Scrim and Scaffolding Surround Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom

Refurbishment Underway at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom

If you’ve taken a stroll through Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom recently, you may have noticed that Storybook Circus is looking a little more like a construction zone than a circus tent carnival. Between ongoing major developments across the park and prolonged land refurbishments, nearly half of Storybook Circus has been tucked away behind construction walls.

Storybook Circus has seen extensive refurbishment work. Earlier this year, Pete’s Silly Sideshow—the popular character meet-and-greet location—was closed for six months for extensive work. During the closure, fan favorites like Donald, Goofy, Minnie, and Daisy interacted with guests outdoors and roamed through Storybook Circus for spontaneous meet-and-greets. When Pete’s Silly Sideshow finally reopened, the interior appearance remained largely identical, indicating that the prolonged closure was likely due to necessary structural updates behind the scenes rather than a cosmetic redesign.

Meanwhile, Big Top Souvenirs has remained closed since February, leaving a major hole in the land’s retail and snack offerings.

Big Top Souvenirs has long been a favorite stop in Fantasyland. Known for its lively atmosphere under the big-top tent, it was a prime location to:

• Cool Off: Enjoy spacious air conditioning away from the Florida heat.
• Grab Iconic Treats: Indulge in Werther’s caramel popcorn, handmade caramel apples, giant cookies, and slushies at Big Top Treats.
• Shop Exclusive Merch: Browse unique Disney souvenirs in a central location.

Big Top Souvenirs has faced a series of unlucky structural setbacks over the past few years:

• December 2019: An overnight fire caused severe smoke and structural damage.
• February 2020: A major flood impacted the interior shortly before the park-wide closures.

When repairs were conducted following those incidents, some thematic details were streamlined to ensure the location could reopen quickly. Theme park fans are now hoping that this year’s extended closure will restore Big Top Souvenirs to its full opening-day glory—complete with detailed circus-themed elements and a refreshed tent canvas.

With major expansions underway elsewhere in Magic Kingdom, fans are eager to see construction walls come down in Fantasyland. Hopefully, updates wrap up in time for the upcoming holiday season so guests can once again grab their favorite carnival treats and holiday merchandise under the big top!

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