Hallmark and Walt Disney World Team Up for "Holiday Ever After," a First-Ever Christmas Movie Filmed at the Resort

By entgrove · July 6, 2026

Disney Parks teased "Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True," the first original movie created jointly by Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World. Lacey Chabert stars in the Christmas romance, filmed on location at the Florida resort and premiering later this year during Hallmark's 17th annual Countdown to Christmas.

Walt Disney World is getting the Hallmark Channel treatment. Disney Parks took to its official YouTube channel to tease "Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True" — the first original movie ever created jointly by Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World — confirming the Christmas romance premieres later this year. Lacey Chabert leads a cast that filmed on location at the Florida resort.

A First-of-Its-Kind Hallmark and Disney Parks Team-Up

The teaser arrived as a playful post on the Disney Parks YouTube channel — "They work well together, they should make a movie!" — confirming that the two holiday heavyweights have done exactly that. "Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True" marks the first original film created jointly by Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World, and it arrives as part of Hallmark's flagship Countdown to Christmas programming event, now in its 17th year.

The partnership has deeper roots than a one-off crossover. Disney has noted that the relationship between the two brands traces back decades, to the Kansas City friendship between Hallmark founder J.C. Hall and Walt Disney himself — framing the film as a continuation of a connection that predates both companies' modern empires. As the companies tell it, storytelling sits at the heart of both Disney and Hallmark, and that shared magic shines brightest during the holidays.

A Christmas Wish at Cinderella Fountain

The story follows Lindsey, who heads to Walt Disney World with her extended family for a magical Christmas together. The dream of a jolly holiday gets dashed almost immediately when she discovers her room is right next door to Philip — the disastrous first date she only recently escaped — who is at the resort on his own family trip.

As the pair's paths keep crossing throughout their stay, the frost begins to thaw, and Lindsey and Philip learn they are not so different after all. A holiday wish Lindsey makes at the Cinderella Fountain just might turn their rivalry into romance — with a little help from Walt Disney World magic.

The Cast Bringing It to Life

Lacey Chabert, the reigning face of Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas lineup, stars as Lindsey opposite Travis Van Winkle. The supporting cast is stacked with familiar faces: Richard Kind, Disney Channel alum Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, plus a cameo from Patrick Renna. Ryan Landels wrote and directed the film.

Filmed in the Parks — With Merchandise to Match

Unlike holiday movies that fake their theme-park backdrops, "Holiday Ever After" was shot on location at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, putting the real parks and resorts on screen during the holiday season. Hallmark released the film's first trailer on July 2, 2026, offering an early look at Chabert amid the resort's Christmas decor.

The collaboration extends beyond the screen: co-branded Hallmark and Disney merchandise — including greeting cards, ornaments, and gifts — is set to launch at select retailers for the upcoming holiday season.

Why This Matters

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas is one of the most-watched seasonal programming blocks on cable, and Walt Disney World is the world's busiest vacation destination — a first-ever original movie merging the two is a genuine holiday-TV event. An exact premiere date has not yet been announced, so fans should watch Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas schedule as the season approaches. Until then, the teaser above and the full trailer at HallmarkChannel.com offer the first taste of Disney World's Hallmark moment.