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Credit: DisneyWhile any time of year is a great time to visit the Disney Parks and Resorts, going during a holiday or national vacation can help elevate an already magical experience.
Related: Guests Are “Missing the Magic” At Disney Parks, Claim Things Need to Come Back
During Christmas, the Disney Parks are stunning, featuring limited-edition merchandise and incredible decorations for the holiday season. Halloween is no different as there is also special merchandise ready for Guests as well as completely re-worked rides at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California.
When it comes to national holidays and vacations, these remain just as popular. President’s Day Weekend proved to be a big hit with Guests as the Disney Parks hit capacity during that specific timeframe and with Spring Break around the corner, it’s looking like another crowded few weeks at the Disney Parks.
Related: Universal Joins Guests Bashing Disney’s Greasy, Messy New Creation
We previously reported that some Disney Parks, including Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios had already begun hitting capacity in Park Reservations for the week of March 14-19, but we can now report that nearly the entire week is sold out. According to the Disney Park Reservation system, no Disney Parks have reservations available from Monday, March 14 through Thursday, March 17 as all Disney Park Passes have been reserved. St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17 and this is the first week that spring break crowds will make their way to the Parks.
Disneyland is just as full, with almost all March dates being sold out. Disney actually warns Guests on its website to make sure dates are available before they plan their trip and purchase tickets:
Theme Park Reservation Availability
To enter a theme park, you will need a park reservation and valid admission for that park—for each day you’d like to visit.
Before You Make a Purchase
Please check to see if your desired date and theme park is currently available before purchasing your ticket, Annual Pass or vacation package. Keep your reservation date preference in mind when selecting your ticket, Annual Pass or package. Different types of admission—such as tickets, Annual Passes or packages—may have different reservation date availability. See which hotels qualify as “Select Resort Hotels.”
Not only will the Parks be crowded, but several big rides and attractions will be down, meaning Spring Breakers hoping to enjoy some classic Disney attractions will be out of luck. Check out the full list of Walt Disney World and Disneyland attraction closures below:
Disneyland
The following attractions will be closed for refurbishment during the month of March at Disneyland:
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Disneyland Monorail
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Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
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Matterhorn Bobsleds
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Sailing Ship Columbia
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Splash Mountain
- Tarzan’s Treehouse™
Matterhorn Bobsleds is expected to reopen on March 5th. The iconic Disneyland Monorail will be reopening later in the week on March 7 after a short refurbishment. Splash Mountain, the beloved flume-style water ride is expected to reopen after its annual refurb on March 8. Unfortunately, on the same day, the Indiana Jones Adventure will be closing for a refurbishment.
The good news is that the ride will only be closed a few days, opening back up on March 12. Check Out our ultimate guide here and more on the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland below:
An Ancient Legend
Follow Indy’s footsteps into the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye past intricate booby traps. Inspect carvings and frescos that tell the story of Mara, a powerful deity who promises great treasures—and vengeance to those foolish enough to gaze into its all-seeing eyes.
Brave Unimaginable Perils
Board a rugged troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny. Confront inconceivable dangers, like precarious precipices over molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, spear-throwing wraiths, collapsing bridges, slithering snakes—and a massive rolling boulder.If you find yourself in jeopardy, only one man is brave enough—or crazy enough—to save you… Dr. Jones!
Sadly, March 14 marks the closure of one of the most iconic Disney attractions ever, Pirates of the Caribbean. The world-famous dark ride that features a rambunctious collection of animatronic pirates, as well as Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) himself, will be closed from the middle of March throughout the rest of the month. More on the beloved dark ride below:
A Pirate’s Life for You
Strike yer colors! Your adventure begins in a shadowy bayou, where you’ll board a weathered barge. Plunge down a waterfall in the dark and float through the spectral world of Pirates Grotto. Dead men tell no tales—but they guard their treasure for all eternity.
Navigate cannon fire between a fort and a 12-gun galleon. Glide into port and behold brazen buccaneers drunk on pillaged plunder. Skulk past the well-armed lass who commands a colorful auction of villagers’ goods.
Sing along as sea roving scalawags serenade you with their classic shanty, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” Witness flames engulf the town and pass prisoners trapped in their jail cell, doggedly trying to escape.
Keep a spry eye out for sly Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbeanfilm series, as he schemes to get his hands on the spoils.
If ye be seekin’ adventure, ay—you’ve come to the proper place!
Disneyland California Adventure
The following attractions will be closed for refurbishment during the month of March at Disneyland California Adventure:
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Grizzly River Run
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
March 4 marks the reopening of The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure with Grizzly River Run remaining closed for the rest of the month. Disneyland states that the ride is expected to reopen in the Spring of this year.
Walt Disney World
At Walt Disney World, there are also a few big closures that may impact Spring Breakers’ vacations. At this time, Disney World still has not announced a reopening date for the Walt Disney World Railroad, but thanks to the Walt Disney World refurbishment calendar, we can confirm the refurbishment is officially extended and it will be closed for the entire month of March. We saw it running a few weeks ago so hopefully, it will return soon!
Related: Hot Dog Incident Leaves Disney Guests In Tears During Fireworks
Possibly the biggest ride on this entire list (literally) will be closed as well, with Expedition Everest undergoing its rather lengthy refurbishment at the moment. This attraction will be closed until mid-April so don’t expect to encounter the yeti while on vacation. More on Expedition Everest below:
Yeti or Not, Here He Comes!
Wander into a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest and board a train to the “top of the world.” Beware: Some say a legendary snow monster lives deep in the mountain.
After a steep ascent, your train picks up speed and races into the darkness. Without warning, a broken and twisted track appears in front of you. Brace yourself as you plummet backward into total darkness. Inside the cavern, the mythical tale comes true as you see the shadow of a massive, growling beast!
Race to escape the cursed mountain—before the Yeti claims another expedition.
A Word of Warning
Some parts of Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain may be scary for children. This attraction features loud noises, fast drops, high speeds, dark places and frightening creature effects.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach will also be closed for refurbishment the majority of March with no end date posted.
Will you be visiting any of the Disney Parks and Resorts during Spring Break?
Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Disneyland Resort, including Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney District. Or what about Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!