There are always new and exciting things happening at Disney World. Here are some things we are looking forward to this month.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (all month)

This month marks the beginning of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (well technically it started February 28, but that is basically March right?).

This celebration of spring includes topiaries, gardens, tours, seminars, special merchandise, throwback concerts, and, of course, outdoor kitchens.

Unlike the other epcot festivals, the food is not the primary highlight at Food and Garden, at least in my opinion.

The Disney topiaries, on the other hand, are always a hit. As are the themed gardens, including the butterfly garden. This year Disney added some new interactive gardens for kids and kids at heart.

2018 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Weekend Registration (March 13)

If you’ve read our runDisney Basics post and now can’t wait to sign up, March 13th is your chance.  At 12 noon eastern (9:00 am pacific), registration opens for the 2018 Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend races.  This includes the 5k, 10k, half marathon, and challenges.

Registration often sells out quickly, so I recommend setting an alarm to sign up right when registration opens. You can sign up here.

If you are a DVC member or have an annual pass, you can sign up early starting on March 8 at 12 noon eastern (9:00 am pacific).

Disney Corner at Disney Springs (all month)

World of Disney, the huge merchandise store at Disney Springs, is undergoing a refurbishment. So Disney opened a pop up location called Disney Corner.

Personally, I like the aesthetic of the new shop. It reminds me of a boutique rather than the ginormous World of Disney.

Disney Corner will only be open during the refurbishment, so be sure to check it out soon.

runD Merchandise at Tren-D (all month)

It was only a matter of time. Disney has come out with their own brand of running themed running gear available at Tren-D in Disney Springs. And of course runDisney expos.

The new outfits are perfect for runDisney races, or if you just want to show your Disney side during a work out. Want to know more about runDisney, read about it here.

Photopass Magic Shots (all month)

In addition to taking traditional photos, PhotoPass photographers can take what are called Magic Shots. These are photos where a digital surprise is added.

Some Magic Shots available in March include Olaf in Epcot (in Norway), Hollywood Studios (near Echo Lake), and Magic Kingdom (at the Partners statute, and bridges to Tomorrowland and Liberty Square), Banshees in Pandora, Lumiere outside Be Our Guest, Mushu in China, and Figment throughout the World Showcase.

Meet Jose Carioca & Panchito from The Three Caballeros (all month)

Do you love the movie or ride The Three Caballeros?  Now you can meet Jose Carioca and Panchito during the Discovery Island Carnival at Animal Kingdom.  These 2 characters now join the street dance party that is held several times a day in Discovery Island.

Augustus the Baby Hippo (all month)

Disney has a new baby; baby hippo that is.  Augustus was born in January and you can see him now during your Kilimanjaro Safari.  Hopefully you can catch him doing more than sleeping.

New and Improved American Adventure (all month)

American Adventure, the patriotic celebration of America shown in the American pavilion at Epcot, recently reopened from a refurbishment with a new (or at least newly arranged) song and better digital projections.  Some of the more dated (and some may say controversial – I’m looking at you Lance Armstrong) references were removed and new ones added.

New Food To Try (all month)

(Since food menus at Disney World change all the time with no notice, I’ve included some new/noteable releases that should be tried soon before they disappear. Follow along on twitter for more updates)

Golden Oak Outpost at Magic Kingdom is a small snack stand in Frontierland with a frequently changing menu. The new features are BBQ chicarrones and chili queso (waffle) fries.

Nearby in Adventureland, Tortuga Tavern is now open with a new chipotle BBQ short rib sandwich. Also at the Magic Kingdom, you can get your Mickey waffle fix at Sleepy Hallow Refreshments.

While there is no new food now, Be Our Guest will have a full menu overhaul and turn into a signature restaurant with a prix fix menu. The change hasppens July 27. So Advanced Dining Reservations are now available (which is why it is included this month).

Moving out of the Magic Kingdom, Raglan Road, Disney Springs Irish Pub, has a new chef who played with the menu. We are looking forward to trying Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do (gnocchi with sea scallops).

Refurbishments (various)

One of the worst things at Disney is getting excited for an attraction and finding out it is closed. It is even worse to discover that you missed a beloved attraction that will never reopen or have a big change.

Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom has closed for a refurbishment. It will reopen on March 19 likely without the Red Head and the auction scene.

The Frozen inspiration exhibit in the Stave Church Gallery in Norway, Epcot will be closing on March 12. When it reopens, a new exhibit will be in its place. The new exhibit will focus on the Vikings.

Other closures to keep in mind this month:

• Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom – all month
• Cinderella’s Royal Table – until March 3
• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe – all month (but its offerings are available at kiosks in Norway in the meantime)

Disney likes to keep us on our toes and coming back, so don’t be surprised if there is more new food and menu changes or even special events coming. We will be keeping you updated on twitter.

Will you be heading to Disney World this month? What are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment and let us know.

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment or send me an email. Follow along with more adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

-Minnie-