Credit: Inside the MagicNext year, four characters are leaving their Magic Kingdom Park meet-and-greet location due to a scheduled refurbishment. Here’s what Walt Disney World Resort guests need to know before their 2026 vacations.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow Refurbishment
According to Walt Disney World Resort’s website, the “Meet Dashing Disney Pals as Circus Stars” and “Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars” experiences at Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be unavailable beginning January 5, 2026, due to a scheduled refurbishment on the Fantasyland building. Big Top Souvenirs, the merchandise location and Quick-Service snack spot attached to the character meet-and-greet building, will remain open during the maintenance project.
In October, Walt Disney World Resort filed permits for the Pete’s Silly Sideshow building, likely to repair visible damage to the exterior tent structure. Although Disney hasn’t shared any details about the upcoming project, the closure of the meet-and-greet is likely related to this maintenance work.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced an end date for the Pete’s Silly Sideshow refurbishment. Follow Inside the Magic for updates on this and other projects around Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and EPCOT!
Where to See Donald, Minnie, Goofy, and Daisy at Magic Kingdom Park in 2026
Fortunately, Magic Kingdom Park guests will still have the opportunity to meet Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy during the Pete’s Silly Sideshow refurbishment. Walt Disney World Resort’s website states that the characters “will be greeting guests in Storybook Circus.” Their exact schedule and location remain unclear.
The characters will likely continue to appear in their circus-style outfits: The Astounding Donaldo, The Great Goofini, Minnie Magnifique, and Daisy Fortuna. However, this has not been confirmed.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park after January 5, 2026, should check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on character greetings.
Have you ever visited Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom Park? Share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic in the comments!