Following its closure in late February, work is visibly underway on the Big Top Souvenirs tent in Magic Kingdom. The tent is one of two that is receiving a lengthy refurbishment. We first covered the possibility of a refurbishment back in October 2025, and it’s looking like the process will be as lengthy as we thought. Here’s the latest.
Tent Refurbishment Underway at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom
Let’s head out to Storybook Circus together, where some of the tent has been peeled away at Big Top Souvenirs – the first visible work that we’ve seen for the structure. While the tent has been peeled away for a while at Pete’s Silly Sideshow, this marks the start of hands-on work for Big Top. Here’s a closer look at the work from areas around Fantasyland.
In terms of a reopening date, we’re pretty sure that both Pete’s Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs will reopen this year. In fact, Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date for Pete’s Silly Sideshow, but they do note that Big Top Souvenirs is “expected to reopen for Guests to enjoy later this year”.
The permit that we covered back in October had a December 31, 2026 expiration date. That means that the permitted work is expected to be completed by then.
In the meantime, characters that used to meet inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow are now meeting around Storybook Circus. When we first covered the relocated character meet and greets, it was before construction walls were installed for Big Top Souvenirs.
Now, construction walls actually act as a backdrop for the Minnie Mouse and Goofy meet and greet. We don’t usually see construction walls acknowledged (except for you, EPCOT Progress Walls), but here’s a look at what you can expect to see when visiting this Spring (and likely into Summer).
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!