Disney just gave us a whole new reason to get dressed up for Jollywood Nights 2026. Walt Disney World revealed a brand-new lounge in Animation Courtyard, first-ever meet-and-greets with two Monsters, Inc. favorites, new characters joining the “Glisten!” skating show, and an exclusive merchandise collection where Gertie the Dinosaur finally gets the spotlight she deserves.
We covered the basics back in June in our guide to Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 at Hollywood Studios. Here is everything that is new since then.
What’s New at Jollywood Nights 2026
Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard
The biggest addition is the Checkin’ It Twice Lounge, a stylish new hangout in Animation Courtyard. Expect specialty drinks, a live DJ and entertainment all evening long. It sounds like the perfect place to rest your feet between Tower of Terror and the next show, and Disney says the menu will be revealed in the upcoming Jollywood Nights Foodie Guide.
George Sanderson and Needleman Debut at Pixar Plaza
Monsters, Inc. fans, this one is huge. Mike Wazowski is returning to Pixar Plaza, and for the first time during the event, guests can also meet George Sanderson and Needleman. Yes, George of the famous sock incident. We already know what our photo pose is going to be.
Donald, Daisy and Genie Take the Ice in “Glisten!”
The “Glisten!” skating show is back in front of the Chinese Theater, and this year Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Genie join the world-class skaters for the very first time. Between the twinkling projections, Art Deco style and holiday tunes on a shimmering synthetic rink, it was already a fan favorite. Adding Genie on skates might just steal the show.
Jollywood Nights 2026 Exclusive Merchandise
Gertie, the beloved dinosaur of Echo Lake, is the undeniable star of this year’s collection. Here is what Disney revealed:
- Gertie Jollywood Nights Loungefly Bag – Gertie in her Christmas outfit with snow draped over her like a blanket.
- 2026 Jollywood Nights Pullover – Vanity lights, stars, snowflakes and sparkles swirl down the sleeve, and the front reads “Disney Jollywood Nights 2026” with Gertie wading among holiday ornaments.
- 2026 Jollywood Nights Headband – Double-sided ears that let you put Gertie and Duffy as Santa front and center, or switch things up with Ollie and a detachable bow.
- Jollywood Nights Gertie Ornament – A sweet nod to those Gertie cookies by Echo Lake.
- Jollywood Nights Duffy as Santa Mug – A smiling Duffy dressed as Santa, ready for your hot cocoa.
The collection is sold only during Jollywood Nights at the shop near Frozen Fractal Gifts, and you will need a wristband with valid event admission to buy it.
Jollywood Nights 2026 Dates and Hours
For the first time ever, the party stretches into January. Here are the 2026 event nights:
- November: 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
- December: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
- January 2027: 3, 5
Ticket holders can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 5:30 p.m. The party officially starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 12:30 a.m., which means up to five hours of holiday fun.
Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity event, and Disney notes ticket prices vary by date. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members get discounts on every night. You can buy tickets on the official Disney Jollywood Nights page or by calling 407-934-7639.
Returning Shows and Party Favorites
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – Wayne and Lanny from Prep & Landing race to rescue Santa in a fireworks, laser and projection spectacular on the Chinese Theater, complete with scenes from Beauty and the Beast, Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, plus “snowfall” on Hollywood Boulevard and MagicBand+ effects.
- Disney Holidays in Hollywood – Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host this variety-style stage show at Theater of the Stars, with Mickey, Minnie, Belle and Tiana.
- What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along – Sing “What’s This?” and “Sally’s Song” with Jack Skellington at Hyperion Theater.
- Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club – A 1930s-style swing party with live holiday music in the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
- Pixar Disco – A Pixar Plaza dance party with Edna Mode, Frozone, Joy and Mike Wazowski.
- Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby – An adult-oriented retreat with live music. Space is limited and advance reservations are recommended.
Rare Characters to Find
The character list is a dream for superfans: Phineas and Ferb, Max Goof as Powerline, Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers, Stitch dressed as Santa, Baloo and King Louie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Chewbacca celebrating Life Day, Lotso, Partysaurus Rex, Bing Bong, Duffy, Scrooge McDuck, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, and Mickey and Minnie. Disney says even more characters will be announced later.
Rides Open During the Party
Attractions running during Jollywood Nights 2026 include Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Disney notes that available attractions can change.
Planning to hit more than one holiday event this year? Our roundup of everything coming to Disney World for the 2026 holidays has the full picture.
Our Take
A new lounge, George and Needleman, Genie on ice and a Gertie Loungefly? Jollywood Nights 2026 is shaping up to be the best version of this party yet. We will see you on Sunset Boulevard in our sparkliest holiday best.
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
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