The Hatbox Ghost

The Hatbox Ghost is a character from The Haunted Mansion that was removed from the attraction shortly after it opened. Despite this, he has appeared in various media related to the attraction. He returned to the attraction on May 9, 2015.

History
The Hatbox Ghost was designed as the primary gimmick of the Attic scene. A trick lighting effect would make it appear that his head would disappear off his shoulders and reappear in a hatbox he held in his hand, timed to the beat of the Bride's heart. However, the effect did not work as planned and the character was removed very early in the attraction's run.

The Haunted Mansion
The Hatbox Ghost appeared in the Attic scene in the first few days of the attraction's run before being removed.

He was long been rumored to return to the attraction now that the technology has since been made available to make the effect work.

It was announced April 10, 2015 on the Disney Parks Blog that the Hatbox Ghost would return to the attraction on May 9, 2015 as part of Disneyland's 60th anniversary celebration. The new Hatbox Ghost appears at the end of the Attic scene and lets out an evil chuckle before his head switches places through the use of rear-projected face technology. The set-dressing around him also includes a cart holding four hatboxes with a fifth one by his feet, possibly suggesting he was an accomplice of Constance's.

The Haunted Mansion (comic book)
The Hatbox Ghost plays a part in the Mystery of the Manse storyline. He was once Randall Pace, a gunrunner  on the ship that William Gracey was captain. After discovering what they were shipping, Gracey decapitated Pace and became a pirate. When Gracey eventually settled down outside New Orleans, a scorned Madame Leota would call upon the spirit of Pace and the rest of Gracey's long dead crew and the Hatbox Ghost would play a part in the death of the bride. After murdering The bride he leaves The Mansion, refrencing his own removal from the original attraction. He also makes minor appearances in other stories of the comic usually as a background character.

House of Mouse
In the episode "House Ghosts", the Hatbox Ghost joins the Hitchhiking Ghosts, the Bride and the Executioner in singing "Grim Grinning Ghosts" along with The the Lonesome Ghosts and the Skeletons from The Skeleton Dance to scare Pete out of the club.

The Haunted Mansion (upcoming film)
The Hatbox Ghost is planned to be the pivotal character of the film, described by Guillermo del Toro as the "spider in the center of the web" of a whole network of Haunted Mansions located around the world.

Other appearances
The Hatbox Ghost appeared in the Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion record, which was published when the ride opened, hence his inclusion in the book's attic scene.

As the Hatbox Ghost's cult following grew, Disney recognized his popularity in various merchandise and media and utilized him in a Haunted Holidays online campaign as the host, with Corey Burton providing his voice using the same voice that he uses for the Ghost Host.