Walt Disney World is undergoing yet another wave of major transformations, with one of its most beloved attractions seemingly next in line for an overhaul.
One of the latest developments at Walt Disney World Resort involves Liberty Square’s iconic Haunted Mansion. A recently filed permit suggests that updates are coming to the fan-favorite attraction, with a projected completion date of October 31, 2025. While Disney has yet to confirm specifics, many are speculating that the changes could reflect recent updates made to the Disneyland version of the ride.
At Disneyland, the attic bride scene featuring Constance Hatchaway was recently reworked, shifting away from its previous depiction of a murderous bride wielding an axe. Instead, Imagineers opted to return to an earlier concept of a lost bride mourning her husbands. Disneyland’s Walt Disney Imagineering creative director, Kim Irvine, explained the decision to the Los Angeles Times:
“We thought, what if we change the story back a little bit to the original story that the Imagineers had about a lost bride in the attic mourning the loss of her husbands? It was a sad thing. It was a story about lost love.”
Irvine also emphasized Disney’s responsibility to evolve with cultural sensitivities, noting:
“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.”
The executive acknowledged that not all fans would welcome the change, but reiterated that it is part of Imagineering’s job to update and enhance experiences.
Haunted Mansion’s possible closure isn’t the only shake-up in Liberty Square. The Hall of Presidents has also shut its doors following the election of President Donald Trump as the 47th President. While it is customary for Disney to add–or in this case rework–newly elected presidents to the attraction, rumors suggest that Trump’s return could spark changes to the presentation itself. Given the divisiveness surrounding his presidency, some speculate that Disney may take the attraction in a new direction altogether.
2025 will see an extensive slate of updates across the Florida resort. The latest in a string of high-profile changes, Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is in the midst of a dramatic transformation, as Disney has officially received approval to overhaul the Rivers of America.
The classic waterway and Tom Sawyer Island will be permanently removed to make way for a Cars-themed expansion. This marks one of Disney’s boldest moves yet, signaling a departure from the classic Western aesthetic that has defined the land for decades. Meanwhile, the park’s beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also undergoing a lengthy refurbishment, slated to keep it closed through 2026.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tropical Americas expansion is moving forward, replacing DinoLand U.S.A. with the newly announced Pueblo Esperanza area. Several attractions, including TriceraTop Spin, have already been demolished to make way for the new land, which was recently granted construction approval by the South Florida Water Management District. Guests can expect Pueblo Esperanza to debut in 2027.
Across the resort, EPCOT’s Test Track is also being reimagined, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios is bracing for changes to Muppet*Vision 3D and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Additionally, Animal Kingdom’s It’s Tough to Be a Bug! will soon host its final show before closing permanently. With so many changes on the horizon, some guests appear to be delaying their visits in anticipation of the refreshed experiences.
With Universal Orlando Resort gearing up to open its highly anticipated Epic Universe park, Disney’s aggressive refurbishment strategy has left many wondering when the company will commit to its own expansion. While these extensive updates indicate that Disney is investing in its existing parks, speculation continues to swirl about whether the company will eventually announce plans for a long-rumored fifth theme park.
Do you think the changes to Haunted Mansion will follow Disneyland’s lead? Would you welcome a reimagined Hall of Presidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
I feel that the fantastic Haunted Mansion is perfectly fine just the way it is….
It has been a life long favorite of mine and my wife’s .
Disney has already changed and removed too many great older attractions, no need to
fool with anymore.