Disney has begun removing the roof at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus, with visible work now underway on the tent-shaped structure. The shop is one of two buildings in the area receiving lengthy refurbishment expected to continue through the end of 2026.
Visible Construction
The tent covering has been peeled away at Big Top Souvenirs, exposing the underlying structural framework. This marks the first visible hands-on work guests have seen for the building since the refurbishment project began.
While similar roof removal occurred earlier at Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Big Top’s visible construction represents a new phase of the Storybook Circus transformation.
Before closure, the tent-shaped building showed signs of wear with parts of the fabric covering having developed tears. Rather than patching damaged sections, Disney is removing significant portions to address structural and cosmetic issues comprehensively.
Magic Kingdom Reopening Timeline
Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date for Pete’s Silly Sideshow, but Big Top Souvenirs is expected to reopen later this year. A permit filed in October 2025 has a December 31, 2026 expiration date, indicating work should be completed by then.
This represents nearly a full year of construction affecting Storybook Circus, suggesting the work involves more than simple cosmetic repairs.
Character Meet and Greet Changes
Characters that previously met inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow now appear in outdoor locations around Storybook Circus. The circus-themed indoor venue previously hosted:
- The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck)
- The Great Goofini (Goofy)
- Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse)
- Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck)
Since the building closed, these characters have been greeting guests outdoors. Guests can check the My Disney Experience app for current locations and times.
Construction walls now serve as a backdrop for Minnie Mouse and Goofy meet and greets, which is unusual for Disney, which typically avoids acknowledging construction in guest-facing experiences (except for EPCOT’s Progress Walls).
Smellephants Scavenger Hunt Adjusted at Magic Kingdom
The free “Smellephants on Parade” activity has received updates due to construction. The scavenger hunt, introduced in 2024, asks guests to find colorful elephant statues throughout Storybook Circus representing different scent themes inspired by carnival treats.
How it works:
- Pick up map and stickers from cast member
- Locate elephants and place corresponding stickers on map
- Redeem the completed sheet for the “Whiff-sistant” reward badge
The change: The updated map now features six elephants instead of eight. Two scent locations, caramel apple and cotton candy, have been removed because those statues normally sit near the Big Top Souvenirs entrance, currently hidden behind construction walls.
Rather than shutting down the activity entirely, Disney adjusted the map to reflect accessible locations. For younger guests, the shorter hunt may actually be easier to complete.
Construction Impact
Several areas of Storybook Circus have been temporarily blocked off, including:
- Walkways around Pete’s Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs
- Sections where missing Smellephant statues normally stand
- Some viewing areas and circulation paths
This creates navigation challenges for guests and reduces the accessible area compared to normal operations.
Why This Work Matters at Magic Kingdom
The refurbishment addresses ongoing maintenance Disney must perform to keep buildings in good condition despite Florida’s harsh climate that accelerates deterioration of outdoor materials including fabric tent coverings.
By removing and replacing tent coverings rather than patching, Disney ensures refurbished structures will have cohesive appearance and extended lifespan rather than patchwork aesthetic.
Magic Kingdom Guest Experience Maintained
Despite construction affecting multiple Storybook Circus elements, Disney has maintained land access and continued offering experiences in modified forms:
- Characters relocated to outdoor venues rather than eliminated
- Scavenger hunt adjusted to work around inaccessible areas
- Activities continue operating with modifications
Once construction wraps up and blocked areas reopen, the missing elephants may return to the scavenger hunt, and characters may return to their indoor circus-themed venue.
For now, guests exploring Storybook Circus this spring and summer will see visible construction, meet characters against construction wall backdrops, and hunt for six scented elephants instead of eight.
