Credit: Inside the MagicThe scheduled refurbishment of Pete’s Silly Sideshow in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland is in full swing. Here are the latest updates on the ongoing construction and how it impacts guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park this month.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow Refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom
On January 4, 2026, the Pete’s Silly Sideshow building closed for refurbishment at Magic Kingdom Park. Construction walls and scrim quickly surrounded the building, which usually houses circus-themed meet-and-greets with Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Donald Duck. January 3 was the final day to meet the characters inside; they now pose for photos and sign autographs in outdoor locations throughout Storybook Circus.
The tent-shaped structure had shown signs of wear in recent months, with several tears in the outer fabric surrounding the internal scaffolding. Walt Disney World Resort first announced the refurbishment in December, giving Disney Park guests plenty of notice about the temporary closure.
Latest Update
On Wednesday, Disney Park guests spotted some of the first visible signs of construction on Pete’s Silly Sideshow. According to BlogMickey, crews have completely removed the top tent layer (which serves as the building’s roof). This section of the tarp was the most damaged before the closure.
It’s unclear whether Walt Disney World Resort plans to repair or replace the tarp. This is the first phase of the project, which has no scheduled end date. Disney hasn’t said whether the interior of Pete’s Silly Sideshow will change after the refurbishment is complete.
As of now, there’s no scheduled reopening for Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom Park. The attached tent-shaped gift shop, Big Top Souvenirs, remains open during the construction.
The Astounding Donaldo, the Great Goofini, Minnie Magnifique, and Daisy Fortuna continue to greet guests throughout Storybook Circus. Check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date entertainment schedule.
Have you ever met characters at Pete’s Silly Sideshow? Share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic in the comments!