Credit: Inside the MagicMagic Kingdom will lose the Fantasyland location very soon.
Walt Disney World has once again adjusted its operational calendar, and this time the change impacts one of Magic Kingdom’s most recognizable character meet-and-greet locations. Guests planning early 2026 visits may want to take note, as Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Fantasyland will now close earlier than originally announced.
Disney previously confirmed that the Storybook Circus location would temporarily shut down beginning January 5, 2026, as part of a refurbishment project. However, the company has since moved the closure forward to January 4, 2026, quietly updating official listings without a formal announcement.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow, home to the Meet Dashing Disney Pals as Circus Stars and Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars experiences, has long offered guests the chance to meet classic characters in unique circus-themed attire. Inside the colorful big-top tents, visitors could encounter Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy, each dressed as over-the-top carnival performers complete with themed backstories and costumes.
Why Is Pete’s Silly Sideshow Closing?
According to Disney, the closure is tied to maintenance and refurbishment work on the Fantasyland structure that houses the meet-and-greet experiences. While Disney has not provided specifics on the extent of the project, permit filings from late 2025 suggest exterior work and general building upkeep are part of the plan.
As of now, Disney has not announced a reopening date.
Characters Aren’t Leaving Storybook Circus
Despite the earlier-than-expected shutdown, Disney has confirmed that the characters themselves are not leaving the area. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy will continue greeting guests somewhere within Storybook Circus during the refurbishment period.
Importantly, the closure only affects the character meet-and-greet tents. Big Top Souvenirs and nearby food offerings are expected to remain open, allowing guests to continue enjoying the rest of the Storybook Circus area while work is underway.
What This Means for Guests
For visitors hoping to experience Pete’s Silly Sideshow in its traditional form, January 3, 2026, is now the last full day of operation. Anyone visiting Magic Kingdom on or after January 4 should expect the meet-and-greet location to be closed.
As Disney continues to adjust refurbishment schedules and operational details, this change serves as another reminder for guests to double-check park offerings, especially when planning trips around character experiences.
Another important Fantasyland update is that the repainting of the iconic Cinderella Castle, which will require a full moat drain and construction crews onsite throughout guest vacations. Guests should prepare for Castle photos with the infamous crane if they are visiting in 2026.
How do you feel about the upcoming changes to Magic Kingdom at Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!