Construction Markers Materialize Near The Haunted Mansion Graveyard, Could Be Demolished for Magic Kingdom Expansion

Construction markers have popped up in the queue for The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom, possibly related to the nearby project to demolish the Rivers of America for a new Cars-themed area.

Haunted Mansion Queue Construction

Haunted Mansion graveyard markers behind a decorative fence at Haunted Mansion, with an EXIT sign overhead and brick walls in the foreground.

The graveyard at The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom, with some bright orange construction markers between the gravestones.

Specifically, the markers can be found at the end of the outdoor queue near the entrance to the mansion, lining the edge of the graveyard’s woods. The markers are metal poles with orange toppers. They seem to be delineating a border near the Haunted Mansion graveyard Markers.

Haunted Mansion Graveyard Markers

There is also some red spray paint on the ground and foliage “connecting” the markers. They run between some of the mansion’s famous gravestones.

Gravestones in a shady cemetery at the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom: "Here rests Wathel P. Bender..." with construction markers surrounding them.

Notably, Disney has previously confirmed that a new path will be carved through the park that lets guests go from the Haunted Mansion to the Frontierland Cars expansion and the Villains land. It’s possible that these markers are indicative of changes coming to the queue to accommodate the new pathway and impending, necessary queue changes at The Haunted Mansion. It’s unknown at this time if the graveyard will need to be altered or removed for the construction.

WDWNT reached out to Walt Disney World for a comment on the visible work, but did not hear back.

Tall, gray gravestone monument surrounded by greenery and construction spray paint by the Haunted Mansion.

The exterior queue of The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom includes interactive elements, which were introduced in 2011. Guests weave around busts, tombstones, and crypts that make different sounds and effects.

People walk down a shaded, fenced pathway near the Haunted Mansion with brick walls and a green trash can under a green awning.

At the front of the queue, a construction wall runs along the railing that overlooks Rivers of America.

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Magic Kingdom Expansion

Various colorful vintage-style signs on a brown wall in Frontierland, stroller with child partially visible in the foreground.

Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing the largest expansion it has ever seen. For the new Piston Peak area of Frontierland, even Liberty Square hasn’t gone untouched. In addition to the path near The Haunted Mansion, the Liberty Square Riverboat has permanently closed.

It used to take guests on a journey around the Rivers of America, which will also be lost to the new project. As such, Tom Sawyer Island — which sat in the center of the Rivers of America — has also permanently closed.

Cars-themed Piston Peak Area

Fun Map: Illustrated map of Piston Peak National Park with attractions, waterfalls, forests, and a smiling green ranger vehicle.

New water features will come with Piston Peak, a Cars-themed land inspired by the Rocky Mountains. The area will have rivers, waterfalls, and geysers. It will also have two attractions, including an off-road rally race thrill ride and a smaller, family-friendly experience. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently undergoing a year-long refurbishment in conjunction with the Piston Peak project. The two areas will be somewhat connected, with guests journeying through the rainbow pools of Big Thunder Mountain. The pools will transition slowly to match the world of Pixar’s Cars, resembling tires.

Disney Villains Land

A fantastical landscape reveals a dark castle amid jagged rocks and glowing lights, with waterfalls cascading under a colorful sky. Birds, as if granted a special permit, soar gracefully in the distance. Concept art of the upcoming Villains land in Magic Kingdom.

The second major project at Magic Kingdom is the Disney Villains land. Not much has been revealed about the area. Concept art was shown at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August 2024, and a list of villains who inspired the land was revealed. Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro teased some of the land’s backstory at D23 Brazil. It will feature two attractions, as well as shopping and dining options.

Will The Haunted Mansion Be Changed?

In recent years, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland has seen many changes, while the Magic Kingdom version has remained mostly the same, with the exception of the Hatbox Ghost, who joined the grim grinning ghosts in late 2023. To keep the lore (and the iconic “999 Happy Haunts” line) intact, Imagineers say that the Hatbox Ghost has always been there, but did not appear to visitors until now (they also said that he technically is an “unhappy” haunt).

Neither the interior of the mansion nor the ride itself is currently expected to change as a result of the construction projects. The fate of the queue remains to be seen.