Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new permit that could point to some changes at the classic Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom. The notice of commencement lists “install set elements” as the scope of work, hinting that there are changes in the works for the attraction. Here’s a closer look at what this could mean.
Imagineering Files Permit for Changes at Haunted Mansion
A new permit was filed today by Walt Disney Imagineering for the changes at the Haunted Mansion. The scope of work is listed as “install set elements” and the notice of commencement permit lists Mecca Productions as the contractor for the work. Mecca has done a ton of work with Imagineering in the past, including updates to attractions.
As to what changes could be on the way, it’s unclear right now. There are no announced refurbishments planned for the Haunted Mansion, but Disney has made changes to the attraction’s show scenes in the past during overnight hours, and with no downtime for guests.
A recent change that we’re keeping an eye on is the introduction of construction walls near the graveyard scene in the exterior portion of the queue, right before you enter the mansion.
While these construction walls are likely needed just to delineate guest areas from the nearby Villains Land construction site, it’s possible that there might be a need here to preserve some sightlines via the introduction of new theming.
Another possible change is that the Walt Disney World version of the attraction could be getting the same treatment as the Disneyland version of the ride, as it relates to the bride. In Disneyland, the bride no longer carries an axe, but rather a candelabra. About the update, Imagineer Kim Irvine said that Disney didn’t want to have the bride as an axe murderer. The change was made due to “the sensitivities of people”.
The bride that used to be in there was an axe murderer, and in this day and age we have to be really careful about the sensitivities of people.
We were celebrating someone chopping off her husband’s heads, and it was a weird story. I know the fans — some will like it and some will say, ‘Oh, you changed something again.’ That’s our job. That’s what we’re here for.
Of course, the most notable part of this permit is the fact that it was filed by Walt Disney Imagineering. The majority of construction permits at Walt Disney World are filed by Disney’s Facility Asset Management. Those permits are typically maintenance related. However, when Walt Disney Imagineering files a permit, that signals that there is some sort of show-related change to an attraction or experience.
We’ll be sure to check in on Haunted Mansion periodically, as we’ll be spending a lot more time in Magic Kingdom in 2026 as construction continues for a Cars-themed expansion to Frontierland and an all-new Villains Land. Walt Disney World has not announced opening timeframes for those experiences, but we expect that there is still at least a couple of years of construction left for both projects, at a minimum.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
I think the odds are good that they’ll be updating the Bride to the more advanced version that’s in Disneyland