The Haunted Mansion has reopened at Walt Disney World, and sadly, there’s no Hatbox Ghost to be found…just like Disney said.
Remember D23 last year when Disney announced that the Hatbox Ghost was making his way over to Orlando to room up with the happy haunts at Disney World’s Haunted Mansion? Sure you do; it’s all the internet has been talking about since the classic dark ride attraction closed for renovation a couple of days ago. Although Disney specifically said that this closure was strictly for renovation, that didn’t stop the internet from assuming they were up to no good and adding the famous Hatbox Ghost to Florida’s version of the attraction.
To their dismay, upon its reopening, hopeful fans found the dedicated spot for Florida’s newest resident still empty on the ride. Although the opening of Haunted Mansion was scheduled for 9 a.m. today, the attraction reopened later in the day, sparking even more interest into what was the hold-up. For whatever reason, despite the announcement that the ride’s closure this week was routine, everyone and their grandmother insisted that Disney World was secretly installing the popular haunt. As of now, the ride has a 65-minute wait time and no Hatbox Ghost.
Just rode the Haunted Mansion Disney World. Ride was down all day and brought up from refurbishment. No NEW Hatbox Ghost :…(#disneyworld#hauntedmansion
— Damon Patrick Riegel (@RiegelDamon) August 10, 2023
Not to fret, Haunted Mansion fans, we know some of you have been waiting for the arrival of Hatbox Ghost to Florida for a very long time. We get the excitement over such a terrific addition to Disney World’s haunted manor located in Liberty Square. Although initially made famous at Disneyland, bringing the Hatbox Ghost over to Florida is one of the most exciting things to happen at Disney World in a while. As the Hatbox Ghost is such an interesting and complex animatronic, he deserves a spot at Walt Disney World. Although he isn’t there yet, he’s on his way!
Disney’s original promise was that he would make his way to Disney World’s Haunted Mansion before the end of the year. Although it makes sense promotionally as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party kicks off on August 11, and Disney just released their remake of the Haunted Mansion movie, we still have to wait a little longer for our tricky friend to arrive. He may not show up in time for Halloween, but he’ll be here-at some point.
Although the Hatbox Ghost has not yet materialized at the Haunted Mansion, another one of the 999 happy haunts has found his way back. The missing mummy from the graveyard scene has returned! But as for those who were still hopeful that Hatbox Ghost was making his debut in Florida today, keep in mind, as previously reported by us, construction will not take place during normal operating hours per Disney. Like you, we hope to see him arrive sooner than later!