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Disney Considers Altering Haunted Mansion’s Controversial Scene

Disneyland Resort’s Haunted Mansion may be on the verge of another update as Walt Disney Imagineering considers changes to one of the attraction’s most controversial scenes. In a recent interview, Imagineering creative director Kim Irvine opened up about the challenges of preserving the ride’s legacy while adapting to modern sensitivities.

The Legacy of the Haunted Mansion

A haunted mansion with ornate ironwork is illuminated under a moonlit sky. A vintage white carriage sits in the foreground, surrounded by lush trees and shrubs. The scene conveys an eerie, atmospheric vibe that whispers of secrets long kept within its shadowy corridors.
Credit: Disney

Since opening at Disneyland Park in 1969, the Haunted Mansion has become a cornerstone of the Disney parks. Originally envisioned as a walkthrough museum of the weird, the attraction evolved into one of Disney’s earliest Omnimover rides, combining humor and horror in a way that has delighted fans of all ages for decades.

Versions of the Haunted Mansion later opened at Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris (as Phantom Manor), and Hong Kong Disneyland (as Mystic Manor). Over the years, the ride has seen several updates, from adding the now-beloved Hatbox Ghost to adding and removing Constance Hatchaway’s axe.

However, one element of the original Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park versions has remained largely untouched: the infamous Stretching Room scene.

The Scene in Question

Haunted Mansion Ride Queue Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney Fanatic

As guests enter the Stretching Room, the Ghost Host warns them that the chamber has “no windows and no doors,” leaving them with no escape—except, of course, ”his way.” The lights dim, and for a brief moment, a doll appears hanging from a noose above the room.

The scene has long been a signature moment of the attraction, blending dark humor with eerie suspense. However, its depiction of suicide has drawn criticism in recent years, particularly as cultural attitudes around such topics have evolved.

In 2023, Disneyland Paris removed a similar effect from Phantom Manor, reportedly to avoid offending guests. That decision reignited speculation about whether the original Haunted Mansion versions in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort would follow suit.

Kim Irvine on Potential Changes

The attic scene with Constance Hatchaway in the Haunted Mansion
Credit: Disney

During an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Walt Disney Imagineering creative director Kim Irvine addressed the possibility of altering the Stretching Room scene:

“We’re still looking at that,” Irvine said. “That one is complicated, structurally. One thing at a time.”

She added, “In this day and age, we have to be really careful about the sensitivities of people.”

new Constance Hatchaway Bride scene in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland
Credit: Disney

While Irvine’s comments confirm that Imagineering is exploring potential changes, no official decisions or announcements have been made about the Stretching Room scene’s future.

Disney’s History of Updates

The Haunted Mansion is no stranger to updates, and Disney has made similar changes to other classic attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean, for example, underwent a significant overhaul to remove outdated and offensive depictions of women. Meanwhile, Peter Pan’s Flight recently updated its outdated portrayal of Native Americans.

A young woman in a blue dress stands at the edge of a ship, looking worried. Behind her, various animated characters with distinct outfits and appearances are engaged in different activities on the deck of the wooden ship. The scene is colorful and lively, reminiscent of a vibrant Disney ride.
Credit: Disney

The possibility of altering the Stretching Room scene has sparked debate among Disney Parks fans. Some argue that the moment is integral to the ride’s identity and shouldn’t be changed. Others feel that Disney has a responsibility to modernize its attractions to align with contemporary values.

What’s Next for the Haunted Mansion?

For now, the noose scene remains part of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park. Whether it will continue to haunt guests in the future remains to be seen.

Should Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort modernize their Haunted Mansion attractions? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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