Disney Jollywood Nights is adding a new lounge, two new Monsters, Inc. characters, and three new Disney friends to the “Glisten!” skating show this year. The Checkin’ It Twice Lounge is coming to Animation Courtyard, Disney says. George Sanderson and Needleman will meet guests for the first time, and Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie are joining the skaters. Jollywood Nights begins November 7th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and, for the first time, extends into January.
What’s New at Disney Jollywood Nights 2026
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- The new Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard and the entertainment Disney says it offers.
- Which Monsters, Inc. characters meet guests this year, including two making their first appearance at the event.
- The Disney friends joining “Glisten!” in front of the Chinese Theater.
Hollywood Studios is decked out with garland, glamour, and holiday music on select nights from November 7th through January 5th. At Jollywood Nights this year, Disney adds a new place to relax, two Monsters, Inc. characters, and more Disney friends on the rink. The additions join the returning shows and characters that we covered when Disney revealed the 2026 dates, ticket prices, and lineup.
First up is the Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard. Disney says the new lounge invites guests to “step inside, sip, socialize, and soak up the atmosphere.” Specialty beverages, a live DJ, and entertainment throughout the evening round out the offering.
That gives guests a place to unwind between shows and attractions on a night that lasts until 12:30am. Disney says menu details will arrive with the Disney Jollywood Nights Foodie Guide later, and we will bring you the lounge’s drinks when Disney announces them.
Monsters, Inc. Pals Join the Party
Mike Wazowski returns to Pixar Plaza to keep the party going, and he is bringing company. Disney says guests can meet George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc. for the first time during the event.
Pixar Plaza already hosts the Pixar Disco, where Mike joins Edna Mode, Frozone, and Joy for a holiday dance party. More details are yet to come on how you’ll be able to meet the new monsters.
Donald, Daisy, and Genie Join “Glisten!”
“Glisten!” returns to the rink in front of the Chinese Theater, and Disney says Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie are joining the production for the first time. World-class skaters still glide across the rink, with the three characters adding more Disney moments to the sparkling show.
Yearly updates have become a pattern for “Glisten!” The skating show debuted at the 2024 event, when Disney revealed its name and details. In 2025, Disney refreshed it with new props, staging, costumes, and an Aladdin segment, as we saw on opening night. Genie arrives one year after that Aladdin segment joined the show.
Keep Reading
- Get the full 2026 schedule, including the new January dates, in our rundown of Disney Jollywood Nights dates, tickets, and lineup.
- See how Disney first introduced the skating show in our look at the “Glisten!” announcement for the 2024 event.
- Find out what changed in the show last year in our photos and video of the updated “Glisten!” for 2025.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!