Hallmark and Disney World Team Up for First-Ever Original Christmas Movie. ‘Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True’ is Coming to Hallmark Channel in 2026. Big news from two holiday powerhouses: the Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World Resort are joining forces to create their first-ever original Christmas movie. The enchanting collaboration, titled Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, is set to debut in 2026 as part of Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.
The soon-to-be classic romance will be filmed entirely on location at The Most Magical Place on Earth in Florida. We have heard rumors all week of Lacey and Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World, with images coming out of Hollywood Studios by Echo Lake, of the stars, including Richard Kind, walking through the Parks, and now we know why!
The highly anticipated film will star beloved “Queen of Christmas” Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle (FUBAR, The Last Ship). They will be joined by a wonderful supporting cast, including Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with a special cameo appearance from Patrick Renna (The Sandlot).
The script was written by Ryan Landels, who is also set to direct the movie. The news was officially announced following a special live appearance by Chabert from Magic Kingdom Park during Hallmark Channel’s broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday.
The movie follows the journey of Lindsey (Chabert), who travels to Walt Disney World with her extended family for a magical Christmas vacation. However, her jolly holiday dream hits a snag when she discovers her hotel room is next door to Philip (Van Winkle), a disastrous first date she recently had, who is also there on a family trip.
“As Lindsey and Philip’s paths cross throughout their stay, the frost starts to thaw as they learn they’re not so different from each other after all. Thanks to the magic of Walt Disney World, the holiday wish Lindsey made in the Cinderella Fountain just might turn their rivalry into romance.”
Decades-Long Partnership Reaches the Screen. This cinematic collaboration marks a major milestone, expanding a relationship between Hallmark and Disney that dates back to their founders.
“The partnership between Hallmark and Disney dates back decades, when a shared Kansas City connection and friendship between Hallmark’s founder, J.C. Hall, and Walt Disney himself led to our first-ever licensed products, including the very first greeting card featuring Mickey Mouse,” said Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship beyond the products we create together and onto the screen with this heartwarming and joyful Christmas movie that embodies the very best of both brands.”
Sally Conner, VP Global Content at Disney, echoed the excitement about showcasing the resort’s festive atmosphere. “Storytelling is at the heart of both Disney and Hallmark, and that magic shines even brighter during the holidays,” said Conner. “We’re thrilled that Walt Disney World will serve as the immersive setting for a Hallmark holiday movie highlighting the cheerful festivities of the season. This film is a wonderful way to share that joy and pixie dust with fans everywhere.”
Fans will be able to bring the movie magic home next holiday season with a special collection of Disney and Hallmark products inspired by the film. The festive line will include greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap, and other unique offerings, available at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and other retailers.
Production will soon be underway, and the Disney Parks Blog has promised to share live updates as the cast and crew film across the theme parks and resorts.
Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True will premiere during the 2026 Countdown to Christmas event on the Hallmark Channel.
