Disney has removed the roof of Big Top Souvenirs at Magic Kingdom, exposing its structural framework. This change, noticeable while walking through Storybook Circus, marks the first visible work on the tent since refurbishment began after its closure in February 2026. Along with Pete's Silly Sideshow, which has also seen roof removal, Big Top Souvenirs is undergoing extensive renovations expected to continue through 2026, as indicated by a permit expiring on December 31, 2026. The construction impacts not only the buildings but also nearby walkways and character meet-and-greet areas.
The Disney Construction Looks Pretty Dramatic
The refurbishment at Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus has exposed the structural framework as parts of the circus tent's fabric covering were removed. This was necessary due to wear and tears seen before the closure. The visible structure contrasts sharply with Fantasyland's usually immersive theming, creating an unusual sight for guests.
Characters Are Meeting With Construction Walls as Backdrop
In the meantime, characters that used to meet inside Pete's Silly Sideshow are now meeting around Storybook Circus in outdoor locations, and here's where it gets weird: construction walls actually act as a backdrop for the Minnie Mouse and Goofy meet and greet. We don't usually see construction walls acknowledged except for EPCOT Progress Walls, where Disney has historically embraced construction as part of the park's identity, but in Storybook Circus, guests can now expect to see construction walls serving as a literal backdrop for character photos during spring and likely into summer.
The change has kept the characters available while construction continues behind the scenes, with The Astounding Donaldo, The Great Goofini, Minnie Magnifique, and Daisy Fortuna all greeting guests outdoors instead of in the climate-controlled, circus-themed indoor spaces where they previously appeared.
The Disney Scavenger Hunt Got Simplified
Magic Kingdom's “Smellephants on Parade” scavenger hunt has been updated with a new map. Launched in 2024, this free interactive experience allows guests to pick up a map and stickers to find colorful elephant statues representing different scents inspired by carnival treats.
Due to construction in Storybook Circus, two elephants have been removed from the hunt, reducing the total from eight to six. Scents like caramel apple and cotton candy are currently unavailable because their statues are near the closed Big Top Souvenirs. Instead of canceling the activity, Disney chose to simplify the experience by adjusting the map, though this alters the original appeal of the hunt.
This Is Going to Last a While at Disney
The permit, which was covered back in October 2025, had a December 31, 2026, expiration date, providing the latest possible completion deadline and representing nearly a full year of construction affecting this playful corner of Fantasyland. Disney has not announced when Pete's Silly Sideshow will reopen, but they note that Big Top Souvenirs is expected to reopen for guests later this year.
Several areas of Storybook Circus have been temporarily blocked off, including the section where the missing Smellephant statues normally stand, creating circulation challenges for guests navigating the land and reducing the accessible area compared to normal operations. With construction taking place around the building and nearby walkways, 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 until the work finally wraps up later this year.
