Haunted Mansion fans, we have some big news – Halloween will look a little bit different at Disneyland Resort in 2025.
Few Disney rides are as iconic as the Haunted Mansion. First opened in 1969, the attraction puts a Disney spin on the concept of a haunted house, combining eerie yet playful elements in an experience that invites guests into a sprawling New Orleans manor inhabited by 999 “happy haunts.”
The ride’s development was no small feat, with the first nuggets of Haunted Mansion born when Walt Disney hired the first of his Imagineers. Its first concept art was drawn up in 1951 and looked totally different from the final product that opened nearly two decades later.
Today, Haunted Mansion is more than just a ride—it’s a Disneyland cult classic. Its memorable characters, like the Hitchhiking Ghosts and Madame Leota, have become beloved symbols of Disney’s creative legacy. The attraction is so beloved that parkgoers have long felt resentful of the fact that Disney only lets fans enjoy it for roughly two thirds of the year.
The Problem with Haunted Mansion Holiday
Introduced in 2001, Haunted Mansion Holiday typically runs from September through early January. This overlay introduces elements of The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), including a massive gingerbread house centerpiece and Jack Skellington’s take on Christmas cheer. Beloved characters like Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie make appearances, while Danny Elfman’s iconic music provides a festive backdrop.
Fun though it may be, guests have complained about its long run—especially in 2024, when it debuted in July due to the refurbishment timeline that began in January. Many have noted that the overlay works better as an exclusive for the holidays, with the OG Haunted Mansion serving the park better for Halloween.
As one Reddit user said, “I sort of like it, but I think they let it go on for too long. I think Haunted Mansion should be the traditional (more creepy) version for Halloween, and then they could do the nightmare overlay for Xmas. That would never work because of the lead time they need to decorate for the overlay, though.”
Disney Introduces Big Changes in 2025
It seems like Disneyland is aware of the complaints as it just scrapped Haunted Mansion Holiday from its Halloween 2025 lineup.
As per Scott Gustin, this year’s overlay will instead run from the middle of November to the beginning of January.
NEW: Haunted Mansion Holiday will return to Disneyland Park Nov. 14 through Jan. 7, 2026. The November opening date is later than normal – but it means we get traditional Haunted Mansion for Halloween this year. 👏
NEW: Haunted Mansion Holiday will return to Disneyland Park Nov. 14 through Jan. 7, 2026. The November opening date is later than normal – but it means we get traditional Haunted Mansion for Halloween this year. 👏 pic.twitter.com/iVVoKYhn9w
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) January 7, 2025
If the responses on X, formerly known as Twitter, are anything to go by, fans could not be more pleased with this decision.
“Thank the maker!” wrote @xwingxing. “I never liked the logic of taking the most Halloween ride in the entire park and making it overtly Christmas themed before Halloween is over.”
Meanwhile, @JCole_08 wrote, “Awesome change and hopefully stays moving forward.”
Recent Haunted Mansion Controversy
This move follows a controversial time for Haunted Mansion.
While the ride’s recent queue revamp has been warmly received by parkgoers, its new gift shop – Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond – has not.
Guests have criticized the store’s exterior, which is admittedly quite similar to a prefabricated garden shed available online. The use of what appeared to be AI artwork purchased from Redbubble and a bust from Amazon also sparked backlash, although guests have noted that the former has since been removed from the shop.
How do you feel about Haunted Mansion Holiday not opening for Halloween in 2025?
