Disney has just dropped a fresh batch of details for Disney Jollywood Nights 2026, and there’s quite a bit that’s new for this year’s holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A brand-new lounge is joining the event, new characters are making appearances, Glisten! is getting some Disney friends, and we’ve finally got our first look at this year’s exclusive merchandise.
Disney Jollywood Nights returns on select evenings beginning November 7, and for the first time, the party will continue beyond the holidays with two dates in January. Guests can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the event officially running from 7:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
NEW Checkin’ It Twice Lounge
One of the biggest additions is the Checkin’ It Twice Lounge, a new holiday hangout coming to Animation Courtyard.
Disney describes it as a place to sip and socialize between attractions and shows, with specialty drinks, a live DJ, and additional entertainment throughout the night. We don’t have the food and beverage menu yet, but Disney says those details will be included in the upcoming Jollywood Nights Foodie Guide.
New Characters Join the Party
There are a few new faces headed to Jollywood Nights as well. Mike Wazowski will return to Pixar Plaza, but he’ll be joined by George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc., both making their first appearances at the event.
Disney has also revealed a pretty hefty character lineup that includes Phineas and Ferb, Max Goof as Powerline, the Rescue Rangers, Santa Stitch, Baloo and King Louie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Chewbacca celebrating Life Day, Lotso, Partysaurus Rex, Bing Bong, Duffy, Scrooge McDuck, and plenty of classic Disney characters. More character details are still to come.
Donald, Daisy & Genie Join Glisten!
The Glisten! skating show returns in front of the Chinese Theater this year, but Disney is adding a few familiar faces to the performance.
Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie will make appearances during the show for the first time, joining the world-class skaters performing to holiday music on the synthetic ice rink.
Other returning entertainment includes Disney Holidays in Hollywood hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club, Pixar Disco, Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby, and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
FIRST LOOK at 2026 Jollywood Nights Merchandise
And then there’s the merchandise. Gertie is finally getting her moment!(!!!)
The 2026 collection includes a Gertie Loungefly bag featuring our favorite Echo Lake dinosaur dressed for Christmas and covered in snow. There’s also a Jollywood Nights pullover starring Gertie, a double-sided ear headband featuring Gertie, Duffy as Santa, and Ollie, plus a Gertie ornament and a Duffy as Santa mug.
The merchandise will only be sold during Disney Jollywood Nights at the shop near Frozen Fractal Gifts, and valid event admission is required to purchase it.
Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 Dates
This year’s event takes place on 15 select nights:
- November: 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
- December: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
- January: 3, 5
Disney Jollywood Nights has come a long way since its debut, and the 2026 additions give us a few genuinely new things to look forward to rather than simply bringing back last year’s party. Personally, I’m curious about that new lounge, but a Christmas Gertie Loungefly may have just stolen the entire announcement.
