Let’s be honest—Disney hasn’t exactly flinched when it comes to closing down beloved attractions, especially as of late.
Remember when Splash Mountain closed for good? That ride had generations of fans, but it was completely reimagined and transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Then, more recently, Disney shut down the entire Rivers of America area, including Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, to make way for a brand-new Cars-themed land. That’s not a small decision—it’s a major shift in the heart of Magic Kingdom.
So it’s fair to ask: What’s next?
If Disney is comfortable changing rides many fans consider untouchable, what’s stopping them from giving another classic a major overhaul? And right now, the two most iconic contenders that fans are quietly whispering about are Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
What’s Going On With Haunted Mansion?
There have already been some small changes popping up around Haunted Mansion. Construction walls have been spotted, especially near the outdoor queue area, and that’s due to the ongoing construction happening at Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Some updates are tied to the Halloween season, like the changes happening for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but others feel like they could be a bit more permanent.
There were even rumors floating around last year suggesting that Haunted Mansion might be due for a significant refurbishment. As a matter of fact, those rumors have been in place for years. Some insiders have said that Disney might be considering a change to the opening preshow scene, while others have hinted at more potential additions to the ride.
While Disney hasn’t made anything official, it’s not hard to believe. The ride has been running strong since 1971, and a refresh that ties in a few new elements wouldn’t be too surprising.
And What About Pirates of the Caribbean?
On the surface, Pirates of the Caribbean looks safe. It’s still open, running smoothly, and drawing long lines. There haven’t been any strong rumors about an upcoming closure, and Disney hasn’t teased any updates or changes. That being said, this is Disney we’re talking about, and we know that Pirates is a major part of the plans for Adventureland in the future.
Fans know that Pirates has seen its fair share of tweaks over the years, including controversial scene edits and updates to reflect “more modern sensibilities.”
It’s not out of the question for Disney to decide that another round of updates—or even a full-blown reimagining—is needed to keep things fresh. Have you seen the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Shanghai? It looks pretty incredible, but that would mean Disney completely guts the original to get to that point. While it may not happen anytime soon, you have to believe that it will come up in conversations over the coming years.
So, Which One Will Close First?
If we’re placing bets, Haunted Mansion seems more likely to go down for a refurbishment before Pirates. With those construction walls already in place and some of the extended queue now off-limits, it definitely looks like Disney is preparing for something. Even if it’s not a full closure just yet, these are usually the signs that something bigger is coming.
But let’s be clear—I highly doubt either attraction will ever be closing permanently. These are core parts of the Magic Kingdom identity. You don’t just pull the plug on Haunted Mansion or Pirates without causing an uproar. However, reimagining them? That’s fair game, even if that means a portion of the fanbase won’t be happy.
Why It Matters
This is part of a larger trend. Disney is clearly willing to say goodbye to nostalgic favorites to keep the parks evolving. And whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on who you ask.
Some fans love the upgrades and new storytelling. Others are still upset about losing Splash Mountain and Rivers of America. Either way, Disney is moving forward—and that means even timeless attractions aren’t off-limits.
So which will it be? Ghosts or pirates? Doom Buggies or boats? If one of these classics is next in line for a big update, you’ll want to ride it while you still can.
Which do you think will be the first to close at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!
The post Haunted Mansion vs. Pirates: The Next Big Shutdown at Magic Kingdom appeared first on Inside the Magic.
