9 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in March 2026

Several changes are happening at Walt Disney World in March, including the closing date of a popular thrill ride and the start of a new festival. We cover all the latest changes from park policies to specific new offerings coming.

Let’s get into all the changes you need to be aware of for March at Walt Disney World, especially as many refurbishments take place this time of year. Mickey Visit brings the latest Disney news and planning resources, including cast member changes, details about a new Disney World lawsuit, and the newest Disney World hotel discount. See the January changes and February changes detailed.

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1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Closing for Multi-Month Reimagining

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had its last day of operation on March 1 and closed for its reimagining to the new Muppets theme on March 2.

This transformation will switch the ride to a Muppets theme featuring The Electric Mayhem Muppets. The opening date for this new Muppets-themed version has not been released, but we know it’s set to open in summer 2026.

Here’s more of what was shared previously on the ride:

Guests will be given a VIP tour of G-Force Records, the legendary rock and roll recording studio, which is now being run by The Muppets. The Muppets have taken over ownership of the studio with help from “real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse,” and guests will have to see how The Muppets have made these “hallowed halls” their own. Scooter will also be nearby, trying to convince Electric Mayhem to stop jamming and get to the stage. Will they get there on time? See all the details here.

2. Lightning Lane Selections Reduced for Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the top selections for Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Hollywood Studios. With this attraction now closed for its multi-month reimagining, this reduces the selections of Lightning Lanes at this popular park.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was one of four of the top tier selections which now are just reduced to three: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Slinky Dog Dash. Since Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the only other thrill ride in that tier, that means that Slinky Dog Dash might be even more popular.

3. CrazyShake Opens in Disney Springs

On March 2, CrazyShake by Black Tap will open as a pop-up location in Disney Springs for a limited time. The concept is known for its over-the-top specialty milkshakes, many of which are stacked high with frosting, candy, cookies, and other elaborate toppings.

The CrazyShake location is located in the former Sprinkles Cupcakes space and will serve their viral milkshakes. Unlike other Black Tap locations, there is no savory food planned. CrazyShake is expected to operate in the space from March through May.

4. EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Kicks Off

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts on March 4 and runs through June 1.

This festival brings a full list of new menu items at food marketplace booths scattered across EPCOT, a new lineup of outdoor EPCOT concerts, and amazing Disney themed topiaries.

5. Schedules Shift for Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time begins on March 8 with clocks shifting forward one hour which has resulted in schedule changes for nighttime shows since the days will now have more daylight. To accommodate the later sunsets, Happily Ever After will now begin at 9:30 PM.

Meanwhile, the first performance of the Disney Starlight parade will move forward 15 minutes at 8:15 PM to keep its pacing with the fireworks. This change will also mean fewer opportunities to see Animal Kingdom at night, but this might change in the future with the Tropical Americas expansion.

6. Garden View Tea Room Opens at Disney’s Grand Floridian

After a six year long closure, the Garden View Lounge will open on March 16 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort with a new menu and tea experience along with other updates to the lounge.

The Garden View Lounge will feature new touches from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film Alice in Wonderland and a new Alice in Wonderland children’s tea experience.

7. St. Patrick’s Day at Disney World

St. Patrick’s Day takes place on March 17 and usually Walt Disney World will release a limited-time menu of desserts and other select offerings. You can also find the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Disney Springs. The annual Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival takes at Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant.

The celebration includes a variety of beers and cocktails, Irish food and live entertainment including top bands from Ireland. This year’s annual five-day celebration takes place from Friday, March 13 to Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

8. Spring Break Season Kicks Off

Spring Break season kicks off at Walt Disney World around mid-March and continues through mid-April. You can use our Disney World crowd calendar to track the crowd levels this month.

Spring break crowds bring some of the highest wait times of the year with some of the worst days to visit in the later half of March. However, these crowd levels are still not as bad as the holiday season which last year proved to rank the worst amongst the data we analyzed.

9. First Signs off Easter Likely

Easter takes place this year on April 5 but we will likely see the first signs of Easter at Disney World towards the end of March.

Guests can typically find decorated chocolate egg displays at select deluxe resorts including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort plus themed bakery items, and occasionally special appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom.

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