Choosing Between Jollywood Nights or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Do you have an upcoming vacation planned to Disney World this holiday season? Visiting the most magical place on Earth during the most wonderful time of the year can mean making incredible memories with your family and friends. A Christmas vacation to Disney World works perfectly for many guests because of breaks from school, mild weather, and all of the seasonal offerings within the parks. There are two special ticketed events that occur during November and December at Disney World: Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. But which event is right for you? Continue reading if you need help choosing between Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Jollywood Nights

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Jollywood Nights, a ticketed event that debuted last year and has quickly grown in popularity. The party runs from 7:30pm-12:30am with party guests able to arrive as early as 4pm. The current cost for a ticket to Jollywood Nights is around $179.00 but this can vary depending on the date. Jollywood Nights runs on select nights in November and December and guests should secure their tickets as early as possible if they are interested in attending.

Jollywood Nights has several exclusive entertainment options. The Muppets perform at Theater of the Stars and lead a spectacle with Disney character guest stars, live music, and more. A Pixar dance party occurs at Pixar Place, and the Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club is open at the Tower of Terror Courtyard with live music and cocktails. On Hollywood Boulevard, ice dancers take the spotlight in Glisten! A one-of-a-kind ice skating show where skaters perform to holiday music and Disney classics. An incredible Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-along occurs at the Hyperion Theater, and a holiday projection show shines on the Chinese Theater at 10pm each night.

In addition to the entertainment, there are more than 20 characters to meet and greet including Max as Powerline and Santa Stitch. Photos and videos with Photopass are included with cost of admission, and there are several photo opportunities to take advantage of. Event exclusive food and beverage, as well as merchandise, are available for purchase throughout the park.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

One of Magic Kingdom’s most anticipated events of the year is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This event runs on select nights through November and December and runs from 7pm-midnight, with entry as early as 4pm. The cost of this event varies but begins at around $170 per guest. This party sells out very quickly, so interested guests must secure their tickets as early as they can.

This festive celebration includes exclusive entertainment like the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade where your favorite characters walk in their holiday best, and Santa makes an appearance at the end. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show delights the sky each night at 10pm, and a festive stage show starring Mickey Mouse runs periodically throughout the night. Other entertainment includes a Disney Jr Dance Party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, a Tomorrowland dance party, a Santa Claus meet and greet at Storybook Circus, and a Frozen Holiday Surprise each night as Elsa lights up the castle. Certain attractions have been rethemed for the holidays including Jungle Cruise (Jingle Cruise), Space Mountain, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Mad Tea Party, and Tomorrowland Speedway.

Holiday cookies and hot cocoa are included with admission and can be found at various stations throughout the park. Other party exclusive treats are available for purchase, as well as specialty beverages and party exclusive merch.

Which is Right For You?

Deciding which event is right for you and your family is a personal choice. Families with children might enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party more because there are more family attractions to experience, and the entertainment is very character-heavy. For adult guests or those without small children, Jollywood Nights offers a more sophisticated Hollywood vibe, with photo opportunities and characters to meet and greet, and food and drink to enjoy. Whichever party you decide to attend you are sure to have a magical time!

Featured Photo: Disney