PHOTOS: Disney's Hollywood Studios Celebrates New Year's Eve with DJs, Rare Character Appearances, and Pixar Dance Party

Disney’s Hollywood Studios rang in the new year with live entertainment and special character appearances.

A bustling nighttime street scene reminiscent of Disney's Hollywood Studios, with colorful lights and decorations. Crowds of people walk beneath illuminated garlands and palm trees, while buildings display vibrant neon signs.

DJ Dance Parties

A person in colorful attire stands at a blue podium under red and yellow stage lights, reminiscent of Disney's Hollywood Studios, during an outdoor nighttime event. Audience members are visible in the foreground.

Guests enjoyed a DJ dance party at Center Stage near Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Seasonz Jukebox

A group of people dances energetically in an outdoor setting reminiscent of a lively Hollywood Studios scene. Some hold instruments, much like a marching band, while a child enthusiastically joins in. Trees and a brick building provide the charming backdrop.

A marching band performed throughout the evening near Baseline Tap House.

Pixar Dance Party

A lively crowd gathers at an outdoor event with colorful lights and decorations, reminiscent of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Glowing rods illuminate the scene as holiday ornaments sparkle, while a person in a character costume interacts enthusiastically with attendees.

At Pixar Plaza, guests danced the night away at the Pixar Party featuring a DJ and Pixar Pals.

Watch our video of some highlights from the Pixar Dance Party below.

@wdwnt
Rare characters are appearing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! 🤯 Ian and Barley from “Onward,” Mike and Boo from “Monsters, Inc.,” and Carl and Russell from “Up” are having a great time in Pixar Plaza! 🥳 You can party into 2025 with them 🤩 #wdw #hollywoodstudios #disneyparks #nye #danceparty
♬ original sound – WDW NEWS TODAY

Holiday Spirit Band

A person in a character costume performing energetically with musicians dressed in festive attire in an outdoor theme park setting.

A Holiday Spirit Band performed throughout the evening on Sunset Boulevard.

Street Party with a Latin Flair

Illuminated sign for "The Rundown" live Latin band at Disney's Hollywood Studios, showing performance times at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00, with a left arrow beneath.

A street party featuring The Rundown took place in the Coaster Courtyard by Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

Character Meet and Greets

Special character meet-and-greets also happened throughout the evening.

Mike Wazowski and Boo

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, a person in a Mike Wazowski costume from Monsters, Inc. dazzles the crowd at a nighttime event, surrounded by excited onlookers.

A person in a purple monster costume delights a crowd at an illuminated outdoor event, reminiscent of a magical evening at Disney's Hollywood Studios, with festive decorations twinkling in the background.

Mike Wazowski recently greeted guests during Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Ian and Barley Lightfoot

A character in a blue costume entertains a lively crowd at an outdoor event, surrounded by spectators of all ages near brick walls and colorful decorations, reminiscent of the magical charm found at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, a character in costume dances with children and adults amidst colorful lights and enchanting decorations at an indoor event.

Ian and Barley Lightfoot from the movie “Onward” previously had a meet-and-greet with guests back in 2020 at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. Earlier this year during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort, the pair were once again greeting guests for a limited time.

Carl and Russell

Two people in costumes resembling characters from an animated movie pose with others in a lively outdoor setting, reminiscent of the vibrant scenes at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

While Carl isn’t typically out meeting guests, Russell does have a usual meet-and-greet with his pal Dug at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The pair can be found greeting guests at Wilderness Explorers Club House on Discovery Island near the Tree of Life.

Doctor Strange

A person in a superhero costume poses heroically on the bustling sidewalk at night, reminiscent of a scene from Disney's Hollywood Studios, with pedestrians strolling by in the background.

Doctor Strange, who rarely appears, was out greeting guests and practicing the mystic arts.

Star-Lord and Gamora

Two people in sci-fi costumes pose with arms crossed on a street at night, reminiscent of a scene from Disney's Hollywood Studios. In the background, trees adorned with colorful lights and a few passersby complete the atmospheric setting.

We ran into Star-Lord and Gamora, taking a break from guarding the galaxy.

Panchito Pistoles

A person in a colorful bird costume with a purple outfit poses energetically indoors, as if ready to take the stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

One-third of the Three Caballeros was out on the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Panchito Pistoles. José Carioca was reportedly out, also, but we didn’t find him while we were in the area.

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Shannen Ace

PHOTOS: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrates New Year’s Eve with DJs, Rare Character Appearances, and Pixar Dance Party

DJ Dance Parties

Seasonz Jukebox

Pixar Dance Party

Holiday Spirit Band

Street Party with a Latin Flair