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Meeting Indiana Jones: Inside DVC’s Hidden S.E.A. Party at Jollywood Nights

Joshua
Written by Joshua Posted
Meeting Indiana Jones: Inside DVC's Hidden S.E.A. Party at Jollywood Nights

Jollywood Nights was a blast. Between Life Day Chewbacca, The Muppets, Jack Skellington, and a plate of excellent empanadas, the after-hours party almost had too much going on. In fact, we were so busy that I nearly forgot about Disney Vacation Club’s complimentary hot cocoa. So before exiting, we headed for Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost, blocked that evening by Disney’s signature movable hedges. I was not prepared for what was hiding behind those plants.

S.E.A. party during Jollywood Nights

When we arrived, a DVC Cast Member asked if we wanted to step into “the event.” I had no idea what the event was, but I’ll never turn down a DVC invitation, so in we went. Behind the hedge was a full-on party hosted by the Society of Explorers & Adventurers. S.E.A., for short.

S.E.A. party banner during Jollywood Nights

For anyone unfamiliar, the S.E.A. is a fictional organization woven into Disney attractions and parks around the world. Members include:

  • Barnabas T. Bullion of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad fame
  • Dr. Albert Falls (Jungle Cruise)
  • Lord Henry Mystic (Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor)
  • Captain Mary Oceaneer (Disney Cruise Line’s Oceaneer Club)
  • Jock Lindsey (Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar)

Given Jock’s history with a certain famous archaeologist (he saved Indy during Raiders of the Lost Ark), it made sense that Indiana Jones himself was the guest of honor at this hot cocoa stop.

But I didn’t know any of that yet. I just wanted hot chocolate. While we were sipping, a woman leaned in and asked how much money it would take for me to eat the entire piping bag of cherry frosting sitting on the table.

Society of Explorers and Adventures logo and a glass globe
A cart full of Christmas gifts

I figured she was just an enthusiastic party guest. Nope. She was deep in character as an S.E.A. member. I immediately derailed her script by referencing Wilford Brimley. I still can’t tell if she froze because her character lives in the 1930s or because she’s too young to recognize the diabetes guy. It was probably the latter.

Another performer joined us and asked if I was an archaeologist. I replied, “Nope. I’m scared of my face melting.” Again, brief confusion, then laughter. Soon, we were discussing the Ark of the Covenant and gardening, as one does during a late-night Disney event. We were having such a great time that I never took their photos. I’m cool with that. I was in the moment rather than worrying about snapping everything in front of me.

Eventually, we were called to meet Dr. Jones. I handed my phone to a Cast Member, who proceeded to take what must have been forty photos of me looking progressively more awkward next to one of my childhood heroes. You won’t be seeing any of those pics.

Indiana Jones beneath the Adventure Outpost logo painted on a building in Hollywood Studios
Indiana Jones reading a book
Indiana Jones at a DVC party at Jollywood Nights

Before we called it a night, we swung by the treats table. Our options were a Christmas-tree-shaped Rice Krispies cookie or a DVC magnet.

DVC magnet and a holiday cookie
Christmas-tree shaped Rice Krispies cookie
DVC magnets available at a Society of Explorers and Adventures party

Meeting Indiana Jones was great, but honestly, the S.E.A. characters stole the night. Their unexpected, weird improv turned a fun party into something unforgettable. Jollywood Nights is a strong event on its own, but our post-midnight hang with explorers and archaeologists? That’s what we’ll remember most.

The S.E.A. won’t be appearing at Jollywood Nights again this season. Their last event wrapped up on November 24.

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