Lacey Chabert's Dream Role at Disney World Brings Tears and Holiday Magic
Entertainment

Lacey Chabert's Dream Role at Disney World Brings Tears and Holiday Magic

authorBy Roger Ebert
DateJul 28, 2026
Read Time3 min

Lacey Chabert, the beloved actress renowned for her roles in "Mean Girls" and numerous Christmas classics, experienced a profoundly emotional moment upon learning of her casting in Hallmark's upcoming film, "Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True." The news evoked such strong feelings that she openly wept while on a different film set. This upcoming holiday feature, set against the enchanting backdrop of Disney World's Magic Kingdom, holds special significance for Chabert, as it marks the realization of a cherished childhood dream. The film is slated to be a highlight of Hallmark's annual Countdown to Christmas celebration.

Actress Lacey Chabert Fulfils Childhood Dream Filming at Disney World

In a heartwarming revelation, actress Lacey Chabert shared her deep emotional connection to her latest project, Hallmark's "Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True." During an interview on "Live With Kelly and Mark," Chabert recounted the moment she received the casting news. She was on set, filming another project, when the call came. The excitement was so overwhelming that she literally "fell off camera" and burst into tears, a testament to how much the role meant to her.

Chabert's affinity for Disney World dates back to her childhood. She recalled visiting Disneyland in California with her family and later, at the age of 12, experiencing Disney World in Florida while starring in "Party of Five." It was during this trip that she prophetically told her mother, "I think I'm going to work here one day." Decades later, that childhood wish became a reality. Filming scenes on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom brought tears to her eyes once more, overwhelmed by the fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration.

During the production, Chabert chose to immerse herself fully in the Disney experience, residing at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for weeks. She described this period as a "pinch me moment," living and working within the magical embrace of Disney. The film also features Richard Kind, portraying her father, and Christy Carlson Romano, known for her roles in Disney Channel's "Even Stevens" and "Kim Possible," making a notable return to live-action Disney projects.

"Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True" is a romantic tale set within the iconic Magic Kingdom park, which first opened its gates in 1971. Chabert plays Lindsey, a woman enjoying a family vacation at Disney World, only to find herself staying next door to Travis Van Winkle's character, a man with whom she previously had a rather disastrous first date. Hallmark is yet to announce the precise premiere date for the film, but it promises to be a magical addition to their annual "Countdown to Christmas" programming slate this holiday season.

Lacey Chabert's journey into the heart of Disney World for her new Hallmark movie serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of dreams and the magic that can unfold when passion meets opportunity. Her emotional connection to the project, rooted in childhood memories and aspirations, resonates deeply. It underscores the universal appeal of Disney as a place where dreams, both big and small, can indeed come true. For fans of both Chabert and Disney, this film promises to be a heartwarming and nostalgic escape, filled with holiday cheer and the timeless wonder of the Magic Kingdom.

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