The Hatbox Ghost is an animatronic character that appeared originally in The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland but was removed within the first couple weeks of operation in 1969, when it was decided that the effect was not working properly under show lighting.

[1] Located formerly in the ride's attic scene, the figure is described as "an elderly [male] ghost in a cloak and top hat, leaning on a cane with a wavering hand and clutching a hatbox in the other.

According to Imagineer Chris Merritt in an interview with DoomBuggies.com, the effect was never completely successful due to the illusion's close proximity to the ride vehicles: "The gag was based purely on lighting.

[4] Almost immediately, it became apparent that the effect had failed, as ambient light in the attraction's attic scene prevented the specter's face from disappearing fully, despite its designated spotlight going dark.

Artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily crafted their version of a life-sized replica of The Hatbox Ghost[7] that was auctioned for $9,400 at the first D23 Expo, held in September of the same year.

[8] In addition, The Hatbox Ghost was the official "spooksperson" for Disneyland Resort's 2009 O-pin House pin trading event[9] and Haunted Holidays celebration.

[10] In July 2010, director Guillermo del Toro, participating in a panel discussion at Comic-Con, announced his involvement as co-writer and producer in a new film based on The Haunted Mansion attraction.

Now, he seeks to collect one thousand souls to gain ultimate power and escape from the mansion in order to make his plot for revenge against the living world a reality.

Leaning on his long absence from the attraction, the Hatbox Ghost is depicted as a wise world traveler that has journeyed to different haunted locations connected to the Mansion by way of the M.C.

[20] On November 30, 2023, the Hatbox Ghost was confirmed to have been added to the attraction by park attendees, which is part of The Walt Disney Company's centennial celebration.