11 big things to watch for at Disney World in March 2019

March at Walt Disney World means it’s spring time. And the month of March will see a festival and a number of new attractions sprout up.

Here’s a look at the 11 big things happening, or expected to happen this month:

“Dumbo” sneak peek: Starting March 2, for a limited time there will be a sneak peek of Disney’s all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at Hollywood Studios. 

From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Disney’s “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29.

Bollywood Beats: Starting March 3 at Animal Kingdom a new Indian dance experience that brings traditional Indian dance together with the fire of Hindi film kicks off the month. From classical Indian rhythms of Kathak to the folk style of Bhangra to modern Bollywood popular dance, Bollywood Beats will be presented several times daily at the stage across from the Anandapur Theater in Asia.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival kicks off March 6. The festival features dozen of Disney-crafted topiaries, thousands of multi-colored blooms, a concert series and food kiosks throughout the park. 

The 90-day festival, which continues through June 3, will have five new things happening during the festival.

• The Garden Rocks Concert Series expands to daily shows;
• AdventHealth will be hosting one of the festival kitchens for the first time as well as a nearby playground where the whole family can learn fun and interactive ways to stay healthy;
• Woody and Buzz Lightyear will welcome Bo Peep and her sheep to their “Toy Story” topiary near the Family Play Zone in Future World East.
• Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration family scavenger hunt has new locations around the park for all to discover.
• In celebration of Disneynature’s “Penguins,” opening April 17, a 9-foot-tall art sculpture made from recycled marine debris will be on display in Future World featuring an adult and baby Adélie penguin.

The story of Coco. On March 6, the story of “Coco” is coming to the Mexico pavilion at Epcot in Disney World this March, courtesy of the Mariachi Cobre. The group will be joined by a pair of Folklórico dancers to tell the story of Miguel Rivera. The dancers perform to the music of the film and Miguel appears in the form of a hand-crafted puppet.

International Women’s Day Celebration: On March 8, you can celebrate International Women’s Day with special entertainment experience and special food and beverages.

At Magic Kingdom guests can enjoy the Sisters Soiree Dance Party in Tomorrowland, featuring favorite female characters like Judy Hopps from “Zootopia” and Joy from “Inside Out.” Guests can also purchase special Strawberry Shortcake Shooters at Cheshire Café and Westward Ho.

Hollywood Studios guests exploring Star Wars Launch Bay will encounter Rey alongside Chewbacca in a hidden Resistance base. The women of the Green Army Patrol will also proudly march through Toy Story Land, while the citizens of Municiberg honor the Super women of their city as part of “An Incredible Celebration.”

Guests visiting Epcot for the day can enjoy Voices of Liberty inside The American Adventure, celebrating women with special performances of empowering songs.

Animal Kingdom guests can commemorate the day during the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party on Discovery Island and the Dino-riffic Dance Party that night in Dinoland, U.S.A.

Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage . On March 10, the live show is scheduled to reopen after closing for refurbishment.

Kali River Rapids. On March 23, this water ride at Animal Kingdom, that has been closed for refurbishment, will re-open.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. On March 25, the soak station that is in Storybook Circus area of Magis Kingdom reopens.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. On March 31, the newest attraction at Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Showcase, opens. Lightning McQueen will demonstrate what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and others from Radiator Springs are there to cheer Lightning on. After the show, you can take a photo with trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez just outside the Academy.

Jaleo. Possible opening. It looks as if the construction is complete for this new Spanish restaurant at Disney Springs operated by famed Chef José Andrés. And it is supposed to be open by “early 2019.” It includes an extensive tapas menu and rich traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. The new quick-service restaurant that will be next to Jaleo when that restaurant opens at Disney Springs will be Pepe by José Andrés, inspired by the popular Washington, D.C. food truck.

Disney Springs parking garage. Possible opening. Rumor has it that the new 3,000-car parking deck will open on the south side of Buena Vista Drive across from the Lime garage with a walkway to Disney Springs will open sometime in March.