Something NEW is coming to the Haunted Mansion in Disney World and now we’ve got more details about it!
The Haunted Mansion
Back in September of 2022, Disney announced that the ICONIC Hatbox Ghost would be making his way over to Disney World’s version of the Haunted Mansion ride. Since then, we’ve been waiting for more details…and now we FINALLY have some!
Disney has shared that later this year, the Hatbox Ghost will pop up in the Haunted Mansion, specifically as guests pass the Endless Hallway.
Endless Hallway
Disney notes, “The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies as they set off deeper in.”
©Disney
We knew that the Hatbox Ghost would be appearing in the ride in 2023, but Disney hadn’t previously shared his exact location. What’s interesting is that the Hatbox Ghost’s location in Disney World will differ greatly from his location in Disneyland. In Disneyland, you’ll find him at the end of the attic scene, while in Disney World he will (as we noted above) be located in the Endless Hallway (where you typically see the floating candelabra).
Hatbox Ghost at Disneyland
Be aware that you’ll see some changes in the Haunted Mansion as this new addition takes its place. Specifically, Disney has said that guests will soon see “temporary barriers materialize” as we wait for the Hatbox Ghost to arrive.
We had previously shared that the Haunted Mansion will temporarily CLOSE from August 7th through August 9th, 2023, but Disney has not indicated whether this is at all related to preparation for the Hatbox Ghost’s arrival. Thus far, we only know that he’ll fully materialize within the ride “later this year.”
Hatbox Ghost in Disneyland
For those not familiar with the Hatbox Ghost, as D23 explains, the character was originally part of the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland when it opened in 1969. But he was almost immediately taken out when the illusion didn’t work correctly. The illusion here is meant to make it appear as if the Ghost’s head goes from his body to his hatbox.
The Ghost returned during Disneyland Diamond Celebration in May of 2015, and now years later he’ll finally arrive at Disney World.
Disneyland Hatbox Ghost
Looking for more Haunted Mansion fun? Disney has announced that for a limited time those who visit Disneyland Park can go to the Opera House inside The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to “see a collection of concept art, props and costumes from the ‘Haunted Mansion,’ including the ornate dress worn by Madame Leota (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) in the film.”
A similar display of costumes and props from the live-action movie is set to come to Disney World soon as well. It’ll be located in the Walt Disney Presents Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
©Disney
For more Haunted Mansion news, see our posts below:
- We Just Ate Disney’s New CANDLE (And It Was Delish)
- “Your Soul” Is the Price on This Disney Zillow Listing (And That’s Not Even the Worst Part!)
- Proof That Disney Celebrities Can Truly Show Up ANYWHERE in the Parks
We’re on the lookout for more details about the Hatbox Ghost, the Haunted Mansion movie, and more — so stay tuned!
Click here to see what new Haunted Mansion treats have arrived in Disney World!
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I’m actually not happy about the placement of Hatbox here. It doesn’t make sense, since it’s before the seance, which is what causes the ghosts and spirits to become visible.
I don’t know about this. I’m looking forward to seeing the Hatbox Ghost in Disney World, but the way the ride is currently set up you don’t actually see any ghosts until Madam Leota calls them up during the seance. Putting the Hatbox Ghost in the hall would mess up the plot point. Am I being to finicky?
Whereas the ride extends to a building behind the mansion, is there anything in the mansion itself, above the entrance floor?
Just curious.
The Hat Box Ghost should be placed on the balcony after the bride when we fall off the roof (turn backwards) this is the only place that makes sense.
We aren’t supposed to be able to see they ghosts until after the seance with Madame Leota. (When they materialize) Imagineers have spoken extensively of this in the past, and the intentionality of this in the story telling. This feels like a lazy call IMO
I have no quibbles with where they are putting him. I’m sure they thought long and hard about where it could be placed engineering wise. It’s still gonna be a great ride!