“Welcome back to the world of WDW News Today, where the allure of the Disney Universe is never far from the surface. For over a century, the Haunted Mansion has stood as a quintessential Disney staple, drawing millions of visitors to its eerie and enchanting halls. But amidst the throngs of screams, laughter, and nostalgic memories, a question has long plagued fans: what’s behind the mysterious and hauntingly beautiful character that has become synonymous with the mansion’s most infamous attraction – the Stretching Room? As we continue to unravel the mystery behind this timeless classic, a recent update by Disney has shed new light on the lingering concerns of those brave enough to confront the unsettling presence. In this exclusive report, we delve into the latest developments surrounding the haunted mansion, and what it means for the fans who’ve grown attached to this otherworldly enigma.”
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion: What’s Next for the Haunted Mansion Holiday?
Transformations and Upgrades
The Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland may reopen next year with updates both inside and out, including an expanded reimagined queue.
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion at Disneyland may reopen next year with updates both inside and out, including an expanded reimagined queue.
The hanging corpse in the stretching room may be covered by the time the standard attraction experience returns in 2025, according to Disney.
The hanging corpse in the stretching room may be covered by the time the standard attraction experience returns in 2025, according to Disney.
The hanging corpse is likely to be the disembodied voice of the Ghost Host, who welcomes guests to the mansion and points out the lack of windows and doors.
The hanging corpse is likely to be the disembodied voice of the Ghost Host, who welcomes guests to the mansion and points out the lack of windows and doors.
The Ghost Host’s disembodied voice is just one of several changes coming to the ride.
The Hanging Corpse’s Status: Still a Controversy?
The hanging corpse has been the subject of sensitivity surrounding suicide for several years, with Disney considering its removal from the attraction.
The hanging corpse has been the subject of sensitivity surrounding suicide for several years, with Disney considering its removal from the attraction.
The Ghost Host’s disembodied voice in the stretching room has been the focal point of the controversy, as it implies the hanging corpse is the Ghost Host.
The hanging corpse is not explicitly mentioned in the 2011 refurbishment at Walt Disney World, leading some to speculate that Disney is still considering its removal.
What to Expect from Haunted Mansion Holiday
The Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland will feature the same projections and Pepper’s ghost effect as the standard version of the ride, with the addition of new scenes and characters.
The new bride and scene in the attic portion of the ride will reportedly be updated to include the Pepper’s ghost effect.
The virtual queue option may be used instead of standby while construction on the grounds continues, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Analysis and Implications
The hanging corpse’s presence in the Haunted Mansion has led to a long-standing controversy, which may be resolved with updates to the ride.
The removal of the hanging corpse may be seen as a necessary step to address the sensitive issue surrounding suicide, but it has also sparked debate and criticism.
The addition of new scenes and characters in Haunted Mansion Holiday may ensure that the ride remains relevant and engaging for guests.
The hanging corpse’s presence in the Haunted Mansion has led to a long-standing controversy, which may be resolved with updates to the ride.
Practical Aspects
The Haunted Mansion Holiday is expected to reopen in 2024, with the exact date TBA.
The virtual queue option is likely to be a cost-effective solution for guests, as it eliminates the need for standby lines.
The new bride and scene in the attic portion of the ride may require significant updates and renovations, but this may be a worthwhile investment for Disney to ensure the ride remains competitive and engaging.
Source Information
The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland may reopen next year with updates both inside and out. Haunted Mansion Hanging Corpse & Hitchhiking Ghosts The attraction is currently closed for construction of an expanded, reimagined queue and will reopen as Haunted Mansion Holiday this fall. When the standard attraction experience returns in 2025, the hanging corpse in the stretching room may be covered. Disney has considered removing the hanging corpse from The Haunted Mansion for several years due to the sensitivity surrounding suicide. In 2023, almost all nooses were removed from Phantom Manor, the Disneyland Paris version of Haunted Mansion. A few years ago, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was refurbished during its 16-month-long closure due to COVID-19. Imagineer Michele Hobbs managed the refurbishment and said removing the hanging corpse had “been discussed” and was “definitely something that we’re thinking about.” According to our sources, Disney is still undecided about the hanging corpse. If you don’t recall the exact context of the scene, the corpse is implied to be that of the Ghost Host. In the stretching room, the disembodied voice welcomes guests to the mansion. He points out that there are no windows and no doors, leaving guests to find a way out. He then says, “Of course, there’s always my way.” The hanging corpse is then revealed by bolts of lightning through a scrim in the ceiling. On Haunted Mansion Holiday, the ceiling is covered with a tarp and projections. Purportedly, the tarp may remain up for the standard version of the ride and something new will be projected. The other major change likely coming to the ride is at the end. As previously rumored, The Hitchhiking Ghosts who appear in guests’ ride vehicles will potentially be updated to the same effect as the Walt Disney World version of the ride. Currently, the ghosts are projected into the Doom Buggies thanks to the Pepper’s ghost effect. In short, there are real audio-animatronics of the ghosts moving on the other side of the mirror and well-placed lights make their reflections appear. The same effect is used in the mansion’s ballroom. In 2011, the Walt Disney World version of Haunted Mansion changed this effect to a CGI projection, so the ghosts’ reflections can now move all around the scene. In addition, a new bride and new scene will also reportedly be added in the attic portion of the ride. For Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland, the Hitchhiking Ghosts are replaced with gifts from Oogie Boogie, but the Pepper’s ghost effect is the same. Watch our video of last year’s Haunted Mansion Holiday below. These rumors are not confirmed and Disneyland’s plans can always change. When Haunted Mansion Holiday reopens this year, it will use a virtual queue instead of standby while construction on the grounds continues. For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.
Conclusion
In our latest update on the Haunted Mansion’s Stretching Room controversy, Disney still appears to be dragging its feet in removing the infamous hanging corpse from the popular attraction. Despite growing concerns and backlash from fans, the beloved theme park giant remains hesitant to make changes to the beloved ride. The key takeaway from this ongoing saga is that Disney’s priorities continue to be in flux, with the company seemingly more focused on maintaining a nostalgic status quo than appeasing the modern sensibilities of its guests.
The significance of this issue extends far beyond the confines of the Haunted Mansion itself. It speaks to a broader cultural shift in how we engage with and perceive dark, eerie, and sometimes unsettling themes in entertainment. As society becomes increasingly more sensitive to graphic content and mature themes, Disney’s reluctance to adapt its classic attractions raises important questions about the evolving role of nostalgia in the modern theme park experience. Will Disney continue to cling to its retro roots, or will it eventually cave to the pressure of changing times?
As we look to the future, it’s clear that this debate will only continue to intensify. With more and more theme parks embracing immersive, interactive experiences that push the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable, Disney will be forced to confront its own limitations and contradictions. Will it choose to innovate and evolve, or will it remain stuck in its nostalgic comfort zone? One thing is certain: the fate of the Haunted Mansion’s Stretching Room will be a bellwether for the future of theme park entertainment itself.