Visitors planning to park hop at Disney's Hollywood Studios during the upcoming holiday season will encounter new operational changes. The park will close earlier on select dates due to the Disney Jollywood Nights event, impacting guests without specific event tickets.
Key Takeaways
- Disney's Hollywood Studios will close at 7 PM for daytime guests on Disney Jollywood Nights dates.
- The Jollywood Nights event runs from November 8th to December 22nd on select evenings.
- Guests without Jollywood Nights tickets must exit the park by 7 PM on event nights.
- Park hopping to other Disney parks will be necessary for those wanting late-night park experiences without event tickets.
- Jollywood Nights offers exclusive activities, snacks, and shorter ride wait times for ticket holders.
Early Closures Impact Daytime Visitors
Disney's Hollywood Studios is set to implement earlier closing times on specific dates throughout the holiday season. These changes are directly related to the Disney Jollywood Nights event, a separately ticketed holiday celebration. Daytime guests without tickets for this special event will need to adjust their plans accordingly.
The Jollywood Nights event begins on November 8th and continues on select evenings until December 22nd. On these designated event nights, Disney's Hollywood Studios will close its gates to regular daytime visitors at 7 PM. This is a significant change from typical park hours, which often extend later into the evening.
Event Schedule
Disney Jollywood Nights will take place from November 8th to December 22nd, 2025. The event itself runs from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Understanding Park Hopping Limitations
For guests who purchase standard theme park tickets, the ability to park hop to Hollywood Studios for an evening visit will be limited on Jollywood Nights dates. If a guest does not hold a valid Jollywood Nights event ticket, they will not be permitted to stay in the park beyond 7 PM.
This means that those hoping to experience Hollywood Studios after dark on these dates will need to consider purchasing a separate Jollywood Nights ticket. Alternatively, guests can use their Park Hopper option to visit another Disney theme park that remains open later.
"The earlier closing times for Hollywood Studios on Jollywood Nights dates require guests to plan their park visits carefully," an unofficial Disney news source stated. "It's important to check the park calendar to avoid surprises."
Details of Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney Jollywood Nights is an annual hard-ticketed event that first launched in 2023. It offers a distinct holiday experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This event is separate from general park admission and requires an additional purchase.
The event provides exclusive access to the park with unique offerings not available during regular operating hours. These include specialty snacks, specific photo opportunities, dining enhancements, rare character meet-and-greets, and specialized entertainment options. Guests attending Jollywood Nights also typically experience shorter wait times for popular attractions.
Early Theme Park Entry
On Jollywood Nights dates, Disney Resort guests still benefit from Early Theme Park Entry, allowing them to enter Hollywood Studios at 8:30 AM, 30 minutes before the official 9 AM opening for general guests. However, all daytime guests, including resort guests, must exit by 7 PM without a Jollywood Nights ticket.
Ticket Pricing and Value
Tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights vary in price. The least expensive dates begin at $159 per person, with prices increasing up to $199 per person for peak dates. These costs are in addition to the standard theme park admission.
For comparison, adding the Park Hopper option to a standard ticket costs approximately $80 per person. This allows guests to visit multiple parks in one day. The Park Hopper Plus option, priced at around $105 per person above the base ticket, provides park hopping along with access to other activities like mini-golf or water parks.
Park Hopper Options
- Park Hopper Add-on: Approximately $80 per person. Allows unlimited park hopping between theme parks in a single day.
- Park Hopper Plus Add-on: Approximately $105 per person. Includes park hopping plus access to water parks, mini-golf, or golf courses.
Alternative Evening Options for Guests
Guests without Jollywood Nights tickets who still wish to enjoy a Disney park evening will need to utilize their Park Hopper option. After exiting Hollywood Studios by 7 PM, they can transfer to another park. The most likely destinations include EPCOT or Magic Kingdom, as Disney's Animal Kingdom typically closes earlier in the evening.
EPCOT is often a popular choice for park hopping from Hollywood Studios due to its close proximity. Guests can travel between the two parks via boat or the Disney Skyliner. This makes it a convenient option for those looking to continue their evening entertainment.
Considerations for Park Hopping
When choosing to park hop, guests should anticipate that other visitors may have similar plans. This could lead to increased crowds at popular transfer points and potentially higher attendance at the destination parks, especially EPCOT.
Guests should consider their group's preferences and budget when deciding between purchasing Jollywood Nights tickets or utilizing the Park Hopper option. Jollywood Nights offers exclusive content, while park hopping provides flexibility and potentially a lower cost for extended park time, albeit without the special event amenities.
Planning Ahead
Checking the official Disney World park calendar for specific operating hours is essential, especially during the busy holiday season. This helps guests confirm closing times and plan their park-hopping strategy effectively.
Final Recommendations for Visitors
The holiday season at Walt Disney World brings many festive changes. While these changes enhance the guest experience for some, they also require careful planning for others. Understanding the early closing times at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Jollywood Nights dates is crucial for all visitors.
Guests should weigh the benefits of the exclusive Jollywood Nights offerings against the flexibility and cost of a Park Hopper ticket. Both options provide different ways to enjoy the Disney experience during the holidays. Making an informed decision based on individual preferences and budget will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
- Review the Disney World calendar for exact park hours.
- Decide if exclusive event offerings are more important than general park access.
- Budget for either Jollywood Nights tickets or the Park Hopper add-on.
- Consider transportation options when park hopping, especially between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
