Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Share:
Universal Kids Resort: your full planning guide!
My 10 year old daughter and I had the pleasure of attending a preview of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas before it opened to the public.
This is not a sales pitch from your travel advisor. This is as a practical planning guide filled with the things I noticed, the questions I had, and the details I think families will appreciate knowing before they visit.
⸻
At a Glance
Standard Parking: $20
Preferred Parking: $30
Double stroller rental (only doubles available for rent): $15 per day
Wagons ARE allowed
Guests under 2 years old are admitted free.
Guests staying at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel receive Early Park Admission.
Professional photos (by Universal team members at character meets and throughout the park) are $14.99 each or $50 for your entire day’s photos (prices subject to change).
There is currently no Express Pass.
There are no single rider lines.
There is currently no official Universal Kids Resort app.
Guests may leave and re-enter the park the same day with valid admission.
⸻
Who Is Universal Kids Resort For?
Universal Kids Resort is exactly what its name suggests: a theme park designed specifically for families with young children. (I know this seems redundant but some initial reviews and big internet feelings in comment sections suggest otherwise)
I think this park is at its best for families with toddlers through elementary-aged children. There are attractions and splash pads designed specifically for little ones, while older elementary-aged kids still have plenty to enjoy between the rides, larger splash areas, interactive play spaces, shows, and character experiences.
My daughter is 10 years old, and our family spends a lot of time at Walt Disney World, she rides all of the large rides there, and she is not a current fan of any of the characters featured at Universal Kids, so our family is not exactly the target audience for this park. Even so, she had a great time and mentioned wanting to return to stay in the hotel sometime soon because the theming looks cute.
The rides are not designed to be thrilling, and that is exactly the point. This park was built for younger guests, and I think it succeeds when you evaluate it through that lens.
If you enjoy visiting larger theme parks as an adult without children, I would set different expectations. Personally, I would not recommend Universal Kids Resort as an adult-only destination at all. The attractions and experiences are intentionally centered around families with young children, and I think that is what makes this park special.
⸻
My Recommended Itinerary
Could you see everything in one day? Absolutely.
Would I recommend rushing through it? Probably not.
If I were planning my own trip, I would book a two-night stay at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel and purchase the 1½-day ticket.
That allows you to check into your hotel, enter the park beginning at 2:00 p.m. on your arrival day, explore the park for the evening, enjoy the resort pool, then spend your second day taking your time through the park. Since the hotel is just steps away, you also have the flexibility to head back for a midday break before returning later in the evening.
Personally, I don't consider this a 'fly to' destination unless you are planning to visit other attractions in the Frisco/Dallas area (and there are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area!)
I think Universal Kids Resort is a great destination for a quick 2-3 day trip for guests within 'road trip' distance. If you don't know me, just know that this is coming from someone who regularly flies to the Orlando area parks myself for 2-3 nights for fun or special events so I am not anti-flight if the destination matches the effort. If this description doesn't make sense, I'm sorry- it does in my head.
Now Lets Get to the Actual Tips:
⸻
Parking
Standard parking costs $20, while Preferred Parking costs $30.
After visiting, I personally do not think Preferred Parking is necessary for most guests. The parking lot is compact enough that I would save the extra $10 and choose standard parking.
⸻
Security
Every guest passes through a security checkpoint before entering the park.
Bags are screened using airport-style scanners before guests walk through security screening/metal detectors. I also noticed security personnel throughout the park, and the entry process was efficient during my visit.
⸻
Staying Comfortable
One thing that genuinely surprised me because of initial reviews stating otherwise was the amount of shade throughout the park. There are plenty of shaded areas to help families cool off during hot Texas afternoons.
If you purchase a refillable souvenir mug, refill stations are conveniently located all throughout the park. If you bring your own reusable water bottle, you can also fill it with complimentary water at those stations.
If you are visiting during the summer, keep in mind that extreme heat can cause phones and even portable chargers to overheat. Mine stopped charging until everything cooled down, so it is something worth planning for if you expect to take a lot of photos or videos.
⸻
Professional Photos
Universal photographers are located throughout the park.
If you would like professional photos, pick up a Photo Card and have it scanned at each photographer location throughout the day. Before leaving, stop by Gabby’s Playhouse to review your photos and decide whether you would like to purchase them.
Current pricing (subject to change):
Individual photos: $14.99 each
Entire day’s photos: $50
⸻
Ride Information
Good to Know Before You Ride
Every rider must occupy their own seat. Lap sitting is not permitted on any attraction.
Children below the listed Independent Rider Height must ride with a supervising companion.
Most attractions allow children as young as 36 inches (some as short as 30 inches and 1-2 with no height requirement) to ride.
Several attractions include advisory signage indicating that guests with certain body types or taller statures may not fit comfortably within the ride restraints.
I noticed very few test seats throughout the park.
Modified seating is available on Pteranodon Drop and designated seating within Jurassic World Adventure Camp.
⸻
Ride Guide
-Trolls Fest-
Rhonda’s Trolls Fest Express
A short, family-friendly roller coaster that is a great first coaster for younger riders.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Hair in the Clouds
A gentle balloon ride where guests slowly spin while floating high above the park, offering some surprisingly great views.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
-Shrek’s Swamp-
Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ever Ogre After
A slow-moving family ride that takes guests on a fun journey through Shrek’s world.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 30 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Puss in Boots
Swinging Fiesta Over Del Mar
A classic spinning swing ride that gently lifts guests into the air while offering views across the land.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 42 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
-Jurassic World Adventure-
Cretaceous Coaster
The most thrilling attraction in the park while still being a very approachable family coaster.
Thrill Level: Most Thrilling
Minimum Height: 39 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin
A unique family attraction featuring rotating gondolas that travel around a vertical track while gently spinning, giving riders elevated views of the park.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: None
Independent Rider Height: 53 inches
Pteranodon Drop
A family-friendly drop tower that provides gentle thrills for younger riders.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Modified seating available
⸻
-SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom-
Jellyfish Jamboree
A gentle aerial ride where guests control how high their jellyfish floats while circling overhead.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: None
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Barnacle Bus
A family ride that swings back and forth while gently rotating. It offers just enough movement to feel exciting for younger children without being overly intense.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 30 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Bobbing Barrels
A spinning water attraction where both riders and guests standing nearby can spray each other with water. Expect to get wet whether you are riding or simply watching.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
A gentle family ride that glides along in a circle while bobbing up and down to simulate riding over ocean waves.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Maximum Height: 77 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Minions
Bello Bay Cruise
A family raft ride that will leave most guests completely soaked. If you would rather not spend the rest of your day wet, consider saving this attraction until later in your visit.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 40 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby
Colorful golf carts weave around the course while each vehicle spins independently, creating the illusion that you are dodging the other drivers. It is a fun, whimsical ride that the whole family can enjoy.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Things That Surprised Me
There is so much more shade throughout the park than I expected.
The park is much more compact in person than I anticipated. It is very easy to navigate but each land still feels a pretty spacious
Bello Bay Cruise will absolutely leave you soaked.
Speaking of water- watch your eyes when riding Bobbing Barrels! Guests standing outside the ride can shoot you with water (you get to shoot them also!) and the water cannons shoot directly into some guests faces. I saw a lot of guests spending most of the ride covering their eyes instead of being able to just enjoy the ride
Complimentary water is very easy to find throughout the park.
The ride restraint signage surprised me, I did expect this park to be more size inclusive considering families will be riding most rides together.
The park *truly* feels designed around younger families, and I mean that as a compliment. Even the toilets have special seats for young children! Please don't fully trust the initial reviews from anyone who visited a media day without children- this park has to be experienced through the eyes of a little one to appreciate it and every single family we came across was having fun
⸻
Final Thoughts
Universal Kids Resort is not trying to be Universal Orlando, and I do not think it should be judged as though it is.
Instead, it succeeds by creating a destination where younger children are the focus. If your family has toddlers or elementary-aged kids, I think you will find plenty to enjoy here.
The best advice I will give is to slow down, embrace the pace, and enjoy it for exactly what it was designed to be: a theme park created with kids at the center of the experience.
My name is Chali Francis, I am an Oklahoma based travel advisor with Vincent Vacations who specializes Disney and Universal destinations. If you are considering a trip and would like someone in your corner to help you decide the best options for your destination tailored to *your* family- reach out! I would love to help!
Get in touch with Chali Francis
Chali Francis
I am Chali Francis, a Travel Advisor based in Oklahoma specializing in Walt Disney World vacations, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and family cruises. As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and frequent Disney traveler, I use firsthand experience to help families plan vacations that fit their travel style, priorities, and budget.
Whether you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, a Disney Cruise Line sailing, a Universal Orlando getaway, or your next family adventure at another destination, I provide personalized guidance throughout the planning process, helping with everything from choosing the right resort, cruise ship, or itinerary to maximizing your time and experience.
Many of my clients return year after year, trusting me to help plan their family’s vacations and create lasting memories. I would love the opportunity to help you plan your next adventure.
Chali Francis
Universal Kids Resort: your full planning guide!
OKC Travel Agent Near Me
Share :
I am Chali Francis, a Travel Advisor based in Oklahoma specializing in Walt Disney World vacations, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and family cruises. As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and frequent Disney traveler, I use firsthand experience to help families plan vacations that fit their travel style, priorities, and budget. Whether you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, a Disney Cruise Line sailing, a Universal Orlando getaway, or your next family adventure at another destination, I provide personalized guidance throughout the planning process, helping wit... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow Chali Francis on all the socials!
Facebook Group
Join my group on Facebook! See latest deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share great tips and tricks, videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
TikTok
Follow me on TikTok! Watch and share my videos on my personalized travel feed just for your vacation needs! See my latest videos highlighting deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share new videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations!
Instagram
Follow me on IG! Visual content to connect my travel experiences to you! Join me as I travel around the world! I share new pictures and videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out on IG!
This is your girl!! She helped us so much in planning our trip and was so courteous to continually reach out to us during our trip! She let us know things to do at Disneyland, and some things to get before our trip to make our lives easier and it made our trip just that much better!! We loved our experience with her!! This will definitely be the person to go to for our future adventures! -Daniela H
Returning Guest
Thank you so much to Chali Francis for helping me plan the most magical vacations! She has helped us multiple times and she exceeded all my expectations each time. She’s so easy to work with and very knowledgeable. We will definitely be booking with her again in the future! - Laci M
My 10 year old daughter and I had the pleasure of attending a preview of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas before it opened to the public.
This is not a sales pitch from your travel advisor. This is as a practical planning guide filled with the things I noticed, the questions I had, and the details I think families will appreciate knowing before they visit.
⸻
At a Glance
Standard Parking: $20
Preferred Parking: $30
Double stroller rental (only doubles available for rent): $15 per day
Wagons ARE allowed
Guests under 2 years old are admitted free.
Guests staying at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel receive Early Park Admission.
Professional photos (by Universal team members at character meets and throughout the park) are $14.99 each or $50 for your entire day’s photos (prices subject to change).
There is currently no Express Pass.
There are no single rider lines.
There is currently no official Universal Kids Resort app.
Guests may leave and re-enter the park the same day with valid admission.
⸻
Who Is Universal Kids Resort For?
Universal Kids Resort is exactly what its name suggests: a theme park designed specifically for families with young children. (I know this seems redundant but some initial reviews and big internet feelings in comment sections suggest otherwise)
I think this park is at its best for families with toddlers through elementary-aged children. There are attractions and splash pads designed specifically for little ones, while older elementary-aged kids still have plenty to enjoy between the rides, larger splash areas, interactive play spaces, shows, and character experiences.
My daughter is 10 years old, and our family spends a lot of time at Walt Disney World, she rides all of the large rides there, and she is not a current fan of any of the characters featured at Universal Kids, so our family is not exactly the target audience for this park. Even so, she had a great time and mentioned wanting to return to stay in the hotel sometime soon because the theming looks cute.
The rides are not designed to be thrilling, and that is exactly the point. This park was built for younger guests, and I think it succeeds when you evaluate it through that lens.
If you enjoy visiting larger theme parks as an adult without children, I would set different expectations. Personally, I would not recommend Universal Kids Resort as an adult-only destination at all. The attractions and experiences are intentionally centered around families with young children, and I think that is what makes this park special.
⸻
My Recommended Itinerary
Could you see everything in one day? Absolutely.
Would I recommend rushing through it? Probably not.
If I were planning my own trip, I would book a two-night stay at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel and purchase the 1½-day ticket.
That allows you to check into your hotel, enter the park beginning at 2:00 p.m. on your arrival day, explore the park for the evening, enjoy the resort pool, then spend your second day taking your time through the park. Since the hotel is just steps away, you also have the flexibility to head back for a midday break before returning later in the evening.
Personally, I don't consider this a 'fly to' destination unless you are planning to visit other attractions in the Frisco/Dallas area (and there are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area!)
I think Universal Kids Resort is a great destination for a quick 2-3 day trip for guests within 'road trip' distance. If you don't know me, just know that this is coming from someone who regularly flies to the Orlando area parks myself for 2-3 nights for fun or special events so I am not anti-flight if the destination matches the effort. If this description doesn't make sense, I'm sorry- it does in my head.
Now Lets Get to the Actual Tips:
⸻
Parking
Standard parking costs $20, while Preferred Parking costs $30.
After visiting, I personally do not think Preferred Parking is necessary for most guests. The parking lot is compact enough that I would save the extra $10 and choose standard parking.
⸻
Security
Every guest passes through a security checkpoint before entering the park.
Bags are screened using airport-style scanners before guests walk through security screening/metal detectors. I also noticed security personnel throughout the park, and the entry process was efficient during my visit.
⸻
Staying Comfortable
One thing that genuinely surprised me because of initial reviews stating otherwise was the amount of shade throughout the park. There are plenty of shaded areas to help families cool off during hot Texas afternoons.
If you purchase a refillable souvenir mug, refill stations are conveniently located all throughout the park. If you bring your own reusable water bottle, you can also fill it with complimentary water at those stations.
If you are visiting during the summer, keep in mind that extreme heat can cause phones and even portable chargers to overheat. Mine stopped charging until everything cooled down, so it is something worth planning for if you expect to take a lot of photos or videos.
⸻
Professional Photos
Universal photographers are located throughout the park.
If you would like professional photos, pick up a Photo Card and have it scanned at each photographer location throughout the day. Before leaving, stop by Gabby’s Playhouse to review your photos and decide whether you would like to purchase them.
Current pricing (subject to change):
Individual photos: $14.99 each
Entire day’s photos: $50
⸻
Ride Information
Good to Know Before You Ride
Every rider must occupy their own seat. Lap sitting is not permitted on any attraction.
Children below the listed Independent Rider Height must ride with a supervising companion.
Most attractions allow children as young as 36 inches (some as short as 30 inches and 1-2 with no height requirement) to ride.
Several attractions include advisory signage indicating that guests with certain body types or taller statures may not fit comfortably within the ride restraints.
I noticed very few test seats throughout the park.
Modified seating is available on Pteranodon Drop and designated seating within Jurassic World Adventure Camp.
⸻
Ride Guide
-Trolls Fest-
Rhonda’s Trolls Fest Express
A short, family-friendly roller coaster that is a great first coaster for younger riders.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Hair in the Clouds
A gentle balloon ride where guests slowly spin while floating high above the park, offering some surprisingly great views.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
-Shrek’s Swamp-
Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ever Ogre After
A slow-moving family ride that takes guests on a fun journey through Shrek’s world.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 30 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Puss in Boots
Swinging Fiesta Over Del Mar
A classic spinning swing ride that gently lifts guests into the air while offering views across the land.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 42 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
-Jurassic World Adventure-
Cretaceous Coaster
The most thrilling attraction in the park while still being a very approachable family coaster.
Thrill Level: Most Thrilling
Minimum Height: 39 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin
A unique family attraction featuring rotating gondolas that travel around a vertical track while gently spinning, giving riders elevated views of the park.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: None
Independent Rider Height: 53 inches
Pteranodon Drop
A family-friendly drop tower that provides gentle thrills for younger riders.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Modified seating available
⸻
-SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom-
Jellyfish Jamboree
A gentle aerial ride where guests control how high their jellyfish floats while circling overhead.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: None
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Barnacle Bus
A family ride that swings back and forth while gently rotating. It offers just enough movement to feel exciting for younger children without being overly intense.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 30 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Bobbing Barrels
A spinning water attraction where both riders and guests standing nearby can spray each other with water. Expect to get wet whether you are riding or simply watching.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Mrs. Puff’s Boating School
A gentle family ride that glides along in a circle while bobbing up and down to simulate riding over ocean waves.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Maximum Height: 77 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Minions
Bello Bay Cruise
A family raft ride that will leave most guests completely soaked. If you would rather not spend the rest of your day wet, consider saving this attraction until later in your visit.
Thrill Level: Moderate
Minimum Height: 40 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby
Colorful golf carts weave around the course while each vehicle spins independently, creating the illusion that you are dodging the other drivers. It is a fun, whimsical ride that the whole family can enjoy.
Thrill Level: Gentle
Minimum Height: 36 inches
Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Things That Surprised Me
There is so much more shade throughout the park than I expected.
The park is much more compact in person than I anticipated. It is very easy to navigate but each land still feels a pretty spacious
Bello Bay Cruise will absolutely leave you soaked.
Speaking of water- watch your eyes when riding Bobbing Barrels! Guests standing outside the ride can shoot you with water (you get to shoot them also!) and the water cannons shoot directly into some guests faces. I saw a lot of guests spending most of the ride covering their eyes instead of being able to just enjoy the ride
Complimentary water is very easy to find throughout the park.
The ride restraint signage surprised me, I did expect this park to be more size inclusive considering families will be riding most rides together.
The park *truly* feels designed around younger families, and I mean that as a compliment. Even the toilets have special seats for young children! Please don't fully trust the initial reviews from anyone who visited a media day without children- this park has to be experienced through the eyes of a little one to appreciate it and every single family we came across was having fun
⸻
Final Thoughts
Universal Kids Resort is not trying to be Universal Orlando, and I do not think it should be judged as though it is.
Instead, it succeeds by creating a destination where younger children are the focus. If your family has toddlers or elementary-aged kids, I think you will find plenty to enjoy here.
The best advice I will give is to slow down, embrace the pace, and enjoy it for exactly what it was designed to be: a theme park created with kids at the center of the experience.
My name is Chali Francis, I am an Oklahoma based travel advisor with Vincent Vacations who specializes Disney and Universal destinations. If you are considering a trip and would like someone in your corner to help you decide the best options for your destination tailored to *your* family- reach out! I would love to help!
Disney has officially announced dates and details for both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios for the 2026 holiday season. If you are trying to decide which event deserves a spot in your vacation plans, the good news is that there really is not a wrong answer.
My family has attended both parties for years, and while they are both holiday events, they offer very different experiences. The best choice often comes down to what your family enjoys most.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: The Classic Disney Christmas
If your idea of the perfect holiday celebration includes Christmas music, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., festive decorations, and the kind of nostalgia that makes you feel like you stepped into a Christmas movie, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party may be the perfect fit.
This event is built around Disney holiday traditions, including:
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle
Complimentary holiday treats
Character meet-and-greets, including the incredibly popular Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Magic Kingdom also offers shorter wait times for many attractions during the party. Guests can often experience favorites like TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and more with reduced waits compared to a regular park day.
For many families, especially those with younger children, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party delivers the quintessential Disney Christmas experience.
Disney Jollywood Nights: Holiday Glamour with More 'high ticket' rides and rare character interactions
Jollywood Nights takes a different approach to the holidays.
Rather than focusing on classic Christmas traditions, this event blends holiday entertainment, vintage Hollywood style, rare characters, and some of the best attraction access available during the holiday season.
Guests can enjoy:
Multiple live entertainment offerings throughout the park
Rare character meet-and-greets
Specialty holiday entertainment
Unique food and beverage offerings
Snoap (Disney fans know exactly what I mean) falling along Sunset Boulevard near Tower of Terror
One area where Jollywood Nights really shines is attractions. While both holiday parties offer lower wait times than a typical park day, Hollywood Studios is home to several of Walt Disney World’s most in-demand rides. Guests often have opportunities to experience attractions like Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Toy Story Mania with significantly shorter waits than they would normally encounter.
For families who prioritize rides, that can be a major advantage.
Character Experiences: A Different Kind of Magic
Character fans will find plenty to love at both events, but the experiences are very different.
At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests will find beloved Disney characters in festive attire, classic holiday interactions, and one of the most sought-after character greetings of the season with Jack Skellington and Sally.
At Jollywood Nights, the focus shifts toward rare and unique characters that are not commonly available during regular park hours. For Disney fans who enjoy checking unusual characters off their must-meet list, this event often has the edge.
Some of the characters listed for Jollywood Nights include:
Phineas and Ferb
Powerline Max
Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers
Santa Stitch
Santa Duffy
Baloo and King Louie
José Carioca and Panchito
Lotso
Bo Peep
Partysaurus Rex
Bing Bong
Joy
Sadness
Mike Wazowski
Edna Mode
Frozone
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Chewbacca
Donald and Daisy
Mickey and Minnie in their holiday attire
Scrooge McDuck
Goofy and Pluto
Good News for Nightmare Before Christmas Fans
If your family loves The Nightmare Before Christmas, there is something special waiting for you at either event.
At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests can meet Jack and Sally in person.
At Jollywood Nights, guests can enjoy What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, one of the event’s most popular entertainment offerings.
In other words, if Jack Skellington is part of your holiday season, you really cannot go wrong.
Which Party Does My Family Prefer?
This is where my answer has changed over the years.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will always hold a special place in my heart. There is something magical about watching snow fall on Main Street while a Christmas parade makes its way through Magic Kingdom. For families with younger children, it is often the party I recommend first.
But as my daughter has gotten older, we have gradually become more of a Jollywood Nights family.
We love meeting rare characters. We enjoy being able to experience some of Hollywood Studios’ biggest attractions with shorter waits. And there is just something special about strolling down Sunset Boulevard with holiday music playing while snoap drifts through the air.
Choose Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party if your family loves:
Christmas parades
Fireworks
Snow on Main Street
Classic Disney holiday traditions
A nostalgic Christmas atmosphere
Choose Disney Jollywood Nights if your family loves:
Rare characters
Lower waits for major attractions
Live entertainment and shows
Hollywood Studios attractions
A unique holiday experience with a different vibe than traditional Christmas events
And if your budget and schedule allow for it, I genuinely recommend experiencing both at least once.
They are not competing events as much as they are two completely different celebrations of the holiday season. Whether you find yourself watching snoap fall on Main Street on Sunset Boulevard, there is plenty of Disney holiday magic waiting for you this year.
Thinking about attending a Disney Holiday Party in 2026?
My name is Chali Francis and I am a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and Oklahoma-based travel advisor who loves all things Disney. Reach out! I would love to discuss Holiday Parties and help you get the most magic out of your Holiday Walt Disney World vacation
People on the internet have some very big feelings about this new Walt Disney World policy.
Whether you love it, hate it, or are just here for the comments, Disney has officially shared more details about the new transportation policy coming to Disney Springs beginning June 28, 2026.
Guests traveling from Disney Springs to a Disney Resort hotel via Disney bus service or the Sassagoula River Cruise will now need one of the following:
• A valid Disney Resort hotel reservation (shown through a room key or MagicBand)
• A dining reservation at a Disney Resort hotel
• An Enchanting Extras reservation at a Disney Resort hotel
One detail Disney has now clarified: if you have a dining or Enchanting Extras reservation, you can begin using transportation from Disney Springs up to 2 hours before your reservation time.
For example, if your dining reservation is at 6:00 PM, you can begin using Disney transportation from Disney Springs at 4:00 PM.
This change only applies to transportation departing from Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels. Transportation from the theme parks to Disney Resort hotels will continue operating as usual.
Guests can still park hop and visit other resorts during their day. They will just need to begin by parking at a theme park and using Disney transportation from there rather than starting at Disney Springs.
One of the things that makes Disney feel so magical is the sense of ownership many guests feel toward it. The flip side of that is that whenever Disney introduces a new policy, guests tend to have some very strong opinions about it. This change has been no exception. I personally see both sides of the 'argument' but in the end, I think it is a benefit to Walt Disney World Resort guests and that is who the company will ultimately cater to the most (I say this as a Passholder, remembering that we can park at the theme parks for free and start a park hopping day there!)
My name is Chali, I am an Oklahoma-based travel advisor and Walt Disney World Annual Passholder who spends arguably too much time at the parks. Things at Walt Disney World change often and quickly- my job is to make sure guests who plan with me know current policies and events so they don't have to spend their free time stressfully doom scrolling afraid they will miss something. If you would like someone on your team for your next trip- reach out! I would love to connect
6/24Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
6/19
