Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World might be gearing up for another big change in Fantasyland, and this time it involves a spot that’s been a quiet favorite for years. Tucked away in the Storybook Circus area, this corner of Magic Kingdom has always been more of a character meet-and-greet stop than a major attraction. But that may be about to change.
Fans have started buzzing after a recent permit filing suggested that some major work could be on the way. The news has already led to plenty of speculation, with many wondering if a familiar piece of the Fantasyland experience could soon close or undergo a significant refurbishment. Disney hasn’t made anything official yet, but the clues are hard to ignore.
The work permit references the circus tents in this area. If you’ve spent any time in Fantasyland, you can probably guess where this is heading. All signs point to Pete’s Silly Sideshow, the meet-and-greet location where Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Donald welcome guests in their circus outfits.
Permit Points to Major Work at Magic Kingdom
The permit lists “general construction” as the scope of work and names Birdair Inc. as the contractor. Birdair is known for its work with fabric and membrane roofing, which is exactly the type of structure used for the large circus tents at Pete’s Silly Sideshow and the surrounding Storybook Circus area. This suggests the project will be more than a quick touch-up. It may require the entire area to close temporarily.
Earlier this month, banners at the location were replaced with fresh ones. At the time, it seemed like a small update, but now it looks like that may have been the first sign of a bigger plan. With the new permit in place, fans are bracing for the possibility that the tents could be closed off for an extended period.
What This Could Mean for Disney World Guests
A closure or even partial shutdown of Pete’s Silly Sideshow would be a noticeable loss for families. This meet-and-greet isn’t just another character stop. It’s one of the few places where guests can meet four classic characters in themed costumes all in one location. It’s also a popular escape from the Florida heat since the tent provides shade and air conditioning.
Families often duck inside to meet characters, take a break, or let kids enjoy the picnic benches and coloring activities. Losing that, even for a short time, would remove one of the more relaxing spots in a busy section of the park.
No Timeline Update Yet, But Fans Are Watching Closely
So far, Disney hasn’t shared when the work will begin or how long it will last. That silence is only making fans more curious. Some believe this could be a simple tent refresh, while others think it may be part of a larger overhaul of Storybook Circus.
Until an official announcement is made, Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains open. But that may not be the case for long. If meeting Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, or Donald here is on your list, now might be the perfect time to make it happen. It’s starting to look like this Fantasyland favorite could step out of the spotlight for a while.