If you were hoping to meet Minnie Magnifique, Madame Daisy Fortuna, The Great Goofini, or The Astounding Donaldo in their circus costumes today, you’re out of luck. Pete’s Silly Sideshow closed for refurbishment on January 4, 2026, and Disney hasn’t announced when it will reopen.
According to BlogMickey, the popular meet-and-greet location in Storybook Circus is getting some much-needed maintenance—and honestly, it’s about time.
The tent structure has definitely seen better days. Photos from recent weeks show visible damage across the structure, including a noticeable tear in the fabric up top. Even the giant cardboard cutout of Pete at the entrance has become quite faded after years in the harsh Florida sun.
Why the Closure Is Happening
Back in October 2025, Disney filed two permits for “general construction” on the Pete’s Silly Sideshow structure and the adjacent Big Top Souvenirs building. The permits listed BirdAir Inc. as the general contractor—a company known for its work on tent structures around the world.
That’s a pretty strong signal that Disney is addressing the structural wear and tear on this attraction, which has been operating since Storybook Circus opened in 2012.
The tent hasn’t just weathered 13 years of Florida sun, rain, and humidity—it’s also hosted thousands upon thousands of guests who’ve come to meet their favorite Disney characters dressed as circus performers.
What This Means for Guests
Don’t worry if meeting these characters is part of your Magic Kingdom plans. Disney’s website confirms that Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy “will be greeting guests in Storybook Circus” during the refurbishment.
They just won’t be in their special carnival costumes or inside the tent structure. Disney hasn’t specified exactly where in Storybook Circus the characters will appear, so you’ll want to check the My Disney Experience app for their current locations.
Big Top Souvenirs, the merchandise and snack spot attached to Pete’s Silly Sideshow, will remain open during the maintenance project. So you can still grab a quick treat or souvenir while exploring the area.
No Reopening Date Yet
The concerning part? Disney hasn’t announced when Pete’s Silly Sideshow will reopen. The closure is simply described as “temporary,” which could mean anything from a few weeks to several months depending on the scope of the work.
Given that BirdAir is involved and the permits mention the structure itself, we’re probably looking at more than just a quick cosmetic refresh. Tent structures require specialized work, and if Disney is replacing or significantly repairing the fabric and framework, that takes time.
For now, if you want to meet Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy in their circus personas, you’ll have to wait. But at least when Pete’s Silly Sideshow does reopen, it should be in much better shape than the weathered, torn version that just closed its curtains.
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