It’s one of those rumors seemingly as old as the internet, but come October, it seems likely that The Yankee Trader in Liberty Square will become a store selling just merchandise themed to the Haunted Mansion attraction. The store is scheduled to be closed from July 7th until September 30th, 2014, opening just in time for some new Haunted Mansion merchandise that will be arriving at Walt Disney World.
Just last year, a line of very popular Haunted Mansion home décor items were released as a test to see if guests would buy more-expensive luxury items based on attractions. The test was a huge success and for several months, Walt Disney World had a hard time keeping any of these items in stock. The success of the line inspired most of the merchandise you’ll find at Centerpiece in the Marketplace Co-Op, but also over 100 new Haunted Mansion items set to arrive at Disney Parks this Fall.
In order to showcase and sell over 100 items, every square inch of the Yankee Trader will be needed. 100 items is a lot considering this one display in the store pictured above is holding just 6 different items…
Just a few weeks ago, Disney teased the art styles for some of this new merchandise on the Disney Parks Blog. Maybe we’re reading into the Disney post too much, but the store may have a heavy Madame Leota theme…
Nothing has been confirmed and all of this is pure speculation at this time, but it seems highly likely. Stay tuned as we receive more information on this story as it develops…
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UPDATE: On July 28th, 2014, Walt Disney World confirmed that the Yankee Trader would become a Haunted Mansion-themed store. The store will indeed have a theme mostly focusing on Madame Leota as we had speculated. No further details have been made available at this time.
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So, what do you think? is a dedicated Haunted Mansion store a good idea?
About time, waited forever for this! Now if only they would turn Columbia Harbor House into a Haunted Mansion themed restaurant that would be awesome!!!
Great Idea!!
Yes….My favorite attraction and the exit doesn’t lead into a gift shop. I’m hoping they design some haunted mansion themed neckties, handkerchiefs, socks etc.
I was hoping this would be completed by the end of August as that’s when I’m going to be there. But this just give me a reason to schedule another trip :) My favorite ride since I was terrified at age 3 in 1980.
The origional gift shop was the little building on the left side of the entry to the cue line.
They used to sell tombstones that you could have your name printed on. I always wondered why it went away.
FINALLY. It is one of the most popular rides and for some reason doesn’t have you exit out into the gift shop which could have been added when they made the last renovation.
Vincent B – Great idea with the HM themed restaurant :-)
I’m SOOO hoping! Really loved the HM merchandise from last yr!