Disney Makes Divisive Change To Haunted Mansion Ride, “So Dang Ugly”

Disneyland Resort just unveiled a controversial new area near its classic Haunted Mansion ride, and Disney Parks fans are already sharing mixed reviews. This week, construction walls came down around the newly remodeled courtyard and gift shop near the attraction’s exit in New Orleans Square, giving guests their first glimpse of what some call a disappointing update.

For over 50 years, Disneyland Park‘s Haunted Mansion has captivated visitors with its eerie, timeless design. However, Walt Disney Imagineers recently took on a significant project to modernize the attraction’s surrounding area. The courtyard space now includes more open space and a carriage house-style gift shop intended to add to the Haunted Mansion’s atmosphere.

While some fans welcomed the change, many voiced frustration over the final product, noting that it doesn’t live up to their expectations or match the original concept art:

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

One TikTok user, @burrinisays, shared a video of the area, pointing out some noticeable adjustments, including removing the much-loved fountain. “Unfortunately, we did lose the fountain, but there is now plenty of space to walk around,” the Disney Park guest commented. Walt Disney Imagineers reportedly repurposed the fountain as a planter within the ride’s revamped queue.

@burrinisays

The walls are down next to the haunted mansion just in time for your next disneyland trip! I couldn’t be more thrilled that the walls are coming down and the projects are going to be finished shortly. Be sure to check the app to verify if they will still be using the virtual queue once the actual queue finally opens. But as of now it is not open yet #disney #disneynews #disneyland #disneypark #hauntedmansion #disneycreator #losangeles #california

♬ Ghostly Music Box – Music Box – Haunted Mansion

Reactions have been vocal across social media platforms. On Reddit, u/TheDisneyScoopGuy posted a photo of the new building, sparking further debate:

The walls are down around the new Haunted Mansion gift shop!

The walls are down around the new Haunted Mansion gift shop!
byu/TheDisneyScoopGuy inDisneyland

“So boring,” one Disney Parks fan wrote in the comments. “It really does look like a couple Home Depot sheds slapped together.”

Another fan agreed, calling the area “so dang ugly.”

Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Dining

But not everyone saw the changes as negative. Some fans defended the new look, arguing that it reflects the Haunted Mansion’s architectural style and fits well with the New Orleans Square area. “It does match the mansion architecture,” a commenter pointed out. “The mansion is a Greek revival antebellum home. The carriage house is a blend of French colonial and urban/rural Southern tradition, which is exactly what you’d expect to find in New Orleans or the surrounding parishes.”

Others noted that the new structure may help blend the Haunted Mansion ride with its neighboring attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. “It kind of helps alleviate the jarring transition from Haunted Mansion to Splash Mountain, because it’s so tall it hides Tiana’s now,” another fan remarked.

Does the new gift shop fit the Haunted Mansion theme? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.