9 big things happening at Disney World this March 2020
Spring is being sprung at Disney World this March with the opening of two new attractions, one major festival a nearby resort, a couple of smaller festivals, a scavenger hunt and the return of a nighttime projection show.
Disney World has been preparing for the opening of the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway on March 4 and there will even be a special livestream of the dedication on March 3.
Here’s a look at what’s going on this month.
1. Finding Dory’s Friends
A new scavenger hunt booklet is released March 1 at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT. The free booklet encourages you to head on a self-led journey through the pavilion to solve rhyming puzzles and look for clues to help Dory remember and locate her marine friends.
2. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios, the first ride at any Disney park that stars Mickey Mouse and friends opens on March 4.
The ride begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride. The new attraction opens where The Great Movie Ride was located.
3. Mickey Shorts Theater
A new Mickey Shorts Theater opens March 4 with a new short film called “Vacation Fun!” The new animated short celebrates Mickey and Minnie’s favorite vacation memories. The short is exclusive to Hollywood Studios and will feature new animation and clips from favorite Mickey shorts. After the show, you will be able to step into life-sized versions of animated Mickey shorts where you can pose for photos with family and friends.
4. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
The 90-day Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off on March 4. Disney character topiaries, gardens, including a butterfly garden, 17 Outdoor Kitchens serving special food-and-beverage, special behind the scenes tours and a nightly Garden Rocks Concert Series takes place from March 4 – June 1.
5. Disney Movie Magic Returns
The Disney Movie Magic nightly projection show returns to Hollywood Studios on March 13, replacing The Wonderful World of Animation show. The show transforms the exterior of the Chinese Theatre with special lighting and state-of-the-art projection mapping technology to put you right in the middle of a celebration of Disney films.
6. Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival
Raglan Road at Disney Springs will again hold its five-day Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival from March 13-17. The celebration features live Irish music, Irish Dancers, food, beer, cocktails, face painting and more.
7. Drawn to Life previews
Drawn to Life, the highly anticipated, new family-friendly Cirque du Soleil show starts previews at its Disney Springs complex on March 20. The show is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney.
This new show follows the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father, an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on a quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.
8. Jaleo’s Paella Block Party
To celebrate its one-year anniversary at Disney Springs, Jaleo by Jose Andres will be hosting a Paella Block Party on March 21. Four different festival paellas will be available during the block party, plus unlimited tapas, including Jaleo’s signature cones, gazpacho shooters, chicken croquetas, and chistorra envuelta en patata frita (spicy chorizo wrapped in crispy potato).
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it includes amazing entertainment for all in the family to enjoy like traditional Flamenco dancers, a Porrón contest, a live DJ and photo opportunities.
9. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
The new 516-room Bonnet Creek Resort will open sometime in March. The resort which can be seen off the Epcot Center Drive and I-4 interchange include: a Spa by JW, resort pool with splash pad, specialty restaurants, as well as a rooftop terrace boasting nightly views of theme park firework displays. The new property has over 50,000 square feet of event space for weddings and corporate gatherings.
