Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 Character Guide: Who You Can Meet and Where to Find Them

Tonight’s the night! Disney Jollywood Nights officially kicks off its 2026 holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, bringing glitz, glamour, and plenty of holiday cheer to the park after dark. Now in its fourth year, the after-hours Christmas party has become known for its old Hollywood atmosphere, live entertainment, festive treats, and, maybe most of all, its rare character encounters. For many guests, the chance to meet characters you won’t find anywhere else at Walt Disney World is the biggest reason to buy a ticket.

Disney has revealed this year’s character lineup for Jollywood Nights, and it’s packed with fan favorites, holiday costumes, and a few brand-new surprises. Two characters from Monsters, Inc. are making their Jollywood Nights debut, while favorites like Santa Duffy, Max as Powerline, the Rescue Rangers, and Chewbacca celebrating Life Day are returning for another festive season.

If you’re heading to the party tonight or on a future date, knowing where to find your favorite characters can save you time and help you plan the perfect night. Here’s a complete guide to the characters at Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 and where you can expect to meet them.

When Is Jollywood Nights?

Disney Jollywood Nights runs on select nights from November 7, 2026, through January 5, 2027, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the first year the event extends into January, giving guests more chances to attend.

A Quick Note on Locations

Disney has announced the character lineup, but not every meet-and-greet location has been officially confirmed. Some of the locations below are based on where characters have appeared in previous years.

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app during your visit for the most accurate character locations and appearance times.

Echo Lake

Echo Lake is home to some of the party’s most nostalgic characters:

• Chip and Dale as Rescue Rangers
• Baloo or King Louie in their TaleSpin costumes (alternating)
• Max as Powerline from A Goofy Movie
• Phineas and Ferb
• Stitch dressed as Santa

If you grew up watching Disney Afternoon cartoons, this area is a must.

Commissary Lane

Classic Disney characters can be found here:

• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams
• Donald Duck and Daisy Duck

Meeting Mickey and Minnie in their Hollywood setting makes for a glamorous holiday photo.

Grand Avenue

Along Grand Avenue, guests may find:

• Goofy and Pluto
• Scrooge McDuck

Bing Bong from Inside Out appeared at Jollywood Nights in 2025, but his status for this year is unclear, so check the app if you’re hoping to meet him.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars fans will want to head to Batuu for:

• Chewbacca celebrating Life Day
• The Mandalorian and Grogu

Chewbacca’s Life Day appearance is a fun holiday twist that you won’t see the rest of the year.

Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land brings out some fan-favorite toys:

• Lotso from Toy Story 3
• Partysaurus Rex from Toy Story Toons: Partysaurus Rex
• Bo Peep from the Toy Story movies

Walt Disney Presents

During the party, Walt Disney Presents will host:

• Duffy the Disney Bear dressed as Santa

During regular park hours, Santa Claus meets guests in this location, but Santa Duffy takes over during Jollywood Nights.

Pixar Disco at Pixar Plaza

Pixar Plaza transforms into the Pixar Disco, featuring:

• New: George Sanderson from Monsters, Inc.
• New: Needleman from Monsters, Inc.
• Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.
• Frozone from The Incredibles
• Edna Mode from The Incredibles
• Joy from Inside Out

The new Monsters, Inc. characters are expected to be some of the most popular meets of the night, so plan accordingly.

Characters in Live Shows

Some characters appear in Jollywood Nights’ live entertainment rather than meet-and-greets.

Disney Holidays in Hollywood (Theater of the Stars)

• Kermit the Frog
• Miss Piggy
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Belle from Beauty and the Beast
• Tiana from The Princess and the Frog

Glisten!

• Donald Duck
• Daisy Duck
• Genie from Aladdin

This is the first year Disney characters are joining the ice-skating show.

What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along (Hyperion Theater)

• Oogie Boogie
• Jack Skellington in puppet form

Tips for Meeting Characters at Jollywood Nights

• Prioritize rare characters. Head to George Sanderson and Needleman early.
• Check the app often. Locations and times may change throughout the night.
• Group nearby meets. Plan your route by area to save walking time.
• Don’t forget PhotoPass. Digital downloads are included with your Jollywood Nights ticket.
• Leave time for shows. Some characters only appear on stage.

Enjoy the Party

With rare characters, holiday costumes, and new faces from Monsters, Inc., Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 has plenty to offer character fans. Whether you’re hunting down Disney Afternoon favorites or meeting Santa Duffy, a little planning can help you make the most of your night.

Which Jollywood Nights character is at the top of your list this year?