News Summary
Disneyland’s iconic Haunted Mansion will be temporarily closed from August 11 to August 22 for refurbishment inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The renovation coincides with the park’s 70th anniversary and includes updates to the ride’s narrative, new accessibility features, and a seasonal gift shop. Guests can expect enhanced landscaping and improved waiting areas, while maintaining the essence of the beloved attraction. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the ride before the closure as discussions arise around the changes being made.
Anaheim, California – Disneyland will temporarily close its beloved Haunted Mansion attraction from August 11 to August 22 for refurbishment and a seasonal transformation inspired by Tim Burton’s animated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. This seasonal overhaul will coincide with the celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the iconic theme park.
The Haunted Mansion, known for its eerie ambiance and ghostly residents, recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment that expanded its overall footprint and enhanced the surrounding landscaping. This renovation brought revitalization to the ride’s tombstone-studded grounds, mossy hues, and crypt-inspired architecture.
As part of this refurbishment, a new gift shop named Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond is set to open this winter adjacent to the Haunted Mansion. This new addition promises to offer guests a chance to take home a piece of the haunted experience in the form of themed merchandise.
In a nod to increasing accessibility, Disneyland has added a new elevator exit for guests using mobility devices, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all visitors. Disney has also reinstated the traditional standby line for the Haunted Mansion, moving away from previous virtual queue procedures that were implemented during the pandemic.
The refurbishment will also include significant updates to the ride’s signature attic scene, which features a bride with a revised narrative, transitioning from a more menacing storyline to a somber one. This modernization utilizes new projection technology to create a haunting presence as the bride holds a candelabra, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Previously, the bride character incorporated darker themes involving murder and violence, and the new narrative aims to provide a more contemporary interpretation while retaining the essence of the original attraction. The revamped queue area is designed for a more comfortable waiting experience, featuring narrative-focused gardens that enhance guest enjoyment during their time in line.
The Haunted Mansion is set to incorporate seasonal décor through early 2026, ensuring visitors continue to experience the evolving charm of the ride throughout subsequent holidays and festivities following its reopening. The closure for refurbishment has sparked discussions among Disney fans about the artistic and narrative changes being made to one of the park’s cherished attractions.
In the past, Disneyland has received criticism regarding alterations perceived as overly politically correct or divergent from the original essence of popular attractions. However, the enhancements made to the Haunted Mansion aim to maintain its core spooky themes while embracing modernization in storytelling techniques, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of theme park experiences.
As the dates approach for the Haunted Mansion’s temporary closure, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the ride before it undergoes these exciting transformations. Fans of Disneyland can look forward to experiencing a newly reimagined version of the Haunted Mansion that pays homage to its past while paving the way for future enhancements.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Disneyland Announces 70th Anniversary POV Video Release
Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70th Anniversary with New Menu Items
Disneyland Announces Return of Oogie Boogie Bash
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles: Haunted Mansion Queue Opens
- Wikipedia: Haunted Mansion
- Los Angeles Times: Haunted Mansion Returns
- Google Search: Haunted Mansion Disneyland
- New York Post: Haunted Mansion Closure Announced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disneyland
- Disney Tourist Blog: Concerns About Death in Haunted Mansion
- Google News: Disneyland Haunted Mansion
- KTLA: Haunted Mansion Open During Halloween
