Lacey Chabert Brings Holiday Magic to Disney World with Hallmark
Get ready for a magical holiday season like no other. Hallmark Channel and Disney are teaming up for a cinematic Christmas experience that’s sure to melt even the frostiest of hearts.
The 2026 holiday movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True brings together two beloved icons of wholesome entertainment—Hallmark’s queen of Christmas, Lacey Chabert, and the Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World.
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This collaboration promises a story brimming with festive wonder, family warmth, and just a touch of Disney pixie dust. With Chabert starring alongside Travis Van Winkle, the film invites viewers to unwrap a love story set against the dazzling backdrop of Disney’s holiday celebrations.
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The Magic Behind the Movie
In Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, Lacey Chabert plays Lindsey. She heads to Walt Disney World with her extended family for a Christmas vacation that’s supposed to be picture-perfect.
But when she finds out her hotel room is right next door to Philip (Travis Van Winkle)—the guy behind a disastrous first date—well, things get complicated. Their paths keep crossing throughout the trip, and the icy tension between them starts to melt, thanks to some Disney magic and maybe fate.
Hallmark’s official logline teases that Lindsey’s holiday wish, made at Cinderella Fountain, could transform her rivalry with Philip into something more. It’s a classic Hallmark setup—two opposites finding common ground—but this time, the magic is dialed up by the enchanting setting of Walt Disney World during the holidays.
A Landmark Collaboration Between Hallmark and Disney
This film isn’t just another seasonal rom-com. For the first time ever, Hallmark is partnering directly with Disney to produce a feature filmed entirely on location at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
That means real Disney parks, real holiday decorations, and real moments captured in front of Cinderella Castle, Main Street U.S.A., and other iconic backdrops. Honestly, it’s about time these two joined forces in a big way.
Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer, Darren Abbott, mentioned that the collaboration celebrates a friendship that goes back decades. Hallmark and Disney’s connection began in Kansas City, where Hallmark’s founder, J.C. Hall, and Walt Disney himself forged a creative bond that led to the first greeting cards featuring Mickey Mouse.
Now, that shared history is coming full circle as the two brands unite on-screen to deliver a story steeped in nostalgia and holiday cheer.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Magic to Life
Alongside Chabert and Van Winkle, the film features an impressive supporting cast: Richard Kind (Only Murders in the Building), Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible), Bryce Durfee (General Hospital), Taegen Burns (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers), and Asher Alexander (Hal & Harper).
Fans can also look forward to a cameo from Patrick Renna, best known for his role in The Sandlot. Behind the camera, Ryan Landels—who previously wrote and directed Santa Tell Me—takes on both screenwriting and directing duties for this festive feature.
His knack for blending humor, heart, and holiday spirit should make Holiday Ever After a standout in Hallmark’s 2026 lineup. And honestly, who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle behind the scenes?
Lacey Chabert: The Reigning Queen of Hallmark Christmas
Lacey Chabert really doesn’t need an introduction to Hallmark fans. The Mean Girls alum has become synonymous with Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas franchise.
She’s starred in dozens of holiday hits that have made her a household name. This time, though, Chabert is stepping into uncharted territory—announcing a Hallmark movie a full year in advance, which is a first for the network.
Chabert revealed the project in a heartwarming Instagram video filmed right in front of Cinderella Castle, joined by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. She also teased the collaboration during Hallmark’s special event, The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday, where she shared her excitement about filming at Disney World.
According to insiders, she’s been deeply involved in shaping the project, making sure it captures both Hallmark’s storytelling charm and Disney’s immersive magic. That’s dedication, if you ask me.
Filming at the Most Magical Place on Earth
What makes Holiday Ever After particularly special is its authentic setting. Unlike most Hallmark movies that rely on studio backlots or snowy small towns, this one unfolds in the real-life wonder of Walt Disney World.
Expect scenes filmed at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and even select resort locations, all decked out in their holiday finest. Disney’s Vice President of Global Content, Sally Conner, emphasized that storytelling lies at the heart of both brands.
She noted the film will showcase the joy and festivity of the season as experienced by millions of guests who visit Disney parks each year. The production aims to highlight the unique blend of family, fantasy, and faith in magic that defines both Disney and Hallmark’s approach to storytelling.
What Viewers Can Expect
Fans of Hallmark’s holiday lineup can anticipate plenty of the network’s signature elements: heartfelt confessions, twinkling lights, family traditions, and a slow-burn romance that culminates in a picture-perfect ending.
But this time, the magic is turned up a notch.
- Real Disney park locations instead of studio sets
- Authentic Disney holiday decorations and parades
- Cameos from beloved Disney characters
- An original score that blends Hallmark warmth with Disney orchestration
Why This Collaboration Matters
This partnership between Hallmark and Disney is more than just a business move—it’s a celebration of shared values and storytelling traditions. Both companies have built their reputations on crafting family-friendly entertainment that inspires hope, joy, and togetherness.
By joining forces, they’re not only creating a movie but also an experience that embodies the magic of the holidays. For Hallmark, it’s a chance to expand beyond greeting cards and cable TV into a broader world of immersive entertainment.
For Disney, it’s an opportunity to showcase its parks in a new way—through the lens of a heartfelt holiday romance that millions of viewers will tune in to see.
The Countdown to Christmas 2026 Begins
The film won’t premiere until 2026, but the excitement is already creeping in. Hallmark plans to slip in some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks during its 2025 holiday lineup, so fans can get a glimpse of the festive magic early.
Social media is buzzing, honestly. People are celebrating this team-up of two brands that just know how to make us believe in happy endings.
Mark your calendars, if you haven’t already. Grab some cocoa, maybe a cozy blanket, and get ready for a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth—because next Christmas, Hallmark and Disney are handing us the gift of a Holiday Ever After.
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