Haunted Mansion Magic Shot Using Generative AI Returns for Limited-Time Test

Disney PhotoPass is testing generative AI in your vacation photos again. Yesterday, PhotoPass began testing a new Haunted Mansion Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom that turns guests into glowing ghosts standing in front of the Mansion. Like the stone bust Magic Shot tested in September, it uses generative AI for parts of the finished photo.

This time, Disney has shared more about how the shot works, how your photo is handled, and which parts come from AI versus Disney’s creative team. And most importantly, it’s completely optional.

Quick Summary

• Disney PhotoPass began testing a new Haunted Mansion Magic Shot on October 21, 2026, that uses generative AI.
• The shot turns guests into glowing ghosts in front of the Mansion.
• It’s completely optional. A separate photographer still takes standard, non-AI photos at the Mansion.
• Disney processes the photos in-house under the same safety standards as its other Magic Shots.
• The final image blends generative AI with work from Disney’s creative product team.
• The test is expected to last only a handful of days.

How the Haunted Mansion Magic Shot Test Works

During the test, Disney has two PhotoPass photographers working side by side in front of the Haunted Mansion.

• Photographer one: Takes a standard photo of you in front of the Mansion, with no AI involved.
• Photographer two: Handles the new AI Magic Shot.

If you want a classic Haunted Mansion photo, head to the first photographer. If you want to try the ghost shot, opt in with the second. The new Magic Shot doesn’t replace any current Magic Shots or PhotoPass locations, so the photo spot you’re used to stays in place. It’s simply an extra choice.

A PhotoPass manager was on hand sharing information with guests, including an example of the finished Magic Shot and the fact that it’s an optional test. Information about the use of generative AI wasn’t proactively shared, but it wasn’t withheld if a guest asked.

Part AI, Part Creative Team

Disney confirms that the shot uses generative AI, but it’s not all AI. Disney says its creative product team conceptualized and finalized the look of the Magic Shot.

Here’s how the work is split:

• Cast Members came up with the idea, designed the backdrop, and take the photo of each guest in front of the Mansion.
• Generative AI merges that live photo with the team’s backdrop to create the final image.
• Cast Members process the photos and check them to make sure they meet Disney’s quality standards.

That approach fits how Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has described the company’s use of the technology. On Disney’s earnings call in August, he said, “AI amplifies what our storytellers can do. It doesn’t replace them.”

What Happens to Your Photo?

This is the question many guests will care about most. Disney says the Magic Shot follows the same safety standards and procedures as its current Magic Shots. The photos are processed in-house, under the same standards Disney uses for photos that don’t involve generative AI at all, and Disney says it has strict guardrails in place.

Why This Test Is Getting Attention

The September test turned guests into carved stone busts, modeled on the Dread Family busts in the Haunted Mansion queue. Some guests loved the result. Others were uneasy about generative AI showing up in their vacation photos.

This new test seems to address some of that. It’s clearly optional, there’s a non-AI photographer right there, and Disney is more open about how the shot is made. The stone bust Magic Shot could also return at a later time.

It’s also part of a bigger trend. Disney has been exploring new photo technology, including a PhotoPass patent that could remove strangers from your photos, and it just named Shutterfly as its official photo gift partner, which syncs PhotoPass photos automatically.

Should You Try It?

That’s up to you. If you’re curious, it’s a fun way to bring home a spooky souvenir from one of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions, and it doesn’t cost you your regular Mansion photo. If you’d rather keep AI out of your vacation memories, the standard photographer is right there.

Either way, here are a few tips:

• Go soon. The test is expected to last only a handful of days, and timing can change.
• Ask questions. If you want to know more about how the photo is made, ask the PhotoPass Cast Members.
• Get both. Since the two photographers are side by side, you can get a standard photo and the Magic Shot.

The Bottom Line

Disney PhotoPass started testing a new Haunted Mansion Magic Shot yesterday that uses generative AI to turn guests into glowing ghosts. It’s completely optional, a separate photographer still takes standard photos, and Disney says the images are processed in-house under its usual safety standards. The shot blends AI with work from Disney’s creative team, and the test should only last a few days. If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom this week and want to try it, don’t wait.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!