News: Unexpected Closure of Disney World’s Big Top Souvenirs and Pete’s Silly Sideshow Buildings

By Janelle Sheetz 1 Comment

Big Top Souvenirs and Pete’s Silly Sideshow, located in the heart of the Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus in Walt Disney World, were closed today!

Storybook Circus’ Big Top

And we’re not really sure when they’ll open again.

Several Disney World Cast Members were on hand and at the ready to help with the unexpected shutdown, and we were able to ask them a few questions about the situation.

Storybook Circus’ Big Top is home to a gift shop, a treat shop, and a character meet and greet. As you can probably imagine, it was quite jarring to see the front of Big Top Souvenirs blocked off by these rolling shrub partitions today! But the friendly smiles of the Cast Members helped to soften the blow!

Storybook Circus’ Big Top

Meanwhile, the other side of the gift shop was also barricaded. (Guarded by more smiling cast members.)

Storybook Circus’ Big Top

And just to its right, Pete’s Silly Sideshow character meet-and-greet location was also closed!

But if you’re in the Magic Kingdom hoping to meet your favorites, don’t worry. The characters who normally meet were still greeting guests — just not in their normal spot!

Storybook Circus’ Big Top

Over by the restrooms, we spotted Minnie and Daisy signing autographs and swapping fashion advice!

Storybook Circus’ Big Top

We also saw Pluto out for his afternoon walk, heading back to his dog house after meeting with his fans.

It’s Pluto!

And Donald Duck and Goofy enthusiasts were meeting next to the Walt Disney World Railroad train station!

Donald and Goofy Meet and Greet

After speaking with several Cast Members, the reason for Big Top’s sudden closure remains a mystery. And when asked when we could expect Storybook Circus’ Big Top locations to reopen, we received mixed answers. Some reported a reopening within a day or two. Others noted a longer timeframe.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground and let you know when when we hear updates!