Credit: Inside The MagicThe Haunted Mansion is currently under a major refurbishment, focusing on the outdoor queuing area of the beloved attraction inside of Disneyland Resort in California. But new details might have just leaked indicating why the refurbishment is taking place and what guests can expect from the massive overhaul coming soon to the ride.
Disneyland Completely Overhauling Haunted Mansion Attraction Queue After ‘Infrastructure Issues’ Reported
The Haunted Mansion attraction at the Disneyland Resort has officially ceased operations, with its final day of operation being January 21, 2024. This closure coincided with the conclusion of the Haunted Mansion Holiday, the seasonal overlay for the ride. However, Disney has undertaken a significant refurbishment project for a substantial segment of the ride’s queue. The Disneyland Haunted Mansion is based on the original New Orleans location, including the famous Hatbox ghost, Madame Leota, the doom buggy trains, the Ghost Host, Master Gracey, the Grim Grinning Ghosts, and more.
This endeavor encompasses introducing multiple new scenes and structures, enhancing the overall experience for guests. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the Haunted Mansion grounds will undergo “enhanced theming,” complemented by adding an entirely new retail shop as part of the refurbishment. Unique from any other Disneyland park, including Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, this Disney park offers guests the classic attractions Walt himself envisioned. Walt Disney Imagineering did a wonderful job creating the best spooky ride in Southern California.
According to a statement from Disney Parks Blog, “In 2024, the enhancements will expand upon the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion, featuring an extended outdoor queue to immerse guests in enriched theming, along with a newly established retail shop adjacent to the attraction’s exit.”
According to a permit acquired by Theme Park Wizard on X, formally Twitter, Disneyland is looking to add 54 new show set pieces to the outdoor queue portion of the Haunted Mansion ride.
54 new show set pieces to be installed in the haunted mansion refurb @ScottGustin pic.twitter.com/qeGGXHhOIh
— Theme Park Wizard (@ParkWizar1) March 28, 2024
54 new show set pieces to be installed in the haunted mansion refurb @ScottGustin
Interestingly enough, Theme Park Wizard tags Disney industry insider Scott Gustin, to which Gustin responds with the following:
from what I'm hearing, that permit for set pieces is to support some work on the trees in the graveyard scene inside the attraction.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 29, 2024
from what I’m hearing, that permit for set pieces is to support some work on the trees in the graveyard scene inside the attraction.
Scott Gustin then linked to another individual named @_21royalstreet on X, in which a description is given about the alleged reasoning behind the closure of this attraction and why Disney is redoing the entire outdoor queue.
some more details about the graveyard scene work: https://t.co/l3JebtMbYl
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 29, 2024
some more details about the graveyard scene work:
On March 29, @_21royalstreet mentioned how they had written and discussed the reasoning behind the rebuild of this outdoor queue, indicating that Disney was forced to address the “infrastructure issues” that were taking place within the Haunted Mansion outdoor portion. They also mention how adding new sets is likely just the same ones being rebuilt for better functioning.
The official Disneyland website advises guests of the closure of the Haunted Mansion attraction due to refurbishment. However, the website does not provide details regarding the anticipated reopening date, simply indicating, “Haunted Mansion is currently closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates.”