Hallmark and Walt Disney World Team Up for First-Ever Original Holiday Film

Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are partnering for the first time ever to produce Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, an original holiday romance starring Lacey Chabert set to premiere during Hallmark's 2026 Countdown to Christmas. The film will shoot on location at Walt Disney World and will be accompanied by a co-branded merchandise collection arriving in the 2026 holiday season.

Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are teaming up for the first time ever to produce an original holiday romance film titled Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, set to premiere during Hallmark Channel's 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event in 2026. The film, starring Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle, will shoot on location at Walt Disney World in Florida, making it the first Hallmark movie ever filmed at the resort. A co-branded merchandise collection inspired by the film is also planned for the 2026 holiday season.

The First Hallmark Film at Walt Disney World

The collaboration between Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World marks a historic first: two of the holiday entertainment world's most beloved brands joining forces for an original feature film. The project was announced during Hallmark Channel's broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday, during which Lacey Chabert appeared live from Magic Kingdom Park.

"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 at 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."

On the Disney side, Sally Conner, VP of Global Content, noted that storytelling is at the heart of both organizations. "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," Conner said. "This film is a wonderful way to share that joy and pixie dust with fans everywhere."

The Plot: A Rivalry That Turns to Romance

In Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, Lindsey (Chabert) travels to Walt Disney World with her extended family for a magical Christmas vacation. The holiday plans take a detour when she discovers her hotel room is next door to Philip (Van Winkle) — the same man from a disastrous first date. As their paths keep crossing throughout the resort, the frost begins to thaw. A wish made at Cinderella fountain just might transform a holiday rivalry into something more.

The cast also includes Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, Asher Alexander, and a cameo from Patrick Renna. The script was written and directed by Ryan Landels.

Co-Branded Holiday Merchandise Coming in 2026

Alongside the film, a dedicated collection of Disney and Hallmark co-branded products will be available during the 2026 holiday season. The lineup includes greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap, and other unique offerings. Fans will be able to shop the collection at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and additional retailers to be announced.

What This Means for Disney Fans

Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True brings Walt Disney World into living rooms across the country in a way only Hallmark's holiday programming can deliver — with warmth, romance, and unmistakable seasonal magic. For fans of both brands, the film represents a landmark moment that merges two decades-long holiday traditions. Production details and air date specifics will be shared closer to the 2026 holiday season via the official Hallmark Channel and Disney Parks channels.