This haiku from the Mouse of Zen is very appropriate and timely considering several new additions and enhancements recently appearing at the Haunted Mansion. For example, the current "soft opening" and soon official unveiling of the optional interactive queue option outside the Haunted Mansion. In addition, the enhanced animatronic Hitchhiking Ghosts Animatronics return at WDW.
Your experience can now begin with a new story line inspired by some of your favorite characters previously seen only inside the Haunted Mansion. There are new crypts and other “spooky” sights to see as well as my favorite tombstones with witty epitaphs to the dearly departed like, “Drink a Toast to Our Friend Ken, Fill Your Glass and Don’t Say ‘When.’” [Disney Parks Blog]
This enhanced area outside of the entrance has some interesting animated displays, and is in fact, interactive. For example, there is a large, two-sided tomb illustrated with instruments. Each face has different touch-activated music, one a recognizable Haunted Mansion tune, and the other side plays something a little stranger. There is an organ which you can play, and get an unexpected response; plus a Sea Captain taking a bubble bath inside his final resting place.
There is much more to enjoy and chuckle at among the various tombstones, for example a bookcase that won't stay in place. According to an article in Orlando Attractions Magazine, there may also be a hidden code contest yet been announced. Check out that story, some great photos and their video in the March 17 issue.
One of my favorite fan video websites is Jeff Lange DVD on You Tube. He has two recent posts on the Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion improvements, one regarding the new queue area and a second on the enhanced hitchhiking ghosts inside the attraction… your doombuggie awaits!
If you are interested in reading more about the Haunted Mansion there are a lot official and fan resources out there. For example, these three fan web sites:
There is also a wonderful book developed by Imagineer Jason Surrell titled The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies -- Updated, which is the entire history of the attraction, a detailed tour and description of the every aspect of the premises and even a section about the Haunted Mansion movie with Eddie Murphy. A ton of art is inside the 130 pages of narrative, sketches, drawings and photos, originally published in 2003 and updated in 2009.
Closing my Mouse of Zen haiku interpretation is my favorite videographer of all things Disney, Martin Smith of MartinsVids and his wonderful video production of The Haunted Mansion. This is not a casual video – it lasts one hour!
From 8 hours of footage shot, this is a 1 hour edit multi angle video beginning with a look at the exterior details of the Mansion and surroundings. After full coverage of the graveyard, take in every part of the attraction from start to finish. From walk in to walk out, this is full multi angle coverage of the complete attraction down to the smallest detail. Included in full also are the loops of Constance the bride, the Graveyard band and the Singing Busts. Following the attraction, see full coverage of the exit area stones and the Pet Cemetery, then see the Mansion and surroundings as night falls and the lights come on. See full interior details of both the Assisted Guest entrance and the Chicken Exit too.
The footage is accompanied by a brand new full stereo audio mix, using full source audio elements and clean live audio hear the attraction as you journey through it as you would whilst actually riding. With thanks to Dan Warren for the footage and hours spent riding to obtain it, and to the cast members of the Haunted Mansion, Orlando. No rules were broken, but their help was invaluable. (http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=514)
This post was part of a Magical Blogorail special edition highlighting the Mouse of Zen.
Disney has some very big classics and no ride is more classic Disney then The Haunted Mansion. Recently refurbished and better then ever with new segments, updated audio and many new animatronics. It has never been as great and "spooky" then ever before! The new Haunted Mansion features several new scenes as well as updated scenes from your favorite ride. The Bride now has a face and voice which brings more information to the story of the ride. Plus new upside down stairs and an updated … more
The Haunted Mansion has become one of our familiies must do's at The Magic Kingdom. For someone who actually does not like haunted houses, I can honestly say - I love this ride. I love the Gotchic architecture of the house and appreciate how authentic it is. The "Grim Grinning Ghosts" theme song, which was written by a former Disney imagineer, entertains you as you make your way through the mansion. The dining room scene is fabulous and we always spot … more
Pros: spooky with laughs mixed in Cons: none The Bottom Line: Spooky and Funny rolled into one. Is the only way I can think of to describe the Haunted Mansion. I have been going to the Haunted Mansion since before I was old enough to remember. I never remember being "scared" by it but it is spooky with a mix of funny. You start out walking up a path to the "mansion" that winds through a graveyard, with … more
Pros: fun for the whole family! Great Special Effects! Air Conditioning! Cons: Long Lines, Little Kids beware Next weekend, my best friend (Dionne25) and I are heading down to Orlando. Since my father is a Disney Employee, I get in for free. I have been to Disney on many occasions, and the Haunted Mansion remains one of my favorite rides there. The lines for the Haunted Mansion are usually long, but the 20 minute ride is definitely … more
Pros: fun for the whole family! Great Special Effects! Air Conditioning! Cons: Long Lines, Little Kids beware Next weekend, my best friend (Dionne25) and I are heading down to Orlando. Since my father is a Disney Employee, I get in for free. I have been to Disney on many occasions, and the Haunted Mansion remains one of my favorite rides there. The lines for the Haunted Mansion are usually long, but the 20 minute ride is definitely … more
Hi folks. My blog is A World View - Enjoying Walt Disney World. I actually think it was watching a True-Life Adventure called the Living Desert that started my enthusiastic love of Disney. I must have … more
Consider the Source
Use Trust Points to see how much you can rely on this review.
Foolish mortals. Enter an 18th century mansion and encounter 999 grim grinning ghosts on a not-so-scary ride that includes a zillion classic details. The ceiling. Is it moving up? The eerie Madame Leota. The incredible phantoms of the ballroom. And those hitch-hiking ghosts. Hurry ba-aaack.
