Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion Changing Forever, Expansion Taking Over

The Walt Disney World Resort’s Haunted Mansion attraction is officially changing for good next year, and Disneyland is to blame.

Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park’s Haunted Mansion attractions have long been a battle for the title of the most excellent version of the attraction, with many fans citing Disneyland’s version as superior due solely to the addition of the infamous Hatbox Ghost.

While the Hatbox Ghost was only added in 2015, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion has welcomed Guests into its cryptic doors since 1969. While the Hatbox was only present for three days during the attraction’s initial opening, fans were thrilled when Imagineering added the Marc Davis and Blain Gibson-inspired Animatronic back to the ride.

Now, Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion will welcome the Hatbox Ghost next year:

It’s happening! The Hatbox Ghost will materialize at the Haunted Mansion in 2023 in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!

It’s happening! The Hatbox Ghost will materialize at the Haunted Mansion in 2023 in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort! 👻 #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/Itoz0DMC3Z

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 11, 2022

That’s right, the Hatbox Ghost is officially joining the 999 Happy Haunts of the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion as Guests from across the globe can venture into the doorless hallways and more.

Walt Disney World will be expanding their Haunted Mansion attraction by either replacing a pre-existing fright or even carving out a new section of the ride, much like Disneyland did for their Hatbox addition, for the upcoming arrival of “Hatty.”

The Hatbox Ghost will materialize at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2023.