March at Walt Disney World feels like the real start of spring. The cooler winter days are fading, the crowds are picking up for spring break season, and over at EPCOT, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially kicks off March 4. Topiaries are blooming, outdoor kitchens are firing up, and the park has that fresh, colorful energy that only this time of year brings.
But even with all that beauty in full bloom, not every attraction is guaranteed to be operating during your visit.
If you’re stacking Lightning Lanes, planning park days around festival booths, or just trying to avoid that dreaded “wait… it’s closed?” moment, it pays to know what’s down ahead of time. Disney rotates attractions in and out for refurbishment throughout the year, and March is no exception.
Here’s your updated look at attraction closures and refurbishments at Walt Disney World for March 2026, so you can plan accordingly and make the most of your spring trip!
And if you’re looking further ahead, you can also check out our full breakdown of everything coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, including major projects, to help plan the rest of your year!
Magic Kingdom
Even the Most Magical Place on Earth needs to do a little maintenance now and then!
Cinderella Castle – Ongoing Paint Project
Disney recently began repainting Cinderella Castle as part of a restoration project to bring back a more traditional color palette. The work is expected to continue over the next few months, with completion planned for later in 2026. The refreshed look will feature grays, creams, blues, and subtle gold accents, moving away from the rose gold and cobalt blue which debuted for the resort’s 50th anniversary.
— You can currently spot a few transitional areas around the castle!
The moat surrounding Cinderella Castle has been drained, allowing crews to safely access lower portions of the structure and properly prep surfaces for painting, with cranes are brought in to reach higher sections of the castle. However, these cranes are lowered or removed from view by noon each day to limit how much they interfere with daytime sightlines and guest photos.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Closed for Refurbishment
All right, you junior space rangers, listen up! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August for updates and is set to reopen sometime in spring 2026 with several enhancements. The ride will feature new interactive targets that light up when hit, upgraded ride vehicles, and handheld blasters equipped with always-on lasers in two colors, allowing us space cadets to aim and shoot more effectively.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed for Refurbishment
Hold onto your hats and glasses, because the wildest ride in the wilderness is taking a break. Big Thunder has been down for scheduled refurbishment since January 2025, and is expected to reopen in spring 2026. Disney’s announcement for the new Rainbow Caverns scene has us all excited for the return, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store! Until then, Frontierland feels a little more empty…
Walt Disney World Railroad – Altered Route
Also part of Frontierland’s ongoing construction for Piston Peak and Villains Land, the Walt Disney World Railroad is currently operating under a modified route that excludes the Frontierland station. The train now operates as a shuttle between Main Street station and Fantasyland station only. The train will remain in this “shuttle mode” for the next few years, until the new projects are complete.
EPCOT
EPCOT is currently clear from March’s refurbishment schedule!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Animation Courtyard – Closed for Re-Theme
The park’s Animation Courtyard area (including the now-closed Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!) is currently closed off. It will reopen as The Walt Disney Studios later this summer, bringing Olaf Draws!, new character meet & greet opportunities, and an indoor playground inside the Magic of Disney Animation; alongside shaded outdoor areas, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Last Chance for Aerosmith
You’ve got ONE DAY to experience Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, as the coaster closes March 2nd (last day to ride is March 1st) and reopens with The Muppets later this summer. Keep in mind, the Aerosmith recording studio pre-show was suddenly shuttered up in December 2025, but you can still hear their the band’s music as you race through LA.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Conservation Station & Wildlife Express Train – Temporarily Closed
The entirety of Rafiki’s Planet Watch (now known as Conservation Station) closed on February 23rd to prepare for the new Bluey Experience. This area’s closure includes the Wildlife Express Train and its access to Conservation Station, the Animation Experience, and Affection Section. These are expected to return once the Bluey experience debuts this summer — which is likely to be around May 26th with the start of Cool Kids’ Summer.
Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date info on closures, reopening dates, and showtimes during your visit. Happy travels!
