Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicDisney isn’t ready to give up on one of its newest holiday events just yet. Following disappointing ticket sales last year and a slow start to sales this season, the company has rolled out a series of noticeable changes to Jollywood Nights at Walt Disney World Resort.
From expanded character meet-and-greets to new entertainment offerings, it’s clear Disney hopes these updates will boost excitement — and sales — for this Hollywood Studios holiday party.
A Holiday Party That’s Struggled to Catch On
When Jollywood Nights first debuted, it was pitched as a glitzy alternative to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The idea was simple: give Disney’s Hollywood Studios its own unique holiday identity — complete with retro décor, elevated food offerings, and a more grown-up party vibe. But despite strong initial buzz, the event hasn’t reached the “must-do” status Disney likely envisioned.
Last year, only four nights of Jollywood Nights sold out — a sharp contrast to Mickey’s Christmas Party, which often sells out most of its dates well before December. This year, so far, just one night has sold out. That kind of trend has fans and analysts wondering if Disney’s patience with this event is wearing thin.
Expanded Character Lineup in 2025
One of the most noticeable shifts this year is the character lineup. Disney added several new meet-and-greet opportunities to draw in guests who may have skipped the party before.
Fan-favorite Bing Bong from Inside Out will make his first appearance at Grand Avenue, and Partysaurus Rex — decked out from the Toy Story short — will join guests in Toy Story Land. Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Chewbacca will be greeting guests in his Life Day outfit, adding a unique festive touch for Star Wars fans.
Miguel from Coco is also joining the lineup at the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, creating a more diverse holiday celebration. These characters join an already large cast that includes Mickey and Minnie, Stitch dressed as Santa, Edna Mode, and others.
Look who’s ready for a jolly good time 👀 Bing Bong, Miguel and Partysaurus Rex will be coming to Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios 🎄🎶 https://t.co/TTdoQKZQ4M pic.twitter.com/lwtMdWUEQM
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 22, 2025
Earlier Entry and New Shows
Disney is also making operational tweaks to sweeten the deal. Guests can now enter the park at 5:30 p.m., earlier than previous years, giving them more time to enjoy the festivities before the official party start time.
Two new shows are premiering: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” These additions are likely aimed at making the event feel more substantial — something critics have argued it’s lacked in previous years. Returning entertainment like the “Glisten!” skating show and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along are also back to help round out the offerings.
Why These Changes Matter
While none of these changes are revolutionary on their own, taken together they paint a clear picture: Disney wants Jollywood Nights to sell. The event is expensive to run, with its own exclusive entertainment, food prep, and staffing needs. If it can’t generate strong demand, it risks being scaled back or even retired altogether.
Adding characters like Bing Bong and Miguel may seem small, but character meet-and-greets are a big driver of value for many guests. Coupling that with earlier entry and new shows is Disney’s way of sweetening the deal without overhauling the entire event.
The Stakes Are High for 2025
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues to dominate the holiday season at Disney World, regularly selling out multiple nights, weeks, and months in advance. Jollywood Nights, meanwhile, remains the underdog.
Disney clearly hopes these new offerings will give the event the boost it needs to become a true holiday staple. But with only one sold-out night so far, it’s an uphill battle. If the changes don’t move the needle, Jollywood Nights may not stick around long-term — or could face even more significant changes for 2026.
For now, Disney fans have a more robust event to look forward to this year. Whether that’s enough to fill the park on cold December nights remains to be seen.