Funland's Iconic Haunted Mansion in Rehoboth Beach to Undergo Major Renovation

The beloved 45-year-old ride will be preserved and enhanced for future generations of thrill-seekers.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:05am

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Funland, the iconic amusement park on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, has announced plans to fully renovate its beloved Haunted Mansion ride in 2027. The goal is to preserve the ride's nostalgic charm and personality while improving the overall experience for visitors. The original Haunted Mansion will remain open this summer before closing for the renovations, which are expected to take one year. The renovated ride will reopen in 2028, with many of the original 'tricks' and scenes remaining intact.

Why it matters

The Haunted Mansion is a beloved Rehoboth Beach institution, having delighted generations of thrill-seekers since it first opened in 1979. As one of the last remaining classic 'dark rides' in the region, the Haunted Mansion's renovation is crucial to preserving the nostalgic charm and character of the Funland amusement park, which has been family-owned since 1962.

The details

The renovation project will be led by Jim Melonic, the 'dark ride' legend who helped design and build the original Haunted Mansion. Melonic's son, Adam, will also be involved in the process. While the exterior of the ride will look nearly identical, at least a dozen of the original 'tricks' and five of the scenes will be preserved. Funland aims to enhance the overall experience while maintaining the Haunted Mansion's iconic status.

  • The original Haunted Mansion will be open for the 2026 Funland season, which runs from May 16 to September 13.
  • The Haunted Mansion will close for renovations in 2027.
  • The renovated Haunted Mansion is expected to reopen in 2028.

The players

Funland

The iconic amusement park on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, owned by the Fasnacht family since 1962.

Jim Melonic

The 'dark ride' legend who helped design and build the original Haunted Mansion, and will be leading the renovation project.

Adam Melonic

Jim Melonic's son, who will be involved in the Haunted Mansion renovation.

Don Fasnacht

A second-generation member of the Fasnacht family, who considers the Haunted Mansion his 'baby' and says it's time to replace the aging ride.

Randy Curry

A third-generation member of the Fasnacht family, who notes that there are a lot of miles on the Haunted Mansion and that wear and tear forces occasional closures for repairs.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of rides, nowadays, you just see old things being knocked down and a large roller coaster going up in its place. And if the mansion could talk, I think it would say 'thank you.' It's still gonna be there, still gonna be there in the new version, it just might have a little bit of a different voice.”

— Adam Melonic

What’s next

The Funland team plans to share updates with fans throughout the Haunted Mansion renovation project on their website.

The takeaway

The renovation of the Haunted Mansion at Funland in Rehoboth Beach is a testament to the importance of preserving nostalgic amusement park experiences. By carefully updating the iconic ride while maintaining its core character, Funland is ensuring that generations to come can enjoy the thrill and wonder of this beloved attraction.