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Inside Disney’s Ghastly Dark Ride and the Creepy Effect That Was Eventually Shut Off

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Credit: Disney

We wouldn’t be surprised if even the most hardcore Disney fans didn’t know about this!

Disneyland Paris

Credit: Travel + Leisure, X

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While Disneyland Paris offers plenty of classic rides and attractions, few are quite as beloved or iconic as Phantom Manor. Initially opened in 1992, Phantom Manor is Disneyland Paris’ version of Haunted Mansion, offering guests the chance to embark on a spooky yet still magical dark ride experience.

This version incorporates elements from the original Haunted Mansion and has redesigned its storyline to align with the rest of the park’s version of Frontierland.

The design of Phantom Manor evokes a sense of suspense and eeriness, enhancing its reputation as a haunted attraction. While other Haunted Mansions maintain a whimsical charm, Phantom Manor elevates the scariness, using techniques such as dim lighting and haunting music to instill fear in its visitors. The architecture embodies Victorian Second Empire style elements, creating a visually unsettling experience compared to its counterparts.

However, one of the ride’s coolest and eeriest pieces of theming has since been abandoned, likely due to its effect on guests.

A menacing skeleton with glowing eyes and a top hat smiles eerily in the foreground. Behind it, there is a large, ominous, and dimly lit Victorian-style mansion on a rainy night. The scene exudes a spooky, haunted atmosphere.

Credit: Disney

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The storyline of Phantom Manor is richly layered, deriving inspiration from the fictional town of Thunder Mesa and expanding upon it to deliver a captivating, spooky narrative. This town serves as a backdrop, with the manor itself being the home of a prosperous settler whose family is cursed after a malevolent spirit appears. This cursed existence drives the daughter of the mansion, Melanie Ravenswood, to a tragic end after the death of her fiancé.

Before the ride begins, guests are greeted by a grand staircase that sets the tone for the rest of the Phantom Manor experience.

Prior to a refurbishment in 2001, this staircase would slowly fade into a monochrome version of itself as a flash of lightning blinded guests.

A video of the retired effect can be seen below, as shared by JPAdventurer on Twitter.

In Phantom Manor’s early years, the Grand Staircase transformed. As the lightning flashed, its vivid colors would disappear, leaving it black and white. The effect was discontinued in 2001, possibly due to it distracting guests. This explains why it was colorless for so long.

It’s presumed that the effect was potentially distracting to guests, resulting in its removal in 2001.

The influence of Gothic literature further enriches the attraction’s storyline. Drawing from works such as Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera and elements from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, the story emphasizes themes of haunting love and tragic loss. Melanie’s endless wait for her lost love gives the tale a dramatic weight, resonating with visitors emotionally.

The characters, especially the Phantom, are carefully crafted to evoke sympathy and fear. They reflect the haunting nature of the story by transcending typical ghostly figures and embodying the loss and sorrow woven into the narrative. Such a blend of emotional depth aligns with the darker themes of Phantom Manor, further distinguishing it from the more light-hearted Haunted Mansion attractions.

Illustration of a skeletal figure wearing a large hat with a pink ribbon and an ominous grin. The figure is in the foreground, while a spooky, gothic mansion with lit windows and a dark, stormy sky forms the background.

Credit: Disney

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Since its opening in 1992, Phantom Manor has undergone rigorous updates, the most significant occurring during its 2018 refurbishment. This renovation was aimed at updating its special effects, reintroducing classic narration, and strengthening the coherence of the storyline. These enhancements have played a vital role in keeping Phantom Manor relevant and engaging for new generations of visitors.

These updates were designed to enhance entertainment value and reinforce the haunting legend of Phantom Manor. By investing in narrative cohesion and artistic integrity, Disneyland Paris ensures that this attraction continues to stand out in comparison with its more whimsical Haunted Mansion siblings around the globe.

About Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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