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“Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. I am your host, your ghosthost. Kindly step all the way in please, and make room for everyone. There’s no turning back now.”
From the moment he envisioned Disneyland, Walt Disney dreamed of including a haunted house in the new theme park. Initially, the plan was for it to be a walk-through attraction, with a Southern mansion designed to appear dilapidated and neglected. However, Walt ultimately decided against having something so rundown in his pristine new park.
Credit: Disney
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Walt was inspired by his visit to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, where he was fascinated by the staircases that went nowhere, hidden doors, and an elevator.
The attraction was originally slated to open in 1965, but plans shifted after Disney introduced “it’s a small world” at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Tragically, Walt passed away in 1966.
Following his death, the attraction underwent significant redesign and reimagining. Rather than a walk-through experience, Disney Imagineers opted for an omnimover system and created the Doom Buggies. This innovation allowed the new attraction to accommodate more guests and enabled the Imagineers to control the visual experience, as the ride vehicles could move in any direction.
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The Haunted Mansion opened in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park on August 12, 1969, and quickly became a favorite among guests.
Its popularity led to a similar attraction being featured as one of the opening day experiences at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World two years later, on October 1, 1971.
Although both attractions share similar themes, there are notable differences between the Disneyland and Disney World versions. Let’s explore those!
The Haunted Mansion Facades
Disneyland’s Antebellum Style
The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland, which opened in 1969, is distinctively characterized by its Antebellum architectural style. Nestled in New Orleans Square, its design is inspired by Southern plantation homes, specifically the Shipley-Lydecker House. Guests are greeted by a white-painted exterior that reflects a classic Southern aesthetic, aligned with the theme of the surrounding area. This intricacy contributes to setting a spooky yet charming mood for visitors.
Credit: Disney
Disney World’s Colonial Aesthetic
In contrast, the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World adopts a different approach, featuring a red brick Dutch Colonial style. Located in Liberty Square, the exterior resembles colonial homes, particularly found in the northeastern United States. The more sinister appearance of the Florida facade hints at the mysteries contained within, impacting guests’ expectations before they embark on their haunted journey.
Battle of the Ride Queues
In the Magic Kingdom, the ride’s queue is not only interactive but also tells a story, allowing guests to solve a mystery as they wait. At the front of the line, there are busts of family members who have met untimely ends—Cousin Maude, Forsythia, the Twins Wellington, Uncle Jacob, Aunt Florence, and Bertie.
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Related: 13 Creepy Facts and Secrets About The Haunted Mansion
Additionally, there’s an interactive wall by the composer’s crypt where guests can press various etchings on the tomb, causing musical instruments to play. If you listen closely, you’ll hear them perform “Grim Grinning Ghosts!”
The Haunted Mansion ride queue at Disneyland, on the other hand, is not interactive. Instead, it features a straightforward line that guides guests through both a pet cemetery and a traditional cemetery, similar to the one at Disney World. The tombstones are humorous, rhyming about how various family members met their fates — like Good Old Fred, who had a great big rock fall on his head.
While the ride queues differ significantly now, major changes are underway at Disneyland. The ride currently uses a virtual queue system, and much of the standby line is closed off. Disney teams are working diligently to revamp the queue, aiming to make it more interactive like its counterpart in the Magic Kingdom.
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The Stretching Room
The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland is shorter than the one in Walt Disney World, mainly due to space limitations. This leads to the Stretching Room in Disneyland serving a functional role; it takes guests down an elevator before they walk under the Disneyland Railroad and board their Doom Buggies.
In contrast, the Stretching Room at Walt Disney World stretches upward without actually moving guests to a different location. This effect is purely for storytelling, enhancing the experience without a physical transition.
As the ghost host famously states, “Is this haunted room actually stretching? Or is it your imagination — hmm? And consider this dismaying observation: this chamber has no windows and no doors… which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out!”
Credit: Tip of the Ears, YouTube
The Creepy Ride Experience
The Library
If you’re only familiar with The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park, you might be confused by what we’re discussing. That’s because Disneyland’s version doesn’t include a library.
In contrast, at the beginning of the Magic Kingdom attraction, guests walk through the mansion’s library, which is filled with priceless first editions—of ghost stories, naturally.
The library also features busts of some of history’s most famous writers of ghost stories, who have chosen to “retire” in the Haunted Mansion as their permanent residence. Two of these busts can be spotted near the end of the Disneyland queue.
Credit: Haunted Mansion Backstage, Tumblr
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The Stairs to Nowhere
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Haunted Mansion, in my opinion, is the Stairs to Nowhere, which can only be found in the Magic Kingdom. The Haunted Mansion there is longer than its Disneyland counterpart, allowing for more eerie and entertaining rooms.
This dark chamber is filled with stairs that lead in every direction, yet none actually go anywhere. They are right-side up, upside down, diagonal, tilted — every imaginable orientation!
Credit: CrackedMack, Haunted Mansion Wiki
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The Hitchhiking Ghosts
Similar to the ride queue at the Magic Kingdom, the Hitchhiking Ghosts scene is interactive, while the Disneyland version is not.
In the Magic Kingdom, guests encounter the three ghosts—Ezra Beane, Professor Phineas Plump, and Gus—who interact with them through the mirrors. Occasionally, they even appear to swap guests’ heads!
In contrast, at Disneyland, the Hitchhiking Ghosts merely sit with guests in their Doom Buggies as they prepare to follow them home.
Credit: Disney
When Two Holidays Collide
At Walt Disney World Resort, rides rarely receive seasonal overlays. One of the few exceptions is the Jungle Cruise, which becomes the Jingle Cruise during Christmas.
In contrast, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion undergoes a transformation every August, closing for several weeks to become Haunted Mansion Holiday. This overlay is inspired by Tim Burton’s beloved 1993 film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Guests can experience the fun of two holidays colliding, as Jack Skellington has taken over the mansion.
The attraction features characters from the film, including Jack as Sandy Claws. However, guests should watch out for Scary Teddy, who loves to stir up mischief along the way!
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Disneyland currently does not. However, Disneyland’s team is actively working on establishing a gift shop at the ride’s exit. Although it was slated to open in 2024, it’s uncertain if it will be completed by the end of the year.
Overall, the Haunted Mansions at Disneyland and Disney World share many similarities and both deliver a wonderfully spooky experience. No matter which version you prefer, you’re sure to enjoy a hauntingly good time!
Have you experienced The Haunted Mansion at both Disneyland and Disney World? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
