Big Top Souvenirs Closing for Lengthy Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom

Big Top Souvenirs Closing for Lengthy Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom

Disney has announced that Big Top Souvenirs at Magic Kingdom is closing for an extensive refurbishment beginning today. The company hasn’t shared a reopening date, only saying that the Fantasyland gift shop is expected to return later this year.

Big Top Souvenirs as seen from the Dumbo queue. Timothy Q. Mouse is perched on a sign.

The closure doesn’t come as a surprise. Last October, Disney filed permits for the two Storybook Circus tents that house Big Top and Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Birdair, Inc., a firm known for large-scale fabric roofing systems, was assigned to do “general construction.” Pete’s Silly Sideshow character meet-and-greets temporarily closed in early January, and crews have already stripped away much of that tent’s fabric canopy.

A faded Pete's Silly Sideshow sign in need of some TLC
Big Top Souvenirs' fade blue tent

Now attention turns to the faded blue tents that house Big Top Souvenirs. Given the extended timeline, it’s reasonable to assume this won’t be limited to a simple fabric swap. Storybook Circus has weathered more than a decade of Florida sun. Many parts of the area are due for a refresh.

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