Haunted Mansion | Disneyland

The Haunted Mansion is one of Disneyland’s most iconic and beloved attractions, located in the heart of New Orleans Square. This eerie yet enchanting ride has been captivating visitors since it first opened its ghostly doors in 1969, offering a timeless blend of humor, spooky effects, and intricate storytelling.

As you approach the Haunted Mansion, you’ll be drawn in by its stunning antebellum-style architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. The mansion itself, known as Gracey Manor, exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. Its ghostly inhabitants, the “999 happy haunts,” are said to be eagerly awaiting one more guest to join them in the afterlife.

Upon entering the mansion, guests are guided through the dimly lit and cobweb-filled chambers by the “Ghost Host,” a disembodied narrator with a wicked sense of humor. As you board “Doom Buggies,” the Omnimover ride system takes you on a tour of the haunted estate, allowing you to witness the antics of the ghostly residents firsthand.

Throughout the attraction, you’ll encounter a memorable cast of spectral characters, including the mischievous hitchhiking ghosts and the infamous Madame Leota, whose crystal ball conjures spirits and incantations. The Haunted Mansion’s intricate set design and state-of-the-art audio-animatronics create a fully immersive and visually stunning experience.

One of the most iconic scenes in the ride is the ballroom sequence, where ghostly apparitions waltz and dine in a grand, transparent ballroom. It’s a breathtaking and eerie sight that leaves visitors in awe.

The Haunted Mansion’s mix of spooky and humorous elements ensures that it appeals to a wide range of guests, from thrill-seekers to families. The attention to detail and storytelling make it a classic Disney attraction that continues to enchant new generations of visitors.

As you exit the Haunted Mansion, you’ll be left with a sense of wonder and a catchy tune that will stay with you long after you’ve left the ghostly abode. For those seeking a bewitching blend of whimsy and spookiness, the Haunted Mansion is an absolute must-visit attraction at Disneyland.

Fun Facts

• The ride was originally supposed to be a walk-through attraction.
• The attraction was originally supposed to have a feature called the “Museum of the Weird.”
• The ride has 160 buggies and travels at roughly 1.5 miles per hour.
• The special effect that makes the ballroom scene seem so realistic is a trick called ‘Peppers Ghost,” which is named after scientist John Henry Pepper. The effect uses glass to reflect a room that is unseen to the viewer. Other examples of this effect are the Blue Fairy in Disneyland’s Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and the 3D hologram of Tupac Shakur at Coachella in 2012. Modern day teleprompters also use the basic premise of
  Peppers Ghost.
• The stretching room is actually an elevator as opposed to the actual room stretching mechanism at the Disney
  World version.
• The ballroom organ is the same one used in the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
• This is the most popular Disney ride for guests to try to spread the ashes of loved ones on.
• The hitchhiking ghosts at the end of the ride actually have names. They are Ezra, Gus and Phineas.
•  The ride has a few recognizable voices in it:
  • Ghost Host: Paul Frees (no, its not Vincent Price), who played the Pillsbury Doughboy, Burgermeister
    Meisterburger  in the claymation Santa Claus is Comin to Town.
  • Singin Bust in Graveyard (the one that looks like Walt Disney): Thurl Ravenscroft, who was Tony the Tiger, played Fritz in the Tiki Room and sang “You’re a Mean One Mr Grinch.”
• Madame Leota: Eleanor Audley, who was Lady Tremaine in Cinderella and Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty.

Related News:

• Haunted Mansion to Close for Expanded Grounds Refurbishment in January 2024 at Disneyland Park, December 12, 2023
• First-Ever Haunted Mansion Bar Coming to the Disney Treasure in 2024, October 24, 2023
• New Haunted Mansion Grounds Expansion, Retail Shop Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2024, August 29, 2023
• Haunted Mansion Closing Date Announced for Holiday Overlay at Disneyland, July 4, 2023
• The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Closing August 15, 2022 for Holiday Overlay, July 6, 2022