Jollywood Nights at Walt Disney World: Is It Worth It? Here’s My Honest Review

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World holiday trip and wondering whether Jollywood Nights is worth the extra ticket—you’re not alone. After a rocky debut in 2023, many Disney fans were skeptical about attending the after-hours event again. But I’m here to tell you: Jollywood Nights 2024 was a major improvement—and definitely worth considering if you love exclusive entertainment, holiday vibes, and rare Disney character meet-and-greets.

In this post, I’ll break down what changed from 2023 to 2024 and why it might be a must-do for your holiday vacation.

What Is Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios?

Jollywood Nights is a specially ticketed, after-hours holiday event held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights in November and December. It features:

Festive overlays and holiday decor
Live entertainment and themed shows
Holiday-themed treats and drinks
Exclusive character meet-and-greets you won’t find during regular park hours
Shorter wait times for popular attractions
A jazz-era meets retro-Hollywood holiday vibe

The event runs from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with early entry starting at 7:00 p.m. for ticket holders.

Our Experience in 2023: Overcrowded and Underwhelming

Jollywood Nights 2023 was a disappointment. Despite being advertised as a limited-capacity event, the crowds were overwhelming. We waited in long lines for snacks, merchandise, and characters, and the entertainment felt hard to access due to timing and location bottlenecks. Many guests, including us, walked away feeling like it wasn’t worth the additional cost.

Jollywood Nights 2024: A Complete Turnaround

Fast forward to 2024, and Disney clearly listened to guest feedback. It felt like a completely different event—and in the best way.

Here’s What Was Better in 2024:

Crowd control and flow were significantly improved
Character meet-and-greet lines were better managed
More entertainment offerings and spaced-out showtimes
More themed areas and decor creating a cohesive, immersive experience
Holiday snacks were more widely available—and faster to access

Duffy Brownie: Coca-cola fudge-filled cherry-white chocolate chip brownie covered in Coca-Cola buttercream and a caramel-chocolate Duffy paw. Found at Ice Cold Hydraulics.

The Best Part? The Character Meet-and-Greets 🎄✨

Hands down, the highlight of Jollywood Nights 2024 was the incredible character interactions. These weren’t your typical photo ops. We got to meet rare characters in special holiday costumes, including themed backdrops and engaging conversations. Characters took their time, and it felt personal and festive.

Some favorites included:

Powerline Max
Jiminey Cricket
Scrooge McDuck

If you’re a Disney fan who loves character experiences, this alone could be worth the price of admission.

Is Jollywood Nights Worth It?

✅ Yes—especially if you love holiday events, unique characters, and an elevated nighttime experience. Not to mention short lines for included attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance!

❌ Maybe not if you’re on a tight budget or prefer daytime holiday offerings like EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays

Pro Tip: If characters are your priority, arrive early and have a plan for who you want to see first!

Final Thoughts: Should You Go to Jollywood Nights?

After sstruggling through Jollywood Nights 2023, we’re happy to say 2024 was an entirely different story. With improved logistics, better entertainment, and those amazing character meet-and-greets, this year’s event finally lived up to the hype.

Popular Questions About Jollywood Nights:

Q: How much did Jollywood Nights cost in 2024?

A: Prices started around $159 and varied by date. Disney Vacation Club and Annual Passholder discounts are often available.

Q: Is Jollywood Nights included with park admission?

A: No, it’s a separate ticketed event.

Q: Are character meet-and-greets different from daytime offerings?

A: Yes! Many characters are exclusive to the event and appear in themed holiday costumes you won’t see elsewhere.

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