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The Making of the Haunted Mansion | Walt Disney As Your Ghost Host

October 29, 2014 By D Marie 15 Comments

Greetings from the 999 happy haunts.  During Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations, the Haunted Mansion was given its own party.  Room For 1 More gave full justice to this iconic attraction with a sit-down dinner in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Fantasia Ballroom, entertainment by a spectral organist, singing graveyard musicians, and a one-of-a-kind presentation from Disney Imagineers ( Pete Carsillo, Eric Goodman, Jason Grandt and Jason Surrell) chronicling the development of the beloved dark ride.  Nothing during our 3-hour event was more impactful than this 1965 clip from the master ghost host himself, Walt Disney.

–  Contrary to common lore, the Disney Imagineers present felt the Haunted Mansion was Walt’s last project, not Pirates of the Caribbean.
–   Before the opening of Disneyland, Walt began development of his own haunted house; one that would include an edge of comedy along with its “creaky doors and creaky floors.”
–   Walt was unhappy when he saw early schematic drawings, saying that he didn’t want anything decrepit-looking in Disneyland.  He said: “We’ll take care of the outside; let the ghosts take care of the inside.”
–   Haunted Mansion was built in 1963, but kept behind construction walls until 1969!!

–    Kurt Russell narrates a 1969 behind the scenes tour of  WED Enterprises and explores Haunted Mansion special effects and Audio-Animatronics.  He later takes some “pals” on a tour of the newly-opened Disneyland attraction.

–   Walt was intimately involved in the Haunted Mansion show elements.  (I do believe his footprints are all over it!)
–   Disney Imagineers began attraction development a full 10 years before its Disneyland opening.
–   Despite dramatic technological advances, “the original gags still work” and have not been changed.

Happy Halloween fellow ghoul-lovers.  Remember these Walt tidbits during your next Doom Buggy ride.

(And be sure to leave Ezra, Gus and Phineas behind!)

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Filed Under: Blog, DISney

Comments

  1. Beth Doda ~ disneymom2jhe says

    October 29, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite attractions! I love it!

    Reply
  2. blogging says

    October 29, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    I love hearing about project development straight from Disney Imagineers, but nothing beats hearing from Walt himself!

    Reply
  3. Hi! I'm Diane says

    October 29, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    Those are some very interesting tidbits, I always learn something on your site. Happy Halloween Donna.;-)

    Reply
    • blogging says

      October 29, 2014 at 3:54 pm

      Happy haunting to the Maguire Clan!!

      Reply
  4. Michelle Ordever says

    October 29, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    We love the Haunted Mansion!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      October 29, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      And now we know why Michelle- it was one of Walt's babies!

      Reply
  5. Megan Massey says

    October 29, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    Interesting stuff! Sounds like it was a great event!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      October 29, 2014 at 8:11 pm

      Just when you think you've heard all the Disney history anecdotes. I can't get enough Morgan!

      Reply
  6. Deb @ Focused on the Magic says

    October 29, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    Very interesting! I love that Walt hand his own hand in the project. It makes it even more special!!

    Reply
  7. blogging says

    October 29, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    Absolutely Deb- it's hard not to see each detail through Walt's eyes. Let's ride!

    Reply
  8. Frontierland Station says

    October 30, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    I love learning more about the Haunted Mansion! Such a wonderful Disney attraction!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      October 30, 2014 at 8:33 pm

      Seems we can't get enough! Thank goodness some folks have long memories, and that Disney preserves all of its video footage.

      Reply
  9. Lindsey Leffel says

    November 7, 2014 at 9:17 pm

    I adore the history of The Haunted Mansion. Jason Surrell's book covering it is incredible and a must read.
    I would have died and gone to heaven (pun intended) to attend this event. What an amazing experience!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      November 8, 2014 at 2:18 am

      Lin, you have shamed me into finally reading Jason's book- thank you for the review!

      Reply

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"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” ~ Walt Disney

Physical therapist, doctor at 60!, special needs advocate, and late-in-life runner, I offer prescriptions for a happy and full lifestyle for all.

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