The Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is an opening day attraction that has changed very little over the last 50 years.

That being said, it is one of the most beloved attractions in all of the Disney Parks throughout the world, as it is the only attraction to appear in all 6 parks worldwide. The technology used is simple but effective in creating a fun attraction that everyone will love.

Located in Liberty Square of the Magic Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion is modeled after an Upstate New York mansion in Saratoga Springs. Walt Disney was adamant that there would not be a dilapidated looking attraction in his parks, so imagineers created the most beautiful creepy house they could!

The Ride

The Haunted Mansion is a multi-part omni-mover ride that begins from the moment you enter the queue. Immediately you will be greeted by the hearse carriage that is being pulled by the ghost horse that we cannot see. Be sure to stand still and listen to see if you can hear anything… This queue is filled with easter eggs everywhere!

Haunted Mansion queue easter eggs:

• The wedding ring of Constance Hatchaway embedded in the concrete (look near a trash can)
• Names on the gravestones are the imagineers who created the attraction
• Madame Leota’s gravestone might just be… looking… at you
• (Actually in the exit) Located in the pet cemetery is Mr. Toad, poking fun because Mr. Toad’s ride was closed to make way for Winnie the Pooh

Being that the ride is an omni-mover, which means that it is constantly moving and does not stop for loading and unloading, the line moves pretty quickly. Don’t worry if you can’t hop in your Doom Buggy quick enough due to physical limitations, the cast members can slow it down or stop if necessary.

The Doom Buggy vehicle is a wide bench seat that can comfortably fit 1 adult and 2 children, or 2 adults. The restraint system is a simple latch bar that is engaged by our Ghost Host. Don’t worry, this is no wild ride, no seat belts or cumbersome restraining systems are necessary. Anyone and everyone will enjoy a comfortable ride.

This attraction is one of the most popular rides and will maintain an over 35+ minute wait, even going as high as 60+ minutes in the busier times. Genie+ is highly recommended if this is on your must-do list. Learn more about Genie+ here.

The Haunted Mansion is the perfect family attraction because it has no height requirement, so that means men, women, children, and even babies can enjoy this ride. With a name like Haunted Mansion, many people are afraid that it will scare their children. Rest assured, that while yes, it is a spooky attraction, it is about as scary as Mickey Mouse dressed up like a mummy. It is just a house filled with 999 happy haunts who just want to come out and socialize!

NOTE: The first stop you will make is the pre-show in the stretching room when you enter the building. This is a very easy point to be separated from your party and small children. When the cast member tells you to fill every available space, we highly recommend holding hands and picking up small children because the room will go black.

Editor’s Note: Note at the end of this pre-show sequence all the lights go out momentarily and there is a medium loud scream heard on the soundtrack, meanwhile Haunted Mansion aficionados in the group will scream out loudly themselves playing along. This is the scariest moment of the attraction. You might want to be holding or prepare the little ones!“ – Steve

There is a photo pass moment on the Haunted Mansion, and if you have a magic band you will notice that your photo will just spookily appear in your My Disney Experience. RFID technology allows this to happen without even touching a button. Remember what they said about those hitchhiking ghosts!  If you would like full access to downloading your ride photos and other photos taken by Disney Photo Pass, be sure to purchase Memory Maker.

Next time you’re on Haunted Mansion…

Be sure to ask the female cast members their bat’s name. Disney puts a lot of effort into their backstories, costumes, and training. All female cast members must wear a headpiece that includes a bat in the middle. As part of their scripts, they are to name their bat as if it were a little friend that chose them, and a backstory to go with it. Our favorite is still Batty White.

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