Disney World x Hallmark: The Christmas Movie Crossover You’ve Been Waiting For
Two titans of holiday magic are finally teaming up: Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are making their first-ever original Christmas movie together, filming on location at the iconic Florida resort.
Well, this is a holiday crossover I did not have on my 2025 bingo card: Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are finally making a Christmas movie together. First time ever. And yes, they’re actually filming it inside the parks in Florida.
The setup
The movie is called 'Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True' — a title that sounds like it was engineered in a cozy lab — and it was unveiled during Hallmark’s 'The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday' special. It’s set to premiere during the network’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas in 2026. Long lead, I know, but that’s the plan.
Cast and crew
- Lacey Chabert as Lindsey
- Travis Van Winkle as Philip
- Richard Kind
- Christy Carlson Romano
- Taegen Burns
- Asher Alexander
- Patrick Renna in a cameo
Ryan Landels is pulling double duty as writer and director.
What it’s about
Lindsey (Chabert) heads to Disney World for her dream Christmas vacation, and things immediately start going off the rails. The twist: the guy from her recent disastrous first date, Philip (Van Winkle), is staying in the room next door with his family. They keep bumping into each other around the resort, the frost starts to thaw, and with a little Walt Disney World sparkle, enemies-to-maybe-more kicks in. If you watch Hallmark every December, you know the vibe.
Why this pairing makes sense (and why it took this long)
On paper, this partnership is obvious: Hallmark does holiday comfort food, Disney has the winter wonderland setting ready to go. What’s interesting is that the brands go way back off-screen. Hallmark’s founder J.C. Hall and Walt Disney were friends with a shared Kansas City connection, which led to Hallmark’s first-ever licensed products — including the first greeting card to feature Mickey Mouse. So this movie is less a new relationship and more finally putting the old one in front of a camera.
'Storytelling is at the heart of both Disney and Hallmark, and that magic shines even brighter during the holidays.'
That’s Disney’s take, and honestly, that’s the pitch. Hallmark gets the castle. Disney gets the cozy romance. Everybody gets snow at 72 degrees.
When and where
Production is happening on location at Walt Disney World in Florida. The movie will roll out as part of Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas slate.
Merch, obviously
Hallmark and Disney are also launching an exclusive line of movie-themed merch next holiday season, including greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, and themed wrapping paper inspired by 'Holiday Ever After.' Expect the aisle to be festive and very on-brand.
File this under: how did this not happen sooner? But also, smart move. If they stick the landing, this could become a yearly thing.