Hallmark Begins Filming New Holiday Movie at Walt Disney World for 2026 Release

Dec 07, 2025 in "Holidays at the Magic Kingdom"

Gallery / 1 Photo
Hallmark Holiday Movie

Posted: Sunday December 7, 2025 7:10am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Hallmark Channel is shooting a new movie at Walt Disney World - the first time the two companies have teamed up for an on-location holiday production. "Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True" will premiere in 2026 during Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas lineup.

Hallmark Holiday Movie

The project was announced during Hallmark's December 6 holiday broadcast, when Lacey Chabert appeared from Magic Kingdom to confirm she will star alongside Travis Van Winkle. The cast also includes Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with Patrick Renna appearing in a cameo role.

Filming will take place throughout Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Ryan Landels wrote the script and will direct the movie, which will serve as a major title for the 17th annual Countdown to Christmas event in 2026.

The collaboration draws on a relationship that dates back nearly a century. Hallmark founder J.C. Hall and Walt Disney connected through their shared Kansas City roots, which led to the first licensed Hallmark products featuring Mickey Mouse. Hallmark's Chief Brand Officer, Darren Abbott, noted that bringing the partnership into filmed entertainment is a natural next step. Sally Conner, VP Global Content at Disney, added that Walt Disney World provides an immersive holiday setting that reflects the stories and experiences guests create across the resort.

The film follows Lindsey, played by Chabert, as she brings her extended family to Walt Disney World for Christmas. Her plans derail when she discovers she is staying next door to Philip, played by Van Winkle, a first date that went poorly. Their families keep crossing paths around the resort, and the tension between them softens as they begin to understand each other. A holiday wish made at Cinderella Fountain hints that their early rivalry may shift into something closer to romance.

Hallmark and Disney will release a merchandise line inspired by the film during the 2026 holiday season. The collection will include greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, and wrapping items, available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and additional retailers to be named later.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

christine7257Dec 10, 2025

I think this is absolutely hysterical (need to play next movie I watch) and also very spot-on. That said, it's the formulaic nature I'm seeking - I WANT over-the-top Christmas decor and vibes, a guaranteed happy ending, and a somewhat mindless watch.

Cmdr_CrimsonDec 10, 2025

I'm surprised they didn't ask Erin Cahill former Pink time force power ranger and she was the host of 04-06 WDW vacation planning dvd But, she does have quite a plethora of Hallmark movies under her so this would have been a win win if they did have her instead of Lacey.

larryzDec 10, 2025

I dunno. I'm really not that into Hallmark Royal Christmas Movies. But "Winglandia"? Really?

CompedDec 10, 2025

Isn't that the series with a weirdly complex geopolitical situation that Youtubers have made a ton of essay videos on?

larryzDec 10, 2025

as opposed to And then there's and don't forget and Forget it... just check out this link...

larryzDec 10, 2025

Hallmark Movies -- When the Brie en croûte just isn't cheesy enough.

HauntedPirateDec 10, 2025

Thank goodness that's a bingo card and not a drinking game. We'd all be dead after one movie. :hungover:

TanagraTheaterDec 10, 2025

The Grinch saves Christmas and Disney by pushing Iger and his toadies off of Mount Crumpit.

Wendy PleakleyDec 09, 2025

I hope the movie ends with Bob Iger's heart growing three sizes and he brings back free Fastpass and Extra Magic Hours for all resort guests.

Tha RealestDec 09, 2025

They could just option this novel

wannabeBelleDec 09, 2025

Love it!! Marie

Prince-1Dec 09, 2025

James AlucobondDec 09, 2025

TanagraTheaterDec 09, 2025

I've been a Hallmark enthusiast since I was 8, and I'm disheartened to see what the company's been reduced to. The quality of the Keepsake Ornaments and other collectibles has gone downhill. Back in May, Hallmark raised the prices of all their items due to tariffs. Some of the Keepsakes went up $25. The irony is that not all of the ornaments or Technoplush are made in China. The fixtures for newer stores are ugly and uninviting. The Gold Crown stores are in desperate need of revitalization. Meanwhile, Hallmark would rather put all their time and effort in churning out movies with the same storyline. I'm glad that Hallmark is placing more emphasis on the Disney Parks. I'd love to see ornaments or Technoplush based on attractions such as: Kitchen Kabaret, Meet the World, Cranium Command, Country Bears, Tiki Room, America Sings(I'm doubtful they'd do this show, given it's ties to Splash Mountain), and It's a Small World(last year's ornament was defective and didn't do justice to the clock tower). Though with Hallmark's lack of quality standards and the fact that most of their seasoned Keepsake artists have retired, I have very little faith in seeing these rides and characters get presented in a positive manner. Both Hallmark and Disney could make something of this movie, but it's going to be the same storyline, but with Disney as the background. It's a shame Epcot is in such shambles. It's late 80's/early 90's counterpart would be a beautiful park to make a movie in.