Disney PhotoPass tested a Magic Shot in front of Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom last week. The Magic Shot appears to use generative AI to put guests’ faces on stone busts similar to the Dread Family busts in the attraction’s queue. The photos have drawn backlash on Facebook and Twitter for appearing to use generative AI, although Disney hasn’t confirmed the exact technical details. Here’s the latest.
Disney PhotoPass Uses Generative AI for Haunted Mansion Magic Shot
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- What the Haunted Mansion bust Magic Shot looks like in guest photos
- How the test compares to past Magic Shots that add characters to photos
- How guests have reacted on Facebook and Twitter
The test ran late last week and may have continued through the weekend. We do not know whether it is still running. Guests shared photos from the test on Facebook.
In the Magic Shot, guests pose in front of the Mansion’s iron fence, and the finished photo turns them into carved stone busts on ivy-covered pedestals, with a blue-lit nighttime Haunted Mansion behind the fence. Each bust keeps the guest’s face, hair, glasses, facial hair, shirt, and expression.
The fully delivered images have a vertical strip along one edge that says “Limited Edition 2026,” and one adds a “2026” plaque to the pedestal. These busts resemble the Dread Family busts in the queue, so the idea suits the attraction.
How the Test Compares to Other Magic Shots
Disney has added characters and effects to PhotoPass photos for years, such as Tinker Bell appearing in a guest’s hands. As we noted when Disney PhotoPass teased a new Magic Shot for the Halloween party, PhotoPass typically adds Magic Shots in-camera or with a digital effect afterward.
The Haunted Mansion test differs because the photo recreates the guest as a sculpture instead of adding a character or effect around them. The apparent use of generative AI here seems to be new for PhotoPass.
Guest Reaction to the Apparent Gen AI Use
Many guests on Facebook and Twitter said they are unhappy that Disney appears to be using gen AI in their photos. While guests seem to be ok with characters superimposed into photos, the apparent use of generative AI here is a step too far for many. Some guests said that they loved the end result.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has previously indicated that AI will be a tool that Disney continues to leverage in new and innovative ways to enhance the guest experience and improve efficiency.
Disney has not said whether the Magic Shot will return. We will update this story as more details come out.
Keep Reading
- See what Disney PhotoPass has planned for the season in our look at the teased Magic Shot for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
- Browse the Halloween Magic Shots that debuted at the start of the 2025 season to see the character and effect shots PhotoPass usually offers.
- Take a closer look at the Haunted Mansion queue murder mystery and how each bust hides a clue.
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!