Visiting Walt Disney World in March? Here’s What You Need to Know!

We’re just emerging from a long winter, and no matter where you call home, a trip to the most magical place on Earth is a fabulous way to celebrate the arrival of spring!  If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation this March, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip.  

Weather, crowds, ride closures and special events can all have an impact on your vacation, so it’s important to be aware of what’s happening during your Disney stay.  Of course, there’s really no bad time to experience the magic of WDW!  Here’s what you can expect if you’re visiting Walt Disney World this March.

Ride Closures

There really aren’t any new closures for the month of March at Walt Disney World, which is great news for Guests!

Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will remain closed for the month of March – it’s expected to be up and running in April.

One exciting reopening this month is the return of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade to Magic Kingdom on March 9.

Water Parks

There’s nothing new on the water park front for March. Blizzard Beach remains closed for refurbishment, but Guests can enjoy Typhoon Lagoon all month.  And with the pleasantly warm sunny weather Orlando enjoys in March, bringing a swimsuit, whether for your Disney Resort Hotel pool or Typhoon Lagoon, is a great idea.

Crowds

The week of Christmas and New Year tends to be the busiest time to visit Walt Disney World, but it’s followed closely by the Easter and Spring Break seasons. Easter in 2022 is on April 17, but Guests making a trip to WDW in March will still have to contend with higher-than-average crowds throughout the entire month because of spring break vacations.

There will be the odd lull in the crowds, but because the dates for spring break vary from school to school, it’s impossible to really predict specific days in March where you might get some relief from crowds.  Of course, this means prices for Disney Resort Hotels will be higher and it may be harder to find rooms, especially at Disney’s Value Resorts.

It’s more important than ever if planning a vacation to WDW in March that Guests book their Advanced Dining Reservations and Disney Park Pass reservations as far in advance as possible. Consider purchasing Disney Genie+ to allow you to bypass standby lines, which could be lengthy.

Weather

Another reason for the popularity of Walt Disney World in March is that the weather is excellent in Orlando this time of year.  The weather continues to warm up following the trend of January and February, which is perfect, especially if you’re a Guest escaping chilly temps and snowstorms further north!  Expect temperature highs in the 70s to low 80s, and lows in the high 50s to low 60s.  

The months of March to July boast the most sunshine in Walt Disney World.  Spring is here, hurray!  Guests, especially those who have been bundled up all winter and perhaps don’t have sunscreen on their minds, will want to take precautions to protect against the significant average UV index of 9 this time of year.  

Think about packing a hat (bonus points if it’s wide-brimmed), sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, and of course, applying sunscreen when you’re out in the sun. Experts recommend seeking shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – of course, that’s not always possible on a busy day in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom!  But luckily, there are plenty of places to seek shade or the refreshing air conditioning of an indoor space throughout Walt Disney World.

While March isn’t a rainy month here, remember to be prepared for occasional showers – this is Orlando, after all, and the weather can change on a dime.  Disney will bring out umbrellas and ponchos to sell when the weather turns, but you’ll save a few bucks if you bring your own.  You may also want to pack a jacket or sweater for early mornings and late nights when it can still get a bit chilly.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

We love visiting the various festivals hosted by Disney’s EPCOT Theme Park throughout the year!  Guests visiting Walt Disney World in March can enjoy the first of several months of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, from March 2 until July 4. 

It’s free with your park admission, and the whole family will be spellbound discovering their favorite Disney characters in topiary form.  There are myriad dreamy gardens in World Discovery, World Nature, World Celebration, and World Showcase that may just inspire you to create your own beautiful garden at home.

Extended Hours

Disney continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in March, with special celebratory treats, apparel, nighttime spectaculars, and even extended hours on select evenings.

Disney’s EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Parks both have extended hours this month, on select evenings for a specific park (on March 21, for example, EPCOT has extended hours from 9 pm to 11 pm).  

To be eligible, you’ll need to be staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or another select hotel.  Guests can check the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Schedule online for all the details.

Bottom Line

While March as a whole can be the busiest month to visit Walt Disney World, that doesn’t mean you and your family can’t enjoy a magical vacation!  It simply means that planning is even more important to ensure that you can enjoy the restaurants, rides, and accommodations on your list.  Have a magical vacation!