Hallmark Christmas Movie Films at Toy Story Land Disney World

Before the tinsel even comes down at Walt Disney World, a surprise bit of holiday magic has already captured the attention of Disney fans and Hallmark devotees alike.

A full-scale film crew was recently spotted inside Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They were quietly transforming the colorful Pixar-inspired area into the backdrop for an upcoming Hallmark Christmas movie tied directly to Disney itself.

The unexpected location, the timing, and the star power involved have set social media buzzing. The implications for future Disney–Hallmark collaborations might be bigger than they first appear—though who really knows?

A Hallmark Christmas Movie Takes Over Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Early morning guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios got an unusual surprise as professional filming equipment, crew members, and official signage popped up inside Toy Story Land.

A prominently placed Filming in Progress notice revealed that the production was operating under the title Mistletoe and Magic. Most people are guessing this is the working codename for the already announced Hallmark feature Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.

This discovery confirmed what many suspected after Hallmark revealed the project late last year. The network wasn’t just setting a story at Walt Disney World in spirit—they were going all in, filming right on location while the Christmas decorations were still up.

Why Toy Story Land Is an Unexpected Choice

Of all the locations within Walt Disney World, Toy Story Land is a pretty surprising spot for a Hallmark Christmas romance scene.

Known for its oversized toys, bright colors, and playful energy, the land usually screams family fun, not candlelit strolls or romantic drama.

But Toy Story Land does offer something unique: that pure, unfiltered childhood wonder. For a movie about rediscovering joy and finding magic in unexpected places, maybe the setting is more intentional than it first seems.

The Movie: Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True

Announced a year ahead of its planned release, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True is one of Hallmark’s most ambitious holiday projects yet.

The film aims to blend Hallmark’s signature romantic storytelling with the unmistakable fantasy of Disney Parks. It’s a crossover event that’s clearly aimed at fans of both brands.

The story follows Lindsey, a woman whose dream Christmas trip to Walt Disney World gets complicated by an unexpected reunion with Philip. He’s the guy she’d rather forget after a disastrous first date.

But, as you’d expect with Hallmark, what starts out as awkward tension soon turns into an opportunity for growth and, yeah, probably romance.

A Cast Packed With Familiar Faces

Hallmark really went for it with the cast, mixing their regulars with actors who have serious Disney and pop culture cred.

• Lacey Chabert as Lindsey, the reigning queen of Hallmark holiday movies
• Travis Van Winkle as Philip, the charming but complicated love interest
• Richard Kind bringing his signature warmth and humor
• Christy Carlson Romano, a nostalgic favorite for Disney Channel fans
• Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander rounding out the family dynamic
• Patrick Renna making a special cameo

This casting strategy appeals to multiple generations—longtime Hallmark viewers, millennials who grew up on Disney Channel, and probably a few curious newcomers too.

Why Filming Is Happening Right Now

The timing is no accident. Walt Disney World’s Christmas decorations stay up through the end of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, giving filmmakers a short window to capture those authentic holiday visuals.

Once the marathon wraps, the holiday decor vanishes fast. The production team has to hustle to get every shot needed for the film’s festive atmosphere.

A Clever Use of Operational Downtime

Filming mostly happened during the early morning hours. Disney often uses this tactic to avoid disrupting guests and to keep the parks looking picture-perfect on camera.

Interestingly, the shoot took place just days after a new Popcorn and Snacks kiosk opened in Toy Story Land. Maybe they waited for nearby construction to wrap up, just to avoid any visual clutter in the background.

The Bigger Picture: Disney and Hallmark’s Growing Relationship

This project hints at a deeper collaboration between Disney and Hallmark than we’ve seen before. Hallmark has filmed at theme parks before, but rarely with this kind of access to a place as iconic as Walt Disney World.

Viewers tuning in will see Disney’s parks presented as the ultimate holiday destination. It’s hard not to see this as a win-win for both companies.

What This Means for Future Holiday Films

If Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True does well, it could open the door for:

• More Hallmark films set at Disney destinations
• Seasonal park promotions tied to movie premieres
• Behind-the-scenes specials and cast appearances at Disney events
• A new holiday viewing tradition centered on Disney Parks

For Disney, it’s a low-risk way to showcase the emotional pull of its parks. For Hallmark, it adds a layer of spectacle that’s tough to beat.

Toy Story Land Through a Holiday Lens

Seeing Toy Story Land dressed for Christmas is already a novelty, but capturing it on film takes it up a notch.

Garland, wreaths, and subtle festive touches turn the land into a whimsical holiday playground that still feels totally Pixar.

This contrast between playful theming and heartfelt storytelling could end up being one of the film’s most memorable elements. It’s definitely a change of pace from Hallmark’s usual small-town settings.

A Setting That Reinforces the Story’s Themes

At its heart, the film is about rediscovering joy and letting unexpected places and people change you. Toy Story Land becomes more than just a backdrop—it’s almost a visual metaphor for reconnecting with childhood wonder during the holidays.

It’s a bold creative choice, honestly, and it might just help the movie stand out in a crowded Christmas film lineup.

The Holiday Countdown Has Already Begun

Filming is expected to wrap up right after the Christmas decorations come down. Anticipation is already shifting toward trailers, promo shots, and those first glimpses of Walt Disney World on screen.

Fans will be watching closely, probably pausing every frame to spot hidden park details or familiar landmarks. It’s almost like a scavenger hunt for Disney lovers, isn’t it?

When Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True finally premieres, viewers might feel as if they’ve already taken a little holiday trip themselves. If the early chatter is anything to go by, this Hallmark-meets-Disney mashup could end up a seasonal favorite before we know it.