Expansion and Enhancements coming to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion

Aug 29, 2023 in "Disneyland Resort"

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Haunted Mansion ground expansion concept art at Disneyland

Posted: Tuesday August 29, 2023 1:!1pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disneyland Resort has revealed plans for a major expansion and update to one of its most beloved attractions—the Haunted Mansion. Slated to begin in 2024, these updates promise to delve deeper into the lore of the mansion while adding new features to enhance the visitor experience.

An Expanded Story

According to local legend, the Haunted Mansion was originally built by a wealthy sea captain. Over the years, the mansion's staff has dutifully maintained its spooktacular appeal. With the forthcoming expansion, visitors can look forward to an extended outdoor queue that promises to immerse them in the mansion's tales and legends. This includes stories of Master Gracey, Madame Leota, and a mysterious one-eyed cat.

Haunted Mansion ground expansion concept art at Disneyland

Beyond The Haunted Grounds

Each of the mansion's new gardens will showcase unique elements that range from water fountains and gazebos to themed statuary and landscaping. Guests will also have a chance to explore a new greenhouse that serves as the growing space for the Haunted Mansion's groundskeepers. Fans of the attraction will be pleased to know that existing features like the pet cemetery and the horse-drawn funeral hearse will remain.

New Retail Space

But that's not all. Madame Leota, a prominent figure in the Haunted Mansion, will extend her ethereal presence to a new retail shop located next to the attraction's exit. Housed in Leota's carriage house, the standalone shop promises to offer goods that will leave visitors "dying" to know more.

Haunted Mansion ground expansion concept art at Disneyland

More Updates Around the Corner

Besides the Haunted Mansion expansion, Disneyland also plans to spruce up the plaza adjacent to Tiana's Palace. The new design aims to create a serene, park-like setting that honors the area's historical significance while offering a tranquil space for relaxation and live entertainment.

Haunted Mansion ground expansion concept art at Disneyland

Improved Accessibility

Finally, the project aims to improve accessibility for all. A new elevator exit specifically designed for guests with disabilities will be added to the Haunted Mansion.

Construction Timelines

Construction for these enhancements is set to begin in January 2024.

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Disney Analyst6 hours ago

This actually feels perfectly Disneyland to me. The beauty of Disneyland is that the park is so layered with things, due to the size, that around every corner is a new surprise. I like that they've created a visual break, which creates something to discover around a corner.

J45466 hours ago

I like it, it def makes the HM and TBA sectioned apart and looks like a nice reveal of TBA when you pass it. Plus the shop being big means some cool displays and merch. Im not a big merch guy but I do love HM more than anything else

Gusey6 hours ago

From the concept art, it doesn't look like it's supposed to be that big. Any chance once it resembles the structure it might look better? Hoping it will help the transition between New Orleans and Bayou Country

Ne'er-Do-Well Cad8 hours ago

This is so disappointing. And it makes no sense. Why build an impressive structure just to obstruct the sightline? Does anyone at WDI actually enjoy Disney theme parks?

DCBaker9 hours ago

Couple photos of the retail shop from today: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54005633562_602ccdc65b_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54005633492_f70d70d099_k.jpg

Figments Friend23 hours ago

I am here at Disneyland today, and saw the new shop beams in person. As I suspected just looking at pictures, it looks far too big in scale in my opinion for this space. Unnecessarily big. It looks even larger in person, which surprised me. Here is a snapshot I took earlier today while walking up the pathway past the Haunted Mansion. As you can see, it completely blocks the view of the former ‘Splash Mountain’. Not liking this one bit…. 🤨 -

mickEblu2 days ago

Yeah they removed all but one of them. I’m hoping for a some large trees to go back there too but I feel like they would have done that by now.

jmuboy2 days ago

Is it me or have some of those tall Italian ones on the exit crypt side of the mansion been removed? It does seem like more of that side of the mansion is visible.. I always loved those trees. I know large tree replacement in general might not be complete yet for this project but I do hope some greenery is added back to that side.

zipadee9993 days ago

I think it’ll look better from the mansion as you approach Critter Country because it blocks Tiana’s Bayou Salt Mound. From Critter Country, I think it might mess with the perspective of the mansion

Figments Friend3 days ago

Yeah, not liking this. Looks too large for the space it is straddling and messing with various sightlines in my opinion. Hmmm… 🤔 -

mickEblu5 days ago

Yeah. Always a good idea to temper our expectations when it comes to any of the new rides they announced at D23.

Ne'er-Do-Well Cad5 days ago

WDI is lost. I’d argue plants/trees are different than a building. The plants/trees didn’t prevent the mansion from being the visual focal point when walking in this direction.