Haunted Mansion Reopens WITHOUT Expected Changes

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

Fans were expecting Hatbox Ghost to show up after the ride closed for a very short refurbishment — from August 7 – 9. The ride was set to reopen on August 10, however, the ride did not open until later in the day on August 10 -- with Hatbox Ghost still missing.

The first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — the popular Halloween after-hours event at Magic Kingdom — is tonight, August 11, meaning fans were expecting Disney to bring in the new character, Hatbox Ghost, just in time for Halloween at Disney World.

However, this was not the case as when Haunted Mansion finally reopened yesterday afternoon, Hatbox Ghost was still nowhere to be found.

Although Hatbox Ghost has yet to materialize inside the Haunted Mansion, there were some notable changes, including the load and unload belts at the entrance and exits of the ride were replaced, and fresh yellow bats were added to the belts.

In addition, the tea-sipping mummy in the graveyard scene has now returned to the Mansion.

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!

Tonight, August 11, kicks off Halloween at Walt Disney World as the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is set to take place.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event that allows guests to experience Halloween without the scares. During the event, guests can watch a special fireworks show, meet Disney characters in their Halloween costumes, see a one-of-a-kind parade, and more.

“Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” is one of the biggest aspects of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and is described as, “Jack-o-lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World this Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Featuring projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney characters, you won’t want to miss this!”

In addition, the company announced Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle would appear in Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade, dressed up as characters from “Hocus Pocus.” Minnie will be dressed as Winifred, Daisy will be dressed as Sarah, and Clarabelle will dress as Mary — the three Sanderson Sisters. “See Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle dressed as the Sanderson Sisters in Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! ?,” Disney recently shared.