Disney Jollywood Nights is back for the season on November 7th and goes all the way until January 5th! Jollywood Nights has only been around since 2023 and seems to get better every year. This specially ticketed Hollywood Studios party feels slightly more mature than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party; think of Jollywood Nights as a Christmas cocktail party with added Disney magic.
In addition to fantastic shows featuring The Muppets and The Nightmare Before Christmas, the exclusive food and drinks are a major highlight of the event. While the menus change every year, we’re happy to see some of our favorites returning for the 2026 party! Take a look at our recommendations and what we can’t wait to have again at Jollywood Nights.
ABC Commissary
If you’ve ever watched any of our DIS Unlimited Jollywood Nights videos, you know we LOVE the Jollywood Nights menu at ABC Commissary! While we’re sad the Yuca con Chicharron is not returning, one of our favorite desserts of all time will be back.
Arepas de Choclo – sweet corn cakes with cheese, cilantro aïoli, and jicama slaw
Last year this dish was found outside of Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and was one of the better values at the event! The sweet with the salty, melty cheese is a perfect pairing and surprisingly filling. Paired with the crunch of the slaw and the rich aioli, the Arepas de Choclo is definitely making it to Santa’s nice list.
Street Corn Chicken Empanada – chicken empanada with cilantro-lime crema, Cotija cheese, and chili-lime seasoning
The description and photo of corn and chicken empanada looks slightly different for 2026, but with all the same ingredients! It’s very possible this year’s version will be even better since it looks like one large empanada filled with street corn. The smoky chicken, creamy crema, and salty Cotija cheese is so good. Last year we only wanted more of it!
Birria Taco – shredded beef and Monterey Jack cheese with beef consommé
Birria is such common (and delicious) menu item out at Disneyland and Disney World only seems to get it seasonally. This filling taco is super cheesy and the consommé is loaded with flavor. This is the perfect “cozy” dish for a cooler night at Hollywood Studios.
Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake – chocolate cookie streusel, cinnamon-chocolate cheesecake, spiced whipped cream, cinnamon, and mini marshmallows
The Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake might be worth the event ticket alone… it’s that good! The chocolate cookie streusel adds the perfect texture and slight saltiness to the decadent cinnamon-chocolate cheesecake. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this dessert and will not be sharing it.
Coquito – coconut cream, coconut milk, condensed milk, Bacardí Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, and cinnamon
If you’ve never had coquito, it’s the sweeter, Spanish cousin to eggnog. If you’ve had coquito, you’ll likely agree it’s the superior holiday beverage. Creamy without being too thick and wonderful flavors from the coconut milk and cinnamon. The addition of spiced rum adds to the seasonal flavor and cuts the heaviness of this decadent beverage.
Backlot Express
Backlot Express is another great indoor quick service location that has a wide selection for Jollywood Nights! I’m personally excited to try this year’s new Blitzen Banana Bread Pudding.
Sleigh Bell Brussels Sprouts – (plant-based) bourbon-onion jam and crispy onions
The Brussels sprouts are a nice departure from the rich eats and sweets and the party, while still feeling like a special holiday dish. The Brussels are roasted with a nice crispiness and the bacon jam adds a caramelized flavor. The Sleigh Bell Brussels Sprouts are both filling and a good value.
Tune-In Lounge
There are SO many cocktails and specialty beverages to choose from at Jollywood Nights. Unfortunately, a lot of these cocktails aren’t a good value and can be hit-or-miss on being well-balanced. The Tune-In Lounge provides the perfect backdrop for Jollywood Nights. You truly feel like you’ve been invited to someone’s midcentury living room for holiday drinks.
Sugar Cookie Martini – Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Baileys, Disaronno, milk, sugar, sugar cookie, and sprinkles
The Sugar Cookie Martini is a liquid holiday dessert – sweet without being too heavy. The presentation is festive and the cookie garnish just makes sense when dipped in the martini. This cocktail feels like a “when on vacation” drink and sipping from a martini glass at Jollywood feels so right.
With over two dozen new menu items coming to Jollywood Nights, we’re going to try to save some room after enjoying all our favorites. Jollywood Nights certainly goes by quick and hopefully this list helps maximize your food and beverage choices during the evening.
Be sure to follow along for opening night coverage of Jollywood Nights including entertainment, special characters, shopping, and of course dining!
