March 2026 at Walt Disney World

Written by: Katie Gonsalves

Spring blooms, seasonal festivals, and important updates you need to know

March is one of the most vibrant months of the year at Walt Disney World. With beautiful spring weather, the return of EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival, and increased travel for Spring Break, it is a lively and popular time to visit. Here is everything you and your clients need to know when planning a March 2026 trip.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins March 4 and runs through early summer. This beloved spring festival features stunning character topiaries, themed gardens, outdoor kitchens offering seasonal bites, and the Garden Rocks concert series. It is one of the most photogenic times to visit EPCOT and adds tremendous value to a park day since festival entertainment is included with admission.

If your clients enjoy food festivals, live music, or simply beautiful scenery, this is a major highlight of March.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

March 17 brings St. Patrick’s Day festivities across Walt Disney World, with the largest celebration at Disney Springs. Raglan Road Irish Pub hosts its annual festival with live music, dancers, and specialty food and drink offerings. Guests can also expect themed treats and limited-time menu items around the resort and at EPCOT’s United Kingdom pavilion.

While not a full park-wide event, it adds a fun seasonal atmosphere for mid-March visitors.

Spring Break Crowds

Spring Break season typically begins in early March and builds into heavier crowds mid- to late-month as schools across the country stagger their vacation weeks. The busiest weeks often align with mid-March through early April.

Early March can offer a sweet spot before peak Spring Break travel hits, while later March visitors should plan for longer wait times and higher resort pricing.

Attraction Closures and Refurbishments

March 2026 includes several significant ride closures and refurbishments to be aware of:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes March 1 to be reimagined into a new Muppets-themed attraction, expected to open later in 2026.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains closed for refurbishment with reopening anticipated later in spring.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is undergoing enhancements with no reopening date announced for March.
• Conservation Station and the Wildlife Express Train at Animal Kingdom are closed for updates and new character experiences.
• Select EPCOT film attractions, including Impressions de France and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, are scheduled for refurbishment.
• Typhoon Lagoon water park is closed seasonally for maintenance.

Disney often adjusts timelines, so it is important to check official calendars closer to travel dates.

Weather in March

March weather in Orlando is one of the biggest reasons guests love visiting this time of year.

Average daytime highs are typically in the upper 70s, with evening temperatures dipping into the mid-50s. Mornings and nights can feel cool, especially after fireworks, so layering is important.

Rainfall is moderate, with occasional spring showers that are usually brief. Comfortable temperatures make it ideal for long park days without the intense heat and humidity of summer.

Packing tip: bring light layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a compact poncho.

Resort Renovations and Construction

Ongoing updates and refurbishments are common this time of year as Disney prepares for peak summer travel. While construction is generally contained and minimally disruptive, guests may notice work happening in certain areas of the parks and resorts.

As always, if specific resort construction may impact your stay, it is best to verify details before booking.

Why March Can Be a Great Time to Visit

Despite higher crowd levels during Spring Break weeks, March offers several advantages:

• Ideal weather for full park days
• Beautiful landscaping and topiaries throughout EPCOT
• Extended daylight hours
• Seasonal entertainment and festival food
• A lively, energetic atmosphere across the parks

For guests who plan ahead and manage expectations around crowd levels, March can feel both festive and comfortable.

Planning Tips for March Travelers

Book early. Resort availability and dining reservations fill quickly due to Spring Break demand.

Plan park days strategically. If possible, visit parks midweek rather than on weekends when local and regional travel increases. Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and for St. Patrick’s Day dining at Disney Springs.

Expect longer wait times during peak weeks and build in breaks or resort time to avoid burnout. Be mindful of Daylight Saving Time, which shifts in early March and may impact early morning plans.

Special Offers and Deals

Disney frequently releases spring promotional offers that may include room discounts or vacation package savings for select March travel dates. Availability is limited and often dependent on arrival windows and resort categories.

It is worth monitoring current promotions or working with a travel advisor to secure the best available rate.

March at Walt Disney World combines spring beauty, seasonal festivals, and high energy from visiting families on break. With thoughtful planning and awareness of closures and crowd patterns, it can be a wonderful time to experience the magic!