Haunted Mansion To Close For Refurbishment Next Month, Possible Changes Coming

Disney has previously confirmed that the famous Hatbox Ghost of the Haunted Mansion will soon materialize in Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Although an exact date as yet to be released, Disney did state that Hatbox Ghost would appear in the ride "later this year" -- and now we may have a better indication thanks to the refurbishment calendar.

According to Disney World's refurbishment calendar, Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom will be closed for a very short period of time -- from August 7 – 9 -- with the ride set to reopen on August 10. Because the refurbishment is only for a few days, many are suspecting this is to bring in Hatbox Ghost just in time for spooky season.

The first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party -- the popular Halloween after-hours event at Magic Kingdom -- is August 11, meaning Disney could be bringing in the new character just in time for Halloween at Disney World.

The Haunted Mansion is an iconic ride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It also has versions within other Disney Parks around the world. Filled with grim grinning ghosts, singing busts, wall-to-wall creeps, hot and cold running chills, and of course, the Ghost Host, the Haunted Mansion draws in Guest after Guest as they visit the 999 happy haunts while aboard a doom buggy.

Disney World describes its version of the ride as follows:

The disembodied voice of the Ghost Host is your private guide through the cadaverous realm of an eerie haunted estate, home to ghosts, ghouls and supernatural surprises.

Glide past a casket-filled conservatory, Madame Leota’s chilling séance room and a ghostly graveyard of singing specters as you attempt to find your way out. Beware of hitchhikers—these phantom pranksters may follow you home.

Happy haunting!

Disney’s tease of Hatbox Ghost was part of its Halfway to Halloween celebration. The company also announced the return of the highly-popular Halloween party — Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — at Magic Kingdom.

Per Disney, “With spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. This limited-capacity, nighttime event starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage, and more.”

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade will return to this year’s party and the iconic special fireworks show, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. And for those of you who are fans of “Hocus Pocus,” you won’t want to miss the Sanderson Sisters as they put on a show in front of Cinderella Castle. And what’s Halloween without trick-or-treating? Grab your candy bag as you can satisfy your sweet tooth with M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS by trick-or-treating at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

During the party, select Magic Kingdom rides and attractions will be open for guests to enjoy with limited crowds. Disney recently announced, “Also during the party, you may have the opportunity to experience some of your favorite attractions, including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle / Run will use a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. Stay tuned for more details!”

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the Walt Disney World website here.