Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True is an upcoming American Christmas romantic comedy television film produced for Hallmark Channel. It is the first-ever collaboration between Disney and the Hallmark Channel. The film was shot entirely on location at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, spending approximately three months at the resort capturing footage across Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort against a backdrop of holiday decorations and twinkling lights. It is set to premiere as part of Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas in 2026.
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True |
| Network | Hallmark Channel / Hallmark+ |
| Premiere | Christmas 2026 (Countdown to Christmas) |
| Director | Ryan Landels |
| Writer | Ryan Landels |
| Lead Stars | Lacey Chabert, Travis Van Winkle |
| Filming Locations | Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort |
| Filming Dates | Early December 2025 – Late February 2026 |
| Production Company | Hallmark Channel / 5&2 Studios partnership |
Plot
The film follows Lindsey (Lacey Chabert) and her extended family as they travel to Walt Disney World for a magical Christmas together. Lindsey’s dreams of a jolly holiday are dashed when she discovers her room is next door to Philip (Travis Van Winkle), a disastrous first date she recently had, who is also there on a family trip. As the pair cross paths throughout their stay, the frost starts to thaw as they learn they are 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, as per WDW News Today.
Cast
The film stars Lacey Chabert, Travis Van Winkle, Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with Patrick Renna in a cameo role. Disney Legend Jodi Benson – best known as the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid – was also spotted filming at Disney’s Polynesian Resort during production.
| Actor | Character | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| Lacey Chabert | Lindsey (lead) | Mean Girls, numerous Hallmark films (Haul out the Halloween, An Unexpected Valentine) |
| Travis Van Winkle | Philip (lead) | Transformers |
| Richard Kind | Supporting | Inside Out (Bing Bong) |
| Christy Carlson Romano | Supporting | Kim Possible |
| Bryce Dufee | Supporting | – |
| Taegen Burns | Supporting | – |
| Asher Alexander | Supporting | – |
| Patrick Renna | Cameo | The Sandlot |
| Jodi Benson | Cameo (spotted on set) | Disney Legend; voice of Ariel, The Little Mermaid |
Production
Development and Announcement
This collaboration between Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World marks the first time ever that these two holiday powerhouses have teamed up for a new, original movie. The film was officially announced on December 7, 2025, following a special appearance by Lacey Chabert live from Magic Kingdom Park during Hallmark Channel’s broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday.
Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer at Hallmark, noted that the partnership between Hallmark and Disney dates back decades, rooted in a friendship between Hallmark’s founder J.C. Hall and Walt Disney himself, which led to their first-ever licensed products — including the very first greeting card featuring Mickey Mouse. Abbott stated the company was thrilled to expand the relationship beyond products and onto the screen.
The script was written by Ryan Landels, who also serves as director of the film.
Filming
Production took place over three months, from early December 2025 to late February 2026. The production timeline was considerably longer than that of a standard Hallmark Christmas movie, which typically operates on tight schedules and lean budgets. The logistical complexity of filming inside operating theme parks, rather than on closed sets or in small towns with controlled environments, added layers of challenge that typical Hallmark productions never encounter. The crew had to work around park operating hours, manage guest interactions, and navigate the limitations of shooting in spaces that thousands of paying visitors are simultaneously trying to enjoy.
Filming Locations
Magic Kingdom served as the primary filming location, with multiple scenes shot around Cinderella Castle and the Wishing Well, including a key holiday wish sequence featuring the full cast. Sections of the park were temporarily closed for shooting during production. Disney’s Hollywood Studios also hosted filming, with Toy Story Land serving as a location. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort appears in the film as the location where Lindsey discovers that her room is adjacent to Philip’s, making the resort a plot-critical element rather than a mere visual backdrop.
| Location | Role in Film |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Primary location; Cinderella Castle, Wishing Well, holiday wish scene |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Additional scenes, including Toy Story Land |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | Hotel where Lindsey and Philip are neighbors |
Release
The film will premiere for the 2026 Christmas season, as part of Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas event. Fandom No specific air date has been announced as of April 2026. It will be available on both the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark+.
Merchandise
A collection of Disney and Hallmark products inspired by the film will be available next holiday season, featuring greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap, and other unique offerings. The collection will be available at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and other retailers to be announced.
Historical Significance
This film represents several firsts in Hollywood and theme park history:
- It is the first-ever original collaboration between Disney Parks and Hallmark Channel on a feature film. Fandom
- It is the first Christmas movie ever shot on location at Walt Disney World Resort. Inside the Magic
- It marks the first time sections of Magic Kingdom were temporarily closed for a Hallmark film production.
- It is among the longest Hallmark productions in recent memory, with a three-month on-location shoot inside active, operating theme parks.
Reception and Anticipation
The film has been generating considerable conversation in both the Disney and Hallmark fan communities since its December 2025 announcement. The original announcement remained prominently featured on Hallmark’s social media channels, generating more interest than typical productions, as per Inside the Magic report. The first official poster was released on April 7, 2026, giving audiences their first real visual look at the combination of both brands. The poster, shared by Lacey Chabert and Walt Disney World’s official channels, showed the two leads in front of iconic Disney World scenery adorned in Christmas décor.
This article will be updated as more details, including an official premiere date and trailer, are announced.
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