11 HUGE Things That Happened Last Month in Disney World

Just how long was March 2022? We don’t know about you, but we feel like March lasted approximately 84 years.

SO MUCH happened in Disney World this March, and we’re here to go over all of it so that you don’t miss a thing!

Here is the BIGGEST news you might have missed from Disney World in March!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Opened

The highly anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (aka the Star Wars hotel) finally opened on March 1st, 2022, and we covered EVERYTHING you need to know if you’re planning on staying for the immersive 2-night experience.

The 2-night itinerary includes unique interactions with Star Wars characters, an excursion to Batuu (in Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and some, well, interesting food. If you want to make a reservation, make sure you start saving your pennies now!

Read the most comprehensive guide to the Galactic Starcruiser here!

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Opened

The 2022 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival opened on March 2nd and it will last all the way through July 4th, 2022. In addition to all the delicious new eats, this festival also brings some springtime fun to EPCOT.

After you visit all the festival booths, check out all the topiaries, catch a Garden Rocks concert, or visit with some butterflies at Bambi’s Butterfly Garden!

Click here to read all about the 2022 Flower & Garden Festival!

Festival of Fantasy Returned

Daytime parades are officially back in Disney World as of March 9th! The fan-favorite Festival of Fantasy Parade has returned to Magic Kingdom, and yes, you can still see the Maleficent Dragon.

Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes, which typically take place twice during the day, and you might want to try and find a good spot about a half-hour before the showtime!

Check out more photos of the Festival of Fantasy Parade here!

Florida “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

The Parents Rights in Education Bill (also referred to by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill) was recently signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and the Walt Disney Company came under criticism due to their response as the bill made its way to the governor, leading to employee walkouts.

Disney later responded with a stronger response, which was followed by critical comments by Ron DeSantis. We’re continuing to watch the development of this situation, so stay tuned for further updates.

Read the latest news about Disney and the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” Bill here.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Return Date

Disney announced recently that the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be returning to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on June 23rd, and reservations will open on May 26th.

Waving Napkins at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue — Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Disney shared that this popular musical dining experience will return with an updated script and scenery, but it will still honor the original show that opened 50 years ago!

Here’s more about the Hoop Dee Doo return date.

Menu Additions

Three Disney World restaurants added new menu items, and we’re always happy to try new foods!

Backlot Express

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the quick service restaurant Backlot Express added a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, a Smoked BBQ Pork Burger, and a Southwest Salad!

Changes to the Backlot Express menu ?

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl ? , Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Burger ?, and a Southwest Salad ?

?Hollywood Studios ? pic.twitter.com/31Wg3iqExy

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) March 29, 2022

These new dishes range in price from $9.99 to $14.29, and it’s great to have more quick service options in Disney World!

Space 220

Despite being a newer restaurant, the menu for Space 220 in EPCOT underwent some big changes in March, with dishes removed AND added. Notable new lunch dishes include a Steak Salad, Spaceghetti & Shrimp, a Quinoa Burger, and more.

For dinner, you can now try a Space Glazed Duck Breast, a new Short Cake, and some new drinks too! And if you’d rather visit the Space 220 Lounge, there are some new additions there as well.

Check out what’s changed on the Space 220 menu here!

Hollywood Brown Derby

The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios also introduced a revamped menu, including an addition of two brand new entrees known as Halibut Veronique and Wild Mushroom Risotto.

Side dishes now include Lobster Thermidor-Macaroni & Cheese, Crispy Potato Cakes, and Grilled Asparagus, and choose from desserts like Grapefruit Cake, Creme Brulee, Decadent Flourless Chocolate Mocha Cake, and Chocolate-Coconut Cake.

BoardWalk Updates

There are five big updates coming to Disney’s BoardWalk, with renovations in both the hotel and on the BoardWalk. A new table service restaurant called the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will open in 2023, and the BoardWalk Bakery will be transformed into a sandwich shop.

The Boardwalk is about to get a little better!

The BoardWalk Inn will also receive some renovations in the lobby, lounge, and rooms, and a Coffee Bar will be added right outside the BoardWalk lobby.

Here are all the BoardWalk updates coming soon!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney announced some big Polynesian Village Resort changes in March.

Disney Vacation Club Building

A new Disney Vacation Club building will be added to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 2024, and it will include new rooms, new dining spots, and new recreation options.

This addition will be located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, and we’re keeping our eyes peeled for more updates regarding this project!

Spirit of Aloha Permanently Closed

To make way for the new Disney Vacation Club building, Disney announced that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is now permanently closed. This luau dinner experience included an all-you-care-to-enjoy menu and traditional Polynesian entertainment.

We don’t yet know if the new DVC building will be adding a new dinner show, but we’ll be watching out for more updates from Disney.

Here’s what you need to know about Spirit of Aloha closing.

Disney Skyliner Mask Policy

Disney changed the mask policy for guests on the Disney Skyliner. As of March 16th, masks are now optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Skyliner. The Skyliner connects guests to select Disney hotels, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

This policy change also affected the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s transport to and from the hotel and Hollywood Studios, where it is now optional for fully vaccinated guests to wear masks.

Grand Cottage Opened

The Easter-themed Grand Cottage opened on March 18th in Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa! Here you can shop for Easter goodies through April 18th.

After you grab your Easter treats, check out the chocolate Easter Eggs on display nearby!

Here are the Easter treats you can get at the Grand Cottage!

Minnie Vans Coming Back

And finally, Disney announced in March that Minnie Vans will be returning to Disney World this summer! These red-and-white polka-dotted vans were available through the Lyft app, and they offered another transportation option to choose from in Disney World.

The Minnie Vans have not been available since Disney World reopened in July 2020, but we’re excited to see them return this summer. Stay tuned for an official return date!