Spring has arrived at Walt Disney World — and March 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful months the resort has seen in years. Between the launch of EPCOT's beloved Flower and Garden Festival, the permanent closure of a Hollywood Studios icon, exciting refurbishment return hopefuls at Magic Kingdom, and the brand-new Beak and Barrel pirate lounge opening in Adventureland, there's a lot happening right now and on the horizon.

We've got dates and updates so let's jump into the Disney World news March 2026 edition.

Disney World News: Key Dates to Remember — March 2026 and Beyond

• March 1 | Last day to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios
• March 2 | Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes permanently — Muppets transformation begins
• March 4–June 1 | EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• March 19 | Garden View Lounge reopens at Disney's Grand Floridian (new Alice in Wonderland Tea Experience)
• Spring 2026 | Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returns to Magic Kingdom — date TBD
• Spring 2026 | Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin returns updated — date TBD
• August 29, 2025 | The Beak and Barrel opened in Adventureland, Magic Kingdom (now open)
• May 22, 2026 | New Mandalorian & Grogu mission debuts on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• May 26, 2026 | Cool Kids' Summer 2026 begins — new summer programming at all four parks
• May 26, 2026 | Soarin' Across America debuts at EPCOT — limited time for U.S. 250th anniversary
• Summer 2026 | Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens at Hollywood Studios
• Late Summer 2026 | The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Hollywood Studios

What's New at Disney World Right Now

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival — Now Through June 1

Spring's signature celebration at EPCOT is back, running from March 4 through June 1, 2026. This is consistently one of the best times to visit EPCOT — the crowds are manageable compared to peak summer, the weather is warm, and the park comes alive with more than 60 stunning Disney character topiaries, 30+ themed gardens and exhibits, and over 20 Outdoor Kitchen food and beverage booths serving garden-fresh seasonal fare.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series brings live performances to the America Gardens Theatre on select dates throughout the festival — a fun, free-with-admission perk that's always worth building your schedule around. If you haven't experienced Flower & Garden season at EPCOT, this spring is an ideal time to visit.

The Beak and Barrel — Now Open in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland

The highly anticipated pirate pub in Adventureland is officially open. The Beak and Barrel is a fully themed, story-driven lounge inspired by the world of Pirates of the Caribbean, introduced as the establishment of legendary pirate Captain Meridian "Merry" Goldwyn and her talking bird first mate, Rummy — who eagle-eyed Disney fans may recognize as the original Barker Bird from the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean.

The space has two distinct areas: The Mess, a former Spanish soldier mess hall with long communal tables and a bar fashioned from a shipwreck, and The Captains' Quarters, the former living quarters of the Spanish Comandante, complete with ships in bottles that come alive above the fireplace. The bar even features a connection to the legendary Tia Dalma from the films.

This is a rare Magic Kingdom venue that serves alcohol and is genuinely immersive for adult Disney fans. It's a welcome addition to Adventureland and worth a stop on any visit. Note that it welcomes guests of all ages, not just those 21 and older.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith — Officially Closed

After more than 25 years of launching guests from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds with Aerosmith blasting, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith took its final ride on March 1, 2026. The attraction is now closed and being transformed into Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, expected to open in Summer 2026.

The new version will follow the Electric Mayhem band — Dr. Teeth, Animal, Janice, Floyd, Zoot, and Lips — along with Scooter and some surprise penguin audio engineers on a wild VIP road trip to their biggest concert ever. The ride's track layout stays the same, but the theming, soundtrack, and pre-show are getting a complete Muppet makeover. Expect plenty of laughs alongside the screams.

For Hollywood Studios visitors this spring, the closure will be felt — the park was already down Animation Courtyard and the Muppets Courtyard area. Plan accordingly and use the park's strong remaining lineup (Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, Guardians of the Galaxy, Toy Story Midway Mania) strategically.

Garden View Lounge Reopens at the Grand Floridian — March 19

After a six-year closure, the beloved tea experience at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is finally back. Reopening March 19, 2026, the newly named Garden View Lounge offers a refreshed space with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, featuring savory bites, sweet pastries, and a curated selection of premium teas in a beautifully restored Victorian setting.

This is a particularly meaningful reopening for DVC members who own at the Grand Floridian — it's one of the last major amenities to return following the resort's multi-year renovation, and it's exactly the kind of refined, unhurried experience that makes the Grand Floridian feel like the flagship property it is. Reservations are expected to be very popular; book as early as possible.

Coming to Disney World This Spring and Summer

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Spring 2026 Return

Magic Kingdom's beloved "wildest ride in the wilderness" has been closed since January 2025 for what Disney describes as a "mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment." The updates include new track, new ride vehicles, and a revamped Rainbow Caverns experience featuring phosphorescent pools, shimmering iridescent stalagmites and stalactites deep in the heart of the mountain — a nod to the original Disneyland concept art.

Disney has confirmed a spring 2026 return. Testing has been ramping up in recent weeks, and many observers anticipate a late spring reopening, though an exact date has not been announced as of this writing. If you're visiting before it officially reopens, check the My Disney Experience app daily — soft openings are always possible.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin — Spring 2026 Relaunch

The classic Tomorrowland shooter is also getting its biggest update ever. Returning in spring 2026, the relaunch features brand-new handheld blasters (with sound effects and vibration feedback when a target is hit), upgraded interactive targets, updated ride vehicles, and a new opening scene introducing a new robot character named Buddy. Disney has released a commercial teasing the return, suggesting the relaunch is imminent.

This is a meaningful upgrade to one of Magic Kingdom's most family-friendly attractions — and the handheld blasters in particular address one of the most common complaints guests have had with the ride over the years.

Soarin' Across America — Memorial Day Weekend, EPCOT

Beginning around Memorial Day weekend (May 25–26), a brand-new version of Soarin' will debut at EPCOT's Land Pavilion as a limited-time offering in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Soarin' Across America will take guests on an aerial journey across the United States — from natural wonders to iconic cityscapes — with new footage, scenes, and the same signature scents and music that have made Soarin' a beloved institution. This is a limited engagement tied to the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration, so it won't be around forever.

Mandalorian & Grogu Mission — Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, May 22

On May 22, 2026 — the same day as the theatrical release of the Mandalorian & Grogu film — a new mission storyline will debut on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios. Mando and Grogu join the Smugglers Run crew for the first time, bringing fresh story content and character integration to an attraction that has long been criticized for its thin narrative. This is the first time the ride has received a meaningful story update since opening.

Cool Kids' Summer 2026 — May 26 Through September 8

Disney's popular summer programming initiative returns for a second year, bringing kid-focused entertainment, character interactions, DJ dance parties, crafts, and special experiences to all four theme parks. Specific details are still being announced, but expect the same energy and family-friendly fun as last year's inaugural Cool Kids' Summer, with a new lineup of characters and activities. More information is coming from Disney in the weeks ahead.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — Summer 2026

Once the transformation of the old Aerosmith version is complete, the Muppets takeover will be a full-park event at Hollywood Studios. The Electric Mayhem, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Scooter, and a cast of penguin audio engineers take the stage for what promises to be the most fun — and funniest — roller coaster experience in Walt Disney World history. Summer 2026 is the target window. No specific date has been announced.

The Magic of Disney Animation — Late Summer 2026

The reimagined Animation Courtyard area at Hollywood Studios is being transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, a new land that celebrates Disney Animation with immersive character meet-and-greets, an all-new show, and spaces inspired by the legendary Burbank studio lot — complete with Mickey's iconic Sorcerer Hat atop the building. The new "Off the Page!" meet-and-greet area featuring characters from multiple beloved Disney films is part of the early rollout, with the full Magic of Disney Animation experience following in late summer 2026.

What's Still on Our Watch List

A few things that aren't open yet but are worth keeping an eye on as we head into spring:

• Cinderella Castle repainting: Work is underway to restore the castle to its original 1971 white-and-blue color scheme — a change that drew tremendous enthusiasm when announced. Progress is visible, but completion timing is still TBD.
• Animal Kingdom Kidani Village refurbishment: Rooms have been coming back online since December 2025 with gorgeous new Murphy beds and Lion King character artwork. If you have a Kidani stay booked in spring or early summer, there's a good chance you'll land in a freshly renovated room.
• Piston Peak National Park (Cars expansion in Frontierland): Construction is underway on the replacement for Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, but no opening date is anywhere on the horizon for 2026. This is a multi-year project.
• LEVEL99 at Disney Springs: This entertainment complex featuring 60+ themed challenge rooms is coming to the former NBA Experience location — a 2026 opening is confirmed, with details to follow.

DVC Resale Experts Can Help

Does this Disney World news March 2026 edition have you dreaming of more Disney trips? If you're thinking about buying DVC to make that happen — or selling a contract that no longer fits your life — our team is ready to help.

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