Disney Updates Park Calendar with Extended Evening Hours for March and April

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March 8, 2026

Disney Updates Park Calendar with Extended Evening Hours for March and April

Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Busy Spring Break Week

Spring break crowds are about to bring the energy to Walt Disney World, and Disney is giving guests more time to soak up the magic. Park hours have officially been extended at three parks for the busy week beginning March 22, giving visitors extra time to ride, snack, and catch nighttime entertainment across the resort.

According to the My Disney Experience app, Magic Kingdom will see the largest increase in hours. From March 22 through March 26, the park will now remain open until 11 PM instead of the previously scheduled 9:30 PM closing. Even more pixie-dusted time arrives March 27 and 28, when Magic Kingdom will open earlier at 8 AM and stay open until 11 PM. That means extra nighttime spins on TRON Lightcycle / Run, late-night rides through Haunted Mansion, and more chances to watch the castle glow after dark.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also stretching its day slightly during the week. From March 22 through March 27, the park will remain open until 9:30 PM instead of 9 PM. On March 28, the park will open earlier at 8:30 AM and stay open until 9:30 PM. Guests visiting that evening will also have two opportunities to catch Fantasmic, with showtimes scheduled for 8:30 PM and 10 PM.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also seeing expanded hours during the spring break rush. On March 22 and March 28, the park will operate from 8 AM until 8 PM instead of its previous 6 PM closing time. From March 23 through March 27, the park will stay open until 7 PM, giving guests an extra hour to explore Pandora, ride Expedition Everest, or grab a sunset view of the Tree of Life.

For now, EPCOT’s hours remain unchanged, though it would not be surprising to see adjustments as the busy travel period approaches.

Extended park hours are a common move during peak travel weeks like spring break, helping spread out crowds while giving guests more opportunities to experience attractions, dining, and entertainment. If you are planning a visit during this time, the extra evening hours could mean shorter wait times late in the day and more chances to enjoy the parks after dark.

Disney’s Monsters Inc. 3 Reportedly In-Development from Pixar

By

Sara

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March 8, 2026

Pixar Officially Developing Monsters, Inc. 3

Hold onto your hard hats, Disney fans! In a massive update that has the entire animation world buzzing, Pixar has officially confirmed that Monsters, Inc. 3 is in development! The news comes via a deep dive from Variety, detailing Pixar’s aggressive new strategy to lean into the beloved franchises we know and love while still pushing the boundaries of original storytelling.

While plot details for Monsters, Inc. 3 are currently being kept behind closed closet doors, the announcement marks a major shift for the studio. Following the record-breaking success of Inside Out 2, Pixar is doubling down on “high-concept” sequels. Fans are already speculating—will we finally see a grown-up Boo? Or perhaps a deeper look into how the laugh floor has evolved since the original film?

Monsters, Inc. isn’t the only big news. Pixar is officially stepping into the world of musicals with a brand-new original film titled Ono. Directed by Domee Shi (the creative force behind Turning Red), Ono is described as a “high-stakes” musical. This marks a historic first for the studio, which has traditionally left the “breaking into song” moments to Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and the team are implementing a “one-for-them, one-for-us” strategy. This means we can expect a steady mix of sequels and brand-new stories over the next few years. Here is a quick look at what’s on the horizon:

Ghost Market: A newly announced original film that promises to dive into a whimsical and spooky world.
Toy Story 5: Coming in 2026.
Incredibles 3: Currently in the works with Brad Bird.
Elio & Hoppers: Two original films slated for 2025 and 2026.

After a few years of experimental releases on Disney+, Pixar is refocusing on the “Big Screen” experience. By utilizing “legacy” titles like Monsters, Inc., the studio hopes to ensure financial stability that allows them to take big creative risks on original projects like Ono and Ghost Market.

Are you excited for a third Monsters Inc movie?

Winnie the Pooh Photo Op Returns to Disney Springs After Refurbishment

By

Sara

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March 8, 2026

Winnie the Pooh Photo Op Reopens at Disney Springs

The popular Winnie the Pooh photo location has returned to Disney Springs following a short maintenance period. The display, which features Pooh and his iconic friends, was unavailable for approximately one week while it underwent a routine refurbishment to ensure it stays in top shape for visitors.

The charming 3D display—featuring life-sized figures of Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet perched on a rustic log—has returned looking noticeably more vibrant. Set against a backdrop of whimsical tree flats and framed by lush potted plants, the entire scene appears much brighter and cleaner than before. The crisp colors suggest a fresh coat of paint was part of the recent refurbishment, making the Hundred Acre Wood crew pop like never before.

You’ll find this charming photo op tucked away in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs, situated just beside The Art Corner.

Have you been to Disney Springs to see the refreshed photo op?

Restrooms Near Casey’s Corner Finally Reopen After Long Refurbishment

By

Sara

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March 8, 2026

Casey’s Corner Restrooms Reopen Following Extended Refurbishment

After a months-long closure, the restrooms near Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom have officially returned to service. Guests will find a fully refreshed space, as the lengthy refurbishment has resulted in a completely redesigned interior.

The revamped interior showcases a sophisticated new aesthetic, anchored by classic white and black tiling with a bold checkerboard border. The walls are wrapped in crisp white and blue subway tiles, while deep brown wood partitions add a touch of warmth and traditional elegance to the space.

The vanity area features a streamlined communal sink with multiple washing stations, a layout now common across Walt Disney World. Polished chrome accents—from the recessed trash receptacles to the hand dryers—add a modern gleam to the vintage-inspired room. Embracing the turn-of-the-century theme, a “Lather Up!” sign in classic 1900s typography sits prominently above the dispensers. This aesthetic carries over to the diaper-changing station, which is clad in blue and white subway tiles and equipped with a convenient wall-mounted paper towel dispenser.

Are you happy to see the restrooms reopened?

Pixar and the NHL Team Up for the ‘Inside Out” Classic Next Month

By

Chris B

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March 8, 2026

Pixar and the NHL Team Up for the 'Inside Out Classic Next Month

Disney, Pixar, and the NHL Team Up for Animated “Inside Out Classic” Hockey Broadcast

Disney, Pixar, ESPN, and the National Hockey League are teaming up for a unique sports experience next month with the debut of the “Inside Out Classic,” a real-time animated broadcast of the Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers game on April 5 at 7 PM ET.

The special broadcast will transform the live NHL game into a colorful animated world inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out. Viewers will be able to watch the action unfold with animated versions of the players skating alongside beloved characters from the film, all set inside Riley’s mind on a whimsical location called Hockey Island. The animated telecast will stream on ESPN+, Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney XD, while fans who prefer the traditional viewing experience can still watch the standard broadcast on ESPN.

The production uses advanced tracking technology to bring the animation to life in real time. Data from the NHL’s EDGE puck and player tracking system will combine with Sony’s Hawk-Eye optical tracking to capture detailed movements from the players on the ice. This technology allows the broadcast to recreate the action with animated players and characters moving naturally, right down to stick handling and skating motions.

Fans will also hear familiar voices from the Inside Out films during the broadcast. Voice actors including Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Lewis Black (Anger), Tony Hale (Fear), and Maya Hawke (Anxiety) will appear as part of the animated presentation. Meanwhile, ESPN commentators Drew Carter, Kevin Weekes, and Arda Öcal will call the action while wearing virtual reality headsets that place them directly inside the animated environment for motion capture.

This continues ESPN’s growing lineup of animated sports broadcasts that use Disney intellectual property to bring games to life in new ways. A similar concept debuted in 2023 with the NHL Big City Greens Classic, which marked the first real-time volumetric animation presentation in sports.

The Inside Out Classic will also be available internationally on Disney+ across several regions including Latin America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, with video-on-demand availability following the live broadcast in most markets.

Six Guests Hospitalized Following Ride Stoppage at SeaWorld Orlando on Friday

By

Chris B

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March 8, 2026

Six Guests Hospitalized Following Ride Stoppage at SeaWorld Orlando on Friday

Six Guests Hospitalized After Ride Pause at SeaWorld Orlando

Six guests were transported to a local hospital on Friday afternoon after a ride at SeaWorld Orlando experienced a brief operational pause that left several riders feeling unwell.

According to Orange County Fire Rescue Department officials, emergency crews responded to the park after reports that multiple guests had been injured. Six individuals were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries for evaluation. Officials have not yet released additional details about how the injuries occurred or which attraction was involved.

SeaWorld Orlando later confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that a ride experienced a short operational pause lasting approximately seven minutes. During that time, six guests reported feeling unwell, prompting the park to call emergency services out of caution. The individuals were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

The park also noted that the attraction resumed normal operations shortly afterward, emphasizing that guest safety remains a top priority. SeaWorld stated that the well-being of guests, ambassadors, and animals continues to guide how the park responds to incidents like this.

As of now, additional information about the specific ride or circumstances surrounding the pause has not been released. The situation remains a developing story, and more details may emerge as officials continue to investigate what happened.

The Spot Where the Magic Began Is Now Officially Marked in Florida

By

Chris B

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March 8, 2026

The Spot Where the Magic Began Is Now Officially Marked in Florida

Orlando Unveils New Plaque Honoring the Original Walt Disney World Announcement Site

More than 60 years after Walt and Roy O. Disney first revealed their ambitious plans for what would become Walt Disney World, the City of Orlando is honoring that historic moment with a brand-new commemorative plaque marking the original announcement site in downtown Orlando.

The Spot Where the Magic Began Is Now Officially Marked in Florida Walt Disney World

The dedication took place in the Thornton Park District, where Walt and Roy stood alongside Florida Governor Haydon Burns in November 1965 to unveil what was then called the “Florida Project.” That announcement would eventually lead to the creation of Walt Disney World Resort, which opened in 1971 and has since grown into the most visited vacation destination in the world. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle joined community members for the ceremony as the plaque was officially revealed at the very building where the historic press conference took place.

During the ceremony, Mayor Dyer reflected on how the announcement wasn’t just about building a theme park, but about launching a partnership between Disney and the Orlando community. That partnership has transformed Central Florida over the decades, helping shape the region into a global tourism powerhouse while supporting local businesses, neighborhoods, and workforce development across the state.

The Spot Where the Magic Began Is Now Officially Marked in Florida The Spot Where the Magic Began Is Now Officially Marked in Florida

Today, Walt Disney World spans nearly 30,000 acres across Central Florida, making it almost twice the size of Manhattan. The resort is also the largest single-site employer in the United States, supporting more than 80,000 Cast Members. According to Disney, roughly one out of every 32 jobs in Florida is connected to Walt Disney World through direct employment, tourism, and related industries.

Beyond economic impact, Disney continues to invest in the future of the region through new attractions and expansions. Current projects across the resort include the upcoming Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc. themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history with upcoming Cars and Disney Villains areas.

The newly installed plaque in Thornton Park serves as a reminder of where it all began. What started as Walt Disney’s bold vision for a new kind of theme park destination has grown into an entertainment empire that continues to evolve while shaping Central Florida’s identity.

Disney Couple Rents Out Cosmic Rewind for Epic Wedding Welcome Party

By

Chris B

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March 8, 2026

Disney Couple Rents Out Cosmic Rewind for Epic Wedding Welcome Party

Newlyweds Took Their Wedding Guests on a Private Ride Through the Cosmos at EPCOT

Talk about a love that’s truly out of this world. One Disney-loving couple recently kicked off their wedding weekend by renting out one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, giving their guests a private spin through the galaxy before the big day.

Disney Couple Rents Out Cosmic Rewind for Epic Wedding Welcome Party Disney Couple Rents Out Cosmic Rewind for Epic Wedding Welcome Party

According to a TikTok shared by user Chels (@chels_at_the_castle), the couple surprised their wedding guests with a private ride on the high-speed indoor coaster as part of their wedding welcome party. The video caption reads, “POV: You rent out Guardians of the Galaxy for your wedding welcome party,” and the reaction from guests says it all. Chels wrote that everyone had an incredible time and that it was especially magical watching friends and family experience their favorite attraction for the very first time. While she noted in the comments that she didn’t get to choose which song played during the ride, the celebration still delivered plenty of cosmic-level excitement.

@chels_at_the_castle
We kicked off Wedding weekend by surprising all our wedding guests with a private ride on Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. It was amazing seeing the look of suprise on everyone’s face and the joy of riding our favorite ride for the first time! So much fun! 🤪✨💍🚀 #disneywedding #disneybride #disneyparks #cosmicrewind #guardiansofthegalaxycosmicrewind @Disney Parks @Disney Weddings
♬ Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears

The festivities didn’t stop at the ride either. The welcome party continued in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, giving guests a chance to celebrate together before the wedding festivities officially began. Events like these are coordinated through Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons program, which allows couples to host ceremonies, receptions, and special celebrations in unique locations across Walt Disney World. With enough planning and budget, couples can even reserve attractions after park hours for unforgettable private experiences.

From castle ceremonies to galaxy-spanning coaster takeovers, Disney weddings continue to prove that fairy tales can come true in the parks. And honestly, starting your wedding weekend with a trip through space with Star-Lord and the Guardians sounds like a pretty stellar way to celebrate.

Butterflies Take Over the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

By

Catherine

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March 7, 2026

Butterflies Take Over the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival

As the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially kicks off, one of the most serene and educational stops in World Nature has returned. Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth, nestled perfectly between the Imagination! pavilion and The Land, is once again a whirlwind of color and life.

If you’re planning to visit before the festival wraps up on June 1, 2026, here is everything you need to know about this year’s winged inhabitants and the immersive experience waiting inside the tent.

Setting the Scene

Before you even step inside, the area around Butterfly Landing is a horticultural highlight. A giant butterfly topiary and an oversized flower topiary in a decorative pot flank the entrance, making for an excellent photo op.

Disney has also included several educational displays outside the tent. These signs highlight the mental and physical benefits of enjoying nature and gardening, encouraging guests to practice mindfulness—the art of living in the moment—as they observe the delicate creatures inside.

Entering the Kaleidoscope

To keep the residents safe and secure, the entrance and exit are shielded by chains. Guests simply push these aside to enter a lush, temperature-controlled environment filled with nectar plants and host plants.

While the urge to reach out is strong, guests are reminded to observe, but not touch, the butterflies. If you are wearing bright colors or floral patterns, don’t be surprised if a butterfly chooses your shoulder as a temporary resting spot!

Species to Spot

Butterfly Landing is home to a wide variety of species this year, including:

Monarch: The iconic orange-and-black traveler.
Malachite: Known for its brilliant translucent green wings.
Common Buckeye: Easily identified by the large “eyespots” on its wings.
Zebra Longwing: The striking black-and-yellow striped Florida state butterfly.

The Cocoon House & Surprise Guests

One of the most fascinating features is the cocoon house, where guests can see the final stage of metamorphosis. If you time your visit right, you might even see a butterfly emerging and drying its wings for the first time.

Interestingly, we spotted a surprise guest during our visit: a Luna Moth was seen hanging out on the exterior of the cocoon house! These pale green giants are a rare and beautiful sight, especially during the daytime.

Conservation and Take-Home Tips

Disney’s commitment to the environment is on full display here. A series of small signs provides details on individual species and the specific work the Disney Conservation Fund does to protect pollinators.

For those inspired to bring a bit of the magic home, the exhibit includes guides on how to build your own butterfly habitat. By planting specific “host plants” like milkweed or “nectar plants” like coneflowers, you can turn your own backyard into a landing strip for these vital pollinators.

Butterfly Landing is open daily during the festival (typically closing at dusk). It’s a wonderful, low-energy way to reconnect with nature amidst the hustle and bustle of a park day.

Living with the Land Lack of Decorations for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

By

Catherine

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March 7, 2026

Living with the Land is a Budding Disappointment for the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival

It’s a spring tradition for many EPCOT fans: boarding those slow-moving boats in The Land Pavilion to see how the greenhouses have been transformed for the Flower & Garden Festival. But as the 2026 festival kicks off (running from March 4 to June 1), the “Living with the Land” overlay is sprouting more questions than flowers.

After the blooming success of 2025’s “Princess” takeover, this year’s showing feels notably sparse. Here is a look at what’s actually there—and what’s missing.

To understand why fans are feeling underwhelmed, you have to look at what we had just a year ago. In 2025, Disney debuted an elaborate “Storybook” overlay. It wasn’t just a few extra pots; it was a full-scale tribute to Disney royalty:

Moana: A display featuring her wayfaring boat, oars, and Polynesian fruits.
Belle: A charming French-inspired setup with books, baguettes, and a tribute to Mrs. Potts and Chip.
Tiana: A vibrant “Tiana’s Foods” garden filled with peppers, garlic, and Gumbo spices.
Rapunzel: A massive display of her paintings, her frying pan, and the fan-favorite “Hidden Pascal” hunt.

What’s Growing in 2026?

Fast forward to 2026, and the “Princess” magic seems to have been pulled like a weed. While the ride isn’t completely devoid of festival spirit, the additions are much more subtle—some might say too subtle.

1. The Entrance Archway

As you enter the first greenhouse, you are greeted by a multi-colored flower archway featuring pink, purple, orange, and white blooms. It’s a lovely photo op, but it sets a scale that the rest of the ride doesn’t quite maintain.

2. The Gardener’s Break Scene

One of the few new thematic vignettes features a low-to-the-ground white chair and a side table. On that table sits a pitcher of violet lemonade and a single glass. It’s a nod to the festival’s most iconic drink, meant to look like a gardener just stepped away for a refreshment.

3. Scattered Floral Touches

Throughout the various greenhouses—tropical, temperate, and the creative house—you’ll find clusters of additional potted flowers and a few watering cans tucked into the scenery. The “Honey Box” display also remains, decorated with a few extra jars of honey and floral accents.

Is Disney Scaling Back?

The contrast between the 2025 “Princess” extravaganza and the 2026 “Minimalist” approach hasn’t gone unnoticed.The Big Question: Is this a deliberate shift toward a more “natural” look, or is it a symptom of the cost-cutting measures we’ve seen across the parks lately?

While the 2026 festival as a whole is massive—featuring over 60 character topiaries and new gardens like Pluto’s Pet-Friendly Garden—Living with the Land feels like it was left on the “to-do” list. Some hopeful fans are crossing their fingers that more decor will be added as the festival progresses, but for now, the “flowery flair” is definitely in short supply.

What do you think? Does the simpler look let the actual agriculture shine, or do you miss the “Storybook” magic of years past?

Disney and Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ Takes Over Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for Limited Time

By

Sara

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March 7, 2026

‘Hoppers’ Activity Trail Debuts at Disney California Adventure

Get ready to see the forest through a new set of eyes! At Disney California Adventure, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has been transformed into Mabel’s Seek & Find activity. Guests can step into the ‘paws’ of four different animals to complete a series of challenges inspired by Pixar’s Hoppers. To start your journey, pick up a physical keepsake map at the trail entrance—it’s packed with tasks designed for explorers of all ages to enjoy together.

Each task brings you a step closer to finishing your adventure. Once you’ve explored each of the challenges and navigated a variety of twists and turns in the area, earn one Hoppers-themed sticker as a complimentary prize to celebrate. With King George, Ellen Bear, Insect Queen, or yes, even the iconic and already-beloved Tom Lizard featured on the stickers, you’ll be ready to wear it loud and proud across Grizzly Peak after your journey.

Prepare for your next pursuit with activities along the Redwood Creek trail, available throughout the year:

Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb
Hoot n’ Holler Log Slides
Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower
The Spirit Cave

Have you had a chance to experience Hoppers at the Disneyland Resort?

Cast of Pixar’s Hoppers Honored with Wooden Key to the City in Beaverton Oregon

By

Sara

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March 7, 2026

BEAVERTON, OREGON - MARCH 05: (L-R) Bobby Moynihan and Piper Curda receive the keys to the city from Lacey Beaty, Mayor of Beaverton, onstage during the Hoppers Day Event in Beaverton, Oregon on March 05, 2026. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for Disney)

**Pixar’s Hoppers Cast Honored with Wooden Key to the City in Beaverton**

The City of Beaverton, in partnership with Disney and Pixar, marked the release of the animated comedy Hoppers with a special proclamation ceremony at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. During the event, Mayor Lacey Beaty officially designated March 5 as ‘Hoppers Day’ in Beaverton, Oregon, honoring the film’s core themes of community, friendship, and a deep connection to the environment.

Voice cast members Piper Curda (Mabel) and Bobby Moynihan (King George) visited Beaverton to celebrate the film’s release alongside Dr. Emily Fairfax, the movie’s lead beaver consultant. They were joined by the viral character Tom Lizard and the city’s own Billie the Beaver for an event attended by local students and community members.

During the ceremony, Mayor Beaty presented the stars with a handcrafted wooden key to the city. In a reciprocal gesture, the cast gifted the Mayor a custom piece of Pixar artwork as a thank-you for the town’s support. The program featured a presentation by Dr. Fairfax on the real-world animal research that shaped the film, followed by a Q&A where Curda and Moynihan discussed the filmmaking process.

Though Hoppers takes place in a fictional version of Beaverton, the real-world city embraced the serendipitous connection. Following the event, guests headed to Cinemark Cedar Hills for community screenings and photo ops. In the film, Mabel (Curda) ‘hops’ her consciousness into a robotic beaver to communicate with animals like King George (Moynihan), eventually rallying the animal kingdom against the smooth-talking Mayor Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm). Directed by Daniel Chong, Hoppers opened in theaters March 6, 2026.