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During the initial lockdown stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World reopened after a four-month-long closure. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT looked incredibly different.
Not only were the Disney Parks less crowded due to reduced capacities, but the operations were different too. Face masks were required, even in outdoor spaces. Many aspects of the traditional Disney experience from pre-COVID times had also changed. Social distancing affected every line, whether for an attraction, a food vendor, or merchandise.
Credit: Disney
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Most noticeably of all, character interactions became character sightings. Instead of interacting with, hugging, or posing for photos with characters, Guests could only interact with them from behind a barrier in outdoor locations. In 2021, face characters began appearing indoors again, and the traditional meet-and-greet experience wouldn’t fully return until 2022.
Credit: Disney
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Many character dining and meeting experiences, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table and Enchanted Tales With Belle, had been altered or indefinitely closed. Pete’s Silly Sideshow was one of those locations…until now.
Disney Parks has just announced across all social media accounts that Pete’s Silly Sideshow is returning in full swing to Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland on January 15.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow returns on Jan. 15! 🎪 ⭐ Circus stars Minnie Magnifique, Daisy Fortuna, The Astounding Donaldo, and The Great Goofini are ready to shine under the Big Top at Magic Kingdom! pic.twitter.com/FzBSiPbWKS
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) January 13, 2023
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At Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Guests can meet the big top version of Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, and even Pluto! It’s one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular character meet-and-greet attractions, and fans have been hoping for its return since it first closed during the pandemic.
Credit: Disney
Meet fun characters such as Minnie Magnifique (a circus star), Daisy Fortuna (a fortune teller), the Astounding Donaldo (a snake charmer), and the Great Goofini (a daredevil stunt pilot). Each character wears special outfits, and this is the only place to see them in their big top gear.
Who are you most excited to meet?
