Jollywood Nights OR MVMCP: Which WDW Holiday Party Should YOU Attend?

Posted:  Events Holidays Parks Uncategorized

As the self-appointed Christmas Elf of David’s Vacation Club Rentals, this is my absolute favorite time of year. The sights of joy and camaraderie, the sounds of laughter and love, and the smells of delicious baked goods and holiday scents truly make every day a little brighter during this season. All of these can be found at Walt Disney World, specifically at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. 

A green Christmas wreath decorated with multicolored ornaments and a red bow is displayed in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom under a bright blue sky.

These two festive parties offer good times, great memories, and lots of fun throughout the evening. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, everything is merry and bright with lots of holiday delight, full of special entertainment, character appearances, and seasonal sights and sweets. At Disney Jollywood Nights, Hollywood glamor meets holiday cheer, with lots of festive glitz and glam, themed entertainment, and some extra special character encounters not usually seen in the parks. 

Phineas and Ferb walking around Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. The characters are wearing red and green seasonal scarves and a Santa hat.

With all this in mind, you may be wondering, what’s the best party to attend? Well, the answer is very simple. 

BOTH

A dark green double-decker Main Street vehicle displays a blue banner reading “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party This Way” in red, gold, and white writing. There is also a white arrow directing guests to the entry way on the right.

The words “Disney Jollywood Nights” is projected onto the Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios. Other red, green, and gold projections of gift boxes and ornaments decorate the theater building.

If you’re going to Walt Disney World this holiday season, then you absolutely must pay both of these festive parties a visit, because both offer unique experiences and amazing entertainment that you don’t want to miss. 

Two Cast Members are dressed in white, lighted costumes with red and green lighting, a colorful Christmas wreath, and Cinderella Castle lit up blue in the background.

The words “Disney Jollywood Nights” and white snowflakes are projected on the ground with white and blue lights at Hollywood Studios.

At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Mickey and friends in a storybook-like atmosphere. On select nights, Magic Kingdom transforms into a holiday wonderland, with lots of special character greetings around the park for guests to enjoy. 

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen wear their green royal outfits to greet guests in Liberty Square during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Among the character greetings, there are also multiple dance parties and celebrations around the park that guests can explore, including the Disney Junior Jingle Jam for young partygoers. 

Party guests dance with Doc McStuffins and Timon as a DJ plays during the Disney Jr. Jingle Jam dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.

Plus, among all the gorgeous seasonal decor and snow that takes over Main Street USA, there are also sweet treats and festive beverages that are available at special designated locations around the park that are included in the cost of your ticket! I don’t know about you, but walking down Main Street with snow falling and a nice hot chocolate in my hand sounds like a perfect holiday activity to me. 

Wreaths, garlands, and a tall Christmas tree with multicolored lights decorate Main Street USA as pretend snow falls.

Of course, we cannot forget the festive entertainment offered during this holiday party! Walt Disney World always has the most outstanding and engaging entertainment when they host holiday parties, so you won’t be disappointed with what’s offered here. 

Olaf, Elsa, Anna, and Kristof perform on the Cinderella Castle stage. The castle is illuminated with a blue and gold snowflake design as glittery golden fireworks light up the night sky. Garlands and wreaths decorate with multicolored lights also decorate the stage.

First off, Magic Kingdom is known for its amazing fireworks displays, and during this party, guests can sit back and watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show as festive colors illuminate the sky and Christmas carols sing out in sync. Plus, Cinderella Castle is taken over for a yuletide-inspired stage show with Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration! This show, starring our favorite mouse, features music, laughter, shimmering snowflakes, and a whole lot of Disney characters ringing in the holidays. This show plays a few times each night during the party, so definitely find a time to stop and enjoy this merry celebration when you can. 

Gold and red fireworks burst in the sky over Cinderella Castle during Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show.

Don’t forget to make time for the parade, too! At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade floats through the park and down Main Street, spreading yuletide cheer. Complete with toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men, and beloved Disney characters on specialty floats, the parade ends with none other than a special appearance by the guest of honor; Santa Clause himself! 

Mickey Mouse is seen in his holiday outfit on a gold parade float decorated with red and green presents, as well as a Christmas tree with multicolored decorations and a big yellow star up top. Minnie can also be seen from behind on the other side of the float.

I’d definitely recommend grabbing a spot right at the end of Main Street USA to view this parade; you’ll have the perfect spot and some great photos to capture these magical memories. 

Olaf the snowman waves to the crowd on a parade float. Behind Olaf is a green and brown chalet with white flowers, white snow, and yellow trim.

If you thought all of that was amazing, let me tell you about the other Christmas party you should absolutely attend; Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This party is a throwback to nostalgic times mixed with some festive cheer. It is such a glamorous and memorable party that you’ll be sure to come back to. 

The logo and gingerbread man mascot Ollie of Disney Jollywood Nights is projected onto the Chinese Theater with multicolored lights. Sparkly silver and gold garland with a bright yellow star hangs over Hollywood Blvd as guests make their way around the event.

There is specially themed entertainment all over the park for guests to enjoy. Over at Echo Lake, a throwback bash to the 1990s and 2000s is in full swing, complete with some classic characters like Phineas and Ferb and Max Goof as Powerline! Over in the Pixar Plaza, a dance party featuring some Incredible appearances (get it?) from Edna Mode and Frozone, along with some other Pixar pals! 

Pinocchio stands his arms crossed wearing a blue, green, and red holiday scarf to meet guests during Disney Jollywood Night at Hollywood Studios.

You can also check out “Glisten!” – a stunning show that takes over Hollywood Boulevard where international skate champions perform some breathtaking routines set to some amazing Christmas songs, and even some songs from classic Disney movies!

Male and female skaters dressed in shimmering white and blue costumes perform in from of the Chinese Theater for the Glisten ice show at Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

Also at Disney Jollywood Nights, you definitely don’t want to miss the show “Disney Holidays in Hollywood!” This show, hosted by the Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, put on a holiday extravaganza with appearances by some other Disney favorites. The show also features a talented cast of singers, dancers, and jazz musicians. If you’re a fan of The Muppet Show and all other things Disney, I would definitely recommend checking this out. Not only is it a great time to sit down and relax, but it’s also full of amazing laughs, great songs, and an even better memory after the party! It runs a few times each party night, so there are many opportunities to slip this into your schedule for the evening. 

Belle, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and an ensemble of dancers are all dressed in holiday outfits while performing in the Disney Holidays in Hollywood Show.

If you’re looking for something to do for those in your party who may still be in the Halloween spirit, then look no further than “What’s This? Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along” show! Here, guests can join Jack Skellington on a dreamlike adventure, singing along with the Pumpkin King to songs from the feature-length film. Guests may even encounter Oogie Boogie himself, among other holiday tricks and treats at this show. It also runs multiple times during this party, so you’re bound to find the perfect time to celebrate both holidays!

The black and white life-size Jack Skellington puppet performs at “What’s This? Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along” show.

And finally, if you’re a big fan of the Disney Movie Magic projection show at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood Studios, then you’ll enjoy this holiday take on it. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is a dazzling nighttime spectacular show focusing on some heartwarming holiday moments from some favorite Disney movies. With this show, there’s also an amazing display of fireworks, lasers, lights, projections, and festive music that can only be seen at Disney Jollywood Nights! It’s definitely a spectacular show to behold, you cannot miss it!

Red and green laser lights shoot over the crowd as the Chinese Theater is covered in multicoloured holiday projection images and surrounded by golden shimmering fireworks during Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Green and yellow lasers light up the sky along with gold, green, and red fireworks over the Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios. There is a green Christmas tree light projection also seen on the theater building.

Reading all this back is really tempting me to book a little last-minute confirmed reservation to Orlando to kick off this festive season! There’s so much to see and do at both parties, it’s so hard to decide which one you couldn’t possibly skip. Disney really knows how to celebrate the Holidays, so you cannot go wrong with celebrating the festive season at Walt Disney World with both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney Jollywood Nights! 

~Elyse

 

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