It was confirmed back in September that the Hatbox Ghost would make his debut in the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom in November. Well, there has now been confirmation that the Hatbox Ghost has indeed made his debut!
In the video posted to YouTube by PCDev you can see the Hatbox Ghost in action at the Haunted Mansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Back in September, Disney released new concept art showing that he would appear towards the beginning of the attraction in the endless hall scene.
Back at the end of June, we saw that Disney had been doing some behind-the-scenes work at the Haunted Mansion which included the addition of new interior lighting for the hearse in the graveyard scene. The red flickering glow now helps to illuminate the rest of the scene. We assume this work was in preparation for the Hatbox Ghost to make his big Walt Disney World debut.
A timeline of planned openings 2022-2024 was announced at the D23 Expo in Anaheim back in September 2022. The Hatbox Ghost appeared on the 2023 list which was fantastic news for Disney fans. With the confirmed closure of the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom on August 7 – 9, 2023 many were speculating that this could be in order to add the Hatbox ghost but is was quickly confirmed that although installation would begin in this downtime, we would have to wait a little longer for the Hatbox ghost to make his long awaited debut.
It was originally speculated that when the Hatbox ghost is finally added, he would be set to appear after the bride at the end of the attic scene as is the case with the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park which returned in 2015. However, in a recent tweet by Disney Parks we now have confirmation that the Hatbox Ghost will make his debut later this year which we already assumed but more importantly his confirmed location.
It was confirmed at the end of July that The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway making him the first visible ghost guests will now encounter.
Later this year at @WaltDisneyWorld, one of our most iconic specters will set up residence in the Haunted Mansion of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway. ?? https://t.co/PJHQvMwmh0 pic.twitter.com/7MF86KtPGT
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 28, 2023
With Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicking off on August 11, we had all hoped that the popular Hatbox Ghost would make his debut at the beginning of the event which is why there was inevitably so much excitement when the closure at the beginning of August was announced.
Are you pleased to see the Hatbox Ghost make his debut at the Haunted Mansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
