spot is always in the front row of the fastest coaster, with plenty of trip reports to share.

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