Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Expansion [Updated]

Disneyland just announced that they would be expanding the Haunted Mansion area! This is the type of Disneyland news we didn’t ask for, and didn’t know we needed!

That’s right; this Disneyland news comes from what feels like nowhere for Disney fans. However, they aren’t going to complain about it because it is exciting news!

This announcement was just a teaser of details, and Disney has stated that they will be giving more information on this expansion.

Haunted Mansion Expansion: Announcement

Disney recently announced that there would be a new Haunted Mansion expansion coming in 2024.

This new expansion includes a new and expanded outdoor queue that will bring the local legends behind Haunted Mansion to life. This includes areas inspired by Madame Leota, the one-eyed cat, as well as Master Gracey.

Additionally, there will be a new retail shop by the attraction exit. This shop is where Madam Leota will continue her presence outside of the attraction. That is all that has been teased about this new shop, with more information in the future.

It has also been teased that the plaza area between Haunted Mansion and Tiana’s Palace will get re-themed to create a new relaxing area where guests can enjoy live entertainment and more.

Accessibility Changes

None of the expansion will change the Haunted Mansion attraction, except for the few major changes that are happening to make the ride more accessible for guests will disabilities. A new elevator exit will be built to make the attraction more accessible.

Haunted Mansion Expansion: Concept Art

The following is the concept art that Disney released of this new Haunted Mansion expansion.

Disney has a real knack for creating areas that look like the concept art. And I have to admit that this concept art is stunning!

It will be really exciting to see the concept art come to life as this Haunted Mansion expansion continues to unfold.

Haunted Mansion Expansion: Virtual Queue Access

This fall, Disneyland has announced that the Haunted Mansion Holiday will be available during the Halloween Season at the Disneyland Resort. Guests can only enjoy this attraction via a virtual queue (in the Disneyland App).

To get a virtual queue pass for the Haunted Mansion, go to the Disneyland app (be sure to have your tickets linked to your account). On the home page, there is a ‘Virtual Queue’ section. There you select Disneyland Park, and are able to try and get virtual queue passes for the attraction at the designated times.

Pro-tip: If you are wanting to get the virtual queue passes, I recommend being logged in and having the app open a few minutes before when the queue opens. This way you can just hit refresh, and you have a better chance at getting them.

Trying to get a virtual queue for the Haunted Mansion can only be attempted at 7 am, (prior to scanning into the park), and 12 noon (after your tickets have been scanned). If you aren’t able to get a virtual queue pass at this time, then you are outta luck.

Once you get your virtual queue, the app will notify you when your boarding group is being called. Once it is called, you have an hour to go to the attraction to redeem the virtual queue. If you miss your redemption time, you cannot try again.

It is important that you make sure that you are at the Haunted Mansion for your time slot, otherwise you will not be able to use it.

Haunted Mansion Expansion: Grand Re-Opening

Disneyland just announced that on November 26, 2024 the Haunted Mansion will official be reopen for everyone to enjoy (without the need of virtual queue). That’s right, the Standby lane will now be open for Haunted Mansion (and Lightning Lane)!

This refurbishment wasn’t as long as I thought it was going to be. However, to be fair, the refurbishment isn’t complete yet.

While the attraction is completely up and running, and the new expanded grounds are open giving Haunted Mansion attraction their standby lane. Madam Leotta’s shop still isn’t open yet. However, Disneyland promised that it would open sometime this winter.

Here is a more detailed update for each of the parts that are open, and what changed with each area.

New Orleans Square Enhancements

New Orleans Square is now fully open and functional. Magnolia Park is also fully open. Magnolia Park is the area that is in between the Haunted Mansion, Tiana’s Palace and the train station. Typically it is a nice place to relax and enjoy the views and vibes of New Orleans Square.

The area is back open again with plenty of places to enjoy a Mint Julip from Tiana’s Palace!

Grounds of Haunted Mansion

The grounds at Haunted Mansion have officially completed their refurbishment and new and improved look. There are a few more spooky spots to see and explore while in line.

Look for more hidden gems and statues throughout the gardens as you’re waiting in line. The new gardens are a great mix of the Haunted Mansion vibe and Magnolia Park style.

New Operational Features of the Haunted Mansion

Additionally, the standby line is now fully accessible! This means that guests who are in a wheelchair or power chair, don’t need to through the side and walk to enjoy the attraction. And the end of the attraction also includes an elevator lift, making the attraction fully accessible now!

Closing The Gates On: Haunted Mansion Expansion

In the Fall of 2023, Disneyland announced that there was going to be a giant expansion and revamp of the Haunted Mansion attraction. All that was teased with this announcement was that it would be closing in January, and reopening sometime in the future (no date set).

Where this announcement was a shock to everyone, it also lead to a lot of excitement in the anticipation, and materializing of more Haunted Mansion merchandise.

It has been just over a year since the announcement was made of the refurbishment, and I am happy to announce that the grand opening is in sight!

The refurbishment brings many exciting new features to the attraction, one of them being more accessible. If you have been to Disneyland, then you know how much the attractions aren’t very accessible.

Additionally, the Haunted Mansion will be getting a new outside queue area, a new retail shop, and a relaxing ambiance courtyard.

Where extensive refurbishment news like this is never very fun for park goers, it is also something that is very exciting to watch unfold. It is always really cool to see the concept art of projects like this, and then see what the first looks of the project finally is. Disney has an incredible way of making things look just like the concept art.

This announcement was also only for the Haunted Mansion located in Disneyland. No changes are going to be made (as of now) to the Haunted Mansion at Disney World.