Disney Announces Haunted Mansion Expansion

Disneyland Resort in California is once again temporarily shifting its Haunted Mansion attraction over to the ever-popular Nightmare Before Christmas theme. However, the theme park is also planning to make some major permanent changes to the beloved attraction in the near future.

Disney recently revealed plans to expand the outdoor queue of the ride majorly. Disney fans, especially those who love the frights and characters within the Haunted Mansion, will love what the park has in store for them.

The Haunted Mansion Experience at Disneyland

The Haunted Mansion needs no introduction. It is a classic dark ride that takes guests on a spooky and humorous journey through a haunted estate filled with 999 happy haunts. It’s housed in a beautiful antebellum-style mansion with Gothic architectural details. As guests enter the mansion, they are greeted by the ghostly “Ghost Host,” who guides them through the eerie and atmospheric experience.

While one of the most unique aspects of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World in Florida is its interactive and entertaining queue line, Disneyland’s version has yet to receive a similar upgrade. Guests pass through a small pet cemetery on the way up, and also some humorous tombstones. However, the line is less interactive or engaging than its Florida counterpart.

That isn’t to say the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in California doesn’t do anything unique. It receives a Nightmare Before Christmas seasonal overlay for Halloween and Christmas every year. Nevertheless, Disneyland is gearing up to reimagine the entire queue experience in 2024.

The Disneyland Haunted Mansion Expansion

The Disney Parks Blog offered a glimpse into next year’s upcoming “spirited metamorphosis” at the Disneyland California Haunted Mansion. The additions aim to build on the story and lore of the attraction. Disney provided a bit of information on what to expect:

Local legend suggests the manor known today as the Haunted Mansion was first built by a prosperous sea captain. To this day, the mansion’s staff faithfully maintains the happy haunting grounds. The expanded queue will tie into these stories and more, including new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota and the one-eyed cat.

The grounds of the Haunted Mansion at @Disneyland park will expand in 2024, immersing you in enhanced theming, as well as a new retail shop. “Dying” to learn more? Full details: https://t.co/aIvXXgrOUT pic.twitter.com/PkvVU8OuNN

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 29, 2023

Furthermore, the gardens feature water fountains and a greenhouse. Classic enthusiasts also need not fear, as the pet cemetery and hearse will continue to be a part of the queue. A new retail shop will be available here in the carriage house, themed around Madame Leota.

Notably, this section of the queue is next to part of Splash Mountain’s old line. The entrance was next to a kiosk, meaning the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure reimagining could be getting shuffled around to fit the store. Disney also announced that the plaza adjacent to Tiana’s Palace will also get enhancements in the form of a park-like setting complete with live entertainment.

The Walt Disney Company seems to be putting a lot of funds into updating Disneyland in California lately. The California Adventure Park is set to open its San Fransokyo Pier section this week, with many new and exciting dining experiences and things to see.