Big Top Souvenirs, the large circus tent gift shop in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom, is now closed for a refurbishment.
Big Top Souvenirs Closed
According to the Walt Disney World website, Big Top Souvenirs “is expected to reopen for Guests to enjoy later this year.” This indicates a relatively long refurbishment timeline for a gift shop. But it’s not coming out of nowhere.
Last fall, Disney filed construction permits for both Big Top Souvenirs and Pete’s Silly Sideshow. The latter closed in early January and its meet and greets moved outside. The tent roof has been completely removed. A reopening date for Pete’s Silly Sideshow is also not available.
This week, construction walls went up on the side of Big Top Souvenirs closest to Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Now, the walls run all the way around the tent building, including past the entrance of Storybook Circus. Minnie and Goofy will continue to meet in front of the walls near the land’s entrance.
Like the meet and greet space, the Big Top Souvenirs refurbishment is expected to be focused on the tent’s exterior. Being exposed to the elements 24/7, the tent’s roof is significantly faded. It’s no longer the same bright shades of green as the walls.
The construction walls block two figures for the Smellephants on Parade experience, which was added to Storybook Circus in 2024. The walls also block the ticket booth where guests could pick a map and sticker sheet.
The experience is still available, however, and cast members will presumably be stationed in front of the walls to help guests from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are “casting” signs for Smellephants on Parade on the construction walls.
The FuelRod and custom ID tag machines that were inside Big Top Souvenirs have been moved to the tent next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow. The pressed penny machine is outside the restrooms near the Walt Disney World Railroad station.
Big Top Souvenirs sells a variety of merchandise including toys, plush, and pins, plus has a confectionery counter in the center. Guests can still shop for this merchandise throughout the park and get sweets at the Main Street Confectionery.
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