Disney PhotoPass recently tested a Haunted Mansion-themed Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom that transformed guests into carved stone busts, an effect that drew mixed reactions online over its apparent use of generative artificial intelligence.
During the limited test, guests posed near the attraction’s iron fence. Their finished images placed them on ivy-covered pedestals with the Haunted Mansion behind them in blue nighttime lighting. The altered portraits retained details including guests’ faces, hair, glasses, facial hair, clothing and expressions.
The concept echoes the Dread Family busts in the Haunted Mansion queue, part of an interactive murder mystery for people waiting to enter the attraction. Some versions of the new PhotoPass image reportedly included “Limited Edition 2026” branding or a “2026” plaque on the pedestal.
Disney has not confirmed what technology powered the effect. While PhotoPass has long added characters, seasonal elements and digital effects to vacation pictures, this test appeared to recreate the guests themselves as sculptures. That distinction fueled criticism from some fans, while others said they liked the finished portraits.
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The offering was tested late last week and may have continued through the weekend, but its availability was unclear as of September 29. Disney has not said whether the Haunted Mansion Magic Shot will return or become a regular PhotoPass option, so Magic Kingdom visitors should not expect it to be a permanent offering.
Disney regularly tests guest experiences in its parks, and not every test becomes a long-term feature. For now, the Haunted Mansion photo experiment remains an unconfirmed, limited test rather than an announced addition to the attraction.
