In the vast and intricate world of Disney Parks and films, props don’t always stay put. Sometimes, items with cinematic histories find new life inside the very theme parks that inspired their stories. One such artifact has a ghostly past—and now lives among swashbuckling pirates.
Yes, we’re talking about Master Gracey’s ornate chair from the 2003 Haunted Mansion film starring Eddie Murphy. That eerie throne, once found in the spectral halls of Gracey Manor, now resides deep within the world of Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. And it’s not just hidden in a corner—this chair holds a prominent position in the final scene of the attraction.
Let’s unpack how this spooky seat went from one iconic Disney story to another—and explore some incredible trivia along the way.
A Haunted Beginning: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Before Guillermo del Toro ever teased his darker take on Disney’s Haunted Mansion, there was the 2003 film starring Eddie Murphy. Loosely based on the beloved Disneyland attraction, The Haunted Mansion movie centered on realtor Jim Evers (Murphy), who takes his family to Gracey Manor—only to discover it’s haunted by a 19th-century curse, ghostly residents, and a love story gone wrong.
The film was met with mixed reviews and lukewarm box office numbers, but it’s become a cult favorite over the years, especially for Disney Parks fans. One of the most memorable set pieces in the film is the lavish interior of Gracey Manor, filled with gothic décor, chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and—most notably—an elaborate high-back wooden chair belonging to Master Gracey himself.
After the film wrapped, the props were returned to Disney, but not all ended up in storage. Some were repurposed, and Master Gracey’s chair would eventually find new life in a very different kind of cursed environment.
A New Home in the Caribbean
In 2006, Walt Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction received a significant update to match the explosive popularity of the film franchise. This meant adding Captain Jack Sparrow animatronics, a digital mist effect featuring Davy Jones, and a new finale scene featuring Jack lounging atop a mound of treasure.
That treasure-laden throne room features Jack Sparrow mumbling to himself, surrounded by riches beyond imagination. But look closely: the chair he’s slouched in doesn’t quite match the rest of the nautical theming. Its gothic curves and elaborate design stand out for a reason—it’s the same chair used by Master Gracey in the Haunted Mansion movie.
Disney Imagineers repurposed the prop for the scene, giving it a new life within Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s an eerie little crossover between two of Disney’s spookiest properties—and most guests would never even notice.
The Instagram account House of Mouse shared this information, stating, “On the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, the chair Jack Sparrow sits on at the end is a real movie prop from the 2003 movie The Haunted Mansion..”
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The World of Pirates of the Caribbean
Of course, Pirates of the Caribbean has its own massive legacy. Originally debuting as a Disneyland attraction in 1967, it was the last ride overseen by Walt Disney himself. The dark, immersive boat ride quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of all Disney Parks except for Hong Kong (though it would later be added there in a new form).
Then in 2003—just months before The Haunted Mansion movie—Disney released Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a film adaptation starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. The movie was a smash hit, launching a billion-dollar franchise that includes five films (with a sixth in development) and turning Jack into a permanent fixture in pop culture.
More Hidden Details Inside Pirates of the Caribbean
Disney Parks are famous for their hidden Easter eggs, and Pirates of the Caribbean is no exception. Here are some other fascinating facts for fans to treasure:
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Real Skeletons Were Used: When Disneyland’s original attraction was built, Imagineers reportedly used actual human skeletons donated by UCLA Medical School, believing fake ones looked too… well, fake. Most have since been replaced, but rumors persist that at least one real skull remains.
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Captain Jack Sparrow Was Seamlessly Added: The audio-animatronic figure of Jack Sparrow blends in so naturally, many first-time riders assume he’s always been part of the attraction. The character appears three times throughout the ride, culminating with his throne room appearance.
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The Auction Scene Was Altered: In 2018, Disney updated the controversial “Take a wench for a bride” auction scene. Now, it features Redd, a female pirate, leading the charge and participating in the loot auction—a more modern and empowering twist.
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There’s a Secret Club Nearby: Right next to the Disneyland version of the attraction is the exclusive and ultra-secretive Club 33, which many celebrities and VIPs have visited over the years.
One Chair. Two Stories. Endless Disney Magic.
Whether you prefer ghosts or pirates, Disney fans can appreciate the strange journey of Master Gracey’s chair—from a spooky mansion in a not-so-beloved movie to the most iconic pirate lair in theme park history.
So next time you ride Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World and watch Jack Sparrow mumble to himself from that grand chair, remember: you’re also getting a little piece of the Haunted Mansion movie… whether you like it or not.
