Fantasyland Location Now Closing Earlier Than Expected

This is a busy season at Walt Disney World, and now a favorite Fantasyland location will be closing earlier than expected. See how this will affect your next Disney vacation.

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 will affect the circus tents at Pete's Silly Sideshow, and the Big Top Souvenir Shop.

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.

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.

Fantasyland Early Closure

Originally, Disney shared that Pete's Silly Sideshow would close starting January 5, 2026. This timeline has now sped up slightly with a new closing date of January 4, 2026.

Pete's Silly Sideshow is now closing January 4, 2026.

Disney anticipates that Pete's Silly Sideshow will reopen to Guests for the Summer 2026.

What do you think of this earlier closing? 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.