Who else is already dreaming of cozy winter nights, a warm blanket, hot cocoa, and a festive holiday movie? Get ready to mark your calendars, because a brand-new Hallmark Channel movie, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, is coming our way! It premieres on Saturday, November 28, at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
We heard the amazing news: Hallmark and Walt Disney World joined forces to create this all-new holiday film. And yes, they even shot some scenes right here at Walt Disney World! How cool is that?
The cast list is a holiday dream team, featuring favorites like Lacey Chabert, Travis Van Winkle, Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with a special cameo from Patrick Renna. This heartwarming romance is a highlight of Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas event. It’s officially time to get excited!
Get Ready for a Magical Pop-Up Shop at Disney Springs!
But wait, there’s more! We also learned at D23 that a special, limited-time Hallmark holiday pop-up store is heading to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in early October. You can explore products directly inspired by Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.
Beyond movie-themed goodies, the shop will also stock all your holiday essentials: Hallmark greeting cards, collectible ornaments, and Disney gifts, perfect for everyone on your list this season. Mark your calendars for this unique opportunity!
A Historic Collaboration: Hallmark and Disney Create Holiday Magic Together
This film isn’t just another holiday movie; it’s a historic first! The Hallmark Channel and Walt Disney World are teaming up for an original movie for the very first time. This partnership brings together two holiday powerhouses, making this an extra special event.
Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer, Darren Abbott, shared that the relationship between Hallmark and Disney goes way back, rooted in a shared Kansas City connection and a friendship between J.C. Hall and Walt Disney himself. This led to their first licensed products, including the original Mickey Mouse greeting card. Now, they’re expanding that relationship from products to the screen with a heartwarming Christmas movie that captures the best of both brands.
Filming Magic Right Here in Walt Disney World!
Lacey Chabert made a special appearance live from Magic Kingdom Park during Hallmark Channel’s broadcast of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday. We learned then that the new film will actually shoot on location at Walt Disney World during production!
Disney’s VP Global Content, Sally Conner, emphasized that storytelling defines both Disney and Hallmark, especially during the holidays. She mentioned how excited they are that Walt Disney World will be the immersive setting for this Hallmark holiday movie, showcasing the cheerful festivities of the season. Countless unique stories and new memories unfold daily at the parks and resorts, and this film is a wonderful way to share that joy and pixie dust with fans everywhere.
What’s the Story About?
So, what can we expect from the film’s plot? Lindsey (played by Lacey Chabert) and her family head to Walt Disney World for a magical Christmas. But her dream holiday gets complicated when she finds her room is right next door to Philip (Travis Van Winkle), a guy from a disastrous first date who is also there on a family trip.
As Lindsey and Philip keep running into each other, the initial frost starts to melt. They begin to realize they might not be so different after all. Will the magic of Walt Disney World and Lindsey’s wish in Cinderella fountain turn their rivalry into a heartwarming romance? We can’t wait to find out!
More Holiday Merch to Look Forward To!
Beyond the early October pop-up at Disney Springs, expect even more festive Hallmark products inspired by the film to arrive next holiday season! This collection will include greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap, and other unique items.
You’ll find these co-branded products at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Hallmark.com, and other retailers. This collaboration is truly one for the record books, bringing the holiday magic from the screen right into your home.
We’re absolutely thrilled for this milestone moment and can’t wait to experience the joy of the holiday season with Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.
