Big Top Souvenirs Closed for LONG Refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom

Big Top Souvenirs at Magic Kingdom Closes for Extended Refurbishment

Step right up… to construction walls. 🎪 Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom has officially closed for refurbishment, and this looks like more than just a quick paint touch up. According to Walt Disney World’s website, the large circus tent gift shop is expected to reopen “later this year,” hinting at a fairly lengthy timeline for the colorful retail staple.

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If this feels familiar, it is because permits were filed last fall for both Big Top Souvenirs and nearby Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Pete’s closed in early January, and its tent roof has since been completely removed. Character meet and greets were relocated outside, and now Big Top has followed suit with construction walls wrapping entirely around the tent structure, even stretching past the entrance to Storybook Circus. Minnie and Goofy are still greeting guests near the land’s entrance, just with a slightly more construction chic backdrop.

The refurbishment is expected to focus primarily on the exterior. The tent roof has noticeably faded from its once vibrant green, thanks to constant Florida sunshine and storms. With Pete’s roof already stripped down, it would not be surprising to see similar work take place here in the coming weeks.

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The walls also temporarily block two figures from the Smellephants on Parade experience that debuted in 2024. The ticket booth where guests picked up their map and sticker sheet is also behind the barriers. The scavenger hunt is still running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and cast members are assisting guests in front of the walls. There are even playful “casting” signs on the construction walls to keep the circus spirit alive.

A few operational shifts are worth noting. The FuelRod and custom ID tag machines previously inside Big Top Souvenirs have been relocated to the tent next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow. The pressed penny machine has moved outside the restrooms near the Walt Disney World Railroad station. As for the merchandise and sweets Big Top is known for, guests can still find toys, plush, and pins throughout the park, and confectionery cravings can be satisfied at the Main Street Confectionery.

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