Disney World News: Flower & Garden Festival Begins, Ride Closures & Major Park Updates


Published on 3/7/26 by Craig Smith



Disney World NewsThe past couple of weeks have brought a wave of major announcements and changes across Walt Disney World. From EPCOT’s spring festival kicking off to ride closures and new entertainment experiences, there is plenty for Disney fans and trip planners to keep track of. Below is a complete roundup of the biggest Disney World news stories visitors should know about.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Begins

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially began on March 4 and will run through June 1, 2026. The annual spring festival transforms EPCOT into a vibrant celebration of horticulture, food, and entertainment.

Guests visiting during the festival can explore elaborate Disney character topiaries, themed gardens, and dozens of colorful floral displays spread throughout the park. The event also features outdoor kitchens offering seasonal dishes and beverages, along with the popular Garden Rocks concert series at the America Gardens Theatre.

Originally launched in the 1990s as a smaller gardening-focused event, Flower & Garden has grown into one of EPCOT’s longest-running and most family-friendly festivals.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Officially Closes

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially closed following its final weekend of operation. The attraction shut down at the end of the day on March 1 as Disney prepares to transform the ride into a Muppets-themed coaster.

The high-speed indoor coaster originally opened in 1999 and quickly became one of Hollywood Studios’ most iconic thrill rides. Its launch from zero to nearly 60 miles per hour and rock concert storyline made it a favorite for thrill seekers.

With the Aerosmith version now retired, Disney is preparing to introduce a new storyline featuring the Muppets in a future reimagining of the attraction.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets Updated Name

Over at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney has quietly updated the name and description of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run as the attraction prepares for a new mission experience.

The ride temporarily appeared online as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A New Mission, signaling the upcoming storyline update featuring characters from The Mandalorian. The new adventure is scheduled to debut on May 22, 2026.

This marks the first major narrative refresh for the attraction since Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019.

New Character Meet and Greets Announced for Off the Page

Disney has also revealed the lineup of characters appearing inside the Off the Page meet-and-greet location at the newly updated Magic of Disney Animation experience in Hollywood Studios.

Characters announced for the location include Sorcerer Mickey, Winnie the Pooh, Pluto, Mulan, Rapunzel, and Edna Mode. The mix includes classic characters alongside modern Disney favorites.

The meet-and-greet location is part of a broader reimagining of Animation Courtyard that places a stronger focus on Disney animation.

Olaf Audio-Animatronic Hosts New Animation Experience

Another highlight of the Animation Courtyard update is a new Animation Academy experience hosted by a life-size Olaf Audio-Animatronic.

The experience, titled Olaf Draws, invites guests to learn how to draw Disney characters with Olaf serving as the animated host. The interactive attraction blends Disney storytelling with creative activities and gives families a new indoor experience at Hollywood Studios.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Entertainment Confirmed

Disney has begun revealing details for the 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party season at Magic Kingdom.

Two of the event’s most popular entertainment offerings have been confirmed to return: the Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show.

The separately ticketed Halloween party traditionally runs on select nights from August through October and is one of Walt Disney World’s most popular seasonal events.

Free Dining Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers

Disney Visa Cardmembers can take advantage of a new free dining promotion for select Walt Disney World vacation packages in 2026.

To qualify, guests must book a Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a Disney Resorts Collection hotel stay and theme park tickets with the Park Hopper option. The promotion applies to select travel dates throughout the summer and fall.

Free dining promotions have historically been one of the most sought-after discounts for families planning Disney vacations.

Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Returns in November

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic has announced its 2026 dates, returning November 20 and 21.

The annual event features food stations, wine tastings, craft beverages, seminars, and live entertainment along the resort’s waterfront promenade.

Now entering its 17th year, the event has become a popular fall culinary celebration for both Disney guests and local visitors.

MuppetVision 3D Coming to Apple Vision Pro

In a surprising announcement, Brian Henson confirmed that the beloved attraction MuppetVision 3D will be preserved through a new virtual reality experience on Apple Vision Pro.

The attraction originally debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1991 and was one of the final projects overseen by Jim Henson before his passing.

With the show now confirmed for VR platforms, Disney fans may soon be able to experience the classic Muppet attraction in a completely new format.

Watch the Full Disney World News Breakdown

For a full breakdown of these stories and additional context on how they may impact your next Walt Disney World trip, watch the video below.



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