Disney recently announced that the Hatbox Ghost would be finally joining the Haunted Mansion ride at Walt Disney World!
The character was part of Walt Disney’s early renditions of The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland but was removed from the ride not long after it opened in 1969 due to some technical challenges. It was supposed to be in the attic scene near the bride.
However, a few years ago in 2015, Disney announced that it would be re-adding the Hatbox Ghost into the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland since technology had vastly improved. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting news that the famous character would be making its way to the Haunted Mansion located at Walt Disney World.
That news officially came last Friday, when Disney announced it would be adding the character to the attraction. While most people anticipated it to be added to the attic scene much like Disneyland, the Walt Disney World version seems it will not be added there.
Disney states, “The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies as they set off deeper into the mansion.”
This leaves fans a little confused about why the Hatbox Ghost would be added near the Endless Hallway versus the attic. Fans are also speculative of the lore of the ride, in which after the Doom Buggies pass Madame Leota is when the ghosts start to appear after receiving your “sympathetic vibes”. Fans are confused why a ghost would then appear in the hallway before that happens, not long after the ride begins.
While the placement does confuse some people, I’m sure overall the Hatbox Ghost will be a welcome addition to the attraction, especially after the character is featured in the new Haunted Mansion film. While no exact date has been revealed for his arrival, Disney ensures the Hatbox Ghost will appear “later this year”.
