#4 "Welcome Foolish Mortals, to the Haunted Mansion"

Disney's Haunted Mansion opened it's doors to foolish mortals 50 years ago. The dark ride recently celebrated a milestone anniversary, first opening in Disneyland on August 9, 1969 and later in the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. The rides were made at the same time, but the one at the Magic Kingdom had to wait for the official opening of the park.

For the last half century, grim grinning ghosts have been socializing throughout the mansion and the ride has become a Disney classic. It is a must-do ride when you visit Walt Disney World. From the time you enter the queue until you pass through the exit back into Liberty Square, you will be in for a surprise at every turn.

As you walk through the queue, be sure to read the tombstones that are dedicated to WED/Disney artists and animators, Imagineers and people that worked on designing the ride and Disney parks. The updated queue also has interactive elements in the graveyard to pass the time as guests wait to enter the mansion. 

Finally it is time to enter the Haunted Mansion, where you are greeted by your Ghost Host, voiced by Paul Frees. The Ghost Host will lead you into a stretching room and tell you a story of the Haunted Mansion. From here, you are led to the ride vehicles that are uniquely name "Doom Buggies." These ride vehicles are some of Disney's infamous Omnimovers. 

The Imagineers did a wonderful job turning the Doom Buggies to connect what guests are hearing with what they are seeing. The most memorable scenes include the floating staircases, coffin, knocking doors, the waltz and Madame Leota's floating head. All of these build up to the climax and most spectacular part of the ride, the cemetery. 

As soon as the Doom Buggies enter the cemetery, the music begins: "Happy haunts materialize and begin to vocalize. Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize." The room is so extravagant that you will see something new every time you go on the ride. The music and its lyrics are absolutely perfect. It is easily my favorite part of the ride, as I just sit in awe and try to take it all in as the Doom Buggies slowly move through the cemetery. 

As the ride comes to an end, you are reminded that the mansion has 999 happy haunts, but there is room for 1,000 if you want to volunteer. Right before you exit the ride, there may be a hitchhiking ghost that appears in the Doom Buggies.

If you have the chance to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom, you cannot skip the Haunted Mansion at night. When the sun goes down and the Magic Kingdom is under the moonlight, you should make your way over to Liberty Square and approach the Haunted Mansion. If you are lucky, Madame Leota will be sitting outside of the mansion and there will be waltzing spirits. Do not be alarmed if the line is long, the cast members do a great job quickly moving guests through the queue and you will have an opportunity to listen to Madame Leota.

Yet again, Disney created a song that is catchy and recognizable. You will leave the mansion singing "Grim Grinning Ghosts" with your friends and family. Just as the Haunted Mansion ends so will this post, "hurry back, we would like your company."

Trivia

Q: Who is one of the ghost busts singing "Grim Grinning Ghosts" that is also the voice of Fritz in Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room?

A: Thurl Ravenscroft