Best Trip Tips: March Vacationers
March is still one of the most popular months to vacation at Walt Disney World. In the DVC Points Chart March 1st-24th is the second busiest season, termed the Magic Season and March 25th-April 7th is the busiest season, termed the Premier Season. You can expect lots of crowds, long wait times and full transportation. Beyond that, there are a few things happening at Walt Disney World that is outside of the norm during your vacation time. Take a look below at some of the exciting events and activities that may enhance you and your families vacation to Walt Disney World. Also, be sure to keep your eye out for things they may want you to change your plans so you can modify now instead of while you’re on property.
March 1st-10th
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Another festival on Epcot’s Festival list. This festival has been going on for 24 years. You can expect beautiful topiaries all around the park. Many are shaped and created to resemble some of your favourite characters. This festival has escalated to include special dining and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:
Outdoor Kitchens
Epcot again uses their kiosks found throughout World Showcase to add unique dining to this festival. These are used for Festival of the Arts as well as the Food & Wine Festival in the Fall. You’ll find samples of entrees, desserts and beverages, highlighting unique and special flavours of the country represented. Try a few or them all, using some dining plan snack credits along the way.
Special Kid Activities
Hunt around World Showcase and find Spike the Bee in the beautiful gardens at the different pavilions. Do this on your own or pick up a map at Port of Entry, found at the beginning of World Showcase. These maps only cost $5.99. To participate, you simply return your map when you’ve located all the Spike’s to receive a prize.
Interactive Play Areas
There are three interactive play areas at this year’s festival. One found outside Test Track featuring Gardens inspired by Cars. Another is found at Imagination Walkway with a net walk way and a musical maze. Lastly, theirs a how-to garden on the Western side of Future World where visitors can create their own butterfly home. All these things are great for littles who are too small to enjoy some of the more exciting rides.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Friday-Monday at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm grab a seat at the American Gardens Theatre at the American Pavilion for a concert featuring artists of old and new. These concerts are included in park admission. Get there 30 minutes before to ensure a good seat. The performance will last half an hour.
March 2nd-5th you’ll see Night Ranger perform live. You’ll be sure they’ll play some of the greatest hits, “Sister Christian”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes”. Adding a rockin’ evening to your Epcot visit.
March 9th-12th will feature STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas. This group is known for their songs “We Built This City”, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”, and “Sara”.You know that you’re going to have an entertaining 30 minutes with this group.
Special Tours
Gardens of the World
Spend three hours of your day at Epcot with a Disney Horticulturist. They’ll teach you techniques to create beautiful gardens at home. They’ll guide you around World Showcase sharing their knowledge of what makes each of the gardens and topiaries unique. There’s an 85 dollar cost above and beyond your park day pass. The tour runs from 9am until noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact (407) WDW-TOUR if you wish to reserve your spot.
English Tea Garden Tour
This tour lasts 20 minutes in the United Kingdom Pavilion. They are held on Mondays through Thursdays at 3:30pm and 5pm. They also hold them at 1pm, 3:30pm and 5pm on Friday through Saturday. Your guide will point out the tea-flavouring plants found throughout this display that are placed appropriately in tea cup saucers. On 20 guests are taken at a time so be sure to register when the pavilion opens at 11am. You can register at The Tea Caddy gift shop.
Royal Tea Garden Tour
This daily tour begins at 9:45am, also in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones and discover the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom. A tour guide will give you in depth details of what can be found in the display surrounding the pavilion. The tour will end with a stop at Rose & Crown Dining Room for your refreshments. Cost is $18 per guest and requires park admission. It is recommend to call and reserve ahead of time at (407) WDW-TOUR
As with all the festivals at Epcot, there is plenty for all members of your travelling party to do. It can consume your day, highlight your day or be a simple pass by. It’s all up to you.
March 1st-4th
Diamond 9 college Citrus Classic Week 2
Make your way to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to enjoy some Division1 fast pitch softball. Whether your looking to cheer on your local team or want to round out a park filled vacation, checking out a few of these games is a great way to mix up your trip.
March 2nd-4th
Contest of Champions National Dance Competition
This competition features dance teams from elementary school age to high school age. It is an open event so the first couple days may be a miss but the final days are sure to be full of impressive routines, costumes and performance. If you have a dancer in your party they’ll be sure to love an afternoon at this competition.
March 8th
Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom
The gates of the Magic Kingdom close at 9pm on this Thursday night unless you have purchased an After Hours pass. The event runs until 11pm. It pays to buy tickets early. Ahead of time tickets cost $119 but the day of they’ll cost you $125. DVC members can purchase tickets for $89. This special ticketed event gives you access to your favourite Magic Kingdom attractions and includes some of your favourite snacks and drinks. Only a select number of tickets are sold so you can count on a small crowd.
March 10th-11th
UCA International All-Star Championship
This is a show like no other. With dance and cheer teams from all over the world competing. From aged 6 to 18. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be packed with budding stars and competitors. Come, watch, bring ear plugs.
March 1st-10th
Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Get an MLB game in before the season even begins. The Braves play here all month long, giving you a chance to maybe see them play against your favourite team. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment day of. If you’ve got a baseball fan in your party this could be the highlight of their trip don’t miss it!
March 1st Braves vs. Washington Nationals
March 3rd Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals
March 4th Braves vs. Miami Marlins
March 5th Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
March 8th Braves vs. Houston Astros
March 9th Braves vs. New York Yankees
March 11th-20th
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Another festival on Epcot’s Festival list. This festival has been going on for 24 years. You can expect beautiful topiaries all around the park. Many are shaped and created to resemble some of your favourite characters. This festival has escalated to include special dining and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:
Outdoor Kitchens
Epcot again uses their kiosks found throughout World Showcase to add unique dining to this festival. These are used for Festival of the Arts as well as the Food & Wine Festival in the Fall. You’ll find samples of entrees, desserts and beverages, highlighting unique and special flavours of the country represented. Try a few or them all, using some dining plan snack credits along the way.
Special Kid Activities
Hunt around World Showcase and find Spike the Bee in the beautiful gardens at the different pavilions. Do this on your own or pick up a map at Port of Entry, found at the beginning of World Showcase. These maps only cost $5.99. To participate, you simply return your map when you’ve located all the Spike’s to receive a prize.
Interactive Play Areas
There are three interactive play areas at this year’s festival. One found outside Test Track featuring Gardens inspired by Cars. Another is found at Imagination Walkway with a net walk way and a musical maze. Lastly, theirs a how-to garden on the Western side of Future World where visitors can create their own butterfly home. All these things are great for littles who are too small to enjoy some of the more exciting rides.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Friday-Monday at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm grab a seat at the American Gardens Theatre at the American Pavilion for a concert featuring artists of old and new. These concerts are included in park admission. Get there 30 minutes before to ensure a good seat. The performance will last half an hour.
March 9th-12th STARSHIP of We Built This City will perform. With this 30 minute set you’ll be sure they’ll also perform their other hits “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”.
March 16th-19th Simple Plan will be taking the stage. This Millennial rock band is know for “Welcome to My Life”, “Perfect” and “I’m Just a Kid”. You can expect a younger crowd for this weekend of the concert series.
Special Tours
Gardens of the World
Spend three hours of your day at Epcot with a Disney Horticulturist. They’ll teach you techniques to create beautiful gardens at home. They’ll guide you around World Showcase sharing their knowledge of what makes each of the gardens and topiaries unique. There’s an 85 dollar cost above and beyond your park day pass. The tour runs from 9am until noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact (407) WDW-TOUR if you wish to reserve your spot.
English Tea Garden Tour
This tour lasts 20 minutes in the United Kingdom Pavilion. They are held on Mondays through Thursdays at 3:30pm and 5pm. They also hold them at 1pm, 3:30pm and 5pm on Friday through Saturday. Your guide will point out the tea-flavouring plants found throughout this display that are placed appropriately in tea cup saucers. On 20 guests are taken at a time so be sure to register when the pavilion opens at 11am. You can register at The Tea Caddy gift shop.
Royal Tea Garden Tour
This daily tour begins at 9:45am, also in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones and discover the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom. A tour guide will give you in depth details of what can be found in the display surrounding the pavilion. The tour will end with a stop at Rose & Crown Dining Room for your refreshments. Cost is $18 per guest and requires park admission. It is recommend to call and reserve ahead of time at (407) WDW-TOUR
As with all the festivals at Epcot, there is plenty for all members of your travelling party to do. It can consume your day, highlight your day or be a simple pass by. It’s all up to you.
March 11th-20th
Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Get an MLB game in before the season even begins. The Braves play here all month long, giving you a chance to maybe see them play against your favourite team. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment day of. If you’ve got a baseball fan in your party this could be the highlight of their trip don’t miss it!
March 12th Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies
March 13th Braves vs. Toronto Blue Jays
March 14th Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies
March 15th Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
March 17th Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals
March 19th Braves vs. Toronto Blue Jays
March 16th-18th
Disney Volleyball Showcase
For three days junior girls teams compete at this USA Volleyball sanctioned event. Great opportunity to watch some great volleyball, ideal for any vacationers who love this sport. Keep in mind this is indoor, may be a great option for a rainy day.
March 21st-31st
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Another festival on Epcot’s Festival list. This festival has been going on for 24 years. You can expect beautiful topiaries all around the park. Many are shaped and created to resemble some of your favourite characters. This festival has escalated to include special dining and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:
Outdoor Kitchens
Epcot again uses their kiosks found throughout World Showcase to add unique dining to this festival. These are used for Festival of the Arts as well as the Food & Wine Festival in the Fall. You’ll find samples of entrees, desserts and beverages, highlighting unique and special flavours of the country represented. Try a few or them all, using some dining plan snack credits along the way.
Special Kid Activities
Hunt around World Showcase and find Spike the Bee in the beautiful gardens at the different pavilions. Do this on your own or pick up a map at Port of Entry, found at the beginning of World Showcase. These maps only cost $5.99. To participate, you simply return your map when you’ve located all the Spike’s to receive a prize.
Interactive Play Areas
There are three interactive play areas at this year’s festival. One found outside Test Track featuring Gardens inspired by Cars. Another is found at Imagination Walkway with a net walk way and a musical maze. Lastly, theirs a how-to garden on the Western side of Future World where visitors can create their own butterfly home. All these things are great for littles who are too small to enjoy some of the more exciting rides.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Friday-Monday at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm grab a seat at the American Gardens Theatre at the American Pavilion for a concert featuring artists of old and new. These concerts are included in park admission. Get there 30 minutes before to ensure a good seat. The performance will last half an hour.
March 23rd-26th brings Australian band to the American Gardens Theatre. You may know them for their hits “Cool Change” or “Lady”. Their big hits were mostly in the early 80s.
Special Tours
Gardens of the World
Spend three hours of your day at Epcot with a Disney Horticulturist. They’ll teach you techniques to create beautiful gardens at home. They’ll guide you around World Showcase sharing their knowledge of what makes each of the gardens and topiaries unique. There’s an 85 dollar cost above and beyond your park day pass. The tour runs from 9am until noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact (407) WDW-TOUR if you wish to reserve your spot.
English Tea Garden Tour
This tour lasts 20 minutes in the United Kingdom Pavilion. They are held on Mondays through Thursdays at 3:30pm and 5pm. They also hold them at 1pm, 3:30pm and 5pm on Friday through Saturday. Your guide will point out the tea-flavouring plants found throughout this display that are placed appropriately in tea cup saucers. On 20 guests are taken at a time so be sure to register when the pavilion opens at 11am. You can register at The Tea Caddy gift shop.
Royal Tea Garden Tour
This daily tour begins at 9:45am, also in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones and discover the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom. A tour guide will give you in depth details of what can be found in the display surrounding the pavilion. The tour will end with a stop at Rose & Crown Dining Room for your refreshments. Cost is $18 per guest and requires park admission. It is recommend to call and reserve ahead of time at (407) WDW-TOUR
As with all the festivals at Epcot, there is plenty for all members of your travelling party to do. It can consume your day, highlight your day or be a simple pass by. It’s all up to you.
March 21st
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom
DVC members take over the Animal Kingdom on this Wednesday night. The park will close regular hours but stay open to Disney Vacation Club members with tickets to this event. Members will have access to short wait times on attractions, special meet and greets and complimentary snacks and beverages. It’s also free!
March 21st-24th
Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Get an MLB game in before the season even begins. The Braves play here all month long, giving you a chance to maybe see them play against your favourite team. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment day of. If you’ve got a baseball fan in your party this could be the highlight of their trip don’t miss it!
March 21st Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
March 23rd Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
March 24th Braves vs. New York Yankees
March 24th-25th
AmeriCheer & AmeriDance International Championship
Another cheer and dance competition takes over ESPN Wide World of Sports. Again with ages ranging from 5 to 18. Groups come from all over the world to compete in this event. This is not an invite event so the caliber may not be as high as some of the other events but it will still be entertaining. Ideal for your family of dancers or cheerleaders.
With all the sports competitions happening at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex you can expect the All-Star resorts to be packed with teams and their families. Whether you choose to enjoy any of these events or not, keep them in mind as you make your way around Walt Disney World. This should help you steer clear of extra crowds. Happy Planning, Friends.
