Meet Three of the Cast Members Behind the New Jollywood Nights

Thanks to three Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Jollywood Nights will be bringing new holiday magic to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting on November 11th.  Showcasing the creativity of these cast members is important not only because Jollywood Nights is just around the corner but also because cast members Ana, Nick, and Marilyn have Latin American backgrounds and have infused their cultures into the new holiday event. 

Since we are currently in the middle of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, let’s take a closer look at some of the incredible highlights and awesome details of the first new holiday event at Walt Disney World in over 20 years and how they were inspired by this awesome team!

Nick, Ana and Marilyn have played an integral role in Disney Jollywood Nights from conceptualization to putting these exciting new plans in motion behind the scenes.  The goal behind the project was to host a holiday celebration that had something to offer everyone. “I think it’s really interesting how we took on the challenge of creating a holiday event that feels modern and acknowledges that people celebrate the holidays in lots of ways,” shared Nick.

Nick grew up in Miami and his Cuban American family would visit Disney during the holidays. He fondly remembers attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom with his family. Now Nick is a marketing strategy manager at Disney World and helped define the personality behind Disney Jollywood Nights.  The goal was to incorporate the old-fashioned Hollywood vibe that Hollywood Studios is so well known for.  

Ana is the product strategy manager for Disney Jollywood Nights. One of her ideas was to embrace the custom found in many Hispanic households to dress up on the night before Christmas.  Though dapper outfits aren’t a pre-requisite to get into a Jollywood Nights event, guests are encouraged to come to Hollywood Studios in a look inspired by vintage Hollywood glamour. 

Anna was born in Brazil and moved to Orlando when she was 21.  Though she had to leave her family behind, for her, Jollywood Nights is about embracing new traditions! “We can create new traditions with a new família, who we also chose to share our moments and lives with,” commented Ana. 

During Jollywood Nights the ABC Commissary Lane will be transformed into “Holiday Fiesta en la Calle.” Highlights of the street party will be a live band playing Latin beats and modern food and drink offerings that are inspired by Hollywood classics.  Marilyn said that dancing will be an important part of the street party fun.  She explained, “Dancing is such a large part of our expression and culture, so while designing the space, I made sure there would be plenty of room for dancing!”

Marilyn producer for Disney Live Entertainment grew up in a Dominican and Puerto Rican household and started her Disney career as a technician at Hollywood Studios over thirty years ago.  Marilyn has worked on projects not only with Disney but also in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and Panama.  “Having been with Disney for over thirty years, the connections I’ve made with my colleagues extend beyond being teammates,” Marilyn said.  

We can’t wait to see the festive traditions of these three cast members come to life during this year’s Jollywood Nights events. 

Credit: Disney

Jollywood Nights Highlights 

• Glitz & Glitter Galore – Step into a shimmery holiday scene with dapper decor and themed celebrations where you can dance the night away. 
• Merry Mashups – Delight in yuletide entertainment including live bands, an all-new stage show and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. 
• Attractions & Characters – Enjoy favorite attractions with lower wait times during this limited-capacity event and meet some beloved characters for a spirited season’s greetings. 
• Event Exclusive Shows – Get swept away by the spirit of the season with these awe-inspiring performances
  • Tune into a musical variety show featuring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy at Theater of the Stars.  This show will also include appearances from Tiana, Belle and more!
  • Join in a spirited sing-along experience at Hyperion Theater
  • End the evening with a bang as Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will be back.  This nighttime spectacular is jam-packed with music, special effects and projections. 

2023 Jollywood Nights Event Dates

• Saturday, November 11 – SOLD OUT
• Saturday, November 18
• Monday, November 20
• Monday, November 27
• Wednesday, November 29
• Monday, December 4
• Wednesday, December 6
• Saturday, December 16
• Monday, December 18
• Wednesday, December 20

Jollywood Nights will take place from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM.  Event tickets are $159 to $179 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date. Tickets can be purchased by contacting your travel agent or at disneyworld.com. 

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week. 

Photo: MickeyTravels

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