Lights, Camera, Magic: Hallmark's Disney World Christmas Movie Spotted Filming in Toy Story Land

If you happened to be an early riser at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Friday morning, you might have noticed something unusual between the oversized building blocks and larger-than-life Slinky Dog. Film crews had set up shop in Toy Story Land, cameras rolling as the sun came up over Andy's backyard.

The production? None other than Hallmark's history-making Disney World Christmas film, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True. And yes, it appears even romantic holiday movies need a little Pixar magic.

A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration

When Hallmark announced their partnership with Walt Disney World last month, it felt like a match that was somehow decades overdue. Both brands have built empires on the same foundation: wholesome, family-friendly entertainment that leaves audiences feeling warm and hopeful. The only surprise was that it took until 2026 for someone to put them together.

The film stars Hallmark queen Lacey Chabert as Lindsey, a woman whose family Christmas vacation at Walt Disney World takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her hotel room is next door to Philip (played by Travis Van Winkle of FUBAR fame)—the guy she'd recently had a disastrous first date with. As their paths cross throughout the resort, frost thaws, magic happens, and presumably someone makes a wish at the Cinderella Fountain that changes everything.

If that plot sounds precisely like what you'd expect from a Hallmark Christmas movie, that's rather the point. The formula works, and now it's getting the Disney Parks treatment.

Why Toy Story Land?

Friday's filming in Toy Story Land might seem like an unexpected choice for a romantic Christmas movie. The area is known for family-friendly thrills and Andy's larger-than-life aesthetic, not exactly the candlelit castle views one might expect for a love story.

But here's the thing about filming at Walt Disney World: you capture it all. The production has been spotted at various locations throughout the resort since December, taking advantage of the holiday decorations that remain up through the conclusion of Marathon Weekend. With Christmas decor coming down next week, the clock is ticking to capture those twinkling lights and festive garlands on camera.

A "Filming in Progress" sign at the Toy Story Land location listed the production title as "Mistletoe and Magic," which may serve as either a codename for the project or possibly indicate another Disney holiday production in the works. Either way, the presence of professional film crews in one of Disney's most popular lands made for quite the photo opportunity for early morning guests.

The Historic Connection

What makes this collaboration particularly meaningful is the genuine history between the two companies. Hallmark's founder, J.C. Hall, and Walt Disney weren't just business acquaintances—they were friends, connected by their shared Kansas City roots. That friendship led to the very first greeting card featuring Mickey Mouse, a licensing deal that predates most of what we now consider modern entertainment merchandising.

"The partnership between Hallmark and Disney dates back decades," noted Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer for 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."

The film will premiere during Hallmark Channel's 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event later this year, joining the network's legendary lineup of holiday films that have become as much a part of the season as actual Christmas decorations for millions of viewers.

What to Expect

Beyond the movie itself, the collaboration will extend to merchandise. A co-branded Disney and Hallmark product collection is expected to arrive during the 2026 holiday season, including greeting cards, ornaments, and gifts inspired by the film. For collectors of both brands—and there's significant overlap in those fan bases—this could be the holy grail of holiday merchandise.

The cast rounds out with Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano (yes, Kim Possible herself), Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with a cameo from Patrick Renna. Ryan Landels wrote the script and is directing.

A Note For Guests

If you're visiting Walt Disney World in the coming days and happen to spot film crews, you'll want to remember that active production areas are typically off-limits to regular guests. Cast Members will direct foot traffic around any filming, and you may notice certain areas temporarily closed or restricted.

That said, if you find yourself walking past a Hallmark production at Disney World, take a moment to appreciate the magic of the moment. You're witnessing something genuinely new: two of America's most beloved family entertainment brands creating something together for the first time.

When Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True premieres this December, you'll be able to tell everyone you were there when they made it. Or at least close by. Watching from behind a barricade. Which, honestly, is very on-brand for Disney.

Until next time, keep believing in magic.

— Behind the Wish