9 HUGE Announcements from Disney World This Month

2026 is a time of transition for Disney World, and March was another big month as far as major announcements and events go.

From corporate changes, opening dates, and permanent closures, things announced this month have the potential to change the face of the resort forever. That said, the month wasn’t ALL about the future, as an annual favorite kicked off in the present.

Josh D’Amaro Officially Took Over as CEO

March 18th saw the official ascension of Josh D’Amaro to the CEO position, officially taking over from Bob Iger, whose second (non-consecutive) term as CEO ended the previous day. While D’Amaro’s takeover will affect every aspect of the company — from films to television to streaming — the new CEO’s past roles in theme park operations (including Vice President of Animal Kingdom, President of Disneyland, and most recently Chairman of Disney Experiences) has many curious how he will handle Walt Disney World. Rumors have spread that D’Amaro has spearheaded a redesign of the upcoming Villains Land project.

Bob Iger Comments on Josh D’Amaro as He Steps Down as Disney CEO

The Original Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Closed Forever

March 2nd saw the permanent closure of the original, Aerosmith-starring version of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. The “Bad Boys of Boston” — who had been the stars of the attraction since its 1999 opening — are being replaced by The Muppets in a revamped version of the attraction scheduled to debut later this year.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Won’t Be Nearly as Chaotic as This CANCELED Disney World Muppets Ride from the ’90s

Flower & Garden Launched

While many things are changing, some things remained the same. Specifically, the 2026 edition of EPCOT’s annual spring festival kicked off on March 4th. This year’s event, which runs through June 1st, features an assortment of 20 outdoor kitchens, offering more than 75 new menu items for festival-goers to enjoy.

4 Important Rules For Using Early Entry During EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival

Tea is Back On

March 19th saw the long-awaited reopening of the afternoon tea experience at the Grand Floridian, which had been shuttered for over 6 years. According to Disney, the new tea room experience will be “a proper British afternoon tea experience” featuring “premium Twinings tea selections paired with delightful scones, small bites and exquisite pastries” all themed to Alice in Wonderland.

NEWS: Disney’s Grand Floridian Tea Room Is NOW OPEN After 6 Year Closure

Dates Galore

Throughout the month, Disney announced several opening dates for later in 2026. These include:

• The newly refurbished Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – which features a new animatronic, ride vehicles, and blasters – is set to reopen April 8th.
• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, and the The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios are scheduled to open on May 26th, joining the newly Mandalorian & Grogu-enhanced Smugglers Run, which is opening May 22nd.
• Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT is also scheduled to open on May 26th.

While Disney has not confirmed a specific date as of press-time, they have confirmed that the refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will debut in May.

CONFIRMED: 5 Changes Coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World

A NEW Store at Disney Springs

While Disney Springs has seen it’s share of closures in recent months, a new store was confirmed to be coming to the shopping area in March, as iconic skate shoe brand Vans is opening up a new store in the site of the old Volcom store. The store will join 6 Ravens and Level99, both of which are also scheduled to open this year.

March proved to be another month of MAJOR announcements at Disney World. Stay tuned to AllEars for more updates from the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

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Which of these March announcements were you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.

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