Permits Filed for Work on Storybook Circus Tents at Magic Kingdom

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Storybook Circus big top tent refurbishment - August 2 2021

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Posted: Friday October 24, 2025 9:40am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Two new permits recorded this week indicate upcoming work at the Storybook Circus tents in Magic Kingdom. Both permits list addresses that resolve to the large circus-style tents located in Fantasyland and are set to expire on December 31, 2026.

Big Top Souvenirs

The listed contractor is Birdair, Inc., a company specializing designing and building custom tensile fabric structures, including architectural canopies and large-scale fabric roofs.

It's unclear if the project involves routine maintenance or a full replacement of the tent coverings. However, the extended permit timeframe, lasting through the end of 2026, suggests the work could be more substantial than a simple refresh.

The Storybook Cricus tents under construction back in 2012

The tents were last refurbished in 2021, when new coatings were applied to the fabric to help protect against the harsh Florida sun. The tents are prone to fading over time due to high UV exposure, a recurring challenge for outdoor materials in Central Florida's climate.

Storybook Circus big top tent refurbishment - August 2 2021

The Storybook Circus tents house Pete's Silly Sideshow, where guests can meet characters, and Big Top Souvenirs, a combined merchandise and snack location featuring circus-themed treats and apparel.

Big Top Souvenirs

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TrainsOfDisneyJul 10, 2026

I just looked at some aerials and didn’t realize how the tents backup to the backstage road. Otherwise it would be so fun to have Casey Jr. Running from storybook circus and then have it loop a new toontown with mickeys house, Donald’s boat etc.

HMFJul 10, 2026

I do legitimately wonder if the creative team for Mickey's Birthdayland thirty-eight years ago had any idea that these tents would still remain to this day.

disneyC97Jul 09, 2026

Can I also add, that i know it's painted "go away green," but the back of Dumbo's queue tent annoys me - they could have designed that better.

Fox&HoundJul 08, 2026

I like the area; it is charming. But I do agree there is wasted space- especially Donald and company dressed up like circus performers. Just so random…

BocabearJul 08, 2026

especially if the "Circus" area is just confined to the actual Dumbo ride itself...like the Circus has set up on the edge of Fantasyland... with one tent (Dumbo) and the rest of the area can be part of Fantasyland proper and host another attraction.

JD80Jul 08, 2026

I'm all for keeping Dumbo but the whole area can be so much better.

HMFJul 08, 2026

Even odder that they felt displacing GMR would be the ideal venue to place his first major attraction.

TrainsOfDisneyJul 07, 2026

I’m for that - it always seemed odd that they kicked Mickey out of his house at the magic kingdom.

Disneyfanatic30Jul 07, 2026

Just bring back toontown or some new Mickey themed area

TrainsOfDisneyJul 02, 2026

There’s plenty of space to have indoor meet and greets, gift shop - and an attraction like Casey Jr. - why every castle park doesn’t have Casey and storybook is a big mystery to me .

jmuboyJul 02, 2026

Tom saved New FL

HMFJun 30, 2026

"New Fantasyland" was such an overhyped lie ultimately and had Tom Staggs not altered the plans during development after its announcement it would have been even more so.

BocabearJun 29, 2026

I didn't much care for circuses as a child either...lol It is fine for the Dumbo attraction to have it's perimeter all done like a circus...I just don't think that entire area needs to be related...It looks great in an of itself... the rest of the Circus elements just look cheap and add nothing to the Fantasyland aesthetic...not only that, but the circus tents take up enough area for another major dark ride attraction instead of a gift shop and meet and greet...Leave dumbo, raze the rest and do something meaningful with the space...