Disneyland’s Original Haunted Mansion Returns This Week
A Nearly Year-Long Refurbishment Project Comes to an End
When Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion reopens Saturday in its classic, non-holiday form it will essentially mark the completion of a nearly yearlong refurbishment project, one that added significant backstory and lore to one of the resort’s most famed and mysterious attractions.
A fixture at the park since its 1969 opening, the Haunted Mansion has been the subject of regular tinkering, its illusions evolving and changing as technology — and culture — advances.
New Scene, New Story
This update will be no different. One of the Mansion’s signature scenes has been remade, and now has a much more somber story to tell.
Walt Disney Imagineering, the secretive arm of the company devoted to theme park experiences, has once again revisited the ride’s trademark attic scene, long home to a tortured bride.
A More Somber Bride
Walt Disney Imagineering has unveiled a new version of the Haunted Mansion bride, this one appearing to float while holding a candelabra. A beating red heart is seen in her chest, a nod to earlier versions of the figure.
(Richard Harbaugh / Disneyland Resort)
As for the would-be honeymooner in the attic, she’s now utilizing the latest in projection technology, appearing to float before guests as she holds a three-pronged physical candelabra, giving corporeal depth to her ethereal glow, which hovers away from a shattered window of a wall.
Her blindingly red heart, in a nod to the park’s original vision of the bride, still beats in time to an elongated, gloomy rendition of Richard Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus.”
The Expanded Haunted Mansion
The expanded grounds of the Haunted Mansion are filled with an abundance of details and new fixtures — some slightly spooky, others more mystical.
(Richard Harbaugh / Disneyland Resort)
An area of the expanded Haunted Mansion queue is dedicated to the master of the house, who, according to the attraction’s lore, is said to have been a sea captain. The space is one built for reflection.
Behind the Scenes
For a palace dedicated to the dead, the Haunted Mansion remains a living entity.
Conclusion
The Haunted Mansion has returned, with its classic non-holiday form now available to Disneyland visitors. This nearly yearlong refurbishment project has added significant backstory and lore to the attraction, making it a must-visit for any fan of the park.
FAQs
Q: What changes were made to the Haunted Mansion?
A: The attic scene has been remade, featuring a new and more somber bride. The expanded queue and grounds have been added, along with a new gift shop, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond.
Q: What inspired the changes?
A: Walt Disney Imagineering aimed to add more backstory and lore to the attraction, making it a more immersive experience for visitors.
Q: Will there be more changes to the Haunted Mansion in the future?
A: Yes, the Imagineers are always looking to improve and refine the attraction, so there may be more updates in the future.
Q: Can I see the new Haunted Mansion this week?
A: Yes, the Haunted Mansion reopens Saturday in its classic non-holiday form, and visitors can experience the new attractions and changes firsthand.
