Hallmark Unveils Holiday Ever After Filmed at Walt Disney World

Get ready for a holiday season that’s about to sparkle brighter than Cinderella’s Castle at midnight! The Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are joining forces for what might be the most magical Christmas movie collaboration of all time.

The upcoming film, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, is officially set to premiere during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual *Countdown to Christmas* in 2026. With a star-studded cast led by beloved Hallmark favorite Lacey Chabert and the picturesque backdrop of Walt Disney World during the holidays, this movie promises to deliver all the heart, humor, and pixie dust fans could dream of.

The Ultimate Holiday Crossover: Hallmark Meets Disney Magic

It’s not every day that two powerhouse brands of joy and nostalgia team up, but when they do, the result is bound to be unforgettable. Hallmark’s partnership with Disney goes back decades, rooted in a real-life friendship between Hallmark founder J.C. Hall and Walt Disney himself.

That connection led to the creation of the first-ever greeting card featuring Mickey Mouse—an iconic moment that set the stage for generations of collaboration. Now, that shared history takes a cinematic turn with this new holiday film, blending Hallmark’s cozy storytelling with Disney’s enchanting world.

Set entirely within the festive wonder of Walt Disney World, the movie will showcase the park’s most beloved holiday traditions—from Main Street U.S.A. draped in twinkling garlands to the breathtaking fireworks over Cinderella Castle. It’s the first time Hallmark has filmed a full-length feature inside the park, making this a *dream come true* for fans of both brands.

What We Know About the Storyline

At the heart of Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True is a classic *enemies-to-lovers* tale—one of Hallmark’s most adored tropes. Lacey Chabert stars as Lindsey, a woman traveling with her extended family to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World.

Her plans for a picture-perfect vacation take a surprising twist when she discovers that her next-door hotel neighbor is none other than Philip, played by Travis Van Winkle—the man behind a recent disastrous first date. As fate (and Disney magic) would have it, both Lindsey and Philip are on parallel family vacations.

Their paths keep crossing throughout the park—from the dazzling parades to a romantic evening under the glowing lights of Epcot’s World Showcase. What begins as mild irritation slowly transforms into heartfelt connection, proving that sometimes, love needs a little *pixie dust* to take flight.

A Cast That Shines as Bright as the Holiday Lights

Hallmark fans will immediately recognize Lacey Chabert, the undisputed queen of Christmas movies, who brings her signature warmth and charm to every role. Alongside her is Travis Van Winkle, known for his charismatic performances in both romantic comedies and dramas.

The supporting cast includes industry veterans and rising stars: Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander. Each actor brings a unique spark to the ensemble, ensuring that this film delivers not just romance, but a full dose of family fun and holiday cheer.

Behind the Scenes at the Most Magical Place on Earth

Filming on location at Walt Disney World is no small feat, and the production team is pulling out all the stops to capture the park’s festive spirit. Expect scenes filmed across all four major parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—each offering its own visual delight.

From Lindsey and Philip sharing a laugh during a ride on the teacups to family moments beneath the towering Christmas tree at Disney Springs, every frame will be soaked in holiday wonder. Adding to the excitement, Lacey Chabert is scheduled to make a special appearance at Magic Kingdom Park ahead of the film’s release, connecting fans directly to the magic behind the movie.

Disney and Hallmark are even planning co-branded merchandise to celebrate the collaboration, including collectible ornaments and limited-edition greeting cards—a nod to their shared creative history.

Why This Collaboration Matters

On paper, Hallmark and Disney might seem like two different worlds—one rooted in small-town charm, the other in grand-scale fantasy. But both brands share a mission: to make people believe in the power of love, family, and magic.

This partnership is more than just a marketing move; it’s a celebration of storytelling traditions that have brought generations together. Darren Abbott, Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer, described the partnership as a natural extension of their shared values.

He highlighted how this film embodies *the very best of both brands*—the heartfelt emotion of a Hallmark story combined with the boundless imagination of Disney.

Co-Branded Magic: Ornaments, Cards, and Keepsakes

To make the collaboration even more special, Disney and Hallmark will release a line of exclusive merchandise tied to the movie. Fans can look forward to:

• Disney x Hallmark holiday ornaments featuring scenes and characters from the film
• Limited-edition greeting cards inspired by the movie’s romantic moments
• Behind-the-scenes collectibles for Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club members

These items will be available both in Disney Parks and Hallmark stores, giving audiences a tangible way to bring a piece of the movie’s magic home.

The Countdown to Christmas Just Got More Magical

For nearly two decades, Hallmark’s *Countdown to Christmas* has been a beloved holiday tradition. Each year, millions of viewers tune in for cozy romances, snow-covered towns, and heartwarming reunions.

This time, the network is raising the bar by adding Disney’s world-famous holiday spectacle into the mix. The combination of Hallmark’s storytelling and Disney’s visual splendor could make *Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True* one of the most-watched premieres in the channel’s history.

And for Disney Parks fans, the movie doubles as a love letter to the park itself. From the shimmering lights of Main Street to the festive music echoing through every corner, Walt Disney World becomes more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, symbolizing joy, nostalgia, and the magic of believing.

What This Means for the Future of Holiday Films

If this collaboration succeeds—and all signs suggest it will—it could open the door for more cross-brand holiday experiences. Imagine future films set in other Disney destinations, or even Hallmark-inspired events at the parks during the holiday season.

The possibilities are endless, and fans are already buzzing with excitement online. In a world where audiences crave comfort, optimism, and connection, this partnership delivers exactly that.

Final Thoughts: A Holiday Dream Come True

Looking ahead to 2026, it’s hard not to get a little excited. This movie already feels like it’s going to be the holiday event everyone talks about.

Lacey Chabert is front and center, and honestly, she just gets these roles. The cast? Full of charm, no question.

And then there’s Disney. Every scene seems to glow with that extra bit of magic only Disney knows how to pull off.

Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True really seems set to capture the season’s spirit in a way that’s a little different—maybe even better—than what we’ve seen before.

If you’re into Hallmark, adore Disney, or just crave a sweet holiday romance, you’ll probably want to curl up with this one. Cocoa in hand, maybe a blanket, and just let yourself enjoy it.

Mark your calendars. When Hallmark and Disney team up, well, you know it’s going to be some kind of holiday enchantment.