Hallmark Films Holiday Ever After at Walt Disney World

It’s the most magical mashup of the season — Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are finally teaming up for the first time ever. They’re making a holiday movie that’s set to melt hearts faster than a snowflake on Main Street, U.S.A.

The film, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, started filming this December right inside the Magic Kingdom. It’s honestly a historic collaboration between two icons of nostalgia and joy.

Fans of Hallmark’s cozy Christmas romances and Disney’s enchanting worlds are already buzzing. This partnership is bringing together the ultimate dream team of holiday magic.

With a star-studded cast, a heartwarming storyline, and even exclusive merchandise coming next year, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest holiday entertainment events of 2026.

The Magic Behind the Collaboration

Hallmark and Disney have both set the standard for celebrating the holidays with heart for decades. This new venture isn’t just another movie — it’s a full-circle moment that goes way back, nearly a century.

Hallmark’s founder, J.C. Hall, and Walt Disney both came from Kansas City. Their paths first crossed there, way back in the early days of their careers.

That connection led to Hallmark’s first-ever licensed products featuring Mickey Mouse. It set the stage for a relationship built on creativity and optimism.

Now, that friendship’s getting a fresh spark through a cinematic celebration that blends their worlds in a way fans haven’t seen before.

From Greeting Cards to the Big Screen

Darren Abbott, Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer, said this collaboration just felt like the next step. Bringing the partnership into filmed entertainment lets both brands tell stories about connection and wonder — the real heart of the holidays.

Disney’s Sally Conner, VP of Global Content, agreed. She pointed out that Walt Disney World’s immersive holiday setting is the perfect match for the emotional journeys Hallmark movies are known for.

Together, they’re crafting something that’s not just a film — it’s more like a festive love letter to family, faith, and the magic of shared memories.

Meet the Cast Lighting Up the Kingdom

Hallmark favorite Lacey Chabert — basically Christmas movie royalty at this point — leads the cast as Lindsey, a woman determined to give her extended family the perfect Disney holiday.

Opposite her is Travis Van Winkle, playing Philip, a guy whose first date with Lindsey didn’t exactly go as planned. When fate puts their families in neighboring rooms at a Walt Disney World resort, sparks — and snowflakes — start to fly.

The cast also features beloved talents like Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander. There’s even a cameo from Patrick Renna that’ll make fans of classic holiday comedies do a double-take.

Why This Cast Matters

Hallmark’s casting is always thoughtful, and this group is no exception. Chabert brings her signature warmth and relatability, while Van Winkle adds a grounded charm that balances out all the whimsy.

The supporting cast brings a mix of humor, heart, and nostalgia — a recipe Hallmark really has down to an art. With these stars strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. and sipping cocoa under Cinderella Castle’s lights, it’s hard not to get swept up in the magic.

A Story Sprinkled with Pixie Dust

The plot of Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True is basically a dream vacation wrapped in a bow. Lindsey’s carefully planned family trip to Walt Disney World takes an unexpected turn when she finds out her ex-first-date, Philip, is staying just next door.

Their families keep crossing paths — from parades on Main Street to fireworks above the castle. That icy tension? It doesn’t last long.

A magical wish at the Cinderella Fountain hints that something deeper is happening. What started as an awkward coincidence turns into a heartwarming holiday romance.

Classic Hallmark Meets Disney Fantasy

Fans can expect all the Hallmark staples — heartfelt misunderstandings, festive family moments, and the big grand gesture — but with a Disney twist. The setting feels like its own character, from the snowy castle turrets to the glowing decorations everywhere.

Director Ryan Landels, who’s known for blending emotional storytelling with visual spectacle, brings a cinematic touch. He also wrote the script, promising humor, heart, and just enough magic to make even skeptics wonder if holiday wishes might come true.

Behind the Scenes: Filming at the Most Magical Place on Earth

Filming at Walt Disney World is a huge deal — and it’s the first time Hallmark’s ever gotten this kind of access. Crews are shooting across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Each scene captures the park’s festive transformation, giving viewers a rare look at Disney during the holidays. For fans, it’s both a love story and a travelogue, showing off the park’s holiday splendor in a way that feels fresh and real.

What Makes This Production Special

• Authenticity: Real Walt Disney World locations — no studio recreations here.
• Exclusive Access: Filming during off-hours so the park’s magic shines without crowds.
• Collaborative Vision: Creative teams from both Hallmark and Disney making sure every detail feels true to both brands.

The result? A film that doesn’t just tell a story — it transports you right into the heart of Disney’s holiday celebration. That’s something Hallmark’s never done before, and honestly, it’s about time.

Merchandise Magic: Bringing the Movie Home

Of course, the collaboration doesn’t stop when the credits roll. A full line of themed merchandise inspired by the film is coming for the 2026 holiday season.

Fans can look forward to collectible ornaments, greeting cards, wrapping paper, and exclusive gifts at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and select retailers. The cross-brand collection means you can bring a little of the movie’s magic home — from tree to table.

Why Fans Are Already Counting Down

Social media’s been buzzing since the film was announced. Longtime Hallmark fans see this as a bold new chapter, and Disney lovers are thrilled to see their favorite park in a romantic holiday story.

The combination taps into nostalgia that spans generations. As one fan put it, it’s like watching your childhood dreams come to life, wrapped in tinsel and tied with a bow.

The Countdown to Christmas 2026 Begins

When *Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True* premieres during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas lineup in 2026, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest titles of the season.

This film celebrates love and family. It also marks a milestone in entertainment — a rare union of two storytelling giants who just want to spread some joy.

Whether you’re a die-hard Hallmark fan or someone who dreams in Disney, this movie’s aiming to bring that warm, holiday magic that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

So grab your cocoa, dust off those Mickey ears, and settle in. When Hallmark meets Disney, *happily ever after* isn’t just a phrase—it’s a promise, or at least it feels like one.