Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Review & Tips
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is the Christmas fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, running November 6, 2018 through January 6, 2019 at Walt Disney World. This post offers our review of the nighttime spectacular, photos of the show, viewing tips, and dessert party info. (Last updated August 16, 2018.)
Let’s start with a brief overview. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is a Christmas nighttime spectacular that is best described as a mixed media show (calling it a ‘fireworks show’ would be a misnomer) centered around projections on Grauman’s Chinese Theater. However, it’s not just like watching a montage show with the theater facade as a screen. There are also lasers & lights, special effects, fireworks, and soundtrack that elevate the show to something more. Oh, and there’s snow!
In terms of the projections, films represented include Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, Bambi, Beauty and the Beast, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Inside Out, Up, and virtually every princess and prince (in a brief romance montage). It’s surprisingly light on Frozen, a hot property you would’ve expected to dominate a good 25% of a show like this 1-2 years ago.
In terms of a review, let’s get the most critical thing out of the way first. That’s right, the name of the show. Wait, what? It’s a reference to Prep & Landing, and if the internet is to be believed, this name is quite the travesty. Perhaps the internet is unfamiliar with the bevy of names Walt Disney World has used over the last decade that include the following words: magic, dreams, happy (and variants), celebrate (and variants), and memories. In my book, if it doesn’t include one of those buzzwords, it’s an okay name. (I actually like this name.)
Joking aside, there’s the actual elephant in the room: this is not the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. That’s meant to be neither cheeky nor derisive. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is a de facto replacement of the Osborne Lights, and in every single conversation I had with people last night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Osborne Lights came up.
Obviously, it’s not even a remotely apt comparison–it’s like apples to orangutans. However, for many newer members of the Disney fandom, the Osborne Lights was the first big thing they have lost. Personally, I can’t think of anything as significant since the 1999 closure of Horizons. That’s saying something given that the Osborne Lights only ran for a couple months per year. For a lot of people, us included, the Osborne Lights were pure Disney magic.
That’s a tough act to follow. Last week in our World of Color – Season of Light Review, we speculated/hoped that some of the footage from that show would be used in Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! As Sarah and I entered Disney’s Hollywood Studios yesterday, my ‘wishful thinking’ had become ‘certain thinking.’ I told her there was no way they wouldn’t have at least that Osborne Lights tribute scene. No way.
In my head, I was expecting more than that. I figured they’d include a couple of songs also featured in Osborne Lights and maybe–just maybe–have the whole show hosted by radio DJs from Osborne Lights. I thought that made sense, as Disney could nicely pay homage to a fan-favorite while also pulling key parts that emotionally resonated with guests. It wouldn’t be nostalgia simply for nostalgia’s sake, but a mix of nostalgia and substantive quality.
Not only were there no Osborne Lights tributes, there was little at all in Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! that I felt packed an emotional punch.
The show features Lanny and Wayne in search of Santa, and that quest provides an opportunity to show a few montage scenes from Disney animated classics, a la World of Color – Season of Light.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is at its best when focusing on these montages, but most of them feel far too short and disjointed. The most potential is with the winter wonderland/”Jingle Bells” scene with classic Disney characters, but each vignette is too brief.
Only the Nightmare Before Christmas portion was satisfying, but to be frank, I’m more or less “over” that movie by the time Halloween ends. (Perhaps that’s just me?)
Even World of Color – Winter Dreams, a show that garnered a mixed response from fans due to a disproportionate amount of Frozen, had much more emotional payoff than Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM. About the only scene that had me feeling warm inside was the couples/romance scene, but even that sequence was only so-so.
The search for Santa plot is flimsy, but that’s no matter. That’s par for the course with this type of show, and I didn’t feel that it bogged down Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Usually, whatever plot exists is a rough framework to segue between various montage scenes, and I think the plot here did a satisfactory job of that. It’s the scenes in between that were weak. (It also seems they chose about the worst possible rendition of every song in the show.)
Others with whom I spoke lamented the lack of actual fireworks in this show, but I wasn’t surprised or upset by that. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM seems to have about the same level of pyro as Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (which is to say: not much) and the fireworks it does have are imbalanced, but I think that’s a result of construction at the back of the park.
As far as effects go, I was actually quite impressed with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM. The mix of lasers, searchlights, fire, pyro, and snow in addition to the projections made the show visually captivating.
The way some of the visuals from Prep & Landing were brought to life around Disney’s Hollywood Studios was without question the saving grace of the show for me. There are some wow moments thanks to those, and they made the experience enjoyable even if it wasn’t heartwarming.
The most heartwarming thing was actually walking down Hollywood Boulevard under the new garland and the falling snow. I know “snoap” is not exactly cutting edge technology like Christmas lasers, but it is so effective at evoking a feeling of Christmas in Florida.
Outside of Osborne Lights, this is the first time that I’ve ever felt like anywhere in DHS has really nailed the Christmas atmosphere (just ignore those lush palms). It was wonderful to experience, and this exit experience was the most redeeming aspect of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM.
In the end, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is a show that has some flashy effects and is fun to watch, but it’s totally devoid of heart. As the de facto replacement for the Osborne Lights, a holiday offering oozing with heart, I think that is going to be a disappointment to a lot of Walt Disney World regulars.
I can get past the lack of fireworks and every other quibble I had with the show, but Christmas entertainment should provoke emotion. This didn’t.
In terms of viewing tips, the key here is being close to Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This is important to note if you’ve already consulted our Best Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fireworks Viewing Spots post & map, as that information is now out of date. We do recommend watching Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! from closer to The Great Movie Ride than Trolley Car Cafe (Starbucks).
The #1 spot on that is still #1, but the middle of #4 is also excellent. We were in the red area in front of that last night (to avoid the crowds) and found this to be a halfway decent spot. You’re probably better off a bit farther back, but not too much. If you are farther back on Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll miss detail in the projections, which are the highlight of the show.
Likewise, locations over by Echo Lake and outside of the park that we previously recommended are no longer viable options for the same reason. This is best thought of not as a fireworks show, but as a concert: the farther from the “stage,” the worse your view. Obviously, this isn’t a concert, but the point we’re trying to underscore is that it’s not a traditional fireworks show. The fireworks are ancillary to the projections.
You might also consider doing the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party, which occurs nightly starting 90 minutes before the show. Reservations for this party are now open for all dates during the 2018 holiday season.
The party itself occurs before the fireworks, and is held in the courtyard of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. There, guests can enjoy multiple food stations, featuring holiday-inspired desserts (such as cheese fondue, pumpkin pie, spiced-bread pudding). Beer, wine and specialty cocktails are available for guests over 21. Specialty non-alcoholic beverages are also available, including hot cocoa.
During the dessert party, a special VIP character in Christmas attire comes to meet and mingle with dessert party-goers. After the party itself concludes, guests are directed to a VIP viewing location for “Disney Movie Magic” followed by the main event, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM.”
Pricing varies throughout the season. For Nov 6, 2018 through Dec 22, 2018 and Jan 2-6, 2019 pricing is $79 per adult and $45 per child (ages 3-9) (tax and gratuity included). For Dec 23, 2018 through Jan 1, 2019, peak season pricing is $89 per adult and $49 per child (ages 3-9) (tax and gratuity included).
Reservations can be made online at the Walt Disney World Resort Website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407 939-3463). We have never done the dessert party because we do not feel it offers sufficient value to justify the cost, but to each their own on that.
That about covers it in terms of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM. If you were not planning on heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for your upcoming Christmas trip, I’m not sure that this should be what pushes you off the fence. If you are planning on going, it’s worth seeing at least once.
Your opinion may very well differ from mine, particularly as I’m probably still bitter over the loss of the Osborne Lights (not having them this year would be a lot more forgivable if Star Wars Land were already vertical, but half of the Streets of America is still up!) and coming down off of the high of World of Color – Season of Light. This show is certainly not as good as either of those offerings, but perhaps it’s more enjoyable than I’m giving it credit.
Oh, and just a quick reminder/plug before we end: while we’ve only had a chance to quickly edit a few photos for this post, we will have several more large photos in our updated (and totally free) Walt Disney World Christmas eBook, which we’ll release Thanksgiving weekend. For more details on how to get this totally-free ebook, click here.
For comprehensive info and tips on the holiday season, read our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World post. It covers every park, the resorts, the best weeks in November & December to visit, and much more!
YOUR THOUGHTS…
What are your thoughts on Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Is this enough to get you to visit DHS this Christmas? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Is the bar “open” or is it a cash bar? AKA does the party ticket price include alcohol, or do you have to pay per drink? thx!
Hey! Do you know if they will still be having the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell spectacular this holiday season?
It has yet to be confirmed, but I assume so.
Hi!
Thank you for this article! your my number one consult in all things Disney! Im an AP and love Disney but this is going to be the first year I go to engage in christmas activities and this was on my list. WAS being the operative word. I think I’m going to skip this one. would the time of the show be a good time to ride rides in the park?
Hey Tom! Thanks for the TREMENDOUS work you do with the blog. You don’t have AN IDEA how much you’ve helped me so far.
Browsing the calendars and schedules for the week in November I’ll visit WDW, I’ve come across that this show is coming back on November 9th 2017 at 8pm.
Not sure you posted it already or not, I think I haven’t read it yet. Just wanted to let you know.
See you around!
Hi Mark, my family is traveling to Orlando during the first week of Decemeber. We have one day to visit a Disney Park. Which park do you recommend for a family with two toddlers and a preschooler? We are taking a Disney Cruise so I am not really worried about characters. More looking for the Disney Christmas feeling or must see attractions or shows. Any advice wis greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Sorry I just noticed it said Mark. It was suppose to say hi my family … lol I should of proof read.
Hi Tom/ Sarah,
Great Blog/ Posts BTW. I’ve been scouring the Disney website for schedules for the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam 2017, but have not come across anything! Would you happen to know if it’s even coming back to HS? My two older kids have been blessed enough to have seen and experienced The Osbourne Spectacle of Lights, but my youngest (4yo) has not. We experienced Jingle Bell Jingle Bam November 2016 and enjoyed it enough to watch again, but I’m trying to plan around dining, shows, and Fantasmic. Thanks for this website, it’s a breath of fresh Disney air!
It has been confirmed that it will be returning in 2017 but we do not have a schedule as of yet 🙂
starts Nov 9th!
Not worth it, we did this Dec 2016 and upgraded to the Desert Party not for the food but the prime viewing location . That was good but packing that area full with all the paying people and then adding the wheelchair folks made it worse than the general area. The show was so-so, not holiday’sh at all. The fake snow was pretty cool though. We’re back again the 9th to 14th. We will view but it’s not special like Osborn was.
Hi there!
Planning a trip for December 2017-what happens with the Star Wars spectacular when Jingle Bam is running? I am doing our dining reservations this week and we had been hoping to half 2 of our 8 do the Star Wars guided tour (dad/son bday surprise)- I don’t want to leave them out of a reservation only to find out there is no Star Wars spectacular!!
We were there on November 18 and I have to say my favourite part of the evening was meeting with Sarah and Tom on Hollywood Boulevard. We saw the Star Wars Spectacular several nights before the debut of Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. And the technical aspects work much better for Star Wars than they do for Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. Star Wars is enhanced by the lasers and other special effects. They don’t the same way in the story line for the Christmas presentation.
It feels as though the creativity was rushed and not particularly imaginative or heart warming. I’m not sure there wasn’t a defeatist attitude in the imagineers who worked on the project. Perhaps they felt there was nothing they could offer that would measure up to the Osborne Lights so why bring your A game?
We watched from the side on the 18th so we went back a few nights later to watch it directly in front of Grumman’s Theatre. I have to say the experience was better front and centre. However the images are blocked by the palm trees. I am not suggesting the trees be removed but simply stating is no place where you can see everything. My point is don’t expect to see absolutely everything. Position yourself to see as much as possible and take in what you can. I would not describe this presentation as a must see event.
I think my favourite part of the show was watching the lasers interact with the snow. We live above the snow line and see snow falling regularly but the laser and snow was fun. And it is quite different than laser light and the smoke from fireworks.
Tom- We love your blog! We are wondering how long is the show? If it starts at 6:45 p.m., would we make a 7:30 dinner reservation at Mama Melrose? Also, how long is Fantasmic?
This show is about 12-15 minutes; you’ll probably want to spend a few more after that wandering Hollywood Boulevard enjoying the music and falling snow. You can easily make it to a 7:30 Mama Melrose ADR afterwards. Fantasmic is nearly 30 minutes, and the show time plus getting out of the theater and to the back of the park will take nearly 45 minutes.
Thanks for the review. From the sight and sounds of it Jingle Jam Jingle JAM is exactly what I expected it to be: a lackluster half-baked attempt at holiday cheer that fails miserably. Last year when they did Star Wars fireworks, those were llud, expansive and worth the visit. The SW Extravanganza was incredibly underwhelming. Too many obstructed views in a tiny area.
I’m happy that my family got to enjoy Osborne Lights for the last decade of New Year’s holidays. But as we said goodbye to the lights last year, we vowed it would also be our last holiday visit to WDW. Losing Osborne and making zero attempts to relocate or salvage it (as they id Lights of Winter) is just unforgivable IMHO. WDW execs are clueless, heartless idiots. (Sorry, still bitter over this.)
Instead, my family is finding other (non-WDW) places to enjoy holiday lights. Busch Gardens Williamsburg transforms their entire park into ChristmasTown for 6 weeks. (Oh what EPCOT could be.)
I just feel bad for the WDW visitors this year who never got to experience Osborne and never will.
I think the real challenge is that there is nowhere else that was a viable location for the Osborne Lights. Basically, they needed a spot that was otherwise unpopular, so as to not impede traffic flow with thousands of people standing around.
Aside from Rafiki’s Planet Watch (obviously not a viable location), I can’t think of any other spot that fits the criteria. The parks are busier and more crowded during the November-December months than even just 5 years ago. Imagine putting the Osborne Lights anywhere else: it would be gridlock, and potentially a safety concern.
There are certainly spots Disney could have built a new Streets of America-esque flex space, though…
Disney denies it, but I have seen Christmas pictures in Branson at Silver Dollar City. I swear they are the Osborne lights. So much so, I want to go there now!
Going to HS to see Jingle Bam tonight. Saw our second MVMCP last night. Even combined, nothing will ever give us that Osborne Light feeling of “I belong here every year.” My memories are still basking the the glow of those lights. Are those Osborne lights in storage anywhere? If not, I wouldn’t be surprised if after the HS construction is completed, Disney brings back a similar LED version to the studios. Tis the season, …I can dream can’t I?
Tom and Sarah, we love your blog. Question, we are headed to HS for 1 night with 5 kids under 7. Looking at the times, it doesn’t seem like we can do both Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM and Fantasmic. Based on this review, would you recommend we skip this and just head for Fantasmic?
If you’ve never seen either, I’d recommend Fantasmic. It has live performers, tons of effects, and guests really enjoy it. That is, unless your kids are huge Prep & Landing fans–or you really love Christmas.
I’d say a good 80%+ of guests are going to prefer Fantasmic to this, and there is no way to see both in the same night (currently).
We were at HS on Nov 18th and were able to do both by sitting on the side of the Chinese Theater toward Fantasmic. Fantasmic was already under way but we were let in and got some of the few remaining seats. On our way in the attendants announced last call and did seem to close admission as not many people came in after us. I wouldn’t recommend trying to do both if you really want to see Fantasmic.
Bottom line kids will love it and will be endeared to it in time.
I’m happy they at least have something and hopefully next year will be a new ballgame.
I wonder if they would have dropped with the Prep and Landing framework and focused on the montages the entire show would have had more heart and impact. Are the Prep and Landing TV specials that beloved at this point? Like Jingle BAM! the specials are technically impressive and clever with indisputably high production values but (for me at least) there is a lack of a warmth and timelessness that them from truly taking root as Christmas classics. I could see having a segment devoted to Prep and Landing but it seems like hanging the entire show on the characters might not have been the best route.
I watched a video of this show on YouTube and agree with your reactions, Tom. If I was already in DHS I’d stop and watch but I won’t be scheduling a visit to DHS just to see this show. Which is a complete contrast from Osborne, an event we booked a night at WDW just to see last year prior to embarking on a cruise. Disappointed that there was no effort to salvage Osborne Lights, which was my favorite part of the holidays at the parks. As you said, apples to orangutans, but this meager offering just makes the absence of Osborne even more obvious and painful!
What brand of Tripod do you use?
Tom has a lot of items in his Camera Bag. Using the search function for “camera bag” yields a lot of articles. Here is one. https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-travel-tripod/
Well I have not seen any of the WDW Christmas shows (this should change next year) but I can’t help but hear in m head the gruff elf voice as he proclaims “Jingle Bam!” every time I read the show title.