Magic Kingdom’s popular character meet-and-greet location in Storybook Circus, Pete’s Silly Sideshow, has temporarily closed for refurbishment. The closure is part of a broader effort to address wear and tear on the venue’s tent structure. Here’s what we know about the refurbishment timeline and its impact on guest experiences.
Refurbishment Details and Timeline
The refurbishment of Pete’s Silly Sideshow began on January 4, 2026. While Disney has not provided an exact reopening date, the venue is expected to remain closed through early March, based on the current operating calendar. Construction walls are expected to be installed around the structure in the coming days to facilitate the repairs.
Impact on Character Meet-and-Greets
The meet-and-greets for Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy have been moved to new locations within Storybook Circus. To accommodate the changes, the characters are now meeting in pairs rather than individually.
Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
Donald and Daisy can be found near the exit of the Walt Disney World Railroad Fantasyland station. Their meet-and-greet begins at approximately 10 AM and continues throughout the day. While their exact hours and location are not posted, guests can look for them in this area.
Minnie Mouse and Goofy
Minnie and Goofy are meeting near the entrance to Storybook Circus. This location is more visible to guests, resulting in longer lines compared to Donald and Daisy’s meet-and-greet. Like the other pair, they start meeting around 10 AM and continue throughout the day.
Broader Refurbishment Plans for Storybook Circus
The refurbishment of Pete’s Silly Sideshow is part of a larger project to address maintenance needs in Storybook Circus. Permits filed in late 2025 indicate that Big Top Souvenirs, another tented venue in the area, will also undergo refurbishment after work on Pete’s Silly Sideshow is completed. Additionally, minor damage has been observed at Dumbo the Flying Elephant, though it appears to be constructed with different materials than the tents.
What Guests Can Expect
While the closure of Pete’s Silly Sideshow may temporarily impact guest experiences, the refurbishment aims to enhance the venue’s appearance and functionality. Once completed, the updated tent structure will provide a refreshed setting for character interactions and other activities.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of Pete’s Silly Sideshow is a necessary step to ensure the venue remains a vibrant and enjoyable part of Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus. Guests planning to visit in the coming months should stay informed about updates to the refurbishment timeline and relocated character meet-and-greets. With these improvements, Pete’s Silly Sideshow will continue to be a cherished destination for Disney fans.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
