Pete’s Silly Sideshow Temporarily Closes for Canvas Repairs at Magic Kingdom

Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom has always been a whimsical corner of the park, with bright colors, carnival music and character encounters. One of the area’s focal points, Pete’s Silly Sideshow, is home to character meet‑and‑greets where guests can pose with Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Donald. On January 4, 2026, the circus tent closed its flaps, and there’s good reason: Disney is addressing structural repairs to the canvas roof.

What We Know

WDW News Today reports that Pete’s Silly Sideshow is now off‑limits to guests as crews begin work on the tent. The closure follows a November 2025 incident where strong winds tore a portion of the canvas roof. At the time, Disney filed permits to repair both Pete’s Silly Sideshow and the adjacent Big Top Souvenirs shop, contracting Birdair, Inc., a company specializing in tensile structures. Although temporary fixes kept the venue open through the holidays, Disney has opted to fully address the damage now.

The article notes that Minnie and Daisy are still meeting guests elsewhere in Storybook Circus. As of this writing, Disney has not announced whether Donald or Goofy will continue meet‑and‑greets during the refurbishment. There’s also no official timeline for how long the tent repairs will take.

Why the Closure Matters

Character meet‑and‑greets are a core part of the Magic Kingdom experience, especially for young children. Pete’s Silly Sideshow offers a comfortable indoor environment to meet beloved characters without braving the Florida heat. Losing this space, even temporarily, means guests must seek alternate locations, potentially leading to longer waits elsewhere.

From a structural perspective, canvas tents require regular maintenance. Florida’s sun and storms can cause fabric to degrade over time. If the tear worsened or the roof failed during operation, it could pose safety risks to guests and performers. Closing the venue allows Disney to replace or reinforce the fabric and inspect supporting poles, lighting rigs and HVAC systems.

Alternative Character Encounters

During the closure, guests looking for Minnie and Daisy can still find them in Storybook Circus, albeit without the elaborate circus costumes of Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Check the My Disney Experience app for exact times and locations. Donald and Goofy may appear in Town Square or other parts of the park, as Disney often redistributes characters during refurbishments.

Other indoor meet‑and‑greet options include:

• Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland, where guests can greet multiple princesses in air‑conditioned comfort.

• Mickey’s Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A., home to Mickey in his magician attire.

• Enchanted Tales with Belle, which offers an interactive storytelling experience with Belle.

The Technical Side of Tent Repairs

Birdair, Inc., the contractor named in the permit, is renowned for designing and repairing tensile structures like canopies and roofs. Repairing a tent like Pete’s Silly Sideshow likely involves removing damaged fabric panels, inspecting the steel tensioning cables and replacing any corroded hardware. Technicians may also update fire retardant coatings and inspect anchoring systems. Because the tent houses lighting and sound systems, electrical work must be coordinated to ensure safety.

It’s also possible that Disney will take this opportunity to refresh the attraction’s interior decor. The circus theming could receive updated colors or artwork. However, no official details have been released, so this remains speculation.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom while Pete’s Silly Sideshow is closed, arrive early for character meet‑and‑greets elsewhere. Use the app to join virtual queues when available. Consider scheduling a late‑morning or early‑afternoon break at a nearby restaurant or show; this can help you avoid midday crowds while still meeting characters.

Guests who love the circus tent aesthetic need not worry, the closure is for repairs, not a permanent removal. Once reopened, the refreshed venue will continue to offer fun photo opportunities and interactions with some of Disney’s most iconic characters.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s decision to temporarily close Pete’s Silly Sideshow underscores its commitment to safety and show quality. While it’s disappointing to lose a charming character spot for a few weeks or months, the end result will be a safer, possibly spruced‑up venue. Stay tuned to Behind the Wish for updates on the refurbishment timeline and details on where to find your favorite characters in the meantime.