One of the most recognizable attractions at Funland will undergo a major transformation, with the longtime Haunted Mansion ride set for renovation after the 2026 season. (Photo courtesy of Funland.)

One of the most recognizable attractions along the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is set for a major transformation, as Funland officials announced plans to renovate the longtime Haunted Mansion ride following the 2026 season.

For more than 45 years, the Haunted Mansion has been a staple of the family-owned amusement park, drawing generations of visitors as a classic dark ride and summer tradition. Funland shared that the goal of the renovation is to maintain the attraction’s nostalgic charm and personality while enhancing the overall experience so it can continue to be enjoyed for decades to come.

The 2026 season will mark the final opportunity for guests to experience the current version of the Haunted Mansion. The ride is scheduled to open May 16 and operate through the park’s final day of the season on Sept. 13. It will then close for the 2027 season as work begins, with a reimagined version expected to debut in 2028.

Jim Melonic, the original designer of the Haunted Mansion and founder of JMM Studios, will return to help lead the redesign. His work helped shape the look and feel of the ride when it first opened, and Funland officials said his involvement is key to maintaining its legacy.

“I would imagine that it would create a lot of emotions for a lot of people,” Melonic said of the ride’s final season.

Members of the Fasnacht family, which has operated Funland for generations, said the decision to renovate reflects both the ride’s age and the need to keep the attraction operating reliably.

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“Over the years, the mansion was my baby. It’s at the end of its string. It’s time to replace it,” said Don Fasnacht, a second-generation owner.

Randy Curry, a third-generation family member, added that ongoing maintenance has become increasingly complex as the ride has aged.

Despite the need for updates, family members emphasized that the redesigned attraction will stay true to the original experience that has made it a longtime favorite.

“A lot of care went into building the current ride and consideration for the customers to make it enjoyable and scary but not over the top, and we’re going to continue to do that with the new ride,” said Craig Fasnacht, a third-generation owner.

Chris Darr, a fourth-generation member of the family, said planning for the renovation has already been underway for more than a year.

“This is an iconic ride. You can’t get it wrong and I think we all know that. This is something that people really, really value,” Darr said.

Melonic said returning to the project decades after originally designing the ride carries personal significance.

“To re-do this ride again 45 years later… I feel blessed. I feel proud. I feel that it’s a task that I’m going to put a lot of passion into,” he said.

Other family members said the focus is not only on honoring the past, but also ensuring the ride remains relevant for future generations.

“What we want to do here is create 40 more years of fun. This chapter is closing but we’re really into preserving what we have here as much as possible in a new way. A lot of heart and a lot of fun is going into this new ride,” said Kasey Hendricks, a fourth-generation member of the family.

Melonic added that the focus of the redesign ultimately comes down to the visitor experience.

“It’s not about your family and my family. It’s about the guests that are coming in. It’s our goal to reach and exceed their expectations,” he said.

Suzanne King of JMM Studios said the aim is to ensure the updated attraction resonates with both longtime fans and new riders.

“You don’t want someone to get off the ride and think the old one was better. You want them to get off and think that was awesome,” King said.

Funland officials said updates on the renovation will be shared throughout the process, including behind-the-scenes details and stories from those involved in the ride’s history.

As the 2026 season approaches, visitors are encouraged to take one final ride on the original Haunted Mansion before construction begins, marking the end of an era for one of Delaware’s most beloved attractions.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.