Fantasyland Receives BIG Changes Next Month

Walt Disney World has so many BIG projects planned, and now Fantasyland will be added to the growing list of refurbishments and expansions. Find out full details and see how this may affect your next trip to Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World Closures

Guests Shocked as Child Climbs Onto Stage at Magic Kingdom — Photo Credit: Donna

As Walt Disney once said, "We keep moving forward," and that is very true at Walt Disney World. This week, the Walt Disney Company shared BIG plans for Walt Disney World over the next 10 years.

These plans greatly affect Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Epcot was in a state of transformation that began in 2019 and continued until CommuniCore Hall was completed in 2024.

While the EPCOT transformation was pared down quite a bit, the majority of work is now complete in this park for the time being.

Pete's Silly Sideshow Closure

Earlier, we shared that Disney filed a work permit for 1272 Magic Kingdom Drive. This address is located across from The Barnstormer and appears to affect the circus tents at Pete's Silly Sideshow, the Big Top Souvenir Shop, and possibly the tents located adjacent to this attraction.

The contractor listed is Birdair Inc. and is for "general construction". Birdair Inc. is known for work with tensioned membrane roofing and fabric roofing, which is a good indicator that this would include work on the circus tent roofing in this space.

Disney shared that this refurbishment will unfortunately close Pete's Silly Sideshow starting January 5, 2026, and is expected to reopen to Guests for the Summer 2026.

Fantasyland Changes in 2026

Disney has confirmed that although this refurbishment will close the traditional meeting queue for Donald, Goofy, Daisy, and Minnie, they are expected to roam Storybook Circus while this closure takes place.

Pete's Silly Sideshow will close on January 5, 2026

This will also affect Big Top Souvenirs, which will temporarily close in February 2026 and reopen to Guests later in the year. Smellophants on parade will remain open to Guests.

Will this closure affect your next trip to Magic Kingdom? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family at the Disney Parks.