On Monday, July 29, 2024, Haunted Mansion Holiday reopened after an extended refurbishment that began at the beginning of the year. The attraction is in the midst of an expansion of the grounds around the old manor. This will see guests experiencing an extended queue with more story elements when it is complete. Because it is not complete yet, the attraction is utilizing a virtual queue as the only way to access it. Windows for the virtual queue open at 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
The reopening of Haunted Mansion Holiday comes almost a month ahead of when it initially had been announced. Earlier this summer, it was announced that the attraction would reopen as a part of the Halloween Time offerings when the season begins on August 23, 2024. Along with Halloween Time’s return, Plaza de la Familia will also be returning on August 23rd as well.
On the opening morning, Daps Magic was able to secure boarding group 2 to experience the attraction. The attraction has a new entrance gate, a new queue area while walking past the hearse and ghost horse, and new places to scan for Lightning Lanes. Below is a video of the attraction just moments after it opened (we apologize for the glitch in the middle).
The attraction has a few updates. This includes a new skeleton head in the attic where the Bride used to be, along with other new figures in the attic. There are also projected presents in the mirrors just before the exit. There is also the new gingerbread house in the ballroom scene that is really quite incredible.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Opening Day 2024
The Haunted Mansion will continue to see the grounds around it being reimagined, expanded, and enhanced in the coming days, weeks, and months. Once it is complete, the grounds will include new story elements and classics as well, like the pet cemetery (as can be seen in the above video).
This new queue will continue the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion outside of the Haunted halls and walls. There will also be a new stand-alone shop at the exit of this beloved attraction as well. The legend behind the Haunted Mansion is that this now haunted manor was once built by a prosperous sea captain. Now, years later, the mansion’s staff continue to maintain the happy haunting grounds. The newly expanded queue will be tying into these stories along with some others. There will also be new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madam Leota, and the one-eyed cat.
At the exit of the Haunted Mansion, there will be a new shop. Currently, this is behind walls to the left of the exit when coming out of the attraction. The new shop will be in the form of the carriage house for the Haunted Mansion and will belong to Madame Leota. At this time, it is unknown when exactly this shop will be opening, along with the rest of the queue. Daps Magic will continue to follow developments on this story and provide them as they become available.
What do you think about the reopening of Haunted Mansion Holiday? What do you like best? What do you think of the new elements? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
