13
Credit: Becky Burkett, Inside the MagicThe Haunted Mansion at Disney World could soon be closed for an unknown period, potentially leading to the removal or alteration of the iconic and beloved Stretching Room.
Haunted Mansion at Disney World Facing Big Changes: Will It Be Closing Soon?
For theme park fans, permits are often the earliest signal that something bigger is coming.
Walt Disney Imagineering regularly files Notices of Commencement months—or even years—before officially announcing an attraction update. In many past cases, vague paperwork has quietly preceded major refurbishments, show changes, or infrastructure overhauls.
That’s why this latest Haunted Mansion filing matters.
Disney Quietly Files Another Permit for Haunted Mansion—And Fans Are Nervous
Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new construction permit connected to Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The filing offers very few details—but it’s already fueling intense speculation among longtime fans.
At first glance, it looks routine. But paired with a previous filing tied to the same attraction, the situation is starting to raise eyebrows.
What Does the New Haunted Mansion Permit Actually Say?
The most recent Notice of Commencement lists MLC Theming as the contractor, with the scope of work described simply as “General Construction.”
No attraction downtime is listed.
No refurbishment timeline is mentioned.
No show elements are referenced in the document itself.
On paper, it’s about as non-specific as a Disney permit can get.
Why MLC Theming’s Involvement Has Fans Paying Attention
MLC Theming isn’t a random contractor.
They are a frequent Walt Disney Imagineering partner, often tied to attraction support work, scenic installation assistance, and infrastructure tied directly to ride systems and show spaces.
When MLC shows up on filings—especially at a legacy attraction like Haunted Mansion—it usually means the work goes beyond simple cosmetic fixes.
That alone makes this filing notable.
How This Permit Connects to an Earlier Haunted Mansion Filing
This isn’t the first recent permit tied to Haunted Mansion.
An earlier filing listed Mecca Productions, with documentation referencing the installation of set elements. That detail, while brief, suggested that something visual or show-related could be involved.
Now, with a second permit filed—using a different contractor and a broader scope—the picture becomes more layered.
Multiple contractors often indicate separate phases or components of a larger plan.
So… What Could Disney Actually Be Working On?
This is where things get interesting.
The vague “General Construction” language could mean almost anything:
-
Infrastructure upgrades behind the scenes
-
Accessibility or safety improvements
-
Mechanical updates tied to aging ride systems
-
Or subtle show enhancements guests might never notice directly
What it doesn’t confirm is a major reimagining—at least not yet.
Disney has made no official announcement regarding a Haunted Mansion refurbishment.
Why Fans Are Suddenly Worried About the Stretching Room
Despite the lack of confirmation, fan speculation is already running wild.
Some guests are questioning whether Disney could be planning changes to the iconic Stretching Room, one of the most recognizable preshow experiences in all of Walt Disney World.
To be clear:
➡️ There is no evidence in the permits that the Stretching Room is being removed or replaced.
But the combination of:
-
Multiple permits
-
Multiple contractors
-
References to construction and set elements
…has been enough to spark concern among purists who see Haunted Mansion as nearly untouchable.
Why Disney Might Stay Silent—for Now
Disney often allows permits to surface without comment, especially when work:
-
Doesn’t require immediate ride closures
-
Involves backstage or structural updates
-
Could change during development
In recent years, Walt Disney World has increasingly opted for quiet, incremental updates rather than highly publicized refurbishments—particularly for beloved legacy attractions.
That strategy minimizes backlash while preserving flexibility.
What Guests Should Expect Next
For now, Haunted Mansion continues operating as normal at Magic Kingdom.
There are no announced closures, no posted refurbishment dates, and no official word from Disney Parks or Walt Disney Imagineering.
However, the presence of two separate permits tied to the same attraction strongly suggests that something—small or large—is in motion behind the scenes.
And if history is any indicator, we may not fully understand what’s changing until guests start noticing it in person.
Haunted Mansion isn’t just another ride—it’s a cornerstone of Magic Kingdom history. Even subtle updates can spark major reactions, especially when Disney keeps its plans close to the vest.
As always, permits are just the first whisper. The real story tends to reveal itself later.
Source: WDWMagic