T.G.I.F. Pic Of The Week – Taking A Closer Look At The Haunted Mansion

Walt Disney World will celebrate it’s 45th anniversary soon – October 1st is the day they opened the gates of the Magic Kingdom to the public for the first time back in 1971, and in light of this, I think it’s always fun to take a look back at some of the history of the Park – especially the rides that have been open since that first opening day – like the Haunted Mansion. It’s a personal favorite of myself and my husband, we love riding it as many times in a row as we can – it just never gets old! Speaking of old – check out these vintage photos:

I LOVEEEE these photo of the Haunted Mansion being built (circa January 1971) – it’s so amazing to see something like that come together!

These are a few I have snapped over the years – including the wait on Christmas Eve, which was the longest I have ever seen it at 90 minutes (we skipped it that day, even I have my limits!)

It’s hard to believe that the Magic Kingdom has been bringing happiness to people for almost 45 years – but it’s also kinda amazing, isn’t it? TGIF!

Halloween = Spooky = Haunted Mansion Fun!

Last weekend was Halloween, and my mind is still stuck on all things spooky/creepy. One of my most favorite spooky things is definitely Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. It has always been one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World, and I love to ride it multiple times per trip (as many as I can fit in!). I love it all – the creepy intro, the “doom buggies”, the hitchhiking ghosts, the “room for one more” – it’s all so kitschy and amazing, and over the past few years, the ride has become even more popular, gaining somewhat of a cult-like following, which Disney has OF COURSE capitalized on:

 

There’s now a Haunted Mansion themed store right by the ride’s entrance

The shop offers tons of great merchandise – but if you’re not going to WDW anytime soon, you can also purchase some of the merchandise online

Hmm…this is already inspiring ideas for next year’s Halloween costume…I could be a corpse bride, or maybe a hitchhiking ghost?

“We have 999 happy haunts here, but there’s room for 1000. Any volunteers, hmmm? If you should decide to join us, final arrangements may be made at the end of the tour…”

Check out some fun behind the scenes secrets about the Haunted Mansion here

Disneyland – The Original Park

I know I have talked about Disneyland before (like about how it’s different from Disney World), but I have been thinking a lot about the ‘Land lately, as we are planning a trip there in fall of 2014

The reason we want to go in the fall is because not only will the parks be decked out for the fall season, but one of our fave rides, the Haunted Mansion, will be all dressed up for the Haunted Mansion Holiday, themed after Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. They also do a halloween celebration, Mickey’s Halloween Party, where you get the chance to trick or treat at Disney!

We can’t wait to check out the new Carsland at Disney’s California Adventure Park, and to experience everything else that these amazing Parks have to offer.

Halloween at Disneyland is a magical time, and I am so excited to check it all out!

Any Disneyland veterans out there have some wisdom they care to share with a couple of Disney World veterans making the trek to California?

Favorite Disney Rides – The Haunted Mansion

 

Location: Liberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

 

What It’s Like: Take a ride on a “doom buggy” through a creepy haunted house full of frights! It’s set in the dark, and might scare small children (heck, it still scares me sometimes!), but that’s all part of the fun!

 

Why I Love It: The details and special effectson this ride are amazing, from the wall paper with eyes to the dancing ballroom ghosts, I always see something new every time I ride it (and I have ridden it a LOT of times!). Also, the line tends to move pretty quickly, and another bonus – the ride is indoors, which means sweet cool air conditioning!

 

It is a Magic Kingdom Must-Do for those of all ages! Do you love The Haunted Mansion too?