Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion has always been a fan favorite, blending spooky thrills with whimsical storytelling. However, recent updates to the attraction have stirred controversy among fans.
After more than a year of renovations, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion reopened in its original form on January 17. Fans will likely remember that the attraction closed in January of the previous year for a major update to its queue and the construction of a new shop near the exit. While it finally returned in late July, it was in its Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay to kick off the Halloween season.
Related: Haunted Mansion Fans Disappointed in Disney’s Latest Update
Haunted Mansion Holiday officially closed on January 7, paving the way for the classic version to reopen on January 17. Fans were thrilled to finally experience the original ride again, after being unable to do so for nearly 18 months.
Following its reopening after renovations, one specific change has sparked debates about whether Disney is modernizing its classics or erasing what made them special.
The Big Change: A New Constance Hatchaway
The attic scene, long home to Constance Hatchaway—the notorious murderous bride—has undergone a transformation. Previously, Constance wielded an axe and delivered chilling lines such as, “Here comes the bride” and “As long as we both shall live,” cementing her place as one of the ride’s most memorable characters.
Now, Constance appears without her infamous axe. She holds a candelabra and floats more passively, exuding a somber, reflective demeanor.
Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine explained the change in a statement:
“The bride that used to be in there was an axe murderer, and in this day and age we have to be really careful about the sensitivities of people. We were celebrating someone chopping off her husband’s heads, and it was a weird story. I know the fans — some will like it and some will say, ‘Oh, you changed something again.’ That’s our job. That’s what we’re here for.”
Social Media Backlash
The update hasn’t landed well with everyone. Fans quickly took to Twitter to share their frustrations and disbelief, criticizing the reasoning behind the decision.
X (formerly Twitter) user @TheMickeyWiki didn’t hold back, saying:
“This is an INSANE quote.”
This is an INSANE quote pic.twitter.com/r79w7KCvn4
— The Mickey Wiki (@TheMickeyWiki) January 17, 2025
Related: Haunted Mansion Fans Rejoice: Disney’s New Shop Now Open for Business!
Another user, @FireBobcat, expressed disappointment in the narrative shift:
“The axe murderer story was fittingly scary, reverting her back into just a sad woman longing for her dead husbands sort of feels sexist lol. Heaven forbid a woman be a killer, her story is solely longing for men. And speaking of weird, ‘celebrating’ is a weird word choice. Meh.”
The axe murderer story was fittingly scary, reverting her back into just a sad woman longing for her dead husbands sort of feels sexist lol. Heaven forbid a woman be a killer, her story is soley longing for men. And speaking of weird, “celebrating” is a weird word choice. Meh.
— Bryan M 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@FireBobcat) January 17, 2025
Accusations of Hypocrisy
The update has also led to accusations of inconsistency in Disney’s messaging. Fans pointed out that Disney’s upcoming Villains Land in Magic Kingdom will spotlight iconic characters like Maleficent and the Evil Queen, whose actions are far more sinister than Constance’s fictional crimes.
User @bigbanned1 highlighted the perceived contradiction:
“Everyone’s saying it but I genuinely can’t comprehend how they’re gonna reconcile this mindset with a Villains Land.
I’m not even upset about the bride change, I think it looks good, but if this is really their reasoning… even having Gaston in the parks at all is INSANE, then.”
Everyone’s saying it but I genuinely can’t comprehend how they’re gonna reconcile this mindset with a Villains Land.
I’m not even upset about the bride change, I think it looks good, but if this is really their reasoning… even having Gaston in the parks at all is INSANE, then.
— bigbanned (@bigbanned1) January 17, 2025
Balancing Modern Sensibilities and Classic Charm
In addition to the changes to Constance Hatchaway, Disney Imagineers announced plans to digitize the hitchhiking ghosts scene, aiming to modernize the ride’s iconic finale. As these updates roll out, many fans wonder if similar Constance Hatchaway changes will come to the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World.
While some argue that updates are necessary to keep classic attractions relevant, others feel that these changes dilute the original storytelling that made the Haunted Mansion so beloved. Disney now faces the delicate challenge of preserving its heritage while catering to evolving cultural standards.
What do you think about the Haunted Mansion updates? Do they enhance the experience or take away from the ride’s charm? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
As a longtime fan of Disneyland and ticket holder of the opening summer August 1955 I used to look forward to the new additions and updates watching them build up and attend new openings because of living close to the park, could actually see the Matterhorn from the roof of my childhood home, visiting the park at least two times a year summer and during the Christmas every year even being a cast member my summer before entering the military. But seeing how woakism and must change as to not offend a very small percentage of visitors has enveloped the Decision makers, I cringe each time a change is announced, the latest changing Splash Mountain, adding Star wars section, removing the beloved Tom Swayers island, not the Disney I grew up with, I Doubt that Walt would have approved of the changes, I now have no desire to visit the park ever again, I’d choose Universal or Knotts Berry farm maybe Magic mountain, Thou at my age i doubt if I’ll ever see any of them again. Thanks for letting an Old Man rant a little.
It’s almost as if people don’t realize that “Axe Murderer Constance” is a rather new addition to the ride.
Originally the “Bride” was simply an unanimated figure in a wedding dress with a glowing read beating heart.