Disneyland plans to build on the lore of the Haunted Mansion with an expanded backstory involving Madame Leota, Master Gracey, a prosperous sea captain, and a one-eyed cat following the summer release of Disney’s new “Haunted Mansion” live-action movie.
Disneyland will close the Haunted Mansion in January to begin construction on the outdoor queue enhancements. It will share more about the reopening of the attraction later, according to Disneyland officials. The work will also include a new accessibility elevator for wheelchair users exiting the ride and a new retail shop at the attraction’s exit.
Disneyland’s announcement comes just a few days before the Haunted Mansion Holiday version of the attraction returns on Friday, Sept. 1. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” holiday overlay traditionally remains in place through early January — when construction will start on the Haunted Mansion queue.
Disneyland will share more Haunted Mansion construction details early next year. According to Disneyland officials, the Haunted Mansion backstory that guests know and love will remain the same.
The expanded Haunted Mansion queue will feature a fountain, gazebo, statues, greenhouse, and a garden inspired by Madame Leota’s incantation. The existing pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral hearse will remain on the attraction grounds.
The queue construction will affect the plaza between the Haunted Mansion and Tiana’s Palace — a new restaurant replacing the French Market in New Orleans Square on Sept. 7.
The new park between Tiana’s Palace and the Haunted Mansion will offer shaded seating to watch live music on the two-sided outdoor stage envisioned for the restaurant.
The new backstory for the expanded Haunted Mansion queue suggests a possible movie tie-in with the “Haunted Mansion” film that opened in theaters this summer and is expected to arrive on the Disney+ streaming service later this year.