Welcome, foolish mortals, to the story of five, frightful dwelling places located within Disney Parks. The Haunted Mansion film just celebrated its premiere, and with Halloween around the corner, there’s no better time to delve into some spooktacular Disney history. It’s safe to say that Haunted Mansion is one of the most popular Disney attractions across the board. In every Park where it’s located, it’s an experience coveted by fans. Out of the five Haunted Mansions across Disney’s theme parks, two go by a different name. While each has its own, unique flair, they all bear a similar sinister theme. Let’s take a brief look at Disney’s five Haunted Mansions!
Haunted Mansion at the Disneyland Resort
It may have all started with a mouse, but when it comes to Haunted Mansion, it all started with Disneyland! Located in New Orleans Square, the attraction opened its doors on August 9, 1969. After its debut, it only took a week for Disneyland to see its biggest attendance in a single day. Although Walt Disney never witnessed the Haunted Mansion upon its completion, he was involved in the early stages of development.
Standout features include an extensive queue that ushers you from one place to another, building anticipation. In true Disney form, from the moment you enter the iron gate, you’re immersed in the ride’s story. As you work your way through the twists and turns, there are plenty of visuals to command your attention. From the Hearse to the tombstones, an eerie exterior prepares you for what’s to come.
Once inside, you make your way through a series of rooms, one of which takes you down to a lower level. After exiting the stretching room, the journey continues through an ominous hallway filled with optical illusions. Once you turn the corner, you get a view of the Doom Buggy you’re about to entrust yourself to. And so, the ride begins! Can you hear the music playing?
With the Ghost Host as your guide, you’re whisked through the home of some happy haunts. Highlights include a séance room, ballroom, spooky attic, and graveyard. Fans especially enjoy seeing the iconic Madame Leota, or should we say, her head, as well as the Hatbox Ghost!
For Halloween and Christmas, the attraction gets an epic overlay that can only be found at one other location. With a Nightmare Before Christmas theme, it’s a whole new experience!
Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World Resort
After a successful debut at Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion arrived at Disney World roughly two years later. The attraction opened in Liberty Square on Magic Kingdom Park’s opening day, October 1, 1971. Due to its unique placement, Disney World’s Haunted Mansion has a much different-looking exterior. Fashioned in a Gothic style, it’s perfect for the area! While Magic Kindom’s version has many similarities to Disneyland, there are a few noteworthy differences. For example, certain aspects seen in Disneyland’s queue, such as the busts and portraits, are actually part of the ride at the Magic Kingdom. In addition, it features an Endless Staircase room, that’s unique to the Resort. Which do you prefer?
Later this year, the Hatbox Ghost will be making his way into the haunted halls at Walt Disney World. According to an announcement from Disney, the eerie ghost will be located near the Endless Hallway scene. Hardcore Haunted Mansion fans may have some strong opinions about a ghost appearing before Madame Leota materializes them. But other feel that the new addition to the classic ride is an exciting thing. What do you think?
Later this year at @WaltDisneyWorld, one of our most iconic specters will set up residence in the Haunted Mansion of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway. 🕯🕸 https://t.co/PJHQvMwmh0 pic.twitter.com/7MF86KtPGT
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 28, 2023
Haunted Mansion at Tokyo Disney Resort
On April 15, 1983, another Haunted Mansion opened along with the Tokyo Disney Resort! This version is located in Fantasyland and mirrors Disney World’s version. Notice the similarities in their Gothic-style exteriors. Interestingly, Tokyo Disney’s Haunted Mansion is the only other attraction that features a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay (though this one is called “Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare”).
Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris
The final two Haunted Mansions go by a different name. Phantom Manor opened with Disneyland Paris on April 12, 1992. Located in Frontierland, it was once the dwelling place of Thunder Mesa’s founders. Locals claim the house is haunted, but those brave enough to find out can enter to discover the truth.
The story goes that owner Henry Ravenswood had one daughter, beloved by four men. People say he didn’t approve of a single one of them. Unfortunately, each of their lives came to a puzzling end. What could possibly have happened? Whatever the case, the bride-to-be is still waiting for her wedding day!
Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland
Lastly, we’ve arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of the Haunted Mansion, Mystic Manor. Opening on May 17, 2013, it’s located in Mystic Point. Hong Kong Disneyland invites you to “Explore a mystifying museum where exotic artifacts from around the globe come to life right before your eyes!”
Rather than boarding a Doom Buggy, guests ride in a Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage as they set off to enjoy Lord Henry Mystic’s private art collection. During the excursion, his monkey friend, Albert, unknowingly opens a magical, music box with special powers. A stream of dust leads you through various rooms, giving life to everything it touches. Meanwhile, Albert attempts to put an end to the chaos! The ride includes eight galleries that add to its creative backstory.
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Let’s Hear From You
So, there you have it! How many versions of Haunted Mansion have you had the pleasure of experiencing, and which is your favorite? Are there any you’d like to visit someday? What missing aspects would you like to see at Disneyland Park? Let us know in the comments below!