The expanded Haunted Mansion grounds opens today at Disneyland and we have our first look at the updated exterior queue, New Orleans Square park, and accessible elevator.
Magnolia Park in New Orleans Square
Magnolia Park opened recently in front of the train station between Tiana’s Palace and the Haunted Mansion. Disney describes this space as a “beautiful, elegant park-like setting” with oak and Ficus trees perfect for enjoying live entertainment and Mickey beignets.
The Haunted Mansion Expanded Grounds
Guests will experience the expanded Haunted Mansion grounds while waiting in the exterior queue. The grounds include new gardens as well as old favorites like the pet cemetery.
When entering the new part of the queue, guests will see the Spanish fountain that once sat in the middle of Magnolia Park. The new gardens are guarded by a pair of raven statues. Ravens, Disney notes, often represent a connection between the living world and the spirit world. Guests will also encounter the crouching figure of a cat, tucked away among the grasses, ready to pounce.
Around the bend is a personal garden retreat designed by Master Gracey. A fountain against the wall features the face of a sea maiden with unruly hair and startled eyes, as if she’s caught in a storm. Inside an old wrought iron gazebo is a bench, a well-read book, an astrological armillary sphere, and a smoking pipe left behind by Gracey.
Next guests will enter the garden of Madame Leota, with every item seemingly dipped in mystical energy. There is a statuary of oddities including frogs, lizards, rats, and a cymbal-playing monkey, frozen in time as though by an incantation. There is a repeating motif of fortune-telling orbs. The large oak tree in the center is decorated by Leota with colorful ornaments, chimes, and bells.
The new Haunted Mansion gift shop will also be inspired by Madame Leota.
At the back of the garden is the Mansion Greenhouse, belonging to the ghosts. This is an ornate structure of iron and glass and gives residents the chance to cultivate unusual plants.
Accessibility Updates
Guests using a mobility device can now use the main Haunted Mansion queue and entrance. After riding, they will leave the attraction using a new, accessible elevator exit that extends the story with a gallery of original Imagineering artwork and more.
The virtual queue will no longer be utilized. The Haunted Mansion is available for guests using Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
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