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Credit: DisneyFor the second year in a row, Disney Jollywood Nights has had a bit of an uphill climb. While other Disney holiday offerings seem to fly off the virtual shelves, this one hasn’t exactly lit up the sales charts. In fact, with the season to buy tickets well underway, only one event date has sold out so far — opening night. That’s a pretty clear sign that something hasn’t quite clicked with guests the way Disney hoped it would.
But in true Disney fashion, the company is making a last-minute move to sweeten the deal.
A Struggle to Spark Holiday Buzz
When Disney first introduced Jollywood Nights, it was positioned as a sleek, glitzy holiday alternative to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It leaned into old Hollywood theming, special entertainment, and exclusive treats, promising a more adult-focused Christmas event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But while the idea sounded great on paper, the execution didn’t quite match the hype.
Last year, guest feedback was mixed — some loved the atmosphere, others found it lacking the energy and offerings they’ve come to expect from Disney’s holiday events. That lukewarm reputation has carried over into this year, and ticket sales reflect it. Whereas Mickey’s holiday party tends to sell out most dates in advance, Jollywood Nights has had plenty of availability across the calendar.
A New Perk at the End of the Night
Now, Disney is trying something new to get more people through the gates. Guests who attend Jollywood Nights this season will receive a complimentary holiday ornament as a parting gift. It’s a small touch, but it’s also very Disney — the company loves giving event-exclusive souvenirs that make the night feel a little more special.
This year’s ornament features Mickey and Minnie perched above a film reel design, framed with the Jollywood Nights logo and a “2025” tag, marking the occasion in true collectible fashion. Guests will be able to pick up their ornament near the park entrance at the end of the event.
A Smart Move — Or Too Little, Too Late?
The addition of the free ornament might not seem like a huge deal, but for many Disney fans, little details like this make an event more memorable. It’s also a sign that Disney knows Jollywood Nights has been struggling to generate the same excitement as other holiday offerings.
A souvenir that can’t be bought in stores — only earned by attending — could give hesitant fans that extra nudge to purchase a ticket. It’s an easy way to make the night feel more exclusive without dramatically changing the event itself.
A Holiday Party Still Finding Its Identity
Part of the challenge with Jollywood Nights is that it doesn’t quite fit into the familiar Disney holiday formula. Mickey’s Christmas Party has years of tradition, exclusive parades, character meet-and-greets, and plenty of nostalgia. Jollywood, meanwhile, leans heavily into a specific theme that might not resonate with every family.
That doesn’t mean it can’t grow into something bigger. If Disney can continue adding thoughtful touches like this — along with more entertainment and perhaps broader appeal — Jollywood Nights could eventually become a staple of the holiday season. But for now, it’s still finding its footing.
Disney’s Next Holiday Move
With so many dates still available, Disney’s surprise upgrade may not be the last change we see this year. Whether more entertainment is added or more perks are rolled out, it’s clear that Disney wants Jollywood Nights to succeed. And honestly, a free ornament isn’t a bad way to start winning people over.
The question is whether that will be enough to turn a slow-selling party into a must-do holiday event.