Storybook Circus inside the Magic Kingdom has had its fair share of refurbishments in 2026. Pete’s Silly Sideshow character meet and greet location was closed for 6 months and Big Top Souvenirs has yet to re-open after closing back in February. For most of 2026, nearly half of Storybook Circus has been behind construction walls. This is a tough blow for park goers when Magic Kingdom is already experiencing ongoing construction with the addition of Cars Land: Piston Peak and Villains Land.
During the Pete’s Silly Sideshow refurbishment, Donald, Goofy, Minnie, and Daisy were temporarily meeting outside and wandering the land for more impromptu interactions. Since reopening, the inside of the space looks virtually the same, just refreshed. It’s clear there must have been structural updates needed instead of a soft refurb. It does still make me wonder what the outcome of Big Top Souvenirs will be after being closed for almost all of this year.
Big Top Souvenirs has always been a hidden gem for finding unique merchandise and superior confectionary treats. In addition to iconic Disney sweets like caramel apples, you could also get Werther’s caramel popcorn and frozen drinks. The large gift shop was a great place to cool down, shop, and enjoy a snack. It has been sorely missed this summer.
Big Top Souvenirs has been cursed by previous damage including an overnight fire in December 2019 and a February 2020 flood. It could be argued the large circus tent hasn’t bounced back since. When repairs were made, a lot of the theming became more generic in an effort to get it opened back up quickly. Hopefully the updates and new tent will bring Big Top back to its opening day glory. It would also be great to see it open in time for the holidays to enjoy seasonal shopping and sweets.
