Credit: Paul Hudson, FlickrAs Walt Disney World gears up for the holidays, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to sparkle with the return of Disney Jollywood Nights, an immersive after-hours holiday event. Now, Disney has officially put a warning out on its website regarding the event.
This exclusive celebration brings back last year’s glitz and glamour, with festive decor, lively entertainment, special character meet-and-greets, and holiday food and drink selections. However, Disney is urging guests to come prepared — not just with a festive outfit but with comfortable footwear, as the evening promises lots of walking, dancing, and line-waiting.
One of the exciting new additions to Jollywood Nights this year is the ice skating show Glisten! This performance, featuring international champion skaters performing Disney classics on ice, promises to be a highlight, adding a wintery touch to the Florida celebration.
In addition, the event will showcase a refreshed lineup of exclusive food items, such as Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn, Meatball and Polenta, and the fan-favorite Christmas Gertie Cookie. And don’t miss the complimentary champagne-flavored Wondermade marshmallows adorned with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy!
Disney’s New Warning
To further elevate the Hollywood vibe, this event invites guests to wear their holiday best, with a glamorous dress code that encourages retro-inspired attire and sparkling accessories. While dressing up makes for amazing photo ops, Disney’s website strongly recommends comfortable shoes, as the night will involve substantial walking and dancing.
The site reads, “Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended, to help you stroll around all the festive fun… and dance the night away.”
An average Disney day racks up over 20,000 steps, and Jollywood Nights will be no exception. Proper shoes can make a huge difference, sparing guests from the discomfort of foot pain or blisters during the event.
Disney’s emphasis on appropriate footwear isn’t just about comfort but also safety. In fact, certain types of shoes have been restricted in specific areas of the parks; for instance, Crocs are officially banned from the escalators at The Land pavilion in EPCOT due to incidents where they have become stuck. For Jollywood Nights, a sturdy pair of shoes like sneakers or supportive flats will allow guests to fully enjoy every attraction without worry.
If you are looking to wear shoes that may not last the night for photos, I tend to bring a second pair when I am stuck in those situations. You can either keep the shoes on your all night in a backpack or bag, or you can always choose to rent a locker.
Dress Code Rules at Disney World
Disney World’s dress code is designed to ensure that all guests have a safe, family-friendly experience while visiting the parks. According to Disney’s official guidelines, clothing that could be seen as inappropriate or disruptive is not permitted.
This includes any attire with offensive graphics, language, or symbols, as well as clothing that excessively exposes parts of the body. Transparent garments, for example, are discouraged unless they are layered over more modest clothing. Disney also asks guests to avoid wearing excessively ripped or torn clothing that might detract from the park’s family-friendly environment.
Disney also has rules against wearing full costumes or masks for guests ages 14 and older, with the exception of specific events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, where costumes are encouraged.
Even during these events, Disney has some restrictions on costume elements for safety, prohibiting props that resemble real weapons and costumes that could interfere with guests’ movement, visibility, or pose a tripping hazard. Younger guests under 14, however, are generally allowed to wear costumes year-round, and Disney encourages them to dress as their favorite characters!
Characters to be Seen at Jollywood Nights
- Commissary Lane: Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams
- Toy Story Land: Bo Peep or Lotso from Toy Story
- Grand Avenue: Santa Duffy, ready to greet guests at Santa’s Workshop
- Animation Courtyard: José Carioca or Panchito from The Three Caballeros
- Pixar Plaza: Joy from Inside Out; Edna Mode and Frozone from The Incredibles; and Donald, Daisy, Goofy, or Pluto
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Mandalorian, a new addition to the lineup
- Echo Lake: Baloo or King Louie from Talespin, Phineas and Ferb, Max Goof as Powerline, and Santa Stitch at Celebrity Spotlight
Returning this year as well are fan-favorite events like the Disney Holidays in Hollywood show, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, and the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle party, now set in Animation Courtyard featuring José Carioca and Panchito.
The glamorous Tip Top Club at Hollywood Tower Hotel and Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby will also offer dining options, though reservations for Jazzy Holidays are required and open exclusively to ticket holders.
The evening will culminate in the magical nighttime show, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! now scheduled for 10 p.m., filling the night with scenes from classic Disney holiday films.
With a packed itinerary and countless holiday delights, Disney Jollywood Nights promises to be a memorable event — but don’t forget those comfy shoes!
Do you think it is important to adhere to this dress code recommendation?