It’s hard to believe, but the festive holiday season is right around the corner! In just a few weeks (8 to be exact), Walt Disney World will become a world of holiday cheer, holiday parties, and SNOAP as Jollywood Nights makes its return.

Besides the always-popular Mickey’s Very Merry, we’ll also see the second year of Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, I’m not going to sugar plum coat it: the first round of Jollywood Nights had a few struggles, but looking at this list of what all we can expect this year, my hopes are high, like the top floor of the Hollywood Hotel, that Disney is here to impress us.

“Glisten!” – An All-New Skating Spectacular

(c) Disney

NYC has staking at Rockefeller, and now Disney will have skating on Hollywood Boulevard! This all-new show will see international skaters glide, twill, and jump in a new show set to both classic and original Disney songs.

Disney Holidays in Hollywood

(c) Disney

My favorite show from last year, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, is returning to the Theater of the Stars. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy will be your host for a fun old-school Hollywood Variety Show that will also feature Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse, and Mickey Mouse.

Tim Burton’s THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Sing-Along

(c) Disney

Get ready to belt out “This is Halloween” or “What’s This” as you explore iconic scenes from this holiday favorite! Plus, be on the lookout for Jack Skellington or the sinister Oogie Boogie, as they’ve been known to pop up.

Rockin’ Around New and Returning Dance Parties

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The dance parties return to Jollywood nights! Join Joy, Frozone, Edna Mode, and other Pixar pals over in Pixer Place for a perfect place to party (and for some kiddos to dance out some energy).  You can also head over to the Animation Courtyard and join José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros for the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle.

Glimmering Glamour at The Tip Top Club and the Hollywood Brown Derby

(c) MistiMichelleXO

Jollywood nights are incomplete without visiting the Twilight Soirée inside The Tip Top Club at The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Held in the courtyard of the Tower of Terror (at the gift store entrance), you can grab a glass of bubbly and dance the night away.

Over at the Hollywood Brown Derby is Jazzy Holidays (advanced dining reservations recommended), where you can enjoy some live jazz piano while dining on seasonal bites in a cozy atmosphere.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

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You read that right: the high-energy nighttime spectacular is back at Hollywood Studios for Jollywood Nights! Starting at 10pm on party nights in front of The Chinese Theater, get ready for lasers and fireworks as you journey around the North Pole, with some classic Disney moments sprinkled in.

Photo Ops with Characters Galore

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Get ready for all the characters at Jollywood nights. Phineas and Ferb, Santa Stitch, Santa Duffy, and so many more will be out and about Hollywood Studios for you to grab a photo with (just be prepared for long lines for the more popular characters).  Also, be on the lookout for some fun photo ops like the new “The Muppets Christmas Carol” op over at the Stage 1 company store. Don’t forget, Disney PhotoPass digital downloads are included with your Jollywood Nights party tickets to be sure to take full advantage of that. 

Seasons Eatings

(c) MistiMichelleXO

It wouldn’t be a Disney holiday party without exclusive eats, treats, and drinks. While the foodie guide for Jollywood Nights hasn’t been released yet you can be sure that we’ll see some delicious and photo-worty eats this year, like the super cute Christmas Gertie Cookie.

Get Your Ride On

(c) Disney

I can speak from personal experience that you’ll experience shorter wait times on the attractions during Jollywood Nights. Last year I think we rode Slinky Dog Dash 3x and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Rail 2x. So be sure to jump on a ride in between shows, characters and grabbing a bite.

Be sure to watch Theme Park Professor as more news about Jollywood nights is released as we get closer to the first party of the season. If you are still looking to book your holiday trip to Walt Disney World and would like to experience Jollywood Nights, fill out the form below and let a travel advisor from Winds in the East Travel help you plan your trip.