Theme Park Scope

One of Magic Kingdom’s most popular character meet-and-greet locations is officially back, and guests didn’t even have to wait until the announced reopening date.

After spending nearly six months behind construction walls, Pete’s Silly Sideshow has quietly reopened one day ahead of schedule at Magic Kingdom, welcoming guests back inside the air-conditioned circus tent in Storybook Circus.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow officially reopened on June 26, 2026, a day earlier than its previously announced June 27 reopening date. The popular Fantasyland character experience had been closed since January 2026 for an extensive refurbishment that focused on restoring the attraction’s iconic circus tent.

With the reopening, guests can once again meet four beloved Disney characters in their exclusive circus-themed costumes inside the Big Top. The attraction features two separate meet-and-greet experiences:

• Daisy Duck as Madame Daisy Fortuna and Minnie Mouse as Minnie Magnifique
• The Great Goofini (Goofy) and The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck)

During the refurbishment, all four characters continued greeting guests outdoors in Storybook Circus, but they have now returned to their permanent indoor home.

Guests visiting after the reopening will notice the refreshed exterior, including the newly installed circus tent roof, restored decorative elements, and refreshed entrance banners that returned as construction wrapped up. While Pete’s Silly Sideshow is once again welcoming guests, the neighboring Big Top Souvenirs remains closed and has not yet received a reopening date.

The return of Pete’s Silly Sideshow is especially welcome during the busy summer season, as it restores one of Magic Kingdom’s largest indoor character meet-and-greet locations. Not only does the attraction offer guests a chance to meet four classic Disney characters in unique costumes, but it also provides a comfortable, air-conditioned escape from the Florida heat.

If you’ve been waiting to snap photos with these exclusive Storybook Circus character costumes, now’s the perfect time to add Pete’s Silly Sideshow back to your Magic Kingdom itinerary.

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