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EVERY Ghost In Disney’s Haunted Mansion And Their Story

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

For well over 60 years, The Haunted Mansion has been one of Disney’s most beloved — and studied — attractions. Many of us have long been fascinated with the backstories of the “Grim Grinning Ghosts” featured in the ride.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

You’re in luck. We’ve assembled a complete guide to nearly every one of the major happy haunts who appear in the iconic attraction .

Haunted Mansion Ghosts

Arguably the most developed character on the attraction who utters the famous “Welcome, foolish mortals” line, the Ghost Host serves as the Haunted Mansion’s narrator. That’s of course in addition to his hanging corpse appearing in the stretching room, arguably the singular most iconic visual in the attraction.

Victor Geist

Victor Geist is the cape and top hat-wearing pianist who played the grand piano located in the Mansion’s grand hall.

Constance Hatchaway is the murderous bride who inhabits the Haunted Mansion’s attic, wielding her hatchet and waiting for another groom she can marry and then, well, separate their head from their body.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

The tallest of the three hitchhiking ghosts, who lives his afterlife as a vagabond.

Professor Phineas Plump

The most rotund of the three Hitchhiking Ghosts, Phineas was a snake oil salesman who “traveled the country hocking snake oil at train depots. He crossed over to the spirit realm while experimenting with a new miracle concoction and still keeps his trusty carpet bag by his side, eager to make another sale.”

The third and shortest of the three Hitchhiking Ghosts, Gus was a prisoner who “committed no crimes” in life, but was still cursed to wear a ball and chain in death.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Rolo Rumkin

One of the singing busts who serenades guests with “Grim Grinning Ghosts” in the graveyard, Rolo Rumkin’s name is a tribute to legendary Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump.

Uncle Theodore

Uncle Theodore is another of the busts in the Haunted Mansion graveyard, with vocals and performance provided by Thurl Ravenscroft. His bust is notably the only broken one of the group, a story choice that developed as a way to fix a technical issue with the footage of Ravesncroft.

Cousin Algernon

Another of the singing busts, Cousin Algernon is recognizable as he’s the only of the busts to be wearing a hat.

The fourth singing bust, Ned Nub’s vocal and projected acting performance is provided by Jay Meyer.

Phineas Pock

The fifth of the singing busts, Pock is notable for having a tombstone that reads “Here Lies Phineas Pock. Laid to Rest Beneath this Rock” outside the Disneyland version of the attraction. A character of the same name appeared on a Haunted Mansion radio ad voiced by Paul Frees.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Hatbox Ghost

The iconic Hatbox Ghost was long been an urban legend amongst Disney fans, as the original animatronic was removed from the Mansion’s attic scene very shortly after opening. After decades of rumor, a new version of the figure was added back into the Disneyland version of the attraction in 2015. A backstory for the character has never been confirmed, though many speculate that he is either one of Constance’s victims or her accomplice. Given the casting of Jared Leto in the upcoming film, it’s likely that the character will be getting a backstory pretty soon.

Madame Leota

Madame Leota – AKA the floating head in the crystal ball — is one of the most recognizable and merchandised Haunted Mansion characters. Leota has had several backstories, with the Disneyland version having been a medium who performed seances, brewed potions, and cast magic spells while the Walt Disney World version presents her as a witch who served the infamous Salem Witch Trials. In addition, the Memento Mori gift shop is themed to have been her home during corporeal life.

Graves/Busts in the Haunted Mansion Cemetery

Captain culpepper clyne.

Captain Clyne is a sea captain whose tub-shaped crypt sits outside the Walt Disney World version of Haunted Mansion, with an inscription that proclaims he “braved the seas and all her wrath, but drowned on land while taking a bath.” The character is loosely based on the painting of The Mariner that has long hung in the Mansion, which itself was based loosely on the character of Captain Gore, a holdover from Ken Anderson’s original blue sky version of the attraction known as Bloodmere Manor.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Master Gracey

Master Gracey, named after Imagineer Yale Gracey, is one of the best known names amongst Haunted Mansion characters thanks to a tombstone outside the attraction which reads “Master Gracey laid to rest. No mourning please at his request.” While fan speculation — and the 2003 film — name Gracey as the master of the house, it’s never been canonically established in the attraction.

Uncle Jacob

The patriarch of the Dread family, whose poisoning at the hands of Bertie led to the deaths of the whole family. His epitaph reads, “Greed was the poison he had swallowed. He went first, the others followed.”

Bertie Dread is one of the members of the Dread family whose tombstones are located in the crypts outside the Magic Kingdom Mansion. Big game hunter Bertie was shot to death by Florence Dread in retaliation for his use of venom from his prized snake — which is featured on his tombstone — to poison her husband Jacob Dread.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Aunt Florence

Florence Dread, whose epitaph read that she “Never did a dishonorable deed, yet found face down in canary seed” was the matriarch of the Dread family. She murdered Bertie in relation for his murder of her husband, Jacob. Florence herself was killed by the young twins Wellington and Forsythia Dread .

Wellington and Forsythia Dread are the young twins of the Dread family who murdered Florence Dread in order to steal her inheritance. However, they themselves would be murdered by Cousin Maude.

Cousin Maude

The final surviving member of the Dread family, Cousin Maude murdered the twins with a hammer in order to acquire the inheritance of every one of her deceased family members. She herself would perish when her home burned down — due to the matches she used as hair-pins. Maude is notable for being the only Dread family member to appear inside the Mansion, as a painting of her surrounded by flames is seen in Phineas’s bag during the Hitchhiking Ghost scene.

Francis Xavier

The epitaph for Francis Xavier reads, “Requiescat Francis Xavier. No time off for good behavior “R.I.P.” which is a tribute to Xavier “X” Atencio who wrote the script for the Haunted Mansion, and the lyrics for “Grim Grinning Ghosts.”

A Complete Guide To Haunted Mansion Funko Pops

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So, which of these Haunted Mansion spirits is your favorite? Let us known the comments below.

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3 Replies to “EVERY Ghost In Disney’s Haunted Mansion And Their Story”

I’ve been listening to the original recording of the Haunted Mansion since I was very little. I was born in 1969 so it’s close to my heart. Even though I have tattoos of Madame Leota and the Hat Box Ghost, I have to say the Ghost Host is my favorite. The voice will forever be imbedded in my fondest memories. Still to this day, I play the original story for all the neighborhood kids every Halloween.

I love them all, but always in awe at Madame Leota and the Hat Box Ghost. Another favorite is the little ghost above you as you area almost to the end that talks and says “come back, come back”. What is her story?

Hi Janelle! Fun fact, the little ghost (or as we like to call her “Little Leota”) over the exit that says “Hurry back” is Leota Toombs, who was a Disney Imagineer. It’s her face they used for Madame Leota in the seance room, but because her voice was a bit higher they chose to use Eleanor Audley’s voice (who also provided the voices for Lady Tremaine in Cinderella and Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, but it’s Leota Toomb’s real voice that you hear from Little Leota. 🙂

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The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is a fan favorite that no visit to a Disney park is complete without. This popular attraction is a timeless classic that relies heavily on old school special effects and simple visual trickery to create a chilling atmosphere that’s the perfect combination of whimsical and scary. If you love to know the “how’s” and “why’s” behind Disney attractions, keep reading for an inside look at some of the special effects on the Haunted Mansion.

Spoiler alert: If you don’t want to know about the real-world mechanisms behind the other-worldly air of the mansion, don’t read any further.

The spooky scrims

The Endless Hallway

The Endless Hallway features a handy scrim Image: Chris Murray,  Flickr  ( license )

A scrim is a special effects tool that’s used not only in theme parks, but in museum exhibits, stage shows, and any other place where the show requires two interchangeable scenes in the same location. A scrim is a loosely woven piece of cloth that’s painted on one side. When it’s lit from the front, you’ll see the painting on the surface of the scrim. When it’s lit from behind, you see through the cloth to what’s behind.

Scrims are used generously throughout the Haunted Mansion to create chilling special effects. The most obvious scrims are in the Portrait Gallery. These pictures change when the lightning flashes, so you’re seeing the front of the scrim when it’s lit normally, and the ghoulish image behind during flashes of lightning.

The Endless Hallway has another scrim about halfway down the hall. The floating candle you see is located behind a scrim, which helps obscure the mechanism that causes the candle to “float.” The scrim here also creates a cloudiness that makes the mirror at the end of the hall more difficult to discern, so the seemingly endless corridor looks more realistic. Wondering how the mirror works with the candle in front of it? The candle is painted black on the backside so its light doesn’t disturb the mirror’s effect.

The Graveyard has another scrim. Here, the scrim is lightly painted to give the entire graveyard a foggy effect. This is the largest scrim in Walt Disney World. Here, its use is similar to that of the hallway. The lighting doesn’t change to reveal different visions, but the loosely woven fabric allows you to see through it strategically, so you can appreciate the ghosts behind, while painted areas create fog and help obscure other mechanisms that would make the special effects throughout the graveyard noticeably less special.

The ballroom ghosts

The Ballroom

The ghostly Ballroom at the Mansion Image: Brian Rechenmacher,  Flickr  ( license )

Many guests attribute the famous ghosts in the ballroom scene to a high tech special effect, such as a projection. However, long-time Mansion fans know that this scene has been around far longer than many modern video effects. The ghosts that appear and disappear in the ballroom below you are created using a projection technique known as phantasmagoria that dates back to the mid-1800s. John Henry Pepper was the first to perfect the approach, which is often referred to as “Pepper’s Ghost.” Disney’s use of the Pepper’s Ghost effect is the largest in the world, but it’s not unique.

The ghostly figures that you see in the Haunted Mansion ballroom are real animatronics that are just below your doom buggy in a separate room. What you’re seeing from your elevated vantage point isn’t the figures themselves, but rather a reflection of them. There are huge panes of glass set at an angle in the ballroom that are invisible to the viewer, until the figures opposite them are lit. The glass then reflects the ghostly characters, giving the impression of a room full of figures that appear and disappear.

I'm a full time freelance writer and former resident of Orlando, Florida. In the early 2000's I did two stints as a Disney CP, then joined the full-time ranks of Disney Cast Members. During my time at Disney I worked in all four theme parks at least once. Today I enjoy traveling around the country, experiencing and writing about all manner of destinations, both theme parks and beyond.

I may not have ever worked for Disney, but I do know how scrims work. For someone who works (worked?) for Disney, your knowledge is surprisingly WRONG.

At no point in the Haunted Mansion do they use scrims, except in the ceiling of the stretching room. A scrim CANNOT be partially lit. It is either fully invisible or fully opaque. In other words, you can either see everything through it or you can nothing through it. Let's take each of your "points" one at a time. Granted, if part of the scrim is painted, that part will still be able to reflect light when the back of the scrim is lit, but the part that is "see through" can only ever be fully opaque or fully transparent.

The portraits in the hall of portraits use a pigment that reacts to a certain frequency of light. When the lightning flashes it causes that pigment to glow in reaction to the light. This is why you can see the original portrait while also seeing the gruesome image AT THE SAME TIME. If it were a scrim, the lightning would have to come from THE BACK of the canvas, not the front. Plus, the paintings would obscure anything you might see from behind. You can see the lightning flashes on the wall around the portrait which clearly means it is coming from the front. Thus, NO SCRIM.

The endless hallway does not have a scrim because it does not need one. The hallway is long enough to really not even need the mirror. Simply lighting it properly will give the illusion that it is endless just by the fact the guests can't see the end of it. Further, the candelabra does not need a scrim to make it appear to float as fishing line is sufficient to achieve this effect. With a bit of gently wind from a hidden fan the candelabra can appear even spookier as the wind makes it move about on the fishing line, especially if the line is anchored at the top and bottom with just a little slack. As for not ruining the effect in the mirror, if the candelabra is in front of the front mirror (two mirrors are used to achieve the effect of an endless hallway), it will not be reflected by the mirrors. Finally, there is no need to obscure the mirrors with a scrim as the only lighting is coming from the chandeliers and the candelabra. This means that the effect works perfectly without needing to obscure it in any way.

The graveyard scene might use a scrim except for the fact that artificial fog is not difficult. Plus, creating fog is far more effective at making a scene look foggy. Considering the entire room is dimly lit, I very much doubt anyone would see the mechanisms that create the various ghostly effects. Plus, the guests are not stupid enough to think the ghosts are real no matter what you do to hide the various metal bits. If you bother to ride or watch video of someone riding, you will notice that many of the "ghosts" are clearly animatronics as they are not moving in anything remotely resembling a natural manner. Their movements are mechanical and jerky. Also, the graveyard is curved. Trying to put a scrim between the guests and the scene would be difficult at best. It would be necessary to ensure that the scrim does not move or sway in any manner. If the scrim moves, it ruins the effect. Thus it would be MUCH easier for the entire scene to be blanketed in actually albeit artificial fog.

The only place that actually uses a scrim, as I said before, is the ceiling of the stretching room. You didn't even mention that! When the lightning flashes ABOVE the ceiling in the stretching room, the guests can see the corpse hanging from the rafters. They CAN'T see the ceiling any more. THAT is how a scrim works. There is no other place in the entire ride where that effect is seen. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't try to say that the hitchhiking ghosts that ride for a moment with the guests at the end of the ride are using a scrim.

The wire saw is broken and the water drops are worn

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haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Meet the Haunted Mansion Ghosts: Who Are They?

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion is a classic attraction that has been entertaining visitors for over 50 years. Its spooky facade and eerie ambiance immediately draw guests in, but it's the Haunted Mansion ghosts that make the experience truly memorable.

The Haunted Mansion is home to 999 happy haunts, each with their own story and personality. From the ghostly bride who haunts the attic to the hitchhiking ghosts who join you in your doom buggy, each ghost adds to the charm and spookiness of the ride.

The Ghost Host

One of the most iconic ghosts in the Haunted Mansion is the Ghost Host. He welcomes guests and guides them through the various rooms and scenes, including the Portrait Chamber—informally referred to by many as the "stretching room"—and the Grand Ballroom. His voice, a blend of ominous and whimsical, sets the tone for the attraction and adds to the overall atmosphere.

The Ghost Bride: Constance Hatchaway

Another memorable Haunted Mansion ghost is the ghost bride, Constance Hatchaway. Her tragic story is told through a series of portraits in the mansion's attic. She was a wealthy woman who married for money and murdered each of her husbands. Her portrait changes each time she finds a new wealthy suitor, with her previous husbands' heads appearing in a small heap at her feet.

Hitchhiking Ghosts

Perhaps the most interactive ghosts in the Haunted Mansion are the Hitchhiking Ghosts. As guests exit the attraction, they may find a ghostly apparition sitting next to them in their Doom Buggy. These mischievous ghosts will follow guests home if they're not careful.

Haunting Details

The Haunted Mansion is full of small details that add to the overall experience. From the ghostly organ player in the Grand Ballroom to the singing busts in the cemetery, each detail is carefully crafted to add to the haunted ambiance. The use of lighting and sound effects also plays a significant role in creating a spooky atmosphere.

Over the years, the Haunted Mansion has become a fan favorite among Disney enthusiasts. Its timeless appeal and attention to detail have made it a must-visit attraction for visitors to Disneyland. The ghosts of the Haunted Mansion continue to enchant and spook guests of all ages, and their presence is sure to be felt for many years to come.

Imagineering the Haunted Mansion with Rolly Crump

For a more intimate look at the making of the Haunted Mansion , check out our exclusive interview with Disney Legend and Imagineer Rolly Crump .  In the interview, Crump shares his story about his involvement with developing  the Haunted Mansion , and what it was like to work with Walt Disney.

Visit Us and Learn More About Disney’s Amazing History 

Originally constructed in 1897 as an Army barracks, our iconic building transformed into The Walt Disney Family Museum more than a century later, and today houses some of the most interesting and fun museum exhibitions in the US. Explore the life story of the man behind the brand—Walt Disney. You’ll love the iconic Golden Gate Bridge views and our interactive exhibitions here in San Francisco. You can learn more about visiting us here

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion: The Complete Guide

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

It may seem like the Haunted Mansion has been at Disneyland forever — and it has been around for more than 50 years. But before that, it took fifteen years to plan this quintessential Disneyland ride, which features a cast of busy ghosts in residence in a haunted "retirement home."

Disney Haunted Mansion gets gussied up for Halloween and Christmas every year, and what better way to do that than to turn to Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" for inspiration. The decorations are so extensive that it closes in late September and again after January 1, so it can go back to normal.

What You Need to Know About the Haunted Mansion

Most people who have experienced the Haunted Mansion would tell you it's a must-do ride if you have time.

  • Location:  Haunted Mansion is in New Orleans Square
  • Rating:  ★★★★★
  • Restrictions:  No height restrictions. Children under age seven years must be accompanied by a person aged 14 years or older.
  • Ride Time:  19 minutes
  • Recommended for:  Everyone
  • Fun Factor:  High. Haunted Mansion is one of the ​ best rides at Disneyland .
  • Wait Factor:  High. You can use a ​ Fastpass to shorten your time in line .
  • Fear Factor:  Low, but there's a short period of darkness and noise in the expanding room after you get inside and before you enter the ride queue.
  • Herky-Jerky Factor:  Low
  • Nausea Factor:  Low
  • Seating:  Ride vehicles are mounted to a moving sidewalk. You board by stepping onto the surface, then take a small step up into the vehicle. Each seat can hold two adults and a child, or three adults if you don't mind being close together. But really, don't try to cram three full-sized people into one Doom Buggy. It's a tight fit, and where will the ghost sit?
  • Accessibility:  If you're in a wheelchair, go to the front porch of the ride and enter with everyone else, then ask a cast member for help. They will stop the Doom Buggy to let you get on. Service animals are not recommended on the Haunted Mansion ride. Pick up a handheld captioning device at Guest Relations.   More about visiting Disneyland in a wheelchair or ECV .

How to Have More Fun

  • Don't ask a Haunted Mansion cast member for a death certificate . You may have seen that so many times online that you think it must be true, but it isn't — and may have never been.
  • While standing in line,  look for hidden Mickeys among the gravestones  and on the hearse.
  • The first few minutes in the Disney Haunted Mansion  can be claustrophobic , as everyone crowds into the stretching room. You'll also experience about  5 seconds of complete darkness . Small children may be frightened by that and the noise.
  • The song  you may find running through your head after riding is called "Haunted Grim Grinning Ghosts." It was composed by Buddy Baker, with lyrics written by X Atencio.
  • Haunted Mansion is  one of the coolest places to go on a hot day at Disneyland . Literally. It may feel so good that you'll be hoping the ride stops for a minute so you can enjoy it.
  • Look for the Hatbox Ghost who shows up just after you leave the attic area. He does a nifty little trick that involves his head and the box.
  • In the stretching room , it may feel like the ceiling is rising, but in fact, it's just the opposite. The chamber is actually an elevator that's going down. It leads to an underground passageway to the show building.

You can  see all the Disneyland rides at a glance on the Disneyland ride sheet .

While you're thinking about rides, you should also  download the essential Disneyland apps (they're all free!) and  get some proven tips to minimize your Disneyland wait time .

Disney Haunted Mansion opened in 1969, 14 years after Disneyland began.

One of the hardest parts about running the Haunted Mansion is keeping it looking grungy. They have to bring in dust and cobwebs. Otherwise, the air conditioning system filters them all out.

The clock in the long hallway is stuck at midnight, but only a few riders notice that a demon is eating the clock face - and its tail is the pendulum.

How many ghosts live inside the Haunted Mansion attraction in Disneyland park? 999

Is It Different Than the Haunted Mansion in Florida?

California’s Haunted Mansion looks much different outside than the one in Florida, looming over you as you walk in. Inside, you’ll find a better-decorated boarding area.

Some of the scenes that are part of the Florida ride are in the California queue instead. You’ll find other fun differences and similarities throughout.

The most fun — and significant — difference is that California’s Haunted Mansion is the only one that turns into Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.

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Disney's Haunted Mansion Will Scare You Silly

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Haunted Mansion

Frightful delights await.

Dearly depart into a foreboding estate, drag your body to the dead center of the Portrait Chamber and watch as the walls begin to stretch before your eyes. Climb into your waiting Doom Buggy and embark on a shivering journey into an unearthly realm.

The disembodied voice of the Ghost Host is your private guide through the cadaverous dwelling—home to grinning ghosts and other spectral surprises. 

Glide past a rattling casket in the conservatory. Head off to Madame Leota's spirited séance room. Float by the Grand Ballroom and its waltzing apparitions. Take a spin through a cemetery where the spirited residents regale you with song. 

Beware of lurking hitchhikers—these phantom pranksters may try to follow you home!

Creepy Fun for Little Ones

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10 scary, legendary ghost tales of Disneyland…

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10 scary, legendary ghost tales of disneyland haunts.

Legend 1: Walt Disney haunts Disneyland -- Everyone knows that...

Legend 1: Walt Disney haunts Disneyland -- Everyone knows that Walt had an apartment over the Fire Station on Main Street, right? And that the light in the window is never turned off -- a tribute to Walt, who died in 1966, right? But did you hear this one: Before the tradition of leaving the light on began, a cast member turned off the light and left the room only to find the light turned on again when she returned. The story goes that she heard a voice that said, “I am still here.”

Legend 2: Space Mountain's Mr. One Way - He's described...

Legend 2: Space Mountain's Mr. One Way - He's described as a large man with red hair and a red face. The legend is that he sits in the seat next to single riders. Then he disappears by the end of the ride. He has also been spotted in the cast member locker room.

Legend 3: Monorail runner -- In June of 1966, a...

Legend 3: Monorail runner -- In June of 1966, a teenager tried to sneak into Disneyland for grad night by climbing a fence and crossing the Monorail track. When he was spotted by a security guard, the teenager ran. But he was struck and killed by the Monorail train. It is said that the ghost of the teenager can be seen at night running alongside the Monorail train.

Legend 4: Matterhorn ghost - In 1984 a woman named...

Legend 4: Matterhorn ghost - In 1984 a woman named Dolly Young was killed when she was thrown from the bobsled. Ever since her death, cast members who are required to walk the tracks when the ride shuts down say they can hear her. Some cast members call the section of track where Dolly died “Dolly's Dip.”

Legend 5: The crying boy -- The exit of the...

Legend 5: The crying boy -- The exit of the Haunted Mansion is said to be haunted by the ghost of a boy. They story goes that the boy's mother spread her son's ashes in the Haunted Mansion without Disneyland's permission. Legend has it that the ghost also appears on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Legend 6: The man with the cane -- A small...

Legend 6: The man with the cane -- A small plane crashed in the 1940s in Anaheim, and the pilot is now believed to be haunting the Haunted Mansion. According to seeksghosts.blogspot, a cast member saw the man with the cane at the loading dock where guests board doom buggies.

Legend 7: The woman in white -- A ghost dressed...

Legend 7: The woman in white -- A ghost dressed in a 19th century gown has been spotted on Main Street after dark. Legend has it that she guides lost children to the Disneyland Baby Care Center where they can be reunited with their parents.

Legend 8: The spirit in the river -- In June...

Legend 8: The spirit in the river -- In June of 1973, two brothers stayed on Tom Sawyer's Island after the park closed. They tried to escape by swimming across the Rivers of America. The older brother drowned. Cast members have seen a ghost rippling the water.

Legend 9: The ghost prefers blondes -- A teenager was...

Legend 9: The ghost prefers blondes -- A teenager was killed on the People Mover ride in 1967. Legend has it that his ghost haunts Tomorrowland (the People Mover closed in 1995). The ghost reportedly grabs the hair of blonde guests.

Legend 10: Really, really scary -- Construction on the Haunted...

Legend 10: Really, really scary -- Construction on the Haunted Mansion began in 1963, and the story goes that one of the first test guests was so scared that she died of a heart attack inside the Mansion. Her death, legend has it, led to the closing of construction until 1969.

Orange County Register reporter Keith Sharon

The number of internet sites devoted to the ghosts of Disneyland is downright scary.

From ghostsnghouls.com to hauntedhoneymoon.com to theghostdiaries.com (and many others), there are enough creepy Disneyland stories to fill the Haunted Mansion.

I recently interviewed a cast member who works inside the Haunted Mansion. She talked about the belief, among Disney employees, that the place is inhabited by more than the Disney-created 999 haunts.

She said female employees talk about ghosts that untie the ribbons in the cast members’ hair. She said props move from one side of a room to the other. She said there are behind-the-scenes rooms in the Haunted Mansion that are so creepy employees avoid going inside.

Did you hear the one about the one-way rider on Space Mountain? How about Walt Disney’s ghost on Main Street? Or about the grad night ghost on the Monorail?

Check out the Haunted Disney legends:

Legend 1: Walt Disney haunts Disneyland – Everyone knows that Walt had an apartment over the Fire Station on Main Street, right? And that the light in the window is never turned off – a tribute to Walt, who died in 1966, right? But did you hear this one: Before the tradition of leaving the light on began, a cast member turned off the light and left the room only to find the light turned on again when she returned. The story goes that she heard a voice that said, “I am still here.”

Legend 2: Space Mountain’s Mr. One Way – He’s described as a large man with red hair and a red face. The legend is that he sits in the seat next to single riders. Then he disappears by the end of the ride. He has also been spotted in the cast member locker room.

Legend 3: Monorail runner — In June of 1966, a teenager tried to sneak into Disneyland for grad night by climbing a fence and crossing the Monorail track. When he was spotted by a security guard, the teenager ran. But he was struck and killed by the Monorail train. It is said that the ghost of the teenager can be seen at night running alongside the Monorail train.

Legend 4: Matterhorn ghost – In 1984 a woman named Dolly Young was killed when she was thrown from the bobsled. Ever since her death, cast members who are required to walk the tracks when the ride shuts down say they can hear her. Some cast members call the section of track where Dolly died “Dolly’s Dip.”

Legend 5: The crying boy – The exit of the Haunted Mansion is said to be haunted by the ghost of a boy. They story goes that the boy’s mother spread her son’s ashes in the Haunted Mansion without Disneyland’s permission. Legend has it that the ghost also appears on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Legend 6: The man with the cane – A small plane crashed in the 1940s in Anaheim, and the pilot is now believed to be haunting the Haunted Mansion. According to seeksghosts.blogspot , a cast member saw the man with the cane at the loading dock where guests board doom buggies.

Legend 7: The woman in white – A ghost dressed in a 19 th century gown has been spotted on Main Street after dark. Legend has it that she guides lost children to the Disneyland Baby Care Center where they can be reunited with their parents.

Legend 8: The spirit in the river – In June of 1973, two brothers stayed on Tom Sawyer’s Island after the park closed. They tried to escape by swimming across the Rivers of America. The older brother drowned. Cast members have seen a ghost rippling the water.

Legend 9: The ghost prefers blondes – A teenager was killed on the People Mover ride in 1967. Legend has it that his ghost haunts Tomorrowland (the People Mover closed in 1995). The ghost reportedly grabs the hair of blonde guests.

Legend 10: Really, really scary – Construction on the Haunted Mansion began in 1963, and the story goes that one of the first test guests was so scared that she died of a heart attack inside the mansion. Her death, legend has it, led to the closing of construction until 1969.

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The Ghost Host is the unseen, sardonic narrator of The Haunted Mansion , an attraction located at Disneyland , Walt Disney World 's Magic Kingdom , and Tokyo Disneyland .

  • 1.1 Background
  • 1.2 Development
  • 2.1 The Haunted Mansion
  • 2.2 Happy Hallowishes
  • 3.1.1 2003 film
  • 3.1.2 2023 Film
  • 3.2.1 Muppets Haunted Mansion
  • 3.3.1 The Ghost Gallery
  • 3.3.2 The Haunted Mansion (comic book)
  • 3.3.3 Disney Kingdoms
  • 3.4.1 The Haunted Mansion (video-game)
  • 3.4.2 Kinect: Disneyland Adventures
  • 3.4.3 Disney Crossy Road
  • 6 External Links

History [ ]

Background [ ].

The Ghost Host was a hideous man of an unknown true name who likely lived at some point between the late-18th century and early-20th century. He had heterochromia, pale hair, gnarled teeth, and coarse features. He had some connection to the estate , which would become known as the Haunted Mansion, often being presumed to have been an owner or head-of-staff within the estate.

He died within the mansion by suicide, hanging himself from the rafters of the mansion's cupola. Following his demise, the man became the "Ghost Host" of the Haunted Mansion who became a disembodied spirit within the manor. As the Ghost Host, he operated the Haunted Mansion and hosted tours of mortal guests.

Development [ ]

The Ghost Host's position as the tour guide of the ride was originally intended for cast members. In the unused Captain Gore version of the mansion by Ken Anderson , this would have been a butler known as Beauregard. Later scripts would have had the cast-members play a Lonesome Ghost taking mortals on a tour of the estate. Later scripts had the ghost host be introduced as, "The Most Dangerous Ghost in the Mansion" who would have been seen as a silhouette in portraits.

For the version of the Ghost Host we currently have, his character was previously planned to be incarnated via animated marble-busts and by the raven in the attraction. These would be abandoned for having him be completely disembodied although part of the design for the bust would be featured in the Ghost Host's portrait. At Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom , the Ghost Host is voiced by Paul Frees using a deep transatlantic accent although earlier recordings had him impersonating Bela Lugosi and Peter Lorre.

Corey Burton provided the voice for Disneyland's seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday and for most of his other later appearances; Kevin Michael Richardson also voiced the Ghost Host on occasion, notably in the Happy Hallowishes show. At Tokyo Disneyland , he is voiced by Teichiro Hori. On the record album The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion , he was voiced by Pete Renaday , who was also an early choice for the role.

Despite common fan beliefs and adaptations, the Ghost Host was not intended to be Master Gracey ; nor is Gracey/the Ghost Host to be conflated with the Aging Man in the portrait in the foyer of the Walt Disney World version of the ride. The Ghost Host was instead intended to be the " Hatchet Man " depicted in a portrait in the Corridor of Doors, with Master Gracey a random name on a tombstone and the Aging Man portrait untitled.

In recent years, Walt Disney Imagineering has become fiercer and fiercer in stressing that Master Gracey is not the Ghost Host as far as the ride's canon is concerned, though they have let the association between Master Gracey and the Aging Man stand.

Appearances [ ]

The haunted mansion [ ].

The Ghost Host is a disembodied voice and is never seen. In the Stretching Room, the Ghost Host torments guests by challenging them to find a way out of the room, which has "no windows and no doors." He then suggests, "Of course, there's always my way." The room immediately falls dark and lightning strikes above, revealing his corpse hanging from the ceiling, implying that he resorted to suicide.

After this, the Ghost Host provides the narration for the portrait corridor, the loading zone, the library, corridor of doors, and balcony of the Great Hall before leaving to tend to some of the mansion's undead residents who are assembling for a "Swinging Wake". The Host is absent for the rest of the ride until the Exit Crypt where he tells the mortal guests to "Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts " before informing them that the hitchhikers have been selected to help fill the mansion's guest quota and that they will haunt the guests until they return.

Portraits of the Ghost Host can be seen in the Walt Disney World , Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland versions of the ride, both known as, "The Hatchet Man". In Disneyland, it appears in the Corridor of Doors and shows him brandishing an ax and holding a noose. In Walt Disney World, it shows him holding his ax while behind him, his shadow wields it as a weapon. An additional portrait appears in the load-area with it having once appeared as one of the " Sinister 11 " portraits. In Tokyo Disneyland, it still is a Sinister 11 portrait seen staring at guests in a corridor scene. Some versions of the portrait showed blood on his ax, implying he used it for murder.

Happy Hallowishes [ ]

The Ghost Host narrated the Happy Hallowishes show in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World.

Other Appearances [ ]

2003 film [ ].

The Ghost Host's role in the 2003 failed live-action reboot of the Haunted Mansion franchise is largely reduced to cameos; he delivers his opening line of “ Welcome, foolish mortals! ” in the beginning sequence (with Corey Burton voicing the role), and can briefly be glimpsed during the graveyard sequence, crouching behind a tombstone like a Pop-Up Ghost, played by legendary special-effects artist Rick Baker in a costume and make-up of his own design, based on the Marc Davis's original painting of the Ghost Host.

Additionally, the film borrows elements from the fan legends conflating Master Gracey/the Aging Man with the Ghost Host, as the film's Master Edward Gracey is seen to have hanged himself from the rafters of the cupola, in place of the Ghost Host. It also features a ghostly butler guiding the guests through the house with a sinister purpose, in the form of Ramsley , whose appearance has something in common with the Ghost Host.

2023 Film [ ]

In the 2023 film, the role of the Ghost Host is filled by The Hatbox Ghost , who takes on multiple aspects of the character, including his deep voice and variations of his lines from the attraction. Additionally, the character of the Ghost Host appears as a minor role as one of the Hatbox Ghost's minions.

Television [ ]

Muppets haunted mansion [ ].

Will Arnett played the Ghost Host in the special. This version of the Ghost Host was once a stage magician named The Great MacGuffin, who had a red herring assistant named Pee Wee. Around 1921, the Great MacGuffin disappeared on Halloween night in a Haunted Mansion in the Hollywood Hills and become the host to a Halloween Fear Challenge to survive the night and face ones fears. The Ghost Host reveals this identity to Gonzo and Pepe after they manage to make their escape at sunrise.

Printed materials [ ]

The ghost gallery [ ].

The Ghost Host is the most prominent character in the Ghost Gallery storyline which was created by Disney World Haunted Mansion Cast Members in order to give the ride more backstory. Although non-canon and having several inconsistencies, the storyline inspired many story elements that would later be incorporated into comics, the 2003 film, merchandise, and even the ride itself. Most notably, this was the first recorded example of Master Gracey and the Ghost Host being incorrectly combined into the same character.

In this version of the story, the Ghost Host was once a mortal man named Master George Gracey Jr. who was born in 1890 to George Gracey Sr. (based on George Hightower ) and Mary Gracey (who was based on elderly Constance Hatchaway ). Throughout his youth, George Jr. was sent to high-end boarding schools by his distant mother and as such he never really knew his father. George Jr. finally moved back into the mansion after his father was murdered by his mother and his mother fled the country, leaving George Jr. as the Lord and Master of the Mansion.

Obsessed with death, George used his wealth and power to obtain occult artifacts and relics from ancient religions while also often traveling to circuses in order to meet mediums and clairvoyants. It was at one of these circuses where George met a tightrope walker named Lillian O'Malley (the Ghost Gallery's version of the Tightrope Walker) who he fell in love with and became engaged to. However, behind Lillian's back, George was having an affair with his personal clairvoyant Madame Leota , who he had impregnated with a daughter that Leota had named Little Leota.

In 1937 , Lillian had tragically died during a tightrope performance when her tightrope snapped and sent her falling into the jaws of a hungry alligator, which only added to George's madness and obsession with the supernatural. By 1941 , George had wasted away the majority of the Gracey fortune in his pursuit of the occult, prompting him to marry an incredibly wealthy 16-year-old orphan named Emily Cavenaugh (the Ghost Gallery's version of the Attic Bride ). However once again on the night of their wedding, tragedy struck when Emily was found dead inside of large chest in the attic, having apparently suffocated to death leading George to shut himself off from the outside world with no-one but his mistress Madame Leota and his illegitimate daughter Little Leota who would die a couple of years later.

By 1943 , George had learned that Madame Leota was responsible for the deaths of both of his brides, which lead Leota to become enraged and try to trap George's soul in her crystal ball so he could be hers forever. Faced with no other options, George hung himself before Leota could bind his soul, resulting in her own soul become trapped in the crystal ball. Following this, George's ghost became the Ghost Host of the Haunted Mansion.

The Haunted Mansion (comic book) [ ]

Following the lead of the Ghost Gallery, the Ghost Host and Master Gracey are once again combined in the SLG Comics, although this time they also incorporate elements from the unused Captain Gore backstory, creating the composite character of Captain William Gracey. This version of the character was once the first mate of a merchant ship called the Pomona during the early 19th century, which was being captained by a man named Captain Randall Pace (the comics' version of the Hatbox Ghost ) who was an overly stubborn and determined man that often put the well being of himself and his crew aside to meet deadlines on time. Captain Pace's actions lead William to become so enraged that he leads a mutiny in which he murdered the captain be decapitating him with his cutlass and taking over the ship and it's crew under the alias of Captain Blood, becoming a pirate and killing any of the ship' crew that refused to join him.

Years later, William retired in New Orleans where he became haunted by the ghosts of the victims of his mutiny, who were apparently being lead by the ghost of Captain Randall Pace. In an effort to silence them, William hired a Romani clairvoyant woman named Madame Leota to perform rituals that would aid in silencing the spirits of the manor. Leota, however, was in love with William and made several efforts to romance him only to have her advances rebuffed by the former pirate who was in love with a beautiful woman named Emily DeClaire (the comics' version of the Attic Bride), a woman who Leota came to hate. Due to this hatred on William's wedding day to Emily, Leota chose to perform a séance to summon the ghost of Captain Randall Pace and order him to murder Emily before the wedding while she was looking for something old, something borrowed, and something blue in the Mansion's attic.

Following the discovery of Leota's betrayal, William barged into her Séance chamber while she was still conducting her rituals and strangled her to death for having been responsible for the death of his bride. After this murder, William decides to end his life and he goes to the manor's cupola where he commits suicide by hanging himself to death. As a ghost, William is unable to properly materialize in any location that is not the Stretching Room so he is rendered a disembodied spirit, until the Mansion finally acquired 1000 ghosts and his corpse falls to the floor properly and finally manifests as a ghostly version of Gracey.

Disney Kingdoms [ ]

The Ghost Host himself does not appear directly in Disney Kingdoms: The Haunted Mansion although his corpse is found by the protagonist Danny Crowe, hanging from the cupola. Said corpse and a shadow presumed to belong to the Ghost Host do appear in cover-art.

Video Games [ ]

The haunted mansion (video-game) [ ].

The Ghost Host's portraits can be found throughout the mansion in this video-game. He is also quoted by Atticus Thorn , the game's main villain who can turn invisible like the Host can.

Kinect: Disneyland Adventures [ ]

The Ghost Host's narration is present throughout the first level of this video-game.

Disney Crossy Road [ ]

A line of the Ghost Host's narration plays at the beginning of every Haunted Mansion stage in this mobile-app game.

Gallery [ ]

The Ghost Host's hanging corpse

  • At Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris , the Ghost Host's role is played by a character called the Phantom , who was voiced by Vincent Price in English , but due to legal complications with the French government requiring that the audio is in mostly French , Price's voice was eventually replaced by that of Gerard Chevalier but in 2019 , the attraction featured both actors in the role.
  • Some Haunted Mansion material would hint towards "Ghost Host" being a title, rather than the proper name of the spook voiced by Paul Frees; the Hatbox Ghost , when hosting the online Haunted Holidays event, introduced himself as "your Ghost Host", as did Phyllis Diller 's witchy host character in the 1972 The Mouse Factory episode Spooks and Magic .
  • The shadow playing the piano in the Florida and Tokyo versions of the attraction is said by former Imagineer Jason Surrell to be the Ghost Host himself at the keys, though this has not been substantiated elsewhere.
  • The Idle Gentleman in the Tokyo Disneyland version of the attraction, whose head and face pop out of a portrait canvas, is oftentimes referred to as the Tokyo version of the Ghost Host, as the portrait hangs in the Corridor of Doors, similar to that of the Marc Davis painting in the American mansions.

External Links [ ]

  • The Ghost Host on The Haunted Mansion Wiki .
  • 2 Inside Out 2

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

In 1955, something spectacular happened: Disneyland opened in Anaheim, Calif., forever changing the face of amusement parks in America. Given its long and storied history, of course, it’s to be expected that over the years, rumors that ghosts allegedly haunt Disneyland , as well as Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. and all the other Disney properties that have opened in the intervening decades, would have become rather persistent indeed. The stories are deliciously spooky — even if not all of them are true .

In fact, before we begin, I should probably note that most of them aren’t true. Pretty much every one of these strange and spooky tales is an urban legend — a story passed around from Cast Member to Cast Member, from guest to guest, and from Disney park aficionado to Disney park aficionado. It’s true that a few of them do have their roots in real events; like all amusement parks, Disney is not immune to incidents, contrary to popular belief . But the stories themselves are pretty obviously made up, even when they do have some actual history behind them.

That doesn’t stop them from being absolutely engrossing, though. And, I mean, after all, what else are Disney parks meant to do but help us suspend our disbelief for a short while? These nine tales will give you a shiver — and also remind you to remain inside your ride vehicle with your seatbelt fastened at all times.

Though I’m pretty sure the ghost story itself is just an urban legend, there is some really sad history behind this one: In 1984, Regena Young, known as “Dolly,” fell from her seat while riding the Matterhorn at Disneyland and was killed when she was struck by another oncoming bobsled. Her seatbelt was unbuckled, but we don’t know whether she undid it herself or whether it was the result of something else.

These days, some Cast Members claim to have felt like someone was watching them during their routine walk-throughs of the ride, which are conducted at the end of the day. The area on the track where Young died is known as Dolly’s Dip.

Walt Disney

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

If you are well-versed in Disney lore, you’re probably already aware of the fact that there’s an apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street at Disneyland. During construction on the park, which began on July 16, 1954, with opening day following just a year later on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney — the man himself — wanted a place to stay on the property. It wasn’t large — just about 500 square feet — but it was convenient for those late nights and early mornings as Walt oversaw the Disney dream coming to life. You can tour it now, if you like; in recent years, the apartment has been opened back up again for those who choose to spring for some of the behind-the-scenes tours the park offers.

As a tribute to Walt, a light is always left on in the apartment’s front window — but according to legend, this wasn’t always the case. It’s said that one day, a Cast Member looking after the apartment tried to turn the light off before leaving; however, when she came back later, the light had turned on again. According to one version, she actually left the building, noticed the light on upstairs, went back up to turn it off, went back downstairs, noticed it on again, and even unplugged the lamp, only to find it — you guessed it — on again when she went downstairs. The last time she went up there to deal with the light, it’s said that she heard a voice — Walt’s, maybe? — say, “I’m still here.” The light in the window has reportedly been left on ever since.

The Boy In The Haunted Mansion: California Edition

At Disneyland in California, legend has it that a little boy’s mother spread his ashes in the Haunted Mansion without getting the park’s permission to do so; ever since then, he’s allegedly been heard periodically crying for his mother at the end of the ride. He’s apparently been spotted at Pirates of the Caribbean, too, which is right next door to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

For what it’s worth, Disney’s official stance on ash scattering is that it doesn’t happen; according to a story in the LA Times from 2007, people do ask from time to time, but they’re always told no. Additionally, it’s worth noting that alleged ash scattering is connected to a wide variety of urban legends spread across a bunch of parks and rides.

The Boy In The Haunted Mansion: Florida Edition

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

California’s Haunted Mansion isn’t the only one that’s said to play host to an actual ghost of a little boy; someone posting in the WDWMagic forums in 2004 wrote that they allegedly took the photo seen in the tweet I’ve embedded here while riding the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World in Florida.

“As you'll see in the photo after clicking the link, it appears as though a child is peeking his head out of the doombuggy and looking directly at me,” the forum member wrote. “Not only was he not there when I took the pic, there wasn't a child of this age within 20 people in front of me in line, and as you can see, he's only a few doombuggies in front of me. Not only that, what's he doing looking at me? There is NO flash, and NO visible light coming from me. It's all infrared, and invisible to the naked eye.”

Do with that what you will.

Debbie Stone

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Like the Matterhorn, there’s some sad history to this one: In 1974, 18-year-old Deborah Stone was crushed to death while working as a hostess at the America Sings attraction in Disneyland. America Sings was located in the rotating theatre that had previously housed the Carousel of Progress; on the evening of July 8, Stone was caught between the rotating theatre wall and the stationary stage wall and died as a result. A safety light was subsequently put in, which warned the attraction’s operator when people got too close to this dangerous area; additionally, the stationary walls were later replaced with breakaway ones . (The building recently housed Innovations and Super Hero HQ , although those attractions closed in 2016.)

As is often the case when senseless tragedies occur, one of the ways that people have coped with this upsetting loss is by creating a ghost story for it. In this case, Debbie Stone has become a sort of guardian angel: It’s said that Cast Members working on the attraction, which was open until 1988, used to hear a voice warning them, “Be careful” if they got too close to the walls.

I am fairly confident that George, who allegedly haunts the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Walt Disney World, is an urban legend, rather than an actual ghost. The hallmarks of a good yarn all there: Conflicting versions of what happened to him; things that allegedly happen if you do or don’t do certain things while riding his ride; and so on and so forth. Either way, though, his legend seems to be a surprisingly friendly one, so let’s take a look.

It’s said that, when the Florida version of Pirates of the Caribbean was under construction , a welder named George was killed in an accident. Exactly what that accident was varies depending on who you talk to; according to some, he was crushed by a falling beam, while according to others, he fell from the “burning city” portion of the ride and died as a result. Ever since then, the ride has allegedly been plagued by strange occurrences whenever George is disrespected.

Really, though, that’s all George seems to be after: Respect. He’s said to stop the ride whenever someone says “I don’t believe in George,” so presumably if you don’t question his existence while you’re actually riding Pirates of the Caribbean, you should be fine. Additionally, the rumor persists that Cast Members in charge of opening the ride for the day or closing it up at night say “Good morning” or “Good night” to George at the appropriate times to keep him appeased. As long as you do that, he’s apparently happy.

The reality, though, is that George probably didn’t exist . You know what did really happen, though? Real bones were once used as props on the California version of the ride. According to Atlas Obscura, the fake skeletons available when the ride was first opened were deemed to be not realistic enough, so the Imagineers working on the ride got some real ones from the UCLA Medical Center . These eventually were replaced with fake bones... but still.

Mr. One-Way

Like George, Mr. One-Way is almost certainly an urban legend; one of the most passed-around ghost stories clinging to the Disney parks, it’s also the one with the most variations. The one thing that most versions do agree upon is exactly what he haunts and where: Space Mountain at Disneyland in California.

Some accounts describe Mr. One-Way as a red-haired man with a red face; others say he’s a kid dressed in ‘70s-era clothing. The stories say he tends to hang out in the queue for Space Mountain, although whether or not he talks to people while waiting varies depending on who you ask: The red-haired man apparently doesn’t, but the boy does (although it’s worth noting that the kid version of Mr. One-Way doesn’t have any knowledge of the changes made to the park since the ‘70s). According to some video footage I’ve found , though, Mr. One-Way doesn’t wait in the queue at all; he appears only at the actual ride cars, approaching them from the opposite side of the waiting area — the side on which people are supposed to exit the ride — and sitting down in any empty seats he can find. It’s said he disappears right before you hit the final tunnel at the end of the ride.

For what it's worth, a second ghost dubbed "Disco Debbie" is also said to haunt Space Mountain, although her story is even weirder: She apparently glows in the dark.

The Monorail Ghost

The Monorail Ghost has something in common with Dolly and Debbie Stone: His story stems from a real incident. In 1966, a 19-year-old named Thomas Guy Cleveland tried to sneak into Disneyland in Anaheim by scaling the park’s outer fence and climbing along the Monorail track. He was struck and killed by an oncoming tram .

These days, it’s said that a spectral figure can sometimes be spotted prowling around the Monorail track . He apparently only appears at night, and he vanishes whenever a tram comes.

Consider this one a cautionary tale.

Whatever The Heck This Is

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Load up this video and queue it up to about the 3:10 mark. You’ll see some CCTV footage of something… odd wandering around Disneyland.What’s super weird is that whatever it is, multiple cameras recorded it. We don’t really know who or what it was; some folks think it might be Walt, although I’ve heard stories that Roy O. Disney, Walt’s younger brother , might haunt the park as well. Or, y’know, maybe it’s just a trick of the light or something.

It’s still weird, though.

At the end of the day, these stories are all just that: Stories. But there's a kind of magic in ghost stories — and given that Disney is meant to be the most magical place on Earth? Well, it all kind of makes sense, then, doesn't it?

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

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Haunted Mansion trailer has ghosts, ghouls, and also Danny DeVito

Grim grinning ghosts, indeed!

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Remember the 2003 Haunted Mansion movie starring Eddie Murphy? No? Well, that’s probably for the best, because despite the compelling setup, it was completely forgettable (and also spoiled the entire dang story in the opening montage).

Luckily, one of the most popular Disney theme park attractions is getting a second shot at the big screen. A new Haunted Mansion movie is on the way, this time leaning way more on the iconic ghosts and moments from the ride. The first teaser reveals some little nods that park enthusiasts will revel in. The stretching room! The Hatbox Ghost (played by Jared Leto here)! The bride in the attic!

Haunted Mansio n stars Lakeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Dany Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto. It follows a woman and her son who move into the tititular haunted mansion and employ a ragtag group of paranormal investigators to help de-haunt the house.

Haunted Mansion will hit theaters on July 28. If you’re itching for some spoopy adventure before then, check out Muppet Haunted Mansion (instead of the Eddie Murphy movie).

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That Disney Fam

The Full Haunted Mansion Script

Published by Elizabeth Morgan

Are you a big fan of the Disney Haunted Mansion ride? If so, you might be wondering what all of the sayings and quotes from the ride are. In this post I’ll give you the whole Haunted Mansion script !

I’ll give you the Haunted Mansion script for the Disneyland Haunted Mansion and for the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion. The Disney World ride is located in the Magic Kingdom park.

The scripts are a little different, but there are not a ton of differences. I’ll give you both scripts to read.

There are two other Disney theme parks that have Haunted Mansion rides. They are Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland.

The Haunted Mansion Holiday script is different than each Haunted Mansion script in this post as it features Jack Skellington.

Whether you’re wanting to know the whole Haunted Mansion narration, just the Haunted Mansion intro, or what does Madame Leota say in Haunted Mansion, then I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get right into these Haunted Mansion scripts!

Haunted Mansion Disneyland Script

haunted mansion ride disneyland

Ghost Host (this narration starts when guests enter into the Mansion’s foyer)- When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still — that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!

(Guests move to the stretching room)

Ghost Host- Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. I am your host, your  ghost   host . Kindly step all the way in please, and make room for everyone. There’s no turning back now. Our tour begins here in this gallery, where you see paintings of some of our guests as they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state.

Cast Member (wording can vary, but is typically this)- Please drag your bodies away from the walls and into the dead center of the room.

Ghost Host- Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis. 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!  (Laughs.)  Of course, there’s always my way.

(After this you’ll hear thunder, the lights go out, there is screaming, then a body hangs from a noose above you. The doors open and the lights go on)

Oh, I didn’t mean to frighten you prematurely. The real chills come later. Now, as they say, “look alive,” and we’ll continue our little tour. And let’s all stay together, please.

(Guests then move into the hallway)

There are several prominent ghosts who have retired here from creepy old crypts all over the world. Actually, we have 999 happy haunts here — but there’s room for 1,000. Any volunteers?  (Laughs.)  If you insist on lagging behind, you may not  need  to volunteer.

And now, a carriage approaches to take you into the boundless realm of the supernatural.Take your loved ones by the hand, please, and kindly watch your step. Oh yes, and no flash pictures,  please.  We spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights.

(Guests get into their Doom Buggies)

Do not pull down on the safety bar, please.  I  will lower it for you. And heed this warning: the spirits will materialize only if you remain safely seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside. And watch your children, please. (This is then repeated in Spanish)

(You move into the Corridor of Doors)

Related Content: The Full Haunted Mansion Holiday Script

Ghost Host- We find it delightfully unlivable here in this ghostly retreat. Every room has wall-to-wall creeps, and hot and cold running chills. Shhh, listen!

Man in coffin- Let me out, let me out of here!

(You’ll hear knocking and ticking, then move into Madame Leota’s room)

Madame Leota- Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits, wherever they’re at! (sounds of ghosts)

Rap on a table — it’s time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond… (knocking on table noise)

Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, awaken the spirits with your tambourine! (tambourine sounds)

Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond, let there be music from regions beyond! (Brass instrument plays part of Grim Grinning Ghosts)

Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint, by ringing a bell! (bell ringing)

(Doom Buggies enter the ballroom)

Ghost Host- The happy haunts have received your sympathetic vibrations and are beginning to materialize. They’re assembling for a  swinging  wake, and they’ll be expecting me… I’ll see you all a little later. (organ plays theme music and portraits shoot at each other)

(Doom Buggies enter the attic)

Bride- In sickness and in… wealth. You may now kiss the bride. We’ll live happily ever after. Till  death  do us part. Here comes the bride. As long as we  both  shall live. For better or for… worse. I do. I  did .

(Doom Buggies go past the Hatbox Ghost, out the attic window, and enter the graveyard)

Ghosts- (they sing the following lines) When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, Spooks come out for a swinging wake. Happy haunts materialize and begin to vocalize. Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize!

Now, don’t close your eyes and don’t try to hide, For a silly spook may sit by your side. Shrouded in a daft disguise, they pretend to terrorize. Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize!

As the moon climbs high o’er the dead oak tree, Spooks arrive for the midnight spree. Creepy creeps with eerie eyes start to shriek and harmonize. Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize!

When you hear the knell of a requiem bell, Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell. Restless bones etherealize, rise as spooks of every size!

(Doom Buggies enter the Hitchhiking Ghosts Corridor)

Ghost Host- Ah, there you are! And just in time… there’s a little matter I forgot to mention — beware of hitchhiking ghosts!

(Doom Buggies pass the mirrors showing a Hitchhiking Ghost in your Doom Buggie)

Ghost Host- They have selected you to fill our quota, and they’ll haunt you until you return! Now  I  will raise the safety bar, and a ghost will follow you home!  (Laughs.)

Female Safety Announcer- Please exit to your left by stepping away from the cars with your left foot first. Step out and stand on the moving platform.

Male Safety Announcer- Please exit by stepping away from the cars with your left foot first. Step out and stand on the moving platform, please.

(Guests exit their Doom Buggies and stand on the moving conveyor)

Ghosts (singing)- If would like to join our jamboree, There’s a simple rule that’s compulsory. Mortals pay a token fee; Rest in peace, the haunting’s free. So hurry back, we would like your company.

Little Leota- Hurry back! Hurry back! Be sure to bring your death certificate… if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now! We’ve been  dying  to have you…

Haunted Mansion Magic Kingdom Script

madame leota haunted mansion

Ghost Host (This starts when guests enter the mansion’s foyer) – When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still — that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!

Ghost Host- Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. I am your host, your  ghost   host . Our tour begins here in this gallery. Here, where you see paintings of some of our guests as they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state. Kindly step all the way in please, and make room for everyone. There’s no turning back now.

Cast Member (wording can vary a little)- Please drag your bodies away from the walls and into the dead center of the room.

Ghost Host- Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis. 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! Of course, there’s always my way.

(After this you’ll hear thunder, the lights go out, and there is screaming. The doors open and the lights go on)

Ghost Host- Oh, I didn’t mean to frighten you prematurely. The real chills come later. Now, as they say, “look alive,” and we’ll continue our little tour. And let’s all stay together, please.

And now, a carriage approaches to carry you into the boundless realm of the supernatural. Once on board, remain safely seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside. And watch your children, please.

Do not pull down on the safety bar, please.  I  will lower it for you. And heed this warning: the spirits will materialize only if you remain quietly seated at all times. Oh yes, and no flash pictures,  please . We spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights. (This is then repeated in Spanish)

(Guests move into the Library)

Ghost Host- Our library is well-stocked with priceless first editions — only ghost stories, of course — and marble busts of the greatest ghost writers the literary world has ever known. They have all  retired  here, to the Haunted Mansion.

Actually, we have 999 happy haunts here. But there’s room for 1,000. Any volunteers?

(Doom Buggies move into the Esher Staircase Room)

If you should decide to join us, final arrangements may be made at the end of the tour.

(Doom Buggies move into the Corridor of Doors)

(Doom Buggies pass into the Hitchhiking Ghosts Corridor)

Ghost Host- They have selected you to fill our quota, and they’ll haunt you until you return!

Ghost Host- Now  I  will raise the safety bar, and a ghost will follow you home!  (Laughs.)

(Guests exit their Doom Buggies)

Haunted Mansion FAQ

The most famous lines from the Haunted Mansion script are “Welcome foolish mortals” and “of course there’s always my way”.

The floating head’s name is Madame Leota. She is also in the Haunted Mansion film. Madame Leota quotes are some of the very best in the movie and in the Haunted Mansion script.

They are known as the Hitchhiking Ghosts. Their names are Phineas, Ezra, and Gus.

There you have it, the whole script for the Disneyland Haunted Mansion ride and for the Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion ride.

Which Haunted Mansion script do you like riding more?

My favorite part of the Haunted Mansion script is Madame Leota’s line that starts with hurry back. What’s yours?

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Disney Removes Haunted Mansion Character After 52 Years

in Walt Disney World

Madame Leota's head in a crystal ball from the Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is one of the most recognizable and iconic attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland , and it has one of the biggest fan followings amongst any Disney park. However, a recent addition caused debate amongst the fanbase and even more discord upon removing an opening day fixture.

Hatbox Ghost Disneyland

The infamous Hatbox Ghost recently made his long-overdue appearance in the Magic Kingdom variant in 2023, likely to coincide with the film adaptation starring Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, and Jared Leto in the role of the grinning ghoul with a penchant for top hats. However, the choice to plant him in the endless hallway reportedly “ruined” the ride for certain guests , and it may have forced a familiar phantom out.

Related:  Haunted Mansion Ghosts Hitchhiking in Real Life?

From the Stretching Room to the Swinging Wake in the graveyard, the structure and lore of the Haunted Mansion are built on recognizable scenes and characters that tell this spooky and silly story, and fans instantly bolt on their hackles whenever something goes missing.

Haunted Mansion Character Goes Missing

A sign that reads "Haunted Mansion" in front of the white mansion holding the attraction of the same name at Disneyland Park.

A recent post on r/WaltDisneyWorld shared a photo of the Hatbox Ghost near the Endless Hallway with a caption that read, “The Ghost Host still says there’s 999 happy haunts, so who do you think got kicked out?” While done in jest, many users quickly pointed out that Disney removed a character to make room for the new animatronic.

Related:  Yup! There Really Are Two Bathrooms in Liberty Square

As the Doom Buggy rolls past the Hatbox Ghost, many visitors noticed the absence of the floating candelabra that completed the illusion of the Endless Hallway. u/MesaVerde1987 even shared the footage below that proved its absence.

Astonishingly, multiple users further down in the comments share a similar experience, including u/buccsmf1 who shares,

“Yeah no clue why they removed it. Used to scare the crap out of me when I was a kid!”

As ridiculous as it might sound for fans to be particularly upset about the removal of a prop rather than an actual character, the real reason fans are reacting this way might be that it gets in the way of one of the quintessential Disney Parks attractions commissioned by Walt Disney himself. As demonstrated by the Splash Mountain scandal , hardcore park-hoppers are quick to defend anything that threatens Walt’s original designs and intentions.

Did We Really Lose Anything?

haunted-mansion-hitchhiking-ghosts

As many users quickly point out how the Hatbox Ghost replaced an essential element to the hallway’s illusion, many are also quick to suggest that it’s simply being repaired. However, the situation does bring. something from regions beyond into the light. Are fans getting too attached to the old Disney?

Related:  Disney World Updates Madame Leota for Haunted Mansion Retheme

It’s often been said that Disney fans don’t know how to let things go, and doing so conflicts with Walt’s maxim of “keep moving forward.” The Disney parks were originally designed to be in a constant state of evolution, and dated effects are often removed in that process . Standing in the way of progress is a sure-fire way to keep the parks from prospering.

Placing the Hatbox Ghost at the expense of a floating candle stick might offend some legalistic Haunted Mansion fans, but it also brought a lost character back from the dead (no pun intended). It might not be everyone’s first choice, but it’s hardly a ride-ruining or story-ruining feature as some visitors might proclaim.

Do you think the manor loses more than a candelabra with this choice? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

Hatbox Ghost in Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Walt Disney World has added Hatbox Ghost to Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom, which has been a controversial change with many diehard fans. This post covers where the new Audio Animatronics happy haunt materialized and our commentary about the addition to the iconic attraction. ( Updated December 1, 2023 .)

You might recall that Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro originally announced that the Hatbox Ghost would be added to Magic Kingdom back at the D23 Expo in September of last year. At the time, the announcement was brief: “Foolish mortals, prepare yourselves for a new happy haunt at the Haunted Mansion. The Hatbox Ghost has heard your calls and will materialize next year.”

Since then, not much has been shared. During the “Halfway to Halloween” festivities back in April, there was a teaser on TikTok featuring a video of the Hatbox Ghost Audio Animatronics figure, but presumably the one that already exists at Disneyland. This is the first substantive update on the AA since the initial announcement.

December 1, 2023 Update:  Hatbox Ghost materialized overnight, thus fulfilling Walt Disney World’s promise to install the Audio Animatronics figure before the end of November. We haven’t see the AA in person yet, so we’ll withhold final judgment until then, but the photos and video we have seen look… not great! 

Beyond all of the other issues that are discussed below, the staging of Hatbox Ghost is shoehorned and jarring. The Endless Hallway and area around it is warm, whereas Hatbox Ghost has cool lighting–and these two contrasting focal points appear right next to one another, competing for attention and doing no favors to one another.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

When previously discussing the addition, Imagineer Daniel Joseph indicated that Hatbox Ghost is materializing whenever and wherever he wants in Haunted Mansion, because he is not actually a ‘happy haunt.’ Joseph also stated that since Hatbox Ghost was always intended to appear in the Haunted Mansion, he was counted in the original 999 ghosts and is not number one-thousand. (This is likely an indirect attempt to address concerns about the placement of the character by diehard Haunted Mansion fans.)

Our guess is that the justification–both to add Hatbox Ghost to Haunted Mansion at this point and the character’s story justification for existing–was premised on the 2023 movie. However, that bombed at the box office and has already been quickly forgotten, whereas this Audio Animatronics figure will likely be around for decades to come.

The Hatbox Ghost appears to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies as they set off deeper into the mansion. The commentary that follows goes into the story and continuity issues with this placement…

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Frankly, we’re a bit shocked by the timeline for Hatbox Ghost at Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Haunted Mansion  movie hit theaters back on July 28 and featured Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost. After that, there was Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Halloween season, which ran from mid-August until early November.

If you asked me earlier this year to choose two dates by which the Hatbox Ghost would be added at Magic Kingdom, those would’ve been my picks. However, as we’ve said repeatedly in reaction to Encanto  still not having a permanent park presence at Walt Disney World, this company is not actually as good at synergy as many fans believe. So instead, Hatbox Ghost arrived halfway through the holiday season.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

In terms of commentary, the other surprise is the location of Hatbox Ghost in Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. The Audio Animatronics figure does not appear in the same spot as at Disneyland. In the New Orleans Square version of the attraction, Hatbox Ghost appears following the end of the attic scene after the Bride.

The figure is slightly shoehorned in even there, but it makes sense and more or less works. If you didn’t know Hatbox Ghost was added in 2015, you’d probably never question the placement. Hatbox Ghost fits with the flow of the attraction and fills some dead space at Disneyland.

That’s more or less the spot where the character was originally intended to go, and makes sense from both a story and gag perspective (people used to accumulate hatboxes in their attics).

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

At Walt Disney World, the Hatbox Ghost appears as guests pass the Endless Hallway. This is much earlier in the ride, where guests see a candelabra floating in a never-ending hallway (hence the name). Outside the Endless Hallway, there’s an armor suit on one side and now Hatbox Ghost on the other side. (He replaces the fan-favorite Donald Duck chair, which has moved to an earlier scene in the library.)

It’s our understanding that Imagineering had originally wanted to put Hatbox Ghost in the attic scene at Magic Kingdom, but there wasn’t sufficient support infrastructure, and installing the Audio Animatronics figure there would’ve necessitated a lot more work. So rather than abandoning the plan completely, they moved the AA to the Endless Hallway.

This means Hatbox Ghost will appear before Madame Leota’s Séance Circle, and the narration indicating that the “happy haunts have received your sympathetic vibrations and are beginning to materialize. They’re assembling for a swinging wake…”

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

The placement of Hatbox Ghost in Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom is thus controversial with a lot of diehard Disney fans. He’s now the first ghost to appear in the attraction, and comes before Madame Leota has summoned them. Prior to this point in the attraction, there’s the casket–but that’s technically a corpse and not a ghost.

Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve dug deep into the lore of the Haunted Mansion (obligatory plug for the excellent Boundless Realm ), but I think this contradicts the story of the attraction. With that said, a lot has been modified over the years, with fan theories becoming canon, other ‘rules’ being retconned, etc.

Basically, what I’m saying is that I don’t think this is an acceptable placement for the Hatbox Ghost. And, if it is acceptable, by what standards? 1969? 2007? 2023?

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

For me, it comes down to a smell test more than anything else. When I think about it, the placement strikes me as slightly odd–the logical progression of Haunted Mansion seems to suggest that a ghost shouldn’t appear prior to Madame Leota’s Séance Circle. With that said, perhaps there’s a compelling story or historical reason for this, of which I am unaware.

Moreover, that’s what I’m thinking while sitting at home. I’m honestly not analytically scrutinizing or dissecting Haunted Mansion while riding it. From my perspective as a guest, the attraction is more a series of vignettes, and there are multiple points at which ominous or foreboding imagery protends of something to come.

Hatbox Ghost could pass muster as that, especially if were added in a similar spirit as the eponymous character from Phantom Manor. (But that might present its own problems, with Hatbox Ghost suddenly appearing and dominating the story.)

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

To be clear, none of this is to say that Haunted Mansion should be a total free-for-all, with story and history both being meaningless because the attraction is all about vibes. To the contrary, I have more reverence for Haunted Mansion than any other attraction, and believe that it is, to this day, the pinnacle of Imagineering. (Right up there with Pirates of the Caribbean.)

Consequently, every change should be done carefully and it’s all well worthy of scrutiny. Haunted Mansion is a work of art, not just mindless theme park escapism. Treating Haunted Mansion with respect and reverence is not the same as being a Dino-Rama disciple.

If you don’t care about any of this, fine; that’s your prerogative. But this type of thing does matter and isn’t simply a matter of diehard dorks taking theme parks too seriously. You’re probably a fan in the first place because someone took all this stuff so seriously when creating it.

haunted mansion disneyland ghost

Ultimately, what I am suggesting is that the story and history of Haunted Mansion  do  matter. The placement of Hatbox Ghost strikes me as off, and the execution of the final AA didn’t do any favors to the initial controversy. With that said, I’ve been around the block a few times with Haunted Mansion changes, and still vaguely remember the backlash followed by the “ well, actually… ” in response to the 2007 reimagining.

All I can say with certainty is that Hatbox Ghost appearing that early strikes me as suboptimal placement when thinking about it now, but will probably strike me as something ‘cool and new’ while riding. Given how starved Walt Disney World fans are for even the smallest enhancements, I’m guessing this will be pretty well received and most guests won’t give a second thought to the placement or the awkward lighting at first–they’ll just be happy to have something  new. 

So perhaps the best “compromise” of all is to let Hatbox Ghost hang out inside Haunted Mansion for a few years, give everyone a chance to see him, and then evict him from the Endless Hallway during the next refurbishment. Haunted Mansion should definitely continue to evolve and receive reimaginings, but they also need to stick to the spirit of the original story and attraction.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on Hatbox Ghost finally joining Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World? Disappointed by the long delay between announcement and installation? Thoughts on the placement of the Audio Animatronics at Magic Kingdom vs. Disneyland? Any insight into whether this breaks any ‘rules’ or lore for Haunted Mansion? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

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Written by Tom Bricker

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Haunted Mansion movie was horrible. My husband and I sat through it until the end. I checked out a few minutes in. Horrible storyline and not for kids. Another box office bomb and to quote Clark’s MIL in Christmas Vacation: a horrible waste of valuable resources

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I don’t think the placement is great either, but to people who say there aren’t *any* ghosts prior to Leota – Isn’t there a ghost playing the piano in the Music room, right after the Library? You only see his shadow, but he’s playing the piano.

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I’ve been a huge Haunted Mansion fan since I was a kid riding it in the 80’s and 90’s. While I’d be very disappointed in any major changes, minor updates here and there I can live with. This one looks like it may be a cool addition to bring a bit more of a modern touch although I do agree that the placement of the Hatbox Ghost is odd. In terms of being before Madame Leota, you could argue that since he is more of an evil ghost than a happy haunt, he plays by his own rules. And there are the green ghost footprints that appear in the stairway room prior to Madame Leota also… Tom I’ve been a fan of your blog for years but I didn’t hunk this may be my first comment so I wanted to say thank you and congratulations on your precious little Megatron! And when I am talking to my family about what “my friend Tom Bricker” said, they all know who I am referring to!

*I think this may be Not “I didn’t hunk” Autocorrect changed it on me again after I thought I fixed it!

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We happened to ride this on Dec 1 during the party, and were so surprised to see it that I didn’t even have time to get a photo. I agree it’s placement really doesn’t make sense with the story, but it was a cool addition. It looked nice in person, even if it is kind of random. I’m not a hard core HM fan though.

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“But this type of thing does matter and isn’t simply a matter of diehard dorks taking theme parks too seriously. You’re probably a fan in the first place because someone took all this stuff so seriously when creating it.”

Absolutely!

I always loved the attention to detail and gags the Imagineers sprinkled around the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

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It’s a Christmas miracle for Disney to do anything new. We saw Hatbox the driest day he was added and he looks great. Instead of blending into the attic where’s already so much to look at he’s easy to scrutinize exactly where he is. He looks great!

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My family visited Magic Kingdom on November 30th. A wonderful morning in the park. I had been regularly checking online to see if Hatbox had indeed landed at MK. Imagine my surprise when out of nowhere he appeared during our ride. It did seem a little oddly placed, but it was a moment of Disney magic for me. I figured November had basically gone and the ghost was delayed 😉 For me, even if the placement is a little out of nowhere – it’s cool to have the addition.

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I suspect this will be the consensus for most Walt Disney World fans (who visit at least once every few years) who are not also Haunted Mansion diehards. I do wonder, though, what happens when the novelty wears off after a few years?

Honestly, that’s kinda how I feel about Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. He was cool when the movies were brand-new (and also, box office smash successes) but now he kind of feels out of place as compared with everything else going on in the ride. Don’t get me wrong–I’m not clamoring for his removal, but I wouldn’t mind if it happened (especially if they added other enhancements as a tradeoff).

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Just saw movie- it was ok. The haunted mansion is one of my favorite Disney rides- hoping they add him in a way that isn’t too noticeable if that makes sense

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Agree, though I’m afraid they are going to try to revamp the whole ride about this, which would be a huge mistake, and ruin the delicious balance between humor and creepy. It almost feels like someone at Disney said, “You want us to include your beloved Hatbox Ghost? Fine. Let’s see how you like him NOW.” They should have just put him up in the attic doing his disappearing head trick and left it at that.

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In terms of the new movie, it’s going to bomb (sorry, just being realistic) and from a cultural impact perspective it’ll make the previous Eddie Murphy version feel downright iconic by comparison. If anyone at Disney feels there’s a synergistic benefit to reshaping the ride experience/narrative based on the 2023 film then they must truly be possessed.

Disney’s film production units have historically gone through multiple eras when the ideas and storytelling lapsed and quality suffered. We just happen to be in one of those eras now. And as Tom noted, the company can barely move a muscle to integrate elements of their rare successful new films into the parks/rides (e.g., Encanto) so investing in the duds would truly be a fool’s errand.

I guess (per Tom’s post) in this case the movie was the impetus to grant the budget for the “fan service” of bringing Hatbox Ghost to WDW, while at the same time the producers drastically overestimated the penetration of Hatbox Ghost into our cultural zeitgeist (um, Oscar winner Jared Leto?). So they had to stick it somewhere and are putting it into the most convenient spot with least downtime required vs. spending time trying to thoughtfully integrate. We get a brief burst of cross platform marketing and a shoehorned animatronic. Yay!

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The Hatbox Ghost was one of the few REAL announcements they made at D23, so I think they just wanted to put him up front where he’ll be the most visible. Probably easier to get the money for it that way, too. Anyway, he doesn’t look too happy, so he’s probably not counted with the other 999…

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I just saw the movie, and without giving anything away, the Hatbox Ghost in the film is distinguishable from the other ghosts for reasons relevant to the plot line. But that makes me dislike the placement even more because if that’s their reasoning, they’re turning the(decades old, much beloved) ride into an adaptation of the (while fun for Disney parks guests, not in any way a blockbuster or cult classic) film. And in a manner that is more disruptive to the vibe of the ride than adding Captain Jack to Pirates.

If you have not yet seen the new Haunted Mansion movie, you REALLY need to, as Hatbox Ghost not only appears, but figures VERY prominently. (The movie btw was much more enjoyable than the Eddie Murphy version, though perhaps not quite as fun as the Muppets Haunted Mansion. This one definitely goes for spooky rather than comic like the other two.)

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Thanks for this comment, Amy; I also enjoyed the movie a lot. I’ll also enjoy seeing the addition next time I get there, no matter where they stuck it.

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My family really enjoyed the movie, too. Not a fan of the Eddie Murphy one at all. My kids especially enjoyed Tator Tot

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We think the Hatbox Ghost should go after the bride on the balcony before falling off the roof.

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I tend to agree that the hatbox ghost needs to come later, but thats prinarily because he feels like he belongs more with the other literal ghost figures as just a matter of balance and flow, rather than as a matter of “storytelling.” (Never really bought that story should be the principal value of a theme park attraction.)

Honestly, they should just redo the entire attic sequence to make it scary again with pop up heads and throw the hatbox ghost in either as the transition in or out. The redone bride scene has never worked for me.

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Who thought it would be a good idea to release the Haunted Mansion film in July? Very weird timing all around, for the film, and for the release of the AA.

Not just in July, but one week after the movie ‘event’ of the last several years and two weeks after the latest Mission Impossible.

Kinda surprised they didn’t blink on the release date, honestly.

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As an engineer, I think you may be underestimating the amount of work that goes into creating the robotic character that is the hatbox ghost, especially one that has to run all day, essentially forever.

Yes, Disney already has base robotic units, and they just created one in Disneyland, never-the-less this would have been a full time job for a small team.

It would be interesting to know exactly what the Imagineering teams *have* been working on given the limited state of new projects at the parks at the moment.

You’re right that I have no clue how long it would take to create this. Regardless of whether it takes 6 months or 6 years, I don’t think it’s the type of thing that should be announced a full year in advance.

I also don’t think it’s unreasonable to think they should’ve started work on this at a time sufficient to have it installed by the movie’s release date.

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I sure hope that we don’t lose the chair near the endless hallway! It’s arguably the item that is most reminiscent of Rolly Crump artwork in the attraction!

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I think the line goes something like “Actually we have 999 happy haunts here, but there is room for one thousand. Any volunteers?” So I am wondering, with the addition of the Hat box ghost…..

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I was wondering this, too! I guess the implication is that the Hatbox ghost kicked out one of the minor background ghouls, hahah. Or one of the hitch-hiking ghosts finally got out…

The particular phrasing “welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies” at first made me think they were going to install *two* Hatbox Ghosts, one by the hallway and one by the wake scene. However, upon re-reading it, it sounds as if he’ll be coming into an ‘exterior’ door near the endless hallway. There are certainly plenty to chose from (and IIRC there is a picture of him in that area as well.) I don’t like him being before the seance, though, and I like it even less if he’s coming in and giving us a preview of the swinging wake at a time in the attraction when the music is still very slow and plodding. The musical build in Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite aspects of the attraction, and I’m not seeing a way that this ghost fits in with the somber and exploratory mood that’s set right by the endless hallway. Not unless he’s a different version that looks more alive somehow…

The wording is really awkward, and it could be interpreted to mean that 2-3 Hatbox Ghosts are coming, Jack Sparrow in PotC style.

Social media posts are a bit clearer, and seem to suggest it’s only one AA–in the Endless Hallway. Personally, I think it might be kind of neat to have build up to him, with a hat in the chair and reflection in a mirror before finally seeing the figure. But I doubt that’s what’s happening.

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I hope there are multiples of the HG as well. We saw the movie this weekend and loved it – way better than the Eddie Murphy version. Spookier but still with humor, more logic (to us anyway) as to why the ghosts are there, and the HG figures prominently. He makes multiple appearances in the film, so having multiple appearances at the Mansion makes sense in that respect – and in the film the ghosts are in evidence well before they are called to appear. I don’t think the average fan is going to even notice that he’s making an appearance before Madam Leota does her thing. I would just love to have the HG in more than 1 spot. We’re going in December, and I hope they’ve got him there at that time. I do agree that they lost an opportunity by not having him installed by the movie release – it could’ve boosted both park and movie attendance. I know it takes time to put the animatronics together, but it’s not like the movie was filmed in April and they got caught off guard. They started filming back in October of 2021, and pre-production would have started way before that.

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Why do you have photos in this article that are not the Hatbox Ghost? They show a figure likely created solely for display purposes since there is no way its head could be made to disappear. It appears to be based on the figure in the Western Ghost Town at the end of Phantom Manor.

That’s the Hatbox Ghost that appeared in the Imagineering booth at D23 Expo prior to the AA’s return at Disneyland.

Created just for display. That was never going to be the Hatbox Ghost.

This is an extremely weird hill to die on.

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'Haunted Mansion': Trailer, Release Date, Cast, and What to Expect

When will we see 999 happy haunts grace the big screen?

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What is the release date for haunted mansion, watch the trailer for haunted mansion, what is the plot of haunted mansion, who is making haunted mansion, who's starring in haunted mansion.

The Walt Disney Company has become no stranger to adapting its original attractions into feature films. Certainly, the most well-known and successful example is the Pirates of the Caribbean series, which had a grand total of five films and created a modern pop culture icon with Captain Jack Sparrow. Since then, Disney has always been looking to make their theme park attractions into feature films, with examples including The Country Bears (2002), Tomorrowland (2015), and Jungle Cruise (2021). It's a concept that's showing no signs of stopping, with Hawkeye (2021) directors Bert & Bertie set to helm a film based on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The one ride at Walt Disney parks that should be a no-brainer to adapt though is the Haunted Mansion . With its iconic visuals and surprisingly deep lore, it should be the perfect candidate for a feature film, and Disney did try to capitalize on the popular attraction nearly two decades ago with 2003's The Haunted Mansion , starring Eddie Murphy . With a comedian like Murphy in the lead role, you could probably imagine that his take on the ride was very comedic. Now it's true that the ride has always had a very on-the-nose sense of humor, but the film adaptation lacked the creepy charm of the ride and leaned too heavily on the jokes, not to mention iconic characters like the Hat Box Ghost and the Black Widow Bride were nowhere to be found.

Director Justin Simien , the filmmaker behind Dear White People (2014) and a former Disneyland cast member, looks to make his own cinematic adaption of the beloved attraction, complete with a prestigious number of creatives and an absolutely star-studded cast on board. From what was shown at their presence at 2022's D23 Expo, it's looking to be an incredibly promising adventure-horror hybrid. To get the scoop on the information that was shared at D23 behind closed doors as well as everything else we know so far, simply continue to read below.

Editor's Note: This article was last updated on July 23.

Haunted Mansion

The spirits of the Haunted Mansion are set to receive your sympathetic vibrations on July 28, 2023 . The movie was originally scheduled to release on March 10, 2023, then moved to August 11, 2023, and finally brought up to its present date. Tickets for the movie are now on sale so grab yours as soon as you can!

Related: First 'Haunted Mansion' Reactions Call it "Fun," "Spooky," "Full of Easter Eggs"

Fans of the legendary attraction were treated to the first public look at Haunted Mansion when the spooky teaser trailer premiered on March 2nd . The footage opens up with the character of Gabbie ( Rosario Dawson ) and her young son Travis ( Chase W. Dillon ) as they enter their new home which of course is the titular Haunted Mansion. It doesn't take long for them to realize that the home is infested with restless ghouls, leading to them contacting an ambitious priest ( Owen Wilson ), a down-on-his-luck tour guide (LaKeith Stanfield), and a wise medium ( Tiffany Haddish ) to uncover the mystery behind the unsettling abode. Also seen in the trailer are some recognizable ghosts from the ride, such as the Black Widow Bride and the Hat Box Ghost ( Jared Leto ).

We also got an extended look at the film when Justin Simien took the stage at the Disney & Pixar Studio Showcase at D23, he premiered an extended trailer introducing the characters and world of this new version of Haunted Mansion . Unfortunately for those who weren't able to attend the showcase, the footage was exclusive to the panel and hasn't been released online. Thankfully Collider's own Therese Lacson was in attendance and wrote an in-depth description of the footage reveal which you can check out by clicking here. To give a brief summary, the trailer opens by introducing the main characters of Ben, Kent, Gabbie, and Harriet, as they explore the mysterious mansion and eventually find a room that resembles that of the one that Madame Leotta resides in, otherwise known as the sorceress head trapped inside a crystal ball. The rest of the trailer shows more creepy ghost-like imagery and introduces even more wacky characters like an eccentric college professor ( Danny DeVito ).

More recently, we got a new teaser for Haunted Mansion on June 8 that shows LaKeith Stanfield's Ben being introduced to the mansion, then moving on to scenes of various guests being spooked out by the mansion's ghostly residents.

A behind-the-scenes featurette was released online by Disney on June 23, 2023. The spot features Justin Simien and the cast talking about making the movie and paying tribute to the popular ride that inspired it. The trailer also revealed a new look at the Hat-Box Ghost. On June 28, Disney released a new teaser for Haunted Mansion to announce that the tickets are on sale. It also provides some more deliciously scary footage of the Hat-Box Ghost and you can see it in the player below:

Since tickets went on sale, Disney has released a steady stream of clips from Haunted Mansion and we also got a behind-the-scenes featurette featuring the director and cast. See it below:

A new trailer for Haunted Mansion was released on July 18, with a narration from Gabby that unfolds the spookiness of moving into the mansion. It then moves on to show us more of the cast, including a new look at the Hat-Box Ghost. Here it is:

Plot details are pretty thin and the trailer didn't do much to elaborate further on the general plot, but an official synopsis shed a bit more light on the film's story:

"A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest, and a historian to help exorcise their newly bought mansion; after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts."

We already know that Gabbie will be played by Rosario Dawson ( Ahsoka ), LaKeith Stanfield's ( Sorry to Bother You ) Ben will be the tour guide and Owen Wilson's ( Loki ) Kent will be the priest, and we assume that Tiffany Haddish's Harriet is the psychic and Danny DeVito's unnamed professor is the historian.

As for the ghosts who are set to appear, we do know that the Hatbox Ghost will almost certainly be appearing. An infamous part of the attraction that only returned to the ride somewhat recently, Hatbox Ghost was heavily implied at the event to be played by Jared Leto ( Morbius ). We also know that the Bride will also be a part of the film, and she is a character that has quite the backstory. Most of the "happy haunts" in the Haunted Mansion are just that; happy. They might give people a good scare sometimes, but overall they're not malicious or cruel...except the Bride. Originally named Constance Hatchaway, it's heavily insinuated that she killed her husband (or husbands) and now stalks the mansion looking for her next victim. Both these infamous ghosts would be excellent choices for the main villain.

Related: The Hatbox Ghost Welcomes Foolish Mortals With SDCC Exclusive 'Haunted Mansion' Poster [Exclusive]

Initially, horror and practical effects legend and the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind The Shape of Water (2017), Guillermo Del Toro . Like many of Del Toro's projects, this one just wasn't meant to be for the accomplished writer/director, but Justin Simien is a worthy replacement. Simien has made a name for himself as one of the biggest rising stars in storytelling today, being involved with both the hugely successful 2014 Dear White People film and the critically acclaimed Netflix series of the same name. Simien is also set to have a long history with Disney, as he's also become attached to the upcoming Lando series.

Even though he's no longer directing the project, Del Toro is still credited with writing the screenplay for the film along with D. V. DeVincentis ( High Fidelity ) and Katie Dippold ( The Heat ) also co-writing. This is good news for those wishing for Del Toro's directorial vision of the film as this likely means many of his ideas will make their way into the film. Del Toro will also be involved as executive producer as well. The rest of the ghostly crew consists of composer Kris Bowers ( King Richard ), cinematographer Jeffery Waldron ( Little Fires Everywhere ), editor Phillip J. Bartell ( Bad Hair ), production designer Darren Gilford ( TRON: Legacy ), and costume designer Jeffery Kurland ( Collateral ).

We've already mentioned most of the major leading characters set to appear, including LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Tiffany Haddish, and Jared Leto. Leto, who again is most likely playing the Hat Box Ghost, was one of many new casting revelations revealed at D23. The remaining cast members include Winona Ryder ( Beetlejuice ), Dan Levy ( Schitt's Creek ), Hasan Minhaj ( The Daily Show ) as a sketch artist, and finally, Jamie Lee Curtis ( Halloween Ends ), who made a grand entrance at the Studio Showcase in her very own "Doom Buggy". Curtis will be playing Madame Leota.

Disney's Haunted Mansion Cast & Character Guide

From Stranger Things’ Winona Ryder to fan-favorite Loki star Owen Olson, here’s everything to know about Haunted Mansion’s cast and characters.

Haunted Mansion sees Gabbie, a single mom moving into an oddly affordable mansion in New Orleans with her nine-year-old son, only to discover that their new home is haunted by ghosts. Along with a paranormal tour guide, a psychic, a priest and a historian, their horror-infused adventure begins. With The Marvels delaying its release date to late 2023, Disney moves its upcoming Haunted Mansion reboot up by two weeks into the Marvel film's old time slot. Fans can now look forward to the film hitting the theaters in July.

Recently, Disney dropped a new teaser , giving potential viewers a glimpse at the eerie, very frightening mansion, as well as its star-studded cast in action. However, Eddie Murphy, the lead star of 2003's The Haunted Mansion , will not return for the reboot. Luckily, his absence is not going to be much of an issue. The diverse, highly unlikely group portrayed by many fan-favorite actors definitely sparks intrigue. Let's take a closer look at who they are and what characters they play.

RELATED: Every Easter Egg in the Haunted Mansion Trailer

Jared Leto as Alistair Crump, the Hatbox Ghost

Morbius star Jared Leto lends his voice to Alistair Crump/Hatbox Ghost in the upcoming Haunted Mansion film, while his character's body will be entirely CGI. The Hatbox Ghost is among the original inhabitants of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, but he has gained a notorious reputation due to being removed shortly after the ride's opening. Urban legend claims that the Hatbox Ghost scared a guest to death, which is untrue. In reality, the Hatbox Ghost suffered a technical problem, which was the reason for his removal. The ghost finally returned to Disneyland in 2015, but he remains absent from the Walt Disney World incarnation of the ride. However, he has seen a merchandise revival in recent years.

Chase Dillon as Travis

Chase Dillon is known for playing young Nat in The Harder They Fall and as Homer in the TV miniseries The Underground Railroad. In the upcoming Haunted Mansion , Dillon portrays the nine-year-old Travis, Gabbie's son. Shortly before Disney dropped the teaser, they also unveiled the film's official poster, which sees young Travis standing before a distorted hallway.

RELATED: Eddie Murphy Refuses to Ruin Jamie Lee Curtis' Haunted Mansion Reboot

Rosario Dawson as Gabbie

The new teaser gives fans the first glimpse at Rosario Dawson's Gabbie, the single mom who purchased the New Orlean estate. Marvel fans might recognize Dawson as Claire Temple from the Defenders Saga. The actor was involved in five series from 2015 to 2018, including Daredevil , The Defenders , Jessica Jones , Iron Fist and Luke Cage . She's also known as the voice actor of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in the DC Animated Movie Universe. In the Star Wars universe, she portrayed Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian Season 2 and The Book of Boba Fett . She's also set to star in the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka .

LaKeith Stanfield as Ben Matthias

According to Haunted Mansion 's character descriptions , LaKeith Stanfield's Ben Matthias was once an engineer who worked on a camera that could perceive paranormal activity. However, his life took a sudden turn downhill after his wife died. No longer believing in the paranormal, Ben now works as an unenthusiastic ghost tour guide in the French Quarter of New Orleans. After Gabbie discovers the abnormal activities in the haunted mansion, Ben is hired to investigate, among several others. Stanfield is known for his roles in Knives Out and Judas and the Black Messiah .

RELATED: Disney Gives Haunted Mansion Reboot The Marvels' Summer Release Date

Owen Wilson as Kent

Owen Wilson joined the cast of Haunted Mansion in September 2021. The star became a fan-favorite from his Marvel role as Mobius, a middle manager who works with Tom Hiddleston's Loki in the Disney+ series Loki. His recent films include The French Dispatch and Marry Me , opposite Jennifer Lopez. In the upcoming film, Kent, the priest, is the one who connects Gabbie and several others to explore the paranormal activity in the mansion.

Tiffany Haddish as Harriet

Tiffany Haddish is an American stand-up comedian and actor. After several guest appearances on television series, she gained popularity for her portrayal of Nekiesha Williams on The Carmichael Show , which aired from 2015 to 2017. However, her breakthrough didn't come until her lead role in the comedy film Girls Trip . In the upcoming film, Haddish plays Harriet, the psychic who is hired by Gabbie to speak with the spirits.

RELATED: Disney Reportedly Permanently Bans Two Don Rosa Uncle Scrooge Stories

Danny DeVito as Professor Bruce Davis

Following the casting of Wilson and Dawson, Danny DeVito is another Disney alum to be part of the project. The actor previously voiced Phil in the Disney animated classic Hercules . In Haunted Mansion , DeVito plays Professor Bruce Davis, who is described to be a crotchety Tulane University historian with expertise in abandoned mansions in Louisiana. In the film, Kent connects him to help Gabbie.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota

The character of Madame Leota was originally conceived to be featured in the Disneyland attraction, named after Disney's Imagineer Leota Toombs. However, the character has since been expanded to be featured in multiple Disney attractions, as well as a feature film. Voiced by Eleanor Audley, Madame Leota appeared as a ghostly head in a crystal ball in 2003's The Haunted Mansion . She is portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis in the upcoming reboot, with her human form depicted through flashbacks.

Haunted Mansion Features Cameos From Winona Ryder, Dan Levy and Hasan Minhaj

It was confirmed on Disney's D23 Expo that Stranger Things ' Winona Ryder , alongside Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy and The Morning Show 's Hasan Minhaj, would join the already star-studded cast. Details about their roles are still under wraps. However, one thing fans know for sure is that the comedy-infused horror film has so much to look forward to.

Haunted Mansion is set to hit theaters on July 28, 2023.

CinemaBlend

A Reddit User Thought They Found An Error In The Haunted Mansion, But Disney World Parkgoers Were Quick To Point Out The Solution

I t’s been said since before the first Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was even officially open that the attraction was the residence for 999 happy haunts. Signs sat outside the unfinished attraction for years, as guests were offered the chance to become the thousandth entry, but the Ghost Host narrator confirms that the building at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom is home to 999 ghosts. So then who left when the new guy showed up? That's a query that was recently brought up on Reddit, and a solution was quickly found.

The Hatbox Ghost was added to the ride at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in late 2023 as one of the new attractions at Disney World . The same specter was added to Disneyland’s version of the ride a few years back. However, the character had been there on day one, as those who know the wild history of the Haunted Mansion are aware. So, technically, he wasn’t an addition there. But he was at Walt Disney World.

A Redditor recently posed the question to the r/WaltDisneyWorld board of just who got kicked out to make room for the Hatbox Ghost. While they’re certainly just having fun, there are more than a few perfectly reasonable answers. As one fan pointed out, the floating candlestick effect that is right next to where Hatbox appeared, vanished at the same time that he showed up, so maybe that’s who left:

The floating candlestick used the be at the end of that hallway. I don’t understand why it had to be removed. Why not leave both.

Of course, it’s unclear if that effect is actually gone for good or simply being refurbished. So, perhaps, that’s not the missing spirit. Several others in the thread point out that the famous “Donald Duck Chair” -- an armchair that appears to have the face of Donald Duck stitched into it -- used to inhabit the space where the Hatbox Ghost is now. A chair of that design is now set to appear in a Haunted Mansion-themed lounge on board the Disney Treasure cruise ship launching later this year . 

Whether or not the chair is a spirit is a whole other matter. The real answer, as one fan points out , is that, according to the (admittedly retconned) story of the Hatbox Ghost, he’s not technically a resident of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. (Maybe because he lives at the one at Disneyland). This is also why you see him before the Seance room. None of the ghosts that live in the house appear until after that moment:

The 999 Happy Haunts limit: The Hatbox Ghost is not a permanent resident. He can come and go as he pleases.

So if you’re all curious about how the Haunted Mansion math works out, that’s the story. And, if and when new elements are added to the Haunted Mansion rides, explanations will be made.  Among the new things coming to Disneyland , that park's iteration of the attraction is now undergoing a major exterior upgrade and will open with an entirely new queue later this year. Perhaps some new explanations for things will come with it -- and give folks on Reddit even more to discuss.

 A Reddit User Thought They Found An Error In The Haunted Mansion, But Disney World Parkgoers Were Quick To Point Out The Solution

IMAGES

  1. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and these grim grinning ghosts

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  2. How Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion changed Halloween forever

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  3. VIDEO: ‘Haunted Mansion’ Stars Recite Famous Lines from Iconic Attraction

    haunted mansion disneyland ghost

  4. First Look: Hatbox Ghost Joins the Celebration in Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park

    haunted mansion disneyland ghost

  5. Pin on Disney

    haunted mansion disneyland ghost

  6. love this, our beloved hitchhiking ghosts along with the caretaker and his faithful…

    haunted mansion disneyland ghost

VIDEO

  1. Haunted Mansion Construction Is Happening FAST at Disneyland

  2. Disneyland haunted mansion for you guys! (part 1)

  3. Haunted Mansion Disneyland (2)

  4. EVERY NEW Detail in the Haunted Mansion Trailer

  5. Hauntings At Disneyland

  6. Haunted Mansion Disneyland

COMMENTS

  1. EVERY Ghost In Disney's Haunted Mansion And Their Story

    Captain Clyne is a sea captain whose tub-shaped crypt sits outside the Walt Disney World version of Haunted Mansion, with an inscription that proclaims he "braved the seas and all her wrath, but drowned on land while taking a bath.". The character is loosely based on the painting of The Mariner that has long hung in the Mansion, which ...

  2. How Do They Do It? The Secrets Behind 4 Special Effects in the Haunted

    John Henry Pepper was the first to perfect the approach, which is often referred to as "Pepper's Ghost." Disney's use of the Pepper's Ghost effect is the largest in the world, but it's not unique. The ghostly figures that you see in the Haunted Mansion ballroom are real animatronics that are just below your doom buggy in a separate ...

  3. 13 Ghoulish Ghosts that Haunt the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park

    For nearly 50 years, the happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion have welcomed guests to their delightfully unlivable abode. In honor of the upcoming 50 th anniversary of this beloved attraction, we are introducing you to 13 of the ghoulish ghosts who haunt its halls:. Madame Leota is, quite literally, a figure head in the Mansion with ominous power and presence.

  4. Meet the Haunted Mansion Ghosts: Who Are They?

    Disneyland's Haunted Mansion is a classic attraction that has been entertaining visitors for over 50 years. Its spooky facade and eerie ambiance immediately draw guests in, but it's the Haunted Mansion ghosts that make the experience truly memorable. The Haunted Mansion is home to 999 happy haunts, each with their own story and personality.

  5. The ghosts and characters of The Haunted Mansion

    Guests should beware of hitchhiking ghosts in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park as they could follow them home. The Haunted Mansion is the home of 999 happy haunts, but there is "always room for one more" as guests take a spirited tour aboard their doom-buggy. During the tour, guests glide past a rattling casket in the conservatory ...

  6. Complete Guide to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland

    Location: Haunted Mansion is in New Orleans Square. Rating: ★★★★★. Restrictions: No height restrictions. Children under age seven years must be accompanied by a person aged 14 years or older. Ride Time: 19 minutes. Recommended for: Everyone. Fun Factor: High. Haunted Mansion is one of the best rides at Disneyland. Wait Factor: High.

  7. Haunted Mansion

    Embark on a spooky tour through an eerie haunted estate at Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Greet singing ghosts, ghouls and spirits on this spooky dark ride filled with 999 happy haunts, including Madame Leota, hitchhiking ghosts and more.

  8. 10 scary, legendary ghost tales of Disneyland haunts

    Legend 5: The crying boy - The exit of the Haunted Mansion is said to be haunted by the ghost of a boy. They story goes that the boy's mother spread her son's ashes in the Haunted Mansion ...

  9. Haunted Mansion does right by the Disney ride's scariest ghost

    Disney's 2023 movie Haunted Mansion is packed to the brim with ghosts lifted directly from the theme park ride. The notorious Hatbox Ghost, played by Jared Leto in the film, has a huge role, as ...

  10. The Haunted Mansion

    The Haunted Mansion is a dark ride attraction located at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland.The haunted house attraction features a ride-through tour in Omnimover vehicles called "Doom Buggies", and a walk-through show is displayed to riders waiting in the queue line. Each location differs slightly in design, utilizing a range of technology from centuries-old theatrical effects to ...

  11. Ghost Host

    The Ghost Host is the unseen, sardonic narrator of The Haunted Mansion, an attraction located at Disneyland, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland. The Ghost Host was a hideous man of an unknown true name who likely lived at some point between the late-18th century and early-20th century. He had heterochromia, pale hair, gnarled teeth, and coarse features. He had some ...

  12. Is Disneyland haunted? We asked ghost hunters for the truth

    At the end, you even get a photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts who are some of the "999 happy haunts" in the Haunted Mansion, who get kicked out for the season by Oogie Boogie when the ride ...

  13. Haunted Disneyland: Ghosts in the Happiest Place on Earth

    Haunted Mansion. There are several ghosts that haunt the Haunted Mansion. The first ghost story happened when the Mansion was still being built back in the 1960s. One of the sound designers was in the Séance Room and heard music coming from behind a wall. He thought it was a radio, but there was never any talking or commercials, just music.

  14. Hatbox Ghost

    The Hatbox Ghost is an animatronic character that appeared originally in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland but was removed shortly after the attraction's debut in 1969. [1] Located formerly in the ride's attic scene, the figure is described as "an elderly [male] ghost in a cloak and top hat, leaning on a cane with a wavering hand and clutching ...

  15. Grim Grinning Ghosts Song

    "Grim Grinning Ghosts" (1969) the theme song of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion ride along with footage from the ride. Ghost Host, Stretching Portraits, Changin...

  16. Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost

    On the subject of the Hatbox Ghost animatronic currently residing within Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, Nolte has this to say: "The Hatbox Ghost returned to Disneyland in 2015, and while the figure is amazing, he's now up on the roof in his own little scene, technically part of the Graveyard Jamboree. This means that any connection to ...

  17. 9 Ghosts That Reportedly Haunt Disney Parks, From Urban ...

    California's Haunted Mansion isn't the only one that's said to play host to an actual ghost of a little boy; someone posting in the WDWMagic forums in 2004 wrote that they allegedly took the ...

  18. The Ghost is Out of the Box: Disney shares when the Hatbox Ghost will

    The Hatbox Ghost will set up residence near the Endless Hallway scene, which is in a different location from his counterpart in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion attic. The Hatbox Ghost was originally conceptualized as part of the Haunted Mansion attraction before it opened in 1969.

  19. Disney's new Haunted Mansion trailer is full of Disneyland ride

    A new Haunted Mansion movie is on the way, this time leaning way more on the iconic ghosts and moments from the ride. The first teaser reveals some little nods that park enthusiasts will revel in ...

  20. Cast Members Share Ghost Encounters at Disney

    The 999 happy haunts at the Haunted Mansion aren't the only ghosts who want to socialize. #Disneyland #CastMember #ghost. Disneyland is known as the Happiest Place on Earth. Located in southern ...

  21. New Haunted Mansion Grounds Expansion, Retail Shop Coming to Disneyland

    The stately grounds of the Haunted Mansion will expand with a spirited metamorphosis at Disneyland Resort next year. In 2024, the additions will build on the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion and include an expanded outdoor queue to immerse guests in enhanced theming, as well as a new retail shop adjacent to the attraction's exit.

  22. The Full Haunted Mansion Script

    I'll give you the Haunted Mansion script for the Disneyland Haunted Mansion and for the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion. The Disney World ride is located in the Magic Kingdom park. The scripts are a little different, but there are not a ton of differences. I'll give you both scripts to read. There are two other Disney theme parks that ...

  23. Disney Removes Haunted Mansion Character After 52 Years

    Tagged: Disney Parks Hatbox Ghost Haunted Mansion Walt Disney World. Zach Gass. Zach Gass is a writer from East Tennessee with a passion for all things under the Disney name. From Disney history ...

  24. Hatbox Ghost in Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom

    Frankly, we're a bit shocked by the timeline for Hatbox Ghost at Magic Kingdom. Disney's Haunted Mansion movie hit theaters back on July 28 and featured Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost.After that, there was Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Halloween season, which ran from mid-August until early November.. If you asked me earlier this year to choose two dates by which the ...

  25. 'Haunted Mansion' Movie: What to Expect

    The trailer also revealed a new look at the Hat-Box Ghost. On June 28, Disney released a new teaser for Haunted Mansion to announce that the tickets are on sale. It also provides some more ...

  26. Haunted Mansion: Every Major Character in the 2023 Remake

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    The Hatbox Ghost was added to the ride at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in late 2023 as one of the new attractions at Disney World.The same specter was added to Disneyland's version of the ...

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