The Haunted Mansion for Halloween, Pt. 1

Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than a tour of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion? Back in 1978, I determined that the best time to visit the Mansion was at night, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do here.



The myths about this hearse abound, including that it carried the body of Mormon Leader Brigham Young. Apparently there is proof that no hearse was used for Young’s funeral, so there goes that legend.



Either way, it’s still a cool historical prop. I haven’t been to the Park in almost six years, so I assume this reservation sign has been replaced with a QR code.



As you enter the lobby, you have many things to see.



Look up and you’ll see a dusty chandelier:



Look down and see the cobweb inspired hardwood floor:



Once you enter the stretching elevator, this fiendish little ghoul greets you:



A face only his mother could love.



I realized in doing this post that I only have photos of the elevator fully stretched. Another to-do list item if/when I return.



The hanging man in the elevator. This was always one of my favorite touches...other than the crazy guests who feel the need to scream as loud as possible once they see it. I could do without that.



More of our Haunted Mansion tour to come!

See more Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos at my main website.

Freaky Fridays @ The Haunted Mansion: The Horseless Hearse

This horseless hearse is parked just outside the steps up to the mansion. One popular HM urban myth is that the hearse carried Brigham Young’s body. Young, who died in 1877, was Mormonism’s second president. Added to the Mansion in 1995, this 19th century hearse could not have been used for Young’s funeral as records show that no hearse was used. Still, an interesting anecdote; gives you something to talk about in the queue, right?



Unless it’s a busy day and the queue forces you to be stopped right in front of it, many people probably do not even take the time to look at the interior. Well folks, here ya' go.







Much more effective at night with a little green glow for good measure:



See more Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos at my website.



In Blu-ray news, “Snow White” is about to be released on Blu-ray, October 6. Disney has definitely been at the forefront of Blu-ray releases, and “Snow White” is no exception.



When I popped the disc into my Blu-ray player and the movie began, I was impressed by the bright colors and the level of detail, but I also noticed some slight digital artifacting. I have to admit I was a little surprised. The soundtrack was amazingly clean...the best I had ever heard in its many incarnations. After watching for a bit, I was looking through the packaging and realized I was watching the DVD copy, not the Blu-ray. Folks, let me tell you...when I put the Blu-ray disc in, I was blown away. It was sheer perfection. It was as if I was looking at the actual painted backgrounds and cels. And the soundtrack...clear as a bell. Just absolutely amazing. Pre-order this baby NOW! If you don’t have a Blu-ray player, then get one. BTW: The screen capture downloaded from DVD Beaver does not do the actual film justice!