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.

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.

Seven Years And Counting!

In celebration of seven years of daily blogging (hard to believe), I'm going to do a trip through my favorite attraction at Disneyland: The Haunted Mansion. Thanks to a recent acquisition of slides, I can do a much more comprehensive series than previously possible. The exterior shot is courtesy of Daveland reader Bill H., dating from September 1973.

Moving back in time to October 1972, we have a shot of the entry foyer, which is when the cobwebs and dust begin to appear, in stark contrast to the well-manicured exterior of the Mansion.



Once in the elevator, you can see some of the original Marc Davis art for the stretch portraits, circa 1969:









In the Changing Portrait Hallway, this guest decided to check out what was outside the window, circa October 1972:



One of the busts that seems to follow you as you pass by:



Once in the Doombuggy, you would see these creepy hands pushing up the coffin lid:





Moving onto the infamous Madame Leota, who is one of the biggest reasons of why you should NOT use a flash in this attraction!





For the ballroom, I need to use vintage publicity shots to cover this tableau:





One half of the dueling portraits:



The organist who plays on the instrument rescued from the set of "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea":



Up in the attic, the original bride scares the crap out of guests with her beating heart, October 1972:



The caretaker's shaking is a warning to the frights that await us in the cemetery:



The Grim Grinning Ghosts, who look VERY grim when the flash obscures the projection effect. December 1969:



In color from October 1972:



More hijinks from the cemetery, circa December 1969:







The Hitchhiking Ghosts:



And finally, two consecutive October 1972 shots of Little Leota at the exit. Probably my favorite (and most effective) scene in the Mansion:





Thanks to the many who have followed my blog for the last seven years, taking the time to comment, leave memories, and add to my knowledge of Walt's original theme park.

See more vintage & current Disneyland Haunted Mansion attraction photos on my Haunted Mansion web page.