Glitz and Glam: My Opinion On Disney's Jollywood Nights

On December 4, 2023, I had the privilege of attending the sixth night of the all-new special ticketed event at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Jolywood Nights. The first night of the party came under heavy scrutiny by "influencers", and by the time I arrived a few parties later, it felt like Disney had taken the constructive criticism to heart based on what I had seen on live streams on the inaugural party night. While I personally had nothing to compare it to, I'm kind of glad I didn't! I came in with extremely low expectations as I wanted to experience things for myself and not let someone's not-so-stellar party night sway my opinion. 

As I approached the gates of the park, I was greeted by a sea of guests adorned in dazzling outfits. Lots of sequins and glitter! I absolutely loved seeing the outfits guests came up with! If you didn't want to dress up, no one was judging! I saw guests in matching pajamas, jeans, "park clothes" (shorts, t-shirts), ballgowns, suits and ties, anything goes at Jollywood Nights! It truly was a sight to behold, and the collective effort put into the outfits added an extra layer of magic to the evening.

I came into the party with a priority list of shows and party-exclusive treats and drinks that I wanted to try. While riding attractions was not a priority for me, I can understand why guests may want to ride as many attractions as possible; almost every attraction was a walk-on! I have been to Hollywood Studios many times and didn't want to use my party time on rides that I've done numerous times. 

Here are a few things I loved about Jollywood Nights:

- Even though this is not advertised as an adult-exclusive event, it certainly felt that way. I loved that the whole vibe of the party was like being at a fancy adult-only party. Cocktails, live music, entertainment, and good conversation were had. 

- One of the shows, "Disney Holidays in Hollywood" was fantastic. It reminded me of an old variety-type show, where our hosts would cut to a commercial break while entertaining the live audience. Kermit and Miss Piggy made a special appearance, along with Belle, Tiana from Disney's Princess and The Frog, and of course, our pal Mickey and his gal Minnie. The live band and the singers were out of this world amazing! 

- Over at the Hyperion Theater, Jack Skellington hosted "What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along". I love, love, love Nightmare Before Christmas and all things Tim Burton, and I really enjoyed singing along to all of my favorite songs from this classic movie (if you haven't seen it, you need to). 

- One of my biggest complaints about Disney as a whole has always been the weak pours in their mixed drinks. I never really felt like I was getting my money's worth at the parks when it came to adult drinks, but the party bartenders made SURE that their pours were over the top! I can 100% justify the cost of the cocktails offered throughout the event.

- The long-awaited, real-life version of the Tip Top Club at Hollywood Terror of Terror hosted a live band and a walk-up bar with some of the prettiest drinks I've ever seen. It was very much old Hollywood-themed and went perfectly with the attraction. 

A few things that I feel could use an upgrade:

- The food was not the best. I had several offerings and only one really stood out. The Gertie cookie was a disappointment and not at all minty, not even close. The Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn at ABC Commissary was not my favorite, nor was the PB&J Doughnut at Farifax Fare. Nothing I would really go out of my way for in the future. However, a surprisingly tasty meal at The Hollywood Brown Derby was the Oyster Rockefeller with a spinach foam. I wasn't sold on this at the start of the meal, but one bite and I was hooked.

- The character meet and greets felt a little out of place. I admit, it was kind of cool to see Phineas and Ferb, but the characters just didn't work with this theme of a party. If anything, the characters belong at Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, in addition to the characters that are already there for that party. Maybe this would help alleviate the wait times for Seven Dwarves and Jack and Sally.

- The space where the Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club had no tables to set your glass upon and conversate. The space where the band and bar are set up is directly outside of the exit of Hollywood Terror of Terror. I understand that blocking the exit with tables and whatnot could create a hazard, but there has to be a way to add some tables so guests aren't standing around awkwardly.

- The party was way too short. Party hours are currently 8:30pm-12:30am with entry into Hollywood Studios beginning at 7pm. There honestly wasn't enough time to do everything. If Disney would change the party time and park entry to match Very Merry, I think it would draw more people and I personally wouldn't feel as anxious over the price of a ticket. 

All in all, I felt like Jollywood Nights was a hit. For this being the first year of this event, I believe Disney really bent over backward to make things right after the first night complaints were received. I truly hope this event makes a comeback next year in 2024. Disney's Jollywood Nights was a magical experience that surpassed all of my (low) expectations. As I left the event, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special and extraordinary evening. Jollywood Nights truly encapsulated the spirit of Disney magic and old Hollywood glam, leaving me with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

What I Ate & Drank:

-Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese @ Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary

-Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange @ Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary

-PB&J Doughnut: Glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate topped with crushed house-made salt and vinegar chips @ Fairfax Fare

-Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves @ Fairfax Fare

-Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (Also available with mint soft-serve) @ Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction

-Twilight Daiquiri: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, ube, lime juice, and a splash of shimmer @ Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club

-Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar @ Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby