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Background Images Credit: DisneyWhile Walt Disney World and Disneyland have so much in common, one seasonal difference truly sets them apart.
The Disney parks in Orlando, Florida, share a lot in common with the parks in Anaheim, California, such as the classic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan’s Flight, the exhilarating space travel of Space Mountain, or the iconic “it’s a small world.”
But have you ever wondered why Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion gets its own Christmas makeover each year?
During limited-time events and holidays such as Christmas and Halloween, one particular spook-filled attraction at Disneyland gets a special makeover that isn’t seen at Walt Disney World. Each Halloween, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion turns into “Haunted Mansion Holiday,” allowing guests to celebrate both the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
Taking characters from Tim Burton’s classic film The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Disneyland invites guests to experience all of the thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town. Sally, Oogie Boogie, and other Nightmare nasties will be on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”
This festive overlay is a fan favorite and has proven to be super popular at Disneyland, but it isn’t done at Walt Disney World.
The simple conclusion many guests and Disney theme park enthusiasts have come to is that while Disneyland is extremely popular, Walt Disney World sees more guests per year, meaning the downtime for the ride would be felt in a far greater way. The Disneyland version takes roughly three weeks to fully transform into the festive version, meaning Disney’s Magic Kingdom, one of, if not the most-visited theme park in the entire world, would be without one of its most popular rides for nearly a whole month.
Another theory from guests is that many people would be mad or upset that Haunted Mansion wasn’t its original version if guests were to travel to Walt Disney World during the holidays. Whatever the case may be, guests will have to travel to California if they want to see Haunted Mansion decked out with its Christmas theming.
While disappointing for those who want Disney World to adopt this seasonal change, there are many exclusive experiences for guests visiting Walt Disney World when compared to guests in Disneyland. For one, Disney World offers four gigantic parks to discover and play in, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney World is also unique in that it has two water parks for guests to enjoy. We recommend visiting both Disneyland and Walt Disney World for the best and most complete Disney theme park experience.
What are your thoughts on the possibility of Disney World’s Haunted Mansion changing for the holidays? Would you like to see the “Haunted Mansion Holiday” or do you prefer that it always stays the same?