Hallmark Channel, the undisputed #1 destination for holiday movie viewing and Walt Disney World, The Most Magical Place On Earth, team up for the first time ever for an all-new, original holiday movie filled with magic and romance when Lacey Chabert (Haul Out the Holly, Mean Girls) and Travis Van Winkle (Good Sam, ‘Tis the Season to be Merry) star in Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True. Richard Kind (Only Murders in the Building, Inside Out), Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible, Even Stevens) Bryce Durfee (General Hospital), Taegen Burns (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers) and Asher Alexander (Hal & Harper) have also been cast, while Patrick Renna (You Gotta Believe, The Sandlot) is featured in a cameo role.
Chabert made the announcement Saturday, December 6, with a special appearance direct from Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida during Hallmark Channel’s broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday.
The new movie will shoot on location at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and is set to debut in 2026 during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Ryan Landels (Santa Tell Me, Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration) wrote the script and will also direct.
“The history 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, Hallmark. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership 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.”
“Storytelling is at the heart of both Disney and Hallmark, and that magic shines even brighter during the holidays,” said Sally Conner, VP Global Content. “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. Across our theme parks, resorts, and beyond, countless unique stories unfold and new memories are made every day with our guests. This film is a wonderful way to share that joy and pixie dust with fans everywhere.”
An exclusive Hallmark and Disney collection of products inspired by the movie welcomes people into a world where dreams come true, memories are made, holidays are the happiest, and every love story feels like a fairytale. Featuring greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap and other unique offerings, the collection will be available next holiday season at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com and other retailers to be announced soon.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83