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Disney World Confirms 6 Huge Park Updates Beginning March 2026

Change is constant at Walt Disney World. Even when there isn’t a major ride opening or a brand-new land grabbing headlines, the resort continues shifting in smaller ways that affect the overall experience.

March 2026 is full of those quieter updates. Seasonal offerings are returning, certain perks are about to disappear, and a few major attraction changes are underway behind the scenes.

At the same time, a couple of beloved rides could be nearing reopening after lengthy refurbishments.

Here’s a closer look at six of the most important updates taking place around Walt Disney World this month.

Extra Daylight Changes the Park Experience

Sometimes the biggest change in the parks comes from something as simple as the clock.

Daylight Saving Time has returned, bringing longer evenings and later sunsets across Central Florida. That extra hour of daylight extends the feeling of daytime inside the parks.

Guests now have more time to explore outdoor areas, take photos, and enjoy attractions before nighttime entertainment begins.

The change also spreads crowds out more comfortably throughout the afternoon and evening.

Rapunzel during the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park.
Credit: Jennifer Lynn, Flickr

A Special Passholder Offer Is Ending Soon

Another change this month affects Walt Disney World Annual Passholders.

If you’re an Annual Passholder, don’t forget to grab your special Zootopia magnet! You’ll want to pick it up by the 15th, or earlier, and you can also grab the Carrot Cake Sundae, which is vanilla ice cream topped with carrot cake and pecans, as an Annual Passholder exclusive before it ends on the 15th.

These limited-time magnets often become fan favorites, and many passholders treat them as collectible souvenirs from their visits.

The dessert option adds another reason for passholders to stop by before the promotion wraps up.

EPCOT Celebrates Spring Again

March also signals the return of one of EPCOT’s most colorful annual events.

The prettiest EPCOT festival is back! It will run till June 1, but March 4 is the official first day when the booths open and the snacks start rolling. There’s fun food, a butterfly garden, a Spike the Bee scavenger hunt, and a free concert series you do not want to miss.

The festival transforms EPCOT with elaborate floral displays and Disney-themed topiaries placed throughout the park.

Guests can sample dishes from outdoor kitchens, search for Spike the Bee during the scavenger hunt, and catch live music performances at the America Gardens Theatre.

The festival remains one of the most relaxed and visually impressive times to explore EPCOT.

four friends enjoy drinks during EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival
Credit: Disney

Afternoon Tea Returns to the Grand Floridian

Another update arrives at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The resort’s tea room will reopen on March 19, 2026. Disney began accepting reservations on February 19, and demand has already begun to fill available times.

The returning experience features a new Alice in Wonderland-inspired menu designed to bring a whimsical touch to the traditional tea service.

The offering is expected to remain available, offering guests another elegant dining experience at the Grand Floridian.

A pool in front of the exterior of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Credit: Jeff Christiansen, Flickr

Eggstravaganza Adds More Festival Fun

Springtime festivities at EPCOT also include the return of a seasonal scavenger hunt.

During the Flower & Garden Festival, guests can participate in the Eggstravaganza hunt, which sends participants searching for Disney character-themed eggs hidden throughout World Showcase.

Guests purchase a map for around $11.99-$13.00 and mark each egg they discover along the way.

Once the hunt is complete, participants can redeem their map for a themed prize.

A Major Ride Change Begins at Hollywood Studios

One of the biggest attraction updates at Walt Disney World is happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster officially closed its Aerosmith-themed version on March 1, 2026. Disney is now preparing the ride for a new theme centered around the Muppets.

The coaster is expected to reopen sometime in summer 2026 with its new storyline.

Until then, the ride remains closed while Disney works on the transformation.

Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Entrance inside of this Disney World theme park in Orlando.
Credit: Rick Vink, Flickr

Bonus: Two Refurbished Rides Could Reopen Soon

While one coaster begins a new chapter, two other attractions could return in the coming weeks.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin have both been undergoing refurbishments, and Disney has confirmed that they are expected to reopen sometime in spring 2026.

Because Disney has not announced exact reopening dates, it remains unclear whether the rides will return in March or later in the season.

Guests will have to wait for Disney to reveal more details.

Buzz Lightyear in Space Ranger Spin
Credit: Disney

March Brings Several Meaningful Updates

Although March doesn’t include a major ride debut, the month still introduces several notable changes across Walt Disney World.

Longer days, seasonal events, returning experiences, and attraction updates all contribute to a resort that continues to evolve.

And with several attractions potentially reopening soon, the rest of the spring season could bring even more surprises for Disney fans.

Sarah Larson

Sarah is a theme park enthusiast who loves visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. She enjoys covering the latest attractions, park updates, hotel changes, and industry developments for theme park fans. A dedicated Marvel fan, she never passes up an opportunity to ride her favorite Disney attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When it comes to Disney classics, Pirates of the Caribbean still holds the top spot on her list. At Universal, she’s a big fan of the thrills of VelociCoaster, but Men in Black: Alien Attack remains a personal favorite, where she proudly considers herself a professional "Galactic Defender."

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