On Saturday, December 14, 2024, D23 members gathered on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California to celebrate the holidays — specifically A Jolly Holiday on the Lot with D23. This special ticketed event officially kicked off at 4pm but a few select D23 members were able to access the lot at 3pm for early shopping before the event began.
The Walt Disney Studios lot is already a magical place but during the holiday season, it becomes even more magical with decorations, lights and sounds of the season. And when D23 hosts its annual holiday event on the studios lot, they add even more twinkling lights, festive decor, music, seasonal treats, and Disney characters in festive holiday attire.
Disney Characters
Mickey and Minnie Mouse rotated throughout the night meeting D23 members and guests in front of The Walt Disney Studios lot Christmas tree. Mickey wore a holiday sweater with an iconic “M” embroidered on the front while Minnie wore a flashy holiday dress.
Donald and Daisy Duck also rotated throughout the night with a backdrop featuring the Disney Animation building and the Studios lot water tower.
Pluto was dressed with his reindeer antlers and greeted guests throughout the night in front of a beautiful snow fall backdrop. Chip n’ Dale rotated throughout the night with Pluto greeting guests with their “nutty”, but adorably cute charm. Both Chip & Dale wore a cute and festive gingerbread cookie themed sweater.
And Santa Goofy was stationed along one of the studio lots avenues greeting guests in front of a backdrop featuring a beautiful snowfall on the lot.
Santa Claus himself also stopped by the lot to greet guests along with Jack and Sally from Disney & Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Activities
In addition to the Disney characters, D23 members and their guests were able to enjoy several exclusive activities including:
- Carnival games with Disney-themed prizes
- Complimentary holiday treats including cotton candy, popcorn, sugar cookies, caramel apples, hot cocoa and hot apple cider
- An event-exclusive Walt Disney Archives holiday display
- Holiday crafts including cookie decorating
- Live entertainment including bands, carolers, caricature and balloon artists and a roaming juggler
- Guests were able to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots program
Shopping
Holiday shopping began at 3pm for those D23 members lucky enough to snag an early shopping ticket. A special The Walt Disney Company Store was set up on the lot featuring exclusive D23 branded merchandise, The Walt Disney Company branded merchandise and exclusive Disney pins.
The Walt Disney Studio Store was open with some exclusive holiday deals on Disney merchandise from the Disney Store and Disney Parks. Disney Fine Art was on the lot showcasing and selling some of the most recent Disney Fine Art pieces. RSVLTS hosted a booth selling some of their Disney holiday shirts. Disney Lorcana was featured on the lot giving fans a chance to play the popular trading card game with other gamers or to learn how to play from Disney Lorcana gaming experts. And around the lot, more shopping booths were set up featuring local merchants.
Food & Beverages
In addition to the complimentary holiday treats, guests on the lot had the opportunity to purchase and enjoy food and beverages at the Buena Vista Café on the lot. Starbucks was also open at the Frank G. Wells Building serving favorite holiday brews. Guests over 21 were able to visit the holiday bar, featuring a variety of festive cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverage options for purchase. And an assortment of food trucks were on the lot selling tacos, pizza, fries and more.
Tickets for the Event
Tickets for A Jolly Holiday on the Lot with D23 went on sale October 25, 2024. Ticket prices were $57.00 (+ a $7.00 Processing Fee) per person for D23 Gold Members and $77.00 (+ a $7.00 Processing Fee) per person for D23 General Members. A special limited Early Shopping ticket was also available exclusively to D23 Gold Members for $107.00 (+ a $7.00 Processing Fee) per person.
The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour
For anyone wishing to take an official tour of the Walt Disney Studios lot, a walking tour can be purchased on the D23 website throughout the year. Tour prices for D23 Gold Members are $99.00 for weekday tours or $109.00 for weekend tours (+ a $7.00 Processing Fee) per person. For D23 General Members, ticket prices are $149.00 for weekday tours or $159.00 for weekend tours (+ a $7.00 Processing Fee) per person. For more details including tour dates and to purchase tour tickets, please visit the events page on the D23 website.
Disney News
Stay up-to-date on the latest Disney news! Check back daily for the latest Disney news including these recent blog posts:
- Disney Lilo and Stitch Invasion Pins at Pink a la Mode
- Disney Trivia Thursday
- A Jolly Holiday on the Lot with D23 at the Walt Disney Studios Lot
- Disney Beauty and the Beast 2-Pin Set at Pink a la Mode
- Know Before You Go!
- Disney Trivia Thursday
And follow me on Instagram, Facebook and other social channels for even more up-to-date news and information.
As always, I’ll “see ya real soon” Mouseketeers!
