Another week swallowed by construction dust, festival crowds, and prices that keep climbing like they’re trying to escape gravity. Fine, let’s break it down properly with headings so it’s easier to skim while you grumble.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Kicks Off
The big event finally started on March 4 and runs through June 1. Topiaries everywhere (including a massive Toy Story 5 one), outdoor kitchens slinging “fresh” spring eats, gardens, live entertainment, and merch. It’s all included with standard EPCOT admission—no extra fee gouge, at least.
Early reviews say the booths are solid, people are geeking out over the topiaries and food, but opening day was predictably packed. Some kitchens have late openings on certain days now. Check the official page here or the food guide on the Disney Parks Blog for details.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Says Goodbye to Aerosmith
Over at Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed for good as the Aerosmith version on March 1-2 and is now fully shut down for the retheme to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Construction’s moving quick—flames painted on the launch car, guitar getting the Electric Mayhem makeover. It reopens summer 2026 as a Tier 1 Lightning Lane ride (yay, more upcharges). The courtyard’s still open for walking, but the ride? Nope. More on the closure and plans here.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Still Down (and Maybe Longer)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains closed for its huge “crevasse-deep to mountain-top” refurbishment, with reopening slated for spring 2026—but permits and rumors suggest it could drag into later spring (or beyond). Perfect timing for spring break hordes.
The official attraction page promises “a little bit of new magic,” including Rainbow Caverns vibes. See details here. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also closed for upgrades, and the Walt Disney World Railroad is on a modified route thanks to Villains Land and other builds. March feels like six major rides are out—enjoy the scenic walks.
Hotel and Dining Updates
Afternoon tea returns to the Grand Floridian Garden View Tea Room (now Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience) on March 19—reservations are open, so snag them before the fancy-hat brigade does. It’s $79/adult with teas, scones, bites, and Alice in Wonderland touches.
More on the reopening and menus here. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) brings the usual green treats and drinks across spots. Free Dining Plan offers are available for packages (check rules for Disney Visa folks).
Other Bits and Pieces
The CrazyShake by Black Tap pop-up opened March 2 at Disney Springs (old Sprinkles space)—limited-time over-the-top shakes, including a Mickey one. Prices are absurd, but it’s prime Instagram fodder. Details here.
Spring break crowds are building fast. Good to Go Days for Passholders include early March (like March 2-3), and Magic Kingdom parade times are shifting (Festival of Fantasy now twice daily starting mid-month).
Look, if topiaries and festival food are your thing, dive in—it’s the one part not buried under scaffolding. But with all the closures, endless construction walls, app everything, and prices that won’t quit, Disney’s really testing our patience for “magic.”
The shareholders meeting on March 18 might bring more announcements (or more headaches). Always verify real-time info on disneyworld.disney.go.com, because five minutes can change everything. If you’re heading down soon, hit Flower & Garden hard—it’s the least infuriating thing going right now.
