Disney PhotoPass is testing an optional Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom that blends generative AI with its own artwork. Here’s how it works and why last month’s test drew backlash.
If you’ve ever wanted to join the Haunted Mansion’s 999 happy haunts, Disney is testing a way to do it.
Disney PhotoPass started testing a new Magic Shot in front of the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom on Wednesday, Oct. 21, BlogMickey reported. It turns guests into glowing ghosts standing in front of the Mansion.
Like a test last month, the shot uses generative AI for part of the final image, and Disney confirmed it, BlogMickey said. Here’s how it works.
How does the Haunted Mansion AI Magic Shot work?
Cast members came up with the idea, designed the backdrop and take each guest’s photo in front of the Mansion, according to BlogMickey. Generative AI then merges that live photo with the backdrop to create the final image.
Disney says its creative product team conceptualized and finalized the look. Some parts of the finished photo come from generative AI, and others come from that team.
A team of cast members processes the photos and checks that each one meets Disney’s quality standards, BlogMickey reported.
Do you have to get the AI photo?
No. Disney says the new shot is completely optional, and it doesn’t replace any current Magic Shots or PhotoPass spots, per BlogMickey.
During the test, Disney has two PhotoPass photographers side by side in front of the Mansion. One takes a standard photo with no AI involved. The other handles the new Magic Shot.
So if you’d rather skip the AI, head to the first photographer. If you want the ghost shot, opt in with the second.
What happens to your photo?
Disney says the Magic Shot follows the same safety standards and procedures as its current Magic Shots, BlogMickey reported. Disney processes the photos in-house.
Disney also has strict guardrails in place, similar to the ones it’s building for AI on its website and search, according to BlogMickey.
A PhotoPass manager was on hand Wednesday to show guests an example and explain that it was an optional test. The use of AI wasn’t brought up on its own, but it wasn’t hidden if a guest asked, BlogMickey said.
How long will the AI Magic Shot test last?
Probably just a few days. BlogMickey doesn’t expect the test to last more than a handful of days, though timing could change.
So if you want to try it, stop by the Mansion soon.
What happened with the first AI Magic Shot?
In late September, PhotoPass tested a Haunted Mansion Magic Shot that turned guests into carved stone busts, BlogMickey reported Sept. 29. They looked like the Dread Family busts in the attraction’s queue.
Each bust kept the guest’s face, hair, glasses and expression. The finished photos had a “Limited Edition 2026” strip along one edge.
Many guests on Facebook and X said they were unhappy that Disney appeared to be using generative AI in their photos. Some guests loved the result, BlogMickey said. Disney hadn’t confirmed the technical details at the time.
PhotoPass has added characters and effects to photos for years, like Tinker Bell sitting in a guest’s hands. The bust shot was different because it recreated the guest as a sculpture, BlogMickey noted. That shot could return at a later time.
What has Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro said about AI?
He calls it a tool for creative teams. “AI amplifies what our storytellers can do,” D’Amaro said on Disney’s earnings call in August, according to BlogMickey.
“It doesn’t replace them,” he added.
Disney is leaning into AI in several places. Its J.A.R.V.I.S. AI tool is available to more than 2,000 Imagineers, D’Amaro said in August, as PNP reported.
Disney World also started testing an AI trip planner called Guided Search on its website in late September, built with Google Cloud, as PNP reported. And in September, Disney hired Karandeep Anand, the CEO of chatbot company Character.AI, as its first chief technology officer.
Will the AI ghost shot become permanent?
Disney hasn’t said. This round is a test, and Disney is offering a standard photo right alongside it.
So if you’re at Magic Kingdom this week, you get to choose. You can grab a classic photo in front of the Mansion, or take a turn as one of its ghosts.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
BlogMickey (Oct. 21, 2026), the new Magic Shot test, how it works, the photo standards and D’Amaro’s quote
BlogMickey (Sept. 29, 2026), the stone bust Magic Shot and guest reaction
Pirates & Princesses (Aug. 5, Sept. 19 and Oct. 5, 2026), J.A.R.V.I.S., Disney’s CTO hire and the AI trip planner
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.