Halloween at the Mansion!

The final day of my Halloween Haunted Mansion celebration begins quite appropriately in the ballroom. Plenty of cake for the revelers who don’t appear to be able to handle their liquor.



The organist who continually plays upon Captain Nemo’s organ is another favorite tableau of mine.



The Pepper’s ghost illusion of the dueling portraits is another brilliant gag:



Then we reach the attic. Once Constance and her looney story took over, I lost interest. Other than the shadow of the ghost who plays the piano. Ever noticed him?



Oh please make this hot mess of a projection go away.



The Hatbox Ghost at the end of the attic scene does bring me a large amount of joy. I’ll give the Disney Corporation that one as a “win.”



Once we slide back down the hill in our doombuggy, we encounter the poor cemetery caretaker and his undernourished dog:



“Grim Grinning Ghosts” by X Atencio is one of those songs that’s welcome to live in my head ANY time:



The hitchhiking ghosts: that iconic trio that has raked in a few bucks in merchandise for the Disney Corporation:



As you leave, be sure to notice the homage to Cocteau’s “Beauty and the Beast”:



Little Leota was probably the most intriguing part of this attraction when I was a little kid. “How did they do that?!?”



Happy Halloween to all! Take it easy on the candy and I’ll see you next month!

See more Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos at my main website.

New Orleans vs. New Orleans Square, Pt. 3

Welcome to New Orleans Square! To experience the attractions here, it’s best to board the train at the Main Street Train Station and head to the first stop, which is Frontierland/New Orleans Square. As you approach the station, you know you’re in the right place as you see the decor from the Mardi Gras Supply Company. This is one of my favorite stations at Disneyland, as the detailing is rich.



Tired? You can always hang out and relax at Magnolia Park while the kiddies run wild.



Into history? Take a moment to read the plaque purporting this to be the anchor from a pirate ship commanded by Jean Lafitte.



Want to know your future? Consult with Fortune Red:

Meet Me at Disneyland Pt. 5: The Haunted Mansion

I finally made it over to my favorite attraction! The Haunted Mansion rarely disappoints; and each time, I find a new detail previously undiscovered. Kindly step into the elevator with me and we'll start our descent.



Things truly aren't what they appear to be.





This man probably could have used a few Tylenol. Extra strength.



My ears are still ringing from the deafening screams that accompany the appearance of this gent every time.



One of the changing portraits on the way to the Doombuggy loading area.



I hope she didn't tip her hairdresser.



Keep your eyes focused on these two as you walk by to get the full effect.



Light fixtures + me = obsession.



I even love the cobwebs. Just so long as they aren't in MY home.



This is probably one of the most difficult (and darkest) areas to shoot on this attraction.



Madame Leota was (literally) floating on air.





One of the dueling portraits:



And a closeup:



The attic always provides some undiscovered fun. Wouldn't you love to rummage around up here?





I'd never noticed this portrait of George Washington before.



Do you think this Caretaker is paid overtime?



I could listen to these guys sing all day.



The Hitchhiking Ghosts: pure brilliance. What a great way to end the attraction, especially when they "join" the guests in the doom buggies.



Sorry Leota; I won't be back until summer is over. I don't do crowds.



On the way to the Train Station, I stopped in Magnolia Park to enjoy the patina of the fountain.



A little FauxD© to get you dizzy.



The water tower now has a new oldfangled hose and ladder nearby for safety regulation reasons.



Ever notice the stickers on the luggage before?









Then the train pulled into the station and it was time to depart.







It's always a challenge to capture this Indian as the train zooms by.



Tomorrow, you can meet me in Tomorrowland!

FSee more vintage & current Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos on my Haunted Mansion web pages.