Disney Files Permit for Haunted Mansion Work - Could It Include Disneyland's Attic Scene Update?

2 days ago in "Haunted Mansion"

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Posted: Monday February 17, 2025 5:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has filed a Notice of Commencement today for work at the Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, with Facilities Asset Management (FAM) overseeing the project and MLC Theming listed as the contractor.

The permit, valid through October 31, 2025, is filed for "general construction," but MLC Theming's involvement suggests the work may focus on show elements rather than backstage infrastructure or ride system upgrades. While Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) usually oversees show-related changes, this filing under Facilities Asset Management (FAM) could indicate the early stages of a larger project.

While specific details of the refurbishment are unknown, the timing of the permit raises questions about whether Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion could see updates similar to those recently made at Disneyland's version of the attraction.

The attic scene at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion

At Disneyland, Imagineering recently refreshed the attic scene featuring the bride, replacing outdated projection technology with a more sophisticated effect. The new version of the bride now appears to float before guests while holding a three-pronged physical candelabra, which also materializes in other parts of the ride to imply she is roaming the Mansion. The beating heart effect, a nod to the attraction's original version, was also restored.

According to Walt Disney Imagineering's Kim Irvine, Disneyland's attic scene was redone in part because the prior projection technology had aged to the point of requiring frequent maintenance. Rather than simply updating the existing effect, Imagineering used the opportunity to enhance the storytelling and provide stronger contrast between scenes.

"The bride that used to be in there was an axe murderer, and in this day and age, we have to be really careful about the sensitivities of people," Irvine said. "We were celebrating someone chopping off her husbands' heads, and it was a weird story. I know the fans—some will like it and some will say, 'Oh, you changed something again.' That's our job. That's what we're here for."

If Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion refurbishment follows a similar path, it could mean enhancements to existing show scenes or new visual effects. Note that no official announcement has been made regarding any planned changes to the ride at Magic Kingdom.

Haunted Mansion overview

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Agent H13 hours ago

The new one has too static a face and I don’t like that they just copied phantom manors story I will give the candlelabra and beating heart props it’s cool they brought them back

Disney Analyst13 hours ago

She's always looked off to me, just a real human projected onto a mannequin, with cheesy lines that ruin the vibes of the attic. I know the new version isn't perfect for everyone, but she's a step in the right direction for me. Eerie, mysterious, magically floating, doesn't come across as a real human, so she fits more into the fantastical designs of the mansion.

Agent H14 hours ago

What is so wrong with Constance? Based on what I’ve seen on video I prefer Constance

Horizonsfan14 hours ago

A variant of Phantom Manor’s ceiling reveal seems like the most logical way to change the “my way out”. Especially in a post-hatbox ghost-in-the-hallway world Have a glowing spirit lean over the space from the window, laughing. You could even plus it with a projection effect of a spirit mist rising up the room before the reveal.

VicariousCorpse18 hours ago

If you have a source that says so, then apologies. I assumed it was in reference to the same rumors stemming from the LA Times articles. They have talked about removing the hanging man for years at this point, but every couple months all the rumor mills pick up again like its for sure this time.

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ19 hours ago

Seems inevitable, Unfortunately. I feel like the best case scenario for a reworked scene would be in keeping the dialogue but changing how the ghost host died. Removal entirely without replacement doesn't make sense and I'd hate to see anymore dialogue stripped. Bats though? Yeah, that's lame. IF it's to happen, hopefully they'll pull from past mansion lore and find a way to make it all work. It's a chilling challenge I'm not convinced this current crop of Imagineers are capable of pulling off.

rle4lunch19 hours ago

Yes, I wish for them to remove all the 'haunted house' elements from their haunted house (in reference to the hang man)... :rolleyes:

Disney Analyst20 hours ago

I personally think the new bride is an improvement over Constance, so I believe it to be a worthy change. Constance is a cringe fest.

Disgruntled Walt21 hours ago

So in this scenario is Universal the equivalent of Puffs tissues?

HauntedPirate21 hours ago

It's a not-current Kim Irvine quote. I put as much faith into what she says as I do a used Kleenex. That is also the same amount of faith I have had in Disney management since late 2005.

Streetway Again21 hours ago

Eeh the writing is kinda on the wall. They brought it up in the article. If the only reason they cut it is because budget, as said earlier in this thread, I’m sure it’ll be back eventually, even without stories matter. On the bright side, at least we could probably get something else cool to wdw mansion to balance it out. That’s how it seems to go with new stuff. Villians to balance out cars and ROA, door coaster to balance out losing muppets, ect.

HauntedPirate23 hours ago

Let's hope they leave it alone. 🤞

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ23 hours ago

That looks like lost storyboard art from the title sequence of the "Scooby Doo, Where are you?" show. Can practically hear the theme song.

JustInTime1 day ago

I was told it was on the table again. The same person who showed me plans for the new bride 6 months ago. The project went over budget so the hanging man portion was cut and will be addressed in future refurbishments. Unless they change their minds and leave the effect.