New Hallmark Holiday Film Coming to Disney World

As we enjoy these last few weeks of summer, it’s hard not to daydream about cozy December days spent by the fireplace with hot cocoa in hand, a warm blanket nearby, and a festive holiday movie playing in the background. 

For some families, the holiday season means picking out a Christmas tree or singing carols with neighbors. In my family, one of our favorite holiday traditions is settling in for a marathon of beloved Hallmark Channel holiday movies. That’s why the debut of Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True feels like the perfect way to kick off this year’smovie night on Saturday, November 28 at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel.

When I first heard that Hallmark and Walt Disney World were teaming up to create an all-new holiday film, it sounded too good to be true. Plus, they even filmed some of it here at Walt Disney World!

Then I saw the cast list, featuring Hallmark and Disney favorites including Lacey Chabert, Travis Van Winkle, Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, and Patrick Renna in a cameo role.

Now that’s a lineup worth celebrating! And the holiday magic continues as this heartwarming romance premieres during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.

So, it’s time to start counting down the days! As we wait for the big day, stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog because we’ll share any opportunities to join in on the festivities as we eagerly wait for the new film.

Today at D23, we learned a limited-time Hallmark holiday pop-up store is coming to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in early October with products inspired by Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True. Guests can browse the collection of products featured in the film, along with holiday favorites like Hallmark greeting cards, collectible ornaments, and Disney gifts perfect for the season.

This collaboration between the Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World marks the first time ever that these holiday powerhouses will team up for a new, original movie.

“The partnership 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 relationship 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.”

Following a special appearance from Chabert direct from Magic Kingdom Park during Hallmark Channel’s broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday, the new film is officially set to debut next year. With this, we learned that the new film will be shooting on location at Walt Disney World during production, marking an exciting moment as the resort prepares to welcome the crew to The Most Magical Place On Earth.

“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.”

With more details on the way, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for live production updates of the film.

In the film, Lindsey (Chabert) and her extended family head to Walt Disney World to spend a magical Christmas together. But the dream of a jolly holiday gets dashed when Lindsey discovers her room is next door to Philip (Van Winkle), a disastrous first date she recently had, who’s also there on a family trip.

As Lindsey and Philip’s paths cross throughout their stay, the frost starts to thaw as they learn they’re not so different from each other after all. Thanks to the magic of Walt Disney World, the holiday wish Lindsey made in Cinderella fountain just might turn their rivalry into romance.

Festive Hallmark products always come to mind when the holiday season rolls around and next year, you’ll be able to experience the magic with a collection of Disney and Hallmark products inspired by the film.

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.

This exciting collaboration will be one for the record books, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates. While we can’t wait to experience the joy of the holiday season this year at Walt Disney World, be sure to get ready for this milestone moment by tuning into the Hallmark Channel in the meantime for all the holiday hits on a TV screen near you!