Fans Are Freaking Out ❗️Over This Haunted Mansion Change in Disney World

Buckle up folks, some Disney fans are incredibly upset about one big thing right now.

Disney fans have been angered by changes in the past — from alterations to classic rides to changes in fireworks shows, the appearance of those barges in World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, and more. But right now it seems one particular change over at a beloved attraction — The Haunted Mansion — has some fans screaming their complaints from the rooftops (or really, from their computers/phones as they type them into the internet).

Disney previously announced that the famous Hatbox Ghost (which you can already see in Disneyland’s version of the ride) would be materializing in the Walt Disney World version of the ride in 2023.

Hatbox Ghost in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion

For those not familiar with the character, the Hatbox Ghost was part of the original Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. The whole effect of this character is that his head is made to look like it disappears from his body, reappears in his hatbox, returns to his body, and so on. But the effect didn’t work correctly when he was first introduced, so he was removed.

For years, fans awaited his return, and in 2015, he FINALLY came back to the Disneyland ride.

In July of 2023, Disney shared more details about the Hatbox Ghost’s upcoming appearance in Disney World. In Disneyland, the Hatbox Ghost appears in the attic scene. But in Disney World, he’ll be at a much earlier point of the ride. Specifically, Disney has indicated that he’ll appear as guests pass the Endless Hallway portion of the ride (the one where you see the floating candelabra).

This would make him the first full-bodied ghost you see in the ride. And let’s just say his placement has caused some…concerns among Disney fans.

There are lots of details to look for in the Haunted Mansion, but one big one has to do with the timing of the appearance of ghosts. In the first portion of the ride, you might see or hear some indications of ghost activity, like the ghostly footsteps on some stairs or the knocks mysteriously coming behind some doors.

But when is the first time that you actually see a full ghost? Many fans have been quick to point out that currently, you don’t really see a full ghost until AFTER the seance room scene with Madame Leota.

Reportedly, that is because Leota is the one who awakens the spirits for you. It’s after that that the Ghost Host notes your sympathetic vibrations have been received and the ghosts are beginning to materialize.

Then, you go past the ballroom scene and get to really see those ghosts in all their spooky glory. And this is what has Disney fans majorly upset.

By placing the Hatbox Ghost in the Endless Hallway area, he’ll actually appear BEFORE Madame Leota summons the ghosts from regions beyond and before you see the ballroom scene, and some fans are NOT happy about it.

A quick scroll through Twitter/X will reveal just how many fans are displeased with the placement of the Hatbox Ghost so early in the attraction, and there are PLENTY of comments about it on the Disney Parks Blog post that announced his placement there. One noted that this placement could “weaken” the two other scenes (the seance room and ballroom scenes) by its placement. Another insisted that ghosts should NOT appear in fuller form until after the seance room, calling the Hatbox Ghost’s appearance before that “illogical and disruptive to the narrative.”

Even Jim Shull, a former Disney Imagineer, has criticized the placement. In a post shared on Twitter/X, he said “The ghosts appear after the scene where Madam Leota summons them. The hall box ghost belongs in the attic scene because it’s after Madam Leota. Changing the order is like starting dinner with des[s]ert.”

The ghosts appear after the scene where Madam Leota summons them. The hall box ghost belongs in the attic scene because it’s after Madam Leota. Changing the order is like starting dinner with desert. #HauntedMansion https://t.co/D18yJwmOzR

— Jim Shull (@JimShull) July 29, 2023

Where do you stand on this debate? Do you care if the Hatbox Ghost appears BEFORE the seance room? Does it make any difference to your appreciation of the ride or experience? Tell us in the comments!

Keep in mind that the Haunted Mansion is closed for a temporary refurbishment in Disney World through August 9th. Disney has not noted whether this refurbishment will officially bring the Hatbox Ghost into the ride, but we’ll be on the lookout for any updates.