March is shaping as much as be one of the consequential months at Walt Disney World in 2026. Between main new openings, a high-profile closure, one other particular occasion, and spring break crowds descending on Central Florida, there’s lots occurring that’ll influence, excite, and (in all probability) disappoint followers.
Subsequent month additionally has the potential to be the second-biggest month of 2026 for Walt Disney World bulletins, maybe solely behind August. A minimum of, we’re hoping that the month of the 2026 D23 Expo is greater than March, however with the rumor mill already kicking into excessive gear, it’s potential one thing past Villains Land leaks early.
Past all the adjustments taking impact contained in the parks, there’s the potential for main March information, as we’ll clarify under. Even in the event you aren’t visiting Walt Disney World in March, it must be a extremely eventful month. A few of that is already coated in Walt Disney World’s 2026 Calendar of Occasions: Dates & Particulars for Reimagined Rides, Areas & Sights. However simply as a lot of that is new or anticipated developments…
CrazyShake by Black Faucet Opens at Disney Springs
On March 2, 2026, CrazyShake by Black Faucet will open as a limited-time pop-up at Disney Springs, taking on the previous Sprinkles Cupcakes location. This location will solely serve the signature over-the-top milkshakes; there gained’t be burgers or different menu gadgets like on the full Black Faucet outpost in Downtown Disney at Disneyland.
The menu options Black Faucet’s Instagram-famous CrazyShakes, that are precisely what the title suggests–monstrous milkshakes piled excessive with stuff. The Disney fan-favorite is the Particular Version Mickey Mouse Shake, rimmed with vanilla frosting and Mickey sprinkles, topped with a Mickey-shaped crispy deal with, rock sweet, whipped cream, and a cherry.
As introduced, it is a 90-day pop-up, that means it’ll run by way of late Might 2026. Don’t be shocked if it will get prolonged “by widespread demand” if the visitor response is constructive (and it is going to be). Nonetheless, it’s in all probability pragmatic to not lock CrazyShakes right into a long-term lease. These sorts of viral dessert ideas are gimmicky and have a restricted shelf life as soon as the fad fades (simply take a look at the earlier tenant).
In our view, the CrazyShakes are enjoyable, but in addition a one-and-done. They’re surprisingly good–higher than what you’d count on from the photogenic gimmick–however they don’t maintain a candle to the perfect Disney desserts. There are a lot of higher alternate options at Disney Springs.
Backyard View Tea Room Opens
After 6 years of being closed, the Backyard View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort reopens on March 19, 2026 with a very reimagined afternoon tea expertise. Lastly.
Advance Eating Reservations opened on February nineteenth, and in the event you didn’t already rating some, you’re in all probability out of luck. They ‘offered out’ quick. Emphasis on “in all probability” out of luck, as we’ve seen with different latest restaurant openings that Walt Disney World has scaled up operations slowly and dropped large batches of ADRs after just a few days or perhaps weeks (Beak & Barrel being a major instance). So hold your eyes peeled or use a notification service.
As for the Backyard View Lounge itself, the house has been refreshed as a part of the Grand Floridian’s huge foyer transformation, and the brand new tea service options touches impressed by Alice in Wonderland. There’s a standard afternoon tea for adults ($79) and a kids’s afternoon tea ($49) with whimsically dishes. The menu additionally consists of a wide range of tea alternatives and the requisite upcharges if $79 is simply too darned low cost in your subtle tastes.
It is a vital restoration to the Grand Floridian eating lineup. The Backyard View Tea Room is beloved by longtime visitors, with a loyal fan following. Since its closure in March 2020, readers have repeatedly requested “when will it reopen?” With this and 1900 Park Fare earlier than it, that actually solely leaves Bon Voyage Breakfast and different ‘lacking meals’ (brunch and California Grill and breakfast at Be Our Visitor!) as the largest query marks.
The Grand Floridian transformation has been a very long time coming, however the outcomes to date point out it’s been well worth the wait. The resort lastly feels worthy of being Walt Disney World’s flagship lodge once more. Backyard View Tea Room nailing the touchdown and Grand Floridian Cafe being redone subsequent would cement that conclusion.
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith Closes
March 1, 2026 is your final day to expertise Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith earlier than it closes completely on March 2nd for its transformation into Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets.
The Aerosmith model will likely be gone without end after that. When the experience reopens in Summer time 2026, it’ll characteristic Dr. Tooth and the Electrical Mayhem, not less than a Scooter Audio Animatronics (plus penguins!), and a very completely different soundtrack and theming. The observe structure isn’t altering–clearly, since that couldn’t be achieved throughout a few-month closure–however every little thing else is getting the Muppets makeover.
Anticipate elevated wait instances through the remaining weekend of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith, with the attraction prone to have triple-digit waits all through the previous few days. Nevertheless, we don’t count on a DINOSAUR-level farewell tour for Aerosmith, largely as a result of the pre-show quietly closed final Christmas to get a jumpstart on the reimagining.
All that’s actually left of Aerosmith is the on-board audio, and you can simply as simply take pleasure in that facet after the reimagining with a DIY answer (that means headphones). Nonetheless, that gained’t cease diehards from saying their remaining farewells over the weekend.
The larger influence will happen after Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes, when Disney’s Hollywood Studios will likely be down one headliner during spring break season. That’ll be tough for the park that already has the very best common wait instances at Walt Disney World, particularly when different sights have the inevitable surprising downtime.
EPCOT’s Flower & Backyard Competition Kicks Off
The EPCOT Worldwide Flower & Backyard Competition kicks off on March 4, 2026 and runs by way of June 1, 2026. That is arguably EPCOT’s finest pageant for meals and environment (simply higher than Meals & Wine, which is worst), with March and April being the proper months to go to the park.
The pageant options greater than 60 Disney character topiaries all through EPCOT, 30+ themed gardens and displays, over 20 Out of doors Kitchen meals cubicles, and the Backyard Rocks Live performance Collection with dwell music at America Gardens Theatre. Returning favorites embrace Butterfly Touchdown, Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration scavenger hunt, and the Backyard Graze meals stroll.
This 12 months’s most important entrance topiary show will characteristic characters from Toy Story 5, and different new, returning, and refreshed topiaries will sprout up across the park. Plus, three new backyard shows: Pluto’s Pet‑Pleasant Backyard, the Wildlife Crossing Backyard, and the Stylish Tropicals Backyard.
Walt Disney World additionally (sorta?) introduced a Spike the Bee Backyard coming to CommuniCore Corridor. The meals seems to be robust this 12 months–see the Full Out of doors Kitchen Meals Sales space Menus for 2026 EPCOT Flower & Backyard Competition.
Schedules Shift…Once more
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Daylight Saving Time begins. This isn’t distinctive to Walt Disney World, clearly, however this isn’t only a general-purpose reminder about DST. The “spring ahead” does have each direct and oblique penalties at Walt Disney World.
The massive change is that Fortunately Ever After will shift later half-hour in a while that Sunday to 9:30 pm, which is a results of the later sundown time. This additionally implies that Starlight will essentially need to shift from its present cadence of seven:45 pm and 10 pm showtimes.
In consequence, Starlight strikes to eight:15 pm and 10:30 pm. Observe that it is a bit completely different than its 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm pre-DST showtimes, which is a constructive change. Though it’s solely quarter-hour, Walt Disney World is making an attempt to retain the larger buffer between the primary parade and fireworks.
The oblique change is that park closing will really feel later. Sundown shifts about an hour later, that means night park hours get extra daylight. As an authorized DST hater, I view this as a damaging change. However the draw back of extra daylight will likely be felt extra from Might by way of September than in March when the climate remains to be (hopefully) tolerable.
Spring Break Season Begins
March marks the start of spring break season at Walt Disney World, with crowds constructing all through the month and peaking round Easter (which falls on April 5, 2026 this 12 months).
The primary wave of spring breakers usually arrives in mid-March with Central Florida college districts plus an inflow of north states (plus our neighbors to the north in Canada), with most colleges having spring break someday between mid-March and mid-April. This implies March is transitioning from low to average crowds within the first week to considerably increased crowds by mid-month.
For those who’re visiting in March and have flexibility on dates, earlier is best. The primary week of March (particularly earlier than Flower & Backyard or outdoors EPCOT) will likely be noticeably much less crowded than the again half of the month. By late March, you’re solidly in spring break territory with elevated wait instances, elevated Lightning Lane competitors and worse ‘seems like’ crowds.
This 12 months’s spring break crowds could possibly be exacerbated by experience closures, particularly at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and (perhaps) Magic Kingdom. For those who’re visiting throughout spring break, alter expectations and plan accordingly. Leverage Early Entry, make the most of Prolonged Night Hours if eligible, take into account shopping for Lightning Lane Multi-Move for 3 parks, select your day of the week for every park correctly, and strategize savvily.
Magic Kingdom Rides Doubtlessly Reopening
Talking of Magic Kingdom experience refurbishments, there’s an honest likelihood that Large Thunder Mountain Railroad or Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin (or each!) reopen in March. Neither has a confirmed date past “Spring 2026” at this level, however we count on the goal reopening for one (or both!) to be by mid-March ideally, or the week earlier than Easter on the newest.
Large Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for over a full 12 months for a large refurbishment involving vital observe substitute and a few “new magic” (solely confirmed to be new lighting within the Rainbow Caverns…plus bonus bats). Walt Disney World formally introduced it’d return in Spring 2026, however it’s unclear whether or not it’s on observe to hit that timeline.
On the one hand, testing has been ramping up in late February, with geysers and trains working. On the opposite, numerous pavement is torn up across the perimeter of the Piston Peak undertaking web site. See When Will Large Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopen? for extra of our ideas and hypothesis.
Then there’s Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin, which can also be slated for a Spring 2026 reopening. Truthfully, we now have no clue what to anticipate right here when it comes to a selected date. The outside pavement is coming collectively quick, however there’s zero visibility into the present scene enhancements. This might return by mid-March or not till late April. Now we have no clue.
For those who’re visiting in mid-to-late March, hold an eye fixed out. Both for building partitions coming down coupled with an official announcement, or the potential of smooth openings. Neither experience’s reopening is assured for March 2026, however we suspect not less than one will return. Magic Kingdom wants the capability throughout a really busy time of 12 months.
March may be the month that the Cinderella Fort repainting undertaking wraps up…or that cranes lastly seem within the moat. That one is one other large wildcard. Then there’s no matter is happening with Carousel of Progress, which lately had permits filed. It’s the same story with the Haunted Mansion thriller tasks, and naturally, the Automobiles and Villains Land building tasks.
Annual Shareholders Assembly
Disney’s Annual Assembly of Shareholders will likely be held on March 18, 2026. That’s usually a newsy day for Walt Disney World, and that must be doubly true this 12 months because it’s additionally the day Josh D’Amaro formally turns into CEO of The Walt Disney Firm.
D’Amaro, who has served as Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020, was introduced as Bob Iger’s successor initially of this month. The 28-year Disney veteran rose by way of the ranks of the parks division, serving as President of Disneyland Resort, President of Walt Disney World Resort, and most lately overseeing all of Disney’s world theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and shopper merchandise.
The transition occurs on the annual assembly, at which level Iger will shift to a senior advisor function and stay a board member by way of December 31, 2026. (Fingers crossed that Iger turns into head of the LA28 Olympics Organizing Committee!) Dana Walden, previously Co-Chairman of Disney Leisure, additionally steps into a brand new function on March 18 as President and Chief Artistic Officer, reporting to D’Amaro.
It’s widespread for Disney to make some splashy bulletins on the Annual Shareholders Assembly. Whether or not that’ll occur in 2026 is anybody’s guess. For one factor, the 2026 D23 Expo is true across the nook. For one more, the management “handoff” may be deemed sufficiently big, and dropping large information within the new CEO’s first day on the job may be deemed a doubtful determination. Alternatively, he’ll have truly been on the job for over a month at that time, and would possibly wish to hit the bottom working.
Management Modifications at Parks & Resorts
D’Amaro changing into CEO means a management shuffle is coming to the parks & resorts phase is unclear. D’Amaro will presumably title a brand new head of Disney Experiences round mid-March, though he may push off that call till later within the month. (See Who Will Substitute Josh D’Amaro as Head of Disney Parks & Resorts?)
Whoever takes that function may have monumental affect over the route of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the worldwide parks. It would even have a cascading impact, with that chief needing to get replaced plus who is aware of what else. (Disney has a historical past of constructing a number of adjustments unexpectedly, and we wouldn’t be shocked to see one of many “losers” go away the corporate fully.)
On prime of that, D’Amaro has stated that he gained’t disappear from the parks simply because he’s CEO (see My Assembly with Josh D’Amaro). He’s dedicated to sustaining that hands-on reference to Solid Members and visitors. We wouldn’t be shocked to see him “show” that early on in his tenure as CEO.
Again when Bob Iger returned as CEO, changing Bob Chapek, he set the tone by making a number of adjustments one month later to enhance the visitor expertise at each Walt Disney World and Disneyland. A further spherical of guest-friendly adjustments have been introduced a number of months later that undid extra of the harm.
The circumstances are dramatically completely different, however we’ve however anticipating the same bundle of visitor pleasant adjustments as D’Amaro seeks to win over followers and set the tone for his tenure as CEO. (See 11 Nice Modifications Josh D’Amaro May Make for Large Wins as New CEO, which covers Walt Disney World.)
And if March does in some way find yourself being the month that Josh D’Amaro cements his standing as fan hero and at last delivers the lengthy overdue Figment information, it’ll additionally make March 2026 the #1 month of 2026. I don’t care what will get introduced at D23 Expo; not even a second gate in Shanghai is surpassing a brand new Journey into Creativeness!
New Reductions Seemingly Dropping
If previous precedent is any indication, and it often is, late March ought to deliver a giant wave of recent Walt Disney World reductions for summer time and fall journey. These reductions will seemingly be launched in 2-3 batches, versus a single drop day.
That’s what occurred final 12 months, when Disney launched a number of main promotions on the tail finish of March and early April. This included the conventional wave of recent particular presents for August by way of October journey dates, in addition to ticket offers for summer time visits and last-minute lodge offers. This was one of many largest low cost releases of the 12 months, surpassing the early January drop day.
We’re anticipating one thing related this 12 months, albeit with contemporary wrinkles. Room-only reductions for late summer time and fall are just about assured, with separate presents for most of the people, Florida residents, and Annual Passholders. Some form of ticket promotion for Florida residents and one other focused 3-park deal can also be seemingly. As with the January drop, the largest wildcard is what marquee provide will substitute Free Eating?
We will likely be carefully monitoring each the 2026 Walt Disney World low cost and particular presents state of affairs, conserving our ears open for extra information. Ought to one thing–something–be launched or rumored, we’ll ship you an alert in the event you join our FREE Walt Disney World e-newsletter.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
How do you are feeling about Walt Disney World’s adjustments in March 2026? For those who’re a vacationer, does this make you wish to go to Walt Disney World–or wait? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
