Walt Disney World recently tested a new PhotoPass Magic Shot that appears to use artificial intelligence and many fans aren’t happy.
AI Photo Op
Amanda Wilding with Second Story Travel shared images from a Haunted Mansion Magic Shot recently tested at Magic Kingdom. Guests pose in front of the ride and their faces are then turned into busts, similar to the singing busts in the graveyard scene. The background is changed, too, to show a wider shot of the Haunted Mansion.
Dustin Smith shared his own test photos in the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks group. In addition to the bust Magic Shot, his family did a photo that turned them into ghosts.
Though many commenters are excited about the potential photo ops, others are upset by the apparent use of artificial intelligence. The busts in particular look to be generated by AI.
X user @Themountainkin1, who has also been outspoken against Disneyland Paris’ AI use, said, “It’s disrespectful to Marc Davis and Claude Coats’s legacy, guests’ intelligence, the environment and devalues the brand!”
They referenced generative AI artwork that previously appeared in Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, the new Haunted Mansion gift shop at Disneyland. After criticism of the artwork went viral, it was removed and Imagineer Kim Irvine claimed it was a “temporary placeholder.”
Disney faced criticism from fans for apparently using generative AI to create Oogie Boogie Bash posters last year.
Disneyland Paris recently posted an obviously generative AI flyer at Lily’s Boutique, just the latest AI controversy the resort has faced. Another egregious example was their use of an AI voice that could not pronounce “Rapunzel” during a Disney Adventure World presentation.
Disney has sent multiple cease and desist letters to AI companies while maintaining their pro-AI stance.
One AI company they threatened was Character.AI. Yet, Disney just hired former Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand as their first Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
In September 2025, Disney said Character.AI, which allows users to personally create and interact with AI-powered chatbots inspired by existing characters, “adds a sadistic and perverted twist to Disney’s characters by using AI models that engage young people in inappropriate conversations about sex, self-harm, and deceit, and encouraging anti-social and dangerous behavior.”
Character.AI has faced several other controversies and lawsuits, including over teenagers self-harming and committing suicide after interacting with chatbots on the platform.
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