Dates Announced: Haunted Mansion to Undergo Big Changes and Extended Closure

It’s time to say goodbye to our grim grinning friends at the Haunted Mansion, as Disney has announced the famous ride will close for refurbishment beginning early in 2023.

A Brief History of the Haunted Mansion

Since 1979, the Haunted Mansion dark ride has been tickling funny-bones of guests to Disney Parks, offering up not-so-scary humor combined with simple Imagineering tricks that have withstood the test of time.

The popular attraction has garnered so much lore and attention you’ll find two versions of it in the United States, one in Disneyland and the other at Walt Disney World Resort. Despite their popularity in the US, our favorite 999 happy haunts have also gone international, taking up residence in different lands outside of New Orleans Square and Liberty Square.

Related:Haunted Mansion…Dead On Arrival

The Haunted Mansion isn’t just a simple haunted house attraction. The brainchild of Marc Davis and Claude Coats has set itself apart from other Disney dark rides in that, in its simplicity, it still amazes Disney park guests to this day.

Combined with a memorable theme by Xavier Atencio and a few movie projects that have popularized some characters like Hatbox Ghost, the ghost of Gracy Manor has become a massive part of the subculture found at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

A Journey Fit for the Afterlife

The ghoulish realm of Disney’s Haunted Mansion transports guests into a macabre world filled with eerie ghosts, haunting melodies, and a sense of mystery that will send shivers down your spine.

Located in New Orleans Square at Disneyland and Liberty Square at Walt Disney World, this iconic attraction has been captivating guests since its grand opening on August 9, 1969. Step inside and let the ghost host guide you through a chilling journey filled with supernatural surprises.

As you enter the mansion’s foreboding foyer, adorned with flickering candles and cobweb-covered chandeliers, the unsettling voice of the ghost host beckons you into the darkness. Once you board one of the omnimover “doom buggies,” your unsuspecting adventure is about to unfold.

The ghost host introduces you to the mansion’s most infamous resident, Master Gracey, who holds the key to the haunting tales within. Journey through the portrait corridor, where sinister paintings change before your eyes, revealing secrets of the mansion’s past.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the ethereal Madame Leota, the disembodied medium who conjures spirits from beyond the grave. With her mystic incantations and hypnotic gaze, she adds an element of otherworldly enchantment to the Haunted Mansion.

Related: Legacy Removed: Disney Changing Classic Haunted Mansion Ride

As your doom buggy continues its relentless path, you will encounter a frightful gathering in the grand ballroom, where the spirits materialize to celebrate in spectral elegance. Marvel at the dancing ghosts, floating instruments, and the lively dueling duo of the piano and the organ.

Prepare for chilling encounters with the Hitchhiking Ghosts, mischievous spirits who are eager to find their way out of the mansion and into your hearts. Beware, for these playful phantoms may just decide to hitch a ride with you, adding a touch of spectral mischief to your journey.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

During the holiday season, the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland undergoes a transformation into the Haunted Mansion Holiday, a bewitching collaboration with Jack Skellington and his cast of characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). This seasonal overlay offers a delightfully spooky twist on the classic attraction, truly a must-see for any avid Disney fan.

NEW: The last day to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park this holiday season will be on Jan. 21.

The attraction will close for refurbishment starting Jan. 22 and work will begin on the reimagined grounds and expanded outdoor queue announced earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/fhdyxz6wUr

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) December 11, 2023

Currently in full swing, as Christmas quickly approaches, it seems that Disneyland already has a date in mind in which Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie, and the rest of the Halloweentown gang will head back to where they came from. According to Scott Gustin on X, the last day to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland this season will be January 21.

Closure for Refurbishment

Even more notable, the end of Haunted Mansion Holiday isn’t all the news that Scott shared with his social media followers. In addition to officially ending the festive season at the Haunted Mansion, Disneyland’s version of the attraction will close for refurbishment beginning January 22. Disneyland has not yet provided a reopening timeline for the extremely popular attraction.

Notably, Disney World’s version has experienced its own refurbishment this year, welcoming in the much anticipated Hatbox Ghost to the east-coast version of the attraction. Guests will note earlier downtimes in the year when many assumed that the popular animatronic was being added.

Not to worry, as soon as we know more, we’ll let you know as soon as the ghastly mansion is back up and running. What we do know is that shorlty after Disneyland’s ride closes, work will begin to reimagine the grounds and expand the outdoor queue, which was annoucned eariler this year.

From its impressive architecture inspired by antebellum mansions to its captivating storytelling and immersive special effects, the Haunted Mansion is a testament to the unparalleled creativity and imagination of Walt Disney Imagineering. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, this timeless attraction continues to enchant guests of all ages.

Related: Disney’s Iconic Haunted Mansion Changes Overnight

So, dear readers, who dare to explore the secrets that lie within the shadowy walls of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. Don’t fret, as you will be able to embark on a thrilling journey that will leave you both spellbound and trembling with delight in good time As the ghost host chillingly proclaims, “There’s always room for one more… in the Haunted Mansion.”

This post is originally appeared on Disney Dining.