49 Weird (but true) Disney Haunted Mansion Ride Secrets and Facts You Must Know

Today we’re taking a mysterious journey through the creepy and fun Disney Haunted Mansion ride secrets!

Disney’s Haunted Mansion is one of the top attractions among ThemeParkHipsters, so much so that there is a large fandom that encompasses fan fiction, meetups, collectibles, comics, and numerous pop culture mentions around the world!

Haunted Mansion Secrets Disneyland
Haunted Mansion Disneyland California

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The Haunted Mansion at Disney Parks

I’ve always enjoyed the ride, but I could never quite ride it alone (no surprise there).

Mickeys Halloween Party Ghost PhotoPass with NikkyJ
Haunted Mansion Ghostly PhotoPass Feature

I know you’re probably thinking that I may be a bit weird because it’s just a Disney ride that is nowhere near the haunting frights of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion.

However, I always feel something very eerie and spooky about the attraction that makes my skin crawl all the while keeping the quirky, imaginative spirit of Disney.

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Ghost Hose Painting

This dark ride puts guests in the Doom Buggies who are given a haunted tour of the mansion by the famous Ghost Host (voiced by Paul Frees).

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My First Experience on the Disney World Haunted Mansion Ride

I can still remember my first time on this ride in the mid-1990s and how the Ghost Host and the spooky greeters with their dragging, dreary voices would always give me the creeps.

Haunted Mansion Sign and Logo. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

And let’s not forget the parlor scene that stretches not only the room, but also your imagination with a visual trick that is pretty impressive and still a classic staple of the attraction.

Hipsters there’s no way we can forget Madame Leota.

The mysterious medium whose head is famous for its flotation ability and whose chants can blur the line between the natural and supernatural realities of this world.

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Bag and Madame Leota Soap Dispenser

Once you think you’ve survived the spine-tingling tour you gain some famous guests on your Doom Buggie, the Hitchhiking Ghosts…

Hitch Hiking Ghosts at Disney Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Pet Bed

…and from what I’ve observed these guys are Haunted Mansion rock stars and fan-favorites!

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49 Strange Disney Haunted Mansion Facts and Secrets to Know for Your Next Trip

Now lets get to the good stuff, the fun secrets of this Disney dark ride!

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion.

In this article I’m going to focus on the Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion attractions.

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I was able to find some of the weirdest and most mysterious facts surrounding this legendary Disney attraction.

Barrel bridge to Tom Sawyer Island attraction with the Haunted Mansion in the background at the Magic Kingdom - Orlando, Florida. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Barrel bridge to Tom Sawyer Island attraction with the Haunted Mansion in the background at the Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida 1971. Photo: Florida Memory

Enjoy and hopefully you won’t be added to the 999 happy haunts!

1. This attraction can be found all over the world:

  • New Orleans Square at Disneyland (California)
  • Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom (Florida)
  • Frontierland at Disneyland Paris (Phantom Manor)
  • Mystic Point at Hong Kong Disneyland (Mystic Manor)
  • Fantasyland at Disneyland Tokyo
Haunted Mansion Tombstones in the shade at Magic Kingdom. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

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2. The Real “1000th” Ghost

A doctor and medical lawyer, Cary Sharp, donated $37,400 for a charity event held at Disneyland to become the “1000th” ghost!

a man “forever buried in his work.

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3. Who’s Buried in the Tombstones?

Many of the names on the tombstones are from real who were connected to the Disney brand.

Haunted Mansion Tombstones have real names on them from Cast Members. A doctor and medical lawyer, Cary Sharp, donated $37,400 for a charity event held at Disneyland to become the "1000th" ghost! Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

Do you recognize any of the name on the Haunted Mansion tombstones? Let us know in the comments section below.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion Tombstones.

4. The Legendary Bride

Be sure to look for the iconic grim bride with the bright red heart. Her name is Constance Hatchaway.

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Master Gracey Gravestone and Bride Doll
Don’t miss out on this Disney exclusive Haunted Mansion Bride Doll before it’s gone!

5. Hatbox Tales

The Hatbox Ghost was originally a part of the attraction at Disneyland. However, the “HatBox” trick never lived up to the title, so it was axed.

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Over the years, the loyal followers still kept The Hatbox Ghost memory alive and in 2015, Disney gave us a new Hatbox Ghost for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration.

Disney Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Sweater Hatbox Ghost

This is one of the coolest Haunted Mansion ride secrets!

6. Haunted Mansion: The Water Ride

The Haunted Mansion was briefly developed as a water ride by Imagineer Claude Coates.

Haunted Mansion close up View at Night. The Haunted Mansion was briefly developed as a water ride by Imagineer Claude Coates. One of the most intriguing secrets.

This was because the Haunted Mansion needed some type of conveyance design and a water ride seemed like a possible option at the time.

7. Live Caretaker in the Movie

The original concept of the Haunted Mansion film script had a live Caretaker as one of the main characters, but was later scrapped.

The Haunted Mansion (Full Screen Edition)
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp, Nathaniel Parker (Actors)
  • Rob Minkoff (Director) – David Berenbaum (Writer)
  • Spanish (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)

He would then go on to make a small appearance in the original Haunted Mansion film.

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8. The Real Haunted Mansion

The Disneyland Haunted Mansion was rumored to have been inspired by the Shipley-Lydecker House in Baltimore, Maryland.

Haunted Mansion Secrets Disneyland
Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square at Disneyland

However, Ken Anderson, the original storyteller of the ride, found the most inspiration in a catalog of Victorian decorative art and architecture he was looking through at the time.

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9. The Singing Busts Inspiration

Designer, Rick Baker, first modeled the film’s singing busts after Marc Davis, Thurl Ravenscroft, Blaine Gibson, Paul Frees and Walt Disney.

Haunted Mansion Ghost Hosts in interactive line at Magic Kingdom. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

Be sure to look for them in the queue and on the ride!

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10. Filming Location Changes

The original Haunted Mansion film was originally set in New York state.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion. The original Haunted Mansion film was originally set in New York state but went to New Orleans instead.

However, the director (Rob Minkoff) and the film production, felt like the story should be based on the setting of the original Haunted Nansion which was in New Orleans.

11. Haunted Mansion Bride

The well-known Haunted Mansion bride was one of the few characters who was almost always featured in the many versions of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion storyline concepts.

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Bride Doll
Limited Edition Haunted Mansion Doll!

12. Lord of the Mansion

Imagineer F.X. Atencio is considered to be the unofficial lord of the manor.

X. Atencio is considered to be the unofficial lord of the manor at Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion.

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13. Whimsical, yet Creepy Wallpaper

The Haunted Mansion wallpaper was a collaboration between Museum of the Weird creator Rolly Crump and Claude Coats.

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You know it’s Haunted Mansion by this famous purple pattern!

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Dooney and Burke Purse

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14. Mystery Around Madame Leota’s Tombstone

At Madame Leota’s tombstone in the outside queue of the Haunted Mansion, watch closely as her eyes may open

Disney Memento Mori Shop at the Magic Kingdom with a painting of Madame Leota. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

15. Gargoyles in the Haunted Mansion

As you leave the stretching room of the Haunted Mansion, listen for gargoyles talking. They will be there to make sure you all stay together.

Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Portraits with Gargoyles
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Cory Doctorow

This is one of my favorite Haunted Mansion secrets!

16. Haunted Mansion Pipe Organ

There’s a replica of the pipe organ from the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in the ballroom scene of the Haunted Mansion.

View of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride at the Magic Kingdom amusement park in Orlando, Florida 1974. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
View of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride at the Magic Kingdom amusement park in Orlando, Florida 1974. Photo: Florida Memory

17. Tony the Tiger in the Haunted Mansion

One of the singing statues in the Haunted Mansion was voiced by the same man who did Tony the Tiger from Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes! His name was Thurl Ravenscroft.

The Disney Legends plaque for Thurl Ravenscroft in Legends Plaza at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank voice of Tony the Tiger and Haunted Mansion
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Harsh Light

18. Stretching Room Plays Tricks on You

The stretching room of the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland California is an elevator that takes you underground.

Tourist group near Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom - Orlando, Florida in 1971. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Tourist group near Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida in 1971. Photo: Florida Memory

19. Madame Leota’s Daughter Contributes to the Haunted Mansion Ride Secrets

After the “real” Madame Leota died, Disney wanted to update the film. Disney then used her daughter, Kim Irvine, to help create the newer footage.

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Madame Leota in the Mirror (3)
Secret Mirror in Memento More Store

20. Walt Disney’s Touch

It has been rumored that Walt Disney recorded a narration of the Haunted Mansion in an earlier drafted version of the ride.

Haunted Mansion Master Gracey Tombstone. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

21. The Gracey Family

In the Haunted Mansion movie, the Gracey family is named after Imagineer Yale Gracey who helped create the Seance Room with Madame Leota.

22. Pepper’s Ghost

Pepper’s Ghost is a famous illusion from the 1800s that can be seen with the ghost dancing in the Grand Ballroom scene.

Haunted Mansion Ballroom Scene in Disneyland
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Prayitnophotography

This is one of the top Haunted Mansion secrets that we all love!

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23. Hitchhiking Ghosts Joins Your Doombuggy

You can find the famous Hitchhiking Ghosts at the end of the ride inside your Doombuggy. Disney uses the Pepper’s Ghost illusion to pull off this trick.

Mickeys Halloween Party Ghost PhotoPass with NikkyJ. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Haunted Mansion Ghostly PhotoPass Feature

Hopefully, it’s just an illusion and you don’t take one home with you.

24. The Walkthrough Experience

Another earlier concept of the Haunted Mansion put it as a walk-through experience that would’ve had a boat pull up to you in one of the rooms.

Ride Queue with memorial Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

The only problem with this concept, is that this portion of the attraction would only hold a few people and would take too long.

This is not a good thing for keeping the attraction flow moving optimally.

25. Delayed Opening Date

Believe it or not, the exterior of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was completed in 1963, but it did not open officially until 1969.

Haunted Mansion Secrets Disneyland
Haunted Mansion Disneyland California

26. Museum of the Weird

One of the earlier concepts of the Haunted Mansion was to be The Museum of the Weird with both haunted and mysterious trinkets from around the globe.

27. Doom Buggy Life

The Doom Buggy, the vehicle that takes you through the Haunted Mansion, is also known as an Omnimover (you can see a similar vehicle in Spaceship Earth at Epcot).

Haunted Mansion Merchandise
Haunted Mansion Anniversary Merchandise

28. Find a Hidden Mickey in the Mansion

Try to find the Hidden Mickey in the famous ballroom scene (hint, hint…check the table).

Haunted Mansion Secrets Disneyland Tombstone

29. A Real Bullet Hole

Believe it or not, there’s an actual bullet hole in the Disneyland Haunted Mansion.

Disneyland white carriage outside ride. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

While on the ride look towards the end of the ballroom scene where the two portraits are shooting at each other.

Haunted Mansion Ballroom Scene in Disneyland
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Prayitnophotography

The bullet hole is rumored to be there and is sometimes covered with a spider.

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30. Hitchhiking Ghosts Names

The Hitchhiking Ghosts have names dubbed by the fans. The names are Gus (the Prisoner), Phineas (the Traveler), and Ezra (the Skelton).

Disney Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Sweater and Hat

This fact is one of the most unique Haunted Mansion secrets.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2022 Concept Art Paintings with the Haunted Mansion Figment Orange Bird

31. Interactive Queue Line

The Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom has an interactive queue line that is just as mysterious as the ride.

This was a wonderful addition to this classic Disney dark ride at the Magic Kingdom.

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32. Time to Pay Up

The Haunted Mansion cost $7 million to create when it was developed and built.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion (3)

33. Films that Inspired the Haunts

Some believe that there are three films that inspired the attraction:

  • The Haunting
  • Haunting of Hill House (1963 version)
  • La Belle et La Bete – Beauty and the Beast (1946 version),  
  • The Cat and the Canary (1927 version)
Haunted Mansion Secrets Tombstone. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

34. Pet Cemetery

The Haunted Mansion in both Disneyland California and the Magic Kingdom have a pet cemetery located outside the mansion.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion Pet Cemetery

35. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in the Mansion

In the Florida Haunted Mansion, look for a tombstone with J. Thaddeus Toad. This is a nod to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Disneyland Resort Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Entrance in Fantasyland

36. The Bride’s Ring

Look for the “Bride’s ring” when you exit the Haunted Mansion ride in the Magic Kingdom.

According to Susan Veness, if you ever ask a Haunted Mansion Cast Member about Madame Leota’s ring, you might get a really detailed story or just a blank stare and a quick, “There’s no such thing.”

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion Bride Ring Lore.

Funny enough, after the Haunted Mansion got a refurbishment in 2007, that second answer became the correct one (kind of).

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion Bride Ring Lore.

The story about the bridal ring had a bunch of different versions, but they all centered around Master Gracey, the owner of Gracey Manor (that’s the official name of the Haunted Mansion), and his sad bride, Leota.

You can actually see Leota’s likeness all throughout the ride:

  • in the crystal ball
  • the attic wearing her wedding dress
  • at the end of the attraction, bidding you goodbye

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37. True Story of the Bride’s Ring

There were many stories of how the ring was left in the cement out the exit of the Haunted Mansion.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion Bride Ring Lore.
Outside Queue of the Haunted Mansion

Originally there was no backstory since it was the trimmed-off end of a metal post.

38. Your Death Certificate

Did you know that there’s a portion of the Haunted Mansion that signifies your death?

Haunted Mansion Secrets Interactive Tombstone. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Haunted Mansion Secrets Interactive Queue

When you fall from the attic window, your doom-buggy goes backwards. It is at this point that the haunts of the estate will now start to recognize you.

Disney Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Puzzle Stretching Room

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39. Exit First

If you want to get out of the stretching round room first, then stand near the painting of the tight rope lady holding the parasol at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Portraits with Gargoyles
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Cory Doctorow

This location may vary based on which Haunted Mansion ride you’re experiencing.

40. Edgar Allan Poe

Look out for the raven throughout this Disney ride. It’s a reference to Edgar Allan Poe.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2022 Disney 50th Anniversary Concept Art Haunted Mansion. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

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41. The Tragic Sea Captain

An original storyline of the ride involved a pirate named Captain Gore and his wife Priscilla who lived in a mansion where his wife discovers his hidden dark past as a pirate.

Haunted Mansion Secrets Captain Gore and Priscilla Tombstone Water Ride. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

She is then murdered by her husband who then hangs himself. You may be able to see aquatic nods to this Captain on the attraction.

Recommended: Top 5 Ways to Find Cheap Disney World Tickets for Your Vacation!

42. Spreading Ashes

Believe it or not, there have been Disney guests who have tried to spread the ashes of their loved ones on the Haunted Mansion ride.

43. Who’s that Hanging?

Look for Master Gracey “hanging” from the ceiling rafters in the stretching room scene.

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Master Grady Gift Card

44. The Storyline Continues

Originally, Imagineers didn’t have a fully developed story surrounding the relationship between Master Gracey and Madame Leota.

Haunted Mansion tombstone in the Interactive Queue. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Haunted Mansion Interactive Queue

45. Look for a Mysterious Figure

At the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom during the night, look up towards the top window and you may see a ghostly figure passing by…

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Haunted Mansion close up View at Night

46. Find the Skulls

When you are exiting the waiting area of the Haunted Mansion in Disney World, look at the top corner moldings which are shaped as skulls.

Haunted Mansion Interactive Queue. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Haunted Mansion Interactive Queue

47. Monitor the Changing Weather on the Haunted Mansion Ride

As you go through each room, you notice the change in the storm that will subside for just a bit once you make it to coffin room.

48. The Clock of Doom

Look closely at the creepy 13-hour clock, you may notice fingers instead of the normal features of a clock.

49. Music to Your Ears

The sheet music on the floor of the piano room states Et cum spirituo (This means “And with your spirt”)

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

My Final Thoughts on the Disney Haunted Mansion Secrets, Story and Fandom

On my quest to find more information about this unique fandom I learned that it is more than a simple Disney attraction. 

Visitors crossing barrel bridge to Tom Sawyer Island attraction near Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom - Orlando, Florida. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.
Visitors crossing barrel bridge to Tom Sawyer Island attraction near Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida 1979. Photo: Florida Memory

The Haunted Mansion has captivated its followers with the brilliant story-telling passion that Imagineers, such as Yale Gracey, Ken Anderson, and Claude Coates, put into telling the fantastic fables of the gloomy inhabitants. 

Disney Memento Mori Store Haunted Mansion Merchandise at Magic Kingdom Theme Park Christmas Ornaments.
Disney Haunted Mansion Christmas Ornaments

Despite all of the constant storyline changes and disagreements among creators, this lighthearted “Ghost Retirement Home,” has become a staple Disney attraction across the world.

I also learned that devout fans are aware of all things Haunted Mansion, such as the soundtrack secrets, the history behind the early concepts, and the back story of each ghoulish creature just to name a few.

Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom with Ghost Carriage. Keep reading for Disney World Haunted Mansion secrets and facts.

There are even fan-based websites that focus on a single entity of the attraction. This aspect keeps the true fans of the grim grinning adventure loyal for the rest of their mortal lives.

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Which Haunted Mansion secret was your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.

If you loved this article, then you’ll love these:

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

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About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Date October 31, 2013/Updated April 21, 2024)

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2 thoughts on “49 Weird (but true) Disney Haunted Mansion Ride Secrets and Facts You Must Know”

  1. I am one of these big Mansion fans. Check out a page from my recent WDW trip report. Also, probably the best Haunted Mansion site of all in Dan Olsen’s wonderful Long Forgotten Haunted Mansion blog. Absolutely fantastic!

    Reply

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