The Haunted Mansion is one of the premier attractions in Disney parks. Whether it’s the Disneyland original in New Orleans Square or the extended version from the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s iconic dark ride thrives on the gruesome and grim.
Unfortunately, recent reports suggest that a big change is coming to the original attraction and that its cousin in Florida might be the next on the chopping block. As audiences and societal norms change, some believe that the hanging man might be cut down from the elevator scene and replaced by a screen with a swarm of bats (as stated here), removing one of the manor’s original scares.
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While this is still just a rumor, and Disney has not shared any confirmation, it wouldn’t be that much of a stretch considering how much is changing with some of Disney’s original attractions. That said, if this is indeed true, the Manor is about to be entirely gutted.
The Haunted Mansion Axes the Horror
“When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still — that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!”
These are the words that welcome Foolish Mortals into the Haunted Mansion. Uttered by the infamous and unseen Ghost Host, the opening narration and atmosphere set the tone for most of the attraction.
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As guests watch the portrait gallery stretch to become gruesome and darkly comic versions of a full image, things take a turn from spooky to scary when the audience is chillingly challenged to “find a way out” before the reveal of a hanging corpse drops from the ceiling.
Rumors of the hanged man being struck from the manor have persisted for years, even as far back as post-pandemic. However, as much as Disney and its audience want to see the parks continue to evolve, removing a hanging body isn’t as simple as just thinking of sensitive viewers or a different view of suicide.
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A report from the Disney Parks Blog shared that the Disneyland variant of the Haunted Mansion would undergo a series of multiple environmental changes to extend the attraction’s queue. In the announcement, Disney made the following statement:
“The stately grounds of the Haunted Mansion will expand with a spirited metamorphosis at Disneyland Resort next year. In 2024, the additions will build on the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion and include an expanded outdoor queue to immerse guests in enhanced theming, as well as a new retail shop adjacent to the attraction’s exit.”
“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.”
Although that seems to be the primary focus of the upcoming alterations, Disney needs to remember that it needs to add to the experience and not subtract. Undoing illusions like the hanged man would not only strip the experience of its carefully placed scares but also a part of its original charm.
From Regions Beyond
The Haunted Mansion is one of the oldest and most cherished Disney rides still in operation, and many of its special effects are still intact. Along with the hanging corpse in the portrait gallery, the old Pepper’s Ghost routine still creates ballroom dancers and partygoers, and even Madame Leota has her vintage charm (and fishing wire) intact.
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Replacing the hanged man with a screen projection isn’t just a cheap substitute; it’s removing a piece of Disney history. Additionally, it’s one of the few moments in the entire experience that is legitimately scary.
While this is all still up in the air, and it appears it will only be for the Disneyland version, it’s still troubling whenever one of Disney’s originals is disturbed. It might be a much-needed upgrade, but it also might awaken some rather vengeful spirits.
Do you think the Haunted Mansion needs a change? Let us know in the comments down below!
NO NO NO. GEEZ this is a great ride and needs no changes. Leave some things alone. I’m sure Disney made a lot of money on the anniversary of The Haunted Mansion. I bought lots of collectibles. I’m 66 and remember when the ride opened. I finally decided 2 years ago that it was my favorite ride!