Hallmark and Walt Disney World Team Up for Their First-Ever Original Christmas Movie

Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are collaborating on their first original movie together: Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, starring Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle. The festive romance will shoot on location at the resort and premiere during Hallmark's 2026 Countdown to Christmas, with a co-branded merchandise line to follow.

Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are joining forces for the first time ever on an original movie — and the result is Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, a brand-new Christmas romance that will shoot on location at the resort and premiere during Hallmark's beloved Countdown to Christmas in 2026. For two brands that practically define the holiday season, it is a pairing fans never knew they needed.

A First-Ever Hallmark and Disney Original Movie

While Hallmark and Disney have crossed paths for decades, this marks the very first time the two holiday powerhouses have teamed up on an original film. The relationship runs deeper than most fans realize: it traces back to a shared Kansas City connection and a friendship between Hallmark founder J.C. Hall and Walt Disney himself — a bond that produced the first-ever licensed Disney products, including the very first greeting card to feature Mickey Mouse.

"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." — Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark

The Cast: Lacey Chabert Leads a Hallmark Ensemble

Headlining the film is Hallmark royalty Lacey Chabert, starring opposite Travis Van Winkle. The ensemble also features Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with Patrick Renna in a cameo role. Ryan Landels wrote the script and will direct.

The project was officially unveiled after a special appearance by Chabert beamed in directly from Magic Kingdom Park during Hallmark Channel's broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday — a fitting reveal for a movie that will turn the resort itself into a co-star.

What the Movie Is About

In the film, Lindsey (Chabert) and her extended family head to Walt Disney World to spend a magical Christmas together. The dream getaway hits a snag when Lindsey realizes her room is right next door to Philip (Van Winkle) — a disastrous first date she recently endured, who happens to be at the resort on his own family trip.

As their paths keep crossing throughout the stay, the frost between them slowly begins to thaw, and the two discover they may not be so different after all. And thanks to a little Disney magic, the holiday wish Lindsey makes in the Cinderella fountain just might turn their rivalry into romance.

Co-Branded Hallmark and Disney Holiday Products Are Coming Too

The collaboration will not stop at the screen. Next holiday season, fans will be able to bring the magic home with a co-branded collection of Disney and Hallmark products inspired by the film, including greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, and gift wrap. The lineup will be available at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and additional retailers to be announced.

What This Means for Disney Fans

For the legions of viewers who treat Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas as a holiday tradition, a film set and shot inside Walt Disney World is close to a dream scenario — a chance to see The Most Magical Place On Earth dressed in its full festive splendor and woven into the cozy, feel-good formula Hallmark has perfected. With production heading to Florida and a premiere slated for the 2026 holiday season, there is plenty of time for the details to unfold. But one thing is already clear: come next Christmas, Disney and Hallmark fans alike will have a brand-new reason to cozy up on the couch.