Will you be MERRY or JOLLY?

By: Maggie Ballantyne, Concierge Agent
July 16, 2024

My favorite way to kick off the holiday season is to head to Walt Disney World and take part in their holiday celebration. In 2023, I attended both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) in the Magic Kingdom and the brand-new celebration, Jollywood Nights, in Hollywood Studios! Both celebrations are ticketed events in different parks, both events provide very different experiences for guests, and I think both parties are worth experiencing at least once. I genuinely enjoyed my time at both.

Clients, family members, and friends have all asked me which celebration I like best. It is hard to compare two completely different experiences, but I will try! This my breakdown of what each party does best so you can choose the best celebration for you!

Price

I think you get better value for the MVMCP ticket price. Included cookies and select drinks (hot cider or hot chocolate) are a nice inclusion for a high-priced ticketed event.

Food to Purchase

Jollywood Nights wins by a landslide. This was a night for the foodies with so many unique options to purchase, not just sweets. I enjoy having a beer or cocktail while walking around the parks and enjoying the celebration. Being able to do this in Jollywood was a bonus for me.

Nighttime Entertainment

MVMCP for the win. I LOVE this party’s special holiday parade and special holiday fireworks show. They are my favorite of the year. I like Jingle Ball Jingle Jam at Jollywood, but that is not exclusive to the party. That used to show nightly in the parks, and I’ve seen it before. I was hoping for something special at such a high-ticket price.

Characters

Oh boy, this is tough. The rare and surprising characters at Jollywood Night were AMAZING! But it did make it hard to plan. I went to the second Jollywood ever so everything was still very new. In 2024 there are supposed to be at least 20 unique character experiences which I think will be incredible! At MVMCP, a list of characters is released in advance. So, I think it just depends on if you like to plan or be surprised.

Stage Shows

Jollywood Nights! I loved the show hosted by the Muppets. I did not get to the Nightmare Before Christmas show but have heard good things. On another entertainment note, I liked the street performers at Jollywood Nights too! It felt like there was a show or some sort of live entertainment everywhere I went!

Crowd

Both of my events were sold out, but Jollywood felt less busy. However, Jollywood also doesn’t have 2 central focuses that draw everyone to one area (i.e. the parade and fireworks on Main Street). For this reason, I believe everyone spreads out more at Jollywood.

Attractions

I think the lines for attractions at Jollywood Nights were shorter. I never saw a wait time over 10 minutes. I do like at MVMCP that select rides have special Christmas overlays. It’s unique, but that does contribute to lines.

“Free” Gift

I like the MVMCP ornament better than the Jollywood Coasters. BONUS: I’m not an Annual Passholder, so having Memory Maker photos included with Jollywood was wonderful and I appreciated that more than the physical gift they handed out at the end.

Vibe

I think Jollywood has more of an adult vibe. I think the food is geared more towards adults and I didn’t see a ton of little kids the night I was there. I think the fact that alcohol is served, and they had two lounges also drew an older crowd. MVMCP is without a doubt geared toward any and every age. So, this depends on what you’re looking for! As as adult (but a kid at heart), I love both!

Dress

There were guests dressed to the nines at Jollywood Nights. I loved seeing the glitz, the heels, the gowns, the suits, etc. MVCMP is much more casual (some people even attend in their Christmas pajamas!)

2023 was Jollywood’s first year and I’m happy I got to experience it. I think as Cast Members fine tune the event, it will just keep getting better! I have been fortunate enough to experience MVMCP 5+ times and love it each time. Overall, I think Disney does a fantastic job at getting us in the holiday spirit at either celebration and it is nice there are two parties to choose from and something for everyone. Interested in traveling to Disney for the holidays?

Interested in attending a special event at Disney? Please reach out to me for more information and recommendations based on personal experience at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com. You can also follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie