Magic Kingdom Location Updates Closure Status Effective Immediately

After spending the first half of 2026 behind construction walls, one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular character experiences is finally welcoming guests once again—and sooner than expected.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus has officially returned following a six-month refurbishment, marking the end of a lengthy closure that began in early January. The indoor meet-and-greet location, home to characters like Donald Duck and Goofy in their circus-themed costumes, had originally been expected to reopen on June 27. However, guests visiting Magic Kingdom on June 26 discovered that the attraction quietly resumed operations a day ahead of schedule.

The reopening comes as welcome news for Disney World visitors who have spent months meeting the character at temporary outdoor locations throughout Storybook Circus while work continued on the attraction. During the closure, Disney relocated the characters nearby, allowing guests to continue meeting them despite the refurbishment.

A Fresh Look for a Fan-Favorite Meet and Greet

Although Pete’s Silly Sideshow is not a traditional attraction, it has remained one of the busiest character experiences in Fantasyland since opening alongside the Storybook Circus expansion.

The refurbishment primarily focused on restoring the aging circus tent, which had become visibly faded after years of exposure to Florida’s weather. Earlier this spring, crews installed an entirely new tent roof before removing scaffolding and construction scrim in recent weeks. Decorative banners also returned to the entrance as work wrapped up.

Inside, guests can once again choose between two separate queues. One features Minnie Mouse as Minnie Magnifique alongside Daisy Duck as Madame Daisy Fortuna, while the other pairs Goofy as The Great Goofini with Donald Duck as The Astounding Donaldo. The circus-inspired costumes have become a signature part of the Storybook Circus area and remain exclusive to this location.

While Pete’s Silly Sideshow has returned, construction is not entirely finished in this section of Fantasyland. The neighboring merchandise location, Big Top Souvenirs, remains closed, with Disney yet to announce when it will reopen.

Disney Opens the Doors Early

Although Disney initially announced that Pete’s Silly Sideshow would reopen on Saturday, June 27, guests arriving at Magic Kingdom on Friday, June 26, found the attraction already operating, per WDWMagic.

The early reopening allowed visitors to once again enjoy the air-conditioned indoor queues rather than waiting outside in Central Florida’s summer heat. Character greeting hours are expected to operate from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., matching the schedule previously announced by Disney.

The return of the indoor experience also restores one of the park’s highest-capacity character locations, helping ease demand across Fantasyland after months of temporary outdoor meet-and-greets. With Pete’s Silly Sideshow now back in operation, Disney has completed another notable refurbishment at Magic Kingdom as the resort continues balancing ongoing construction projects with guest offerings throughout Walt Disney World.

For fans of classic Disney characters, the reopening marks the return of one of Magic Kingdom’s most distinctive meet-and-greet experiences—and guests didn’t even have to wait until the announced reopening date to enjoy it.

How do you feel about the return of the Pete’s Silly Sideshow meet and greet? Let us know in the comments down below!