Disney Jollywood Nights adds a surprisingly deep Monsters, Inc. pull, plus a first for Glisten!
Disney Jollywood Nights is adding George Sanderson and Needleman, and Glisten! will feature Disney characters for the first time.
Disney has expanded this year’s Jollywood Nights lineup with two unexpected Monsters, Inc. additions. The after-hours event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also changing its holiday skating show in a way that could be just as notable for guests planning a visit.
Two new monsters are joining the party
Disney has added George Sanderson and Needleman to this year’s Disney Jollywood Nights character roster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
They are not major headliners from Monsters, Inc., which is what makes the move stand out. George Sanderson is the monster tied to one of the film’s most recognizable comedy beats, the scene where a sock on his back triggers a "2319" contamination alarm and a response from the CDA. Needleman is the taller maintenance worker seen shredding doors at the factory.
For guests who prioritize rare meet and greets, the change gives the event two more unusual photo opportunities. Mike Wazowski has appeared at Jollywood Nights before, so this year’s update pushes the Monsters, Inc. representation into deeper-cut territory.
Disney also outlined several returning characters for the event. The list includes Baloo or King Louie from TaleSpin, Lotso from Toy Story 3, Bo Peep, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Joy from Inside Out.
A show update may matter just as much, and dates are already in play
Jollywood Nights is also making a change to Glisten!, its holiday skating show. Disney characters will be added to the production for the first time.
That is a notable update for anyone deciding how to use their event time, because it expands the entertainment offering beyond character lines and rides. The event also includes exclusive food and lower crowds than a regular park day, which means shorter waits for attractions.
The updated offerings affect guests attending Disney Jollywood Nights this season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The event runs on select nights from November 7 through January 5.
If you are choosing a date, timing may matter. Select nights have already started to sell out.
In practical terms, the biggest immediate change is simple: character hunters now have two more rare Monsters, Inc. encounters to plan around, and anyone interested in Glisten! will be seeing a version of the show that includes Disney characters for the first time.
