Disney World unexpectedly reveals new lounge, exclusive Christmas merchandise

Just when we thought Disney had finished unwrapping its big holiday announcements for the day, there was another surprise hiding under the tree. Walt Disney World unexpectedly revealed a new lounge experience for Disney Jollywood Nights, along with a collection of exclusive Christmas merchandise starring some familiar — and very festive — faces.

Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights from Nov. 7, 2026, through Jan. 5, 2027, and this year’s party now has another stop to add to the itinerary.

Checkin’ It Twice Lounge joins Disney Jollywood Nights

The new Checkin’ It Twice Lounge brings a retro holiday cocktail-lounge atmosphere to the separately ticketed event. Disney’s newly released artwork shows guests checking in outside a lively Christmas setting.

A little holiday glamour, a specialty drink and a place to pause between shows: The new Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard will feature a live DJ and entertainment throughout the evening, adding another festive stop to Disney Jollywood Nights.

Disney posted the teaser on their Instagram page.

Disney Jollywood Nights already spreads its specialty entertainment across Hollywood Studios, including Holiday Fiesta en la Calle and Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. The new lounge artwork doesn’t make it obvious that this will be in Animation Courtyard, so it will be interesting to see how it comes together.

More details are expected ahead of opening night as the Walt Disney World holiday season begins.

Gertie and Duffy are the stars of Disney Jollywood Nights merchandise

If there were any question which characters are having a moment at Jollywood Nights this year, Disney’s merchandise reveal answers it: Gertie and Duffy are everywhere.

Gertie the Dinosaur gets dressed for Christmas across the collection, including a Loungefly bag featuring the Hollywood Studios icon in a Santa hat with a tiny ornament dangling from her mouth. There’s also a Gertie ornament and event pin.

Duffy joins the celebration in his own Santa outfit, appearing alongside Gertie on the 2026 Disney Jollywood Nights pin and on holiday Minnie ears. Disney also revealed an especially adorable Duffy mug, complete with his face and Santa hat.

Between a surprise new lounge and a Christmas collection led by two characters we did not necessarily expect to dominate Jollywood Nights, Disney just gave us a few more reasons to start counting down to opening night.