Two new features at Walt Disney World including appearances by Walt Disney and the Hatbox Ghost. Which of these is a bigger draw and were the implementations up to par?

The Hatbox Ghost is Now Haunting the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World

The Hatbox Ghost has (finally) returned to the Haunted Mansion, but is this incarnation a hit or a miss?

Where to Find the Hatbox Ghost in the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion

The Hatbox Ghost appears next to the Endless Hallway, in the spot previously occupied by the Donald Duck chair. The ghost appears through a cobalt blue glass-paned door. If you appreciate Disney detail, pay attention to the muddy footprints that mark the Hatbox Ghost's path as he arranges his cart of hatboxes and luggage. The scene is lit by the "moon" and the warm glow of a dim lantern and you will come face-to-face with the Hatbox Ghost from your doom buggy, as he entertains you with his trademark trick of displacing his head from his shoulders to hit hatbox.

To create the perfect ambiance, Disney Imagineers tinkered with the Haunted Mansion lighting and paint both in the queue and inside the mansion.

While the implementation of the Hatbox Ghost in the Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion isn't quite how it was described at D23 (which is becoming an unfortunate trend), it is still a nice addition to the mansion.

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Walt the Dreamer Statue Unveiled at World Celebration Gardens

In celebration of Walt Disney’s birthday on December 5, EPCOT opened Dreamers Point in the new World Celebration neighborhood.

The area features a brand new statue called "Walt the Dreamer," which will become an instant trademark photo spot. The statue was modelled after Walt Disney as he appeared later in life, specifically around the time when he was dreaming up the overall Florida Project and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This is a nice and thoughtful touch.

This new Walt Disney statues is one of many areas to visit within World Celebration Gardens. where guests will be able to relax, unwind, and connect — to EPCOT, to nature and to each other. Each of the gardens connect back to the areas surrounding them, drawing on the original circular hub design plans for EPCOT. Some say it is a confusing and congested design, while others applaud the oasis of shade that will increase as the foliage grows (something that EPCOT desperately needs).

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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