Disney's Haunted Mansion making room for new ghosts

[MJMcBride]

Its actually a legit complaint. A tradeoff for dealing with summer heat and crowds is little to no attraction closures, but this year two of the most popular attractions in the resort are closed. That's not normal.

I agree it is strange although both do need it.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

Or, they could revert to their old maintenence policies and avoid having it closed for more then a month at all.

That's preferable and the best-case scenario, but I don't foresee them going back to their old maintenance practices. It truly is a shame...

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We just came back a few weeks ago from Disneyland. Let's hope the HM in WDW looks as great as the one out there looks. It was so great to see how fantastic it looked.

 

[Dreaming WDW]

We visited HM around June 1. As we were coming out of the exit I was trying to spot the brides wedding ring embedded in the walkway. A CM approached and asked if I wouldnt mind taking a survey about the attraction. She confirmed that HM would soon be closing for updates, and some changes would be made. The survey turned out to be quite lengthly, at least 10 minutes. Questions were asked about the ride vehicles, the lighting, the volume of narration vs ambient sound, what we liked and didnt like, our favorite scenes, the animatronics, what we remembered most Etc. At the end I asked her if she knew where the wedding ring was, and she admitted she was hired only to do the survey, because they did not want CM's biasing the survey results.

We never did see the ring, but felt fortunate that we got to experience the ride one last time as we knew it. I do hope they improve the ride and not mess with the story line by throwing in characters that do not belong there, and that includes Johnny Depp and Jack Skellington. That would do nothing to enhance an already classic ride.

 

[disneyphilip]

[/I]I do hope they improve the ride and not mess with the story line by throwing in characters that do not belong there, and that includes Johnny Depp and Jack Skellington. That would do nothing to enhance an already classic ride.

Excuse me?! Jack Sparrow ENHANCED the PotC attractions, especially the lackluster WDW one. And they're doing better than ever now. He belongs there!

And Skellington DOES enhance the Mansion when it's redone for Xmas!

I hate that people like you are so against film characters in attractions. That must mean that you hate all the older film-based attractions (Peter Pan, Snow White, Mr. Toad, Splash Mountain, etc.).

 

[zorilla10]

Actually, I think those two characters aren't needed for the HM, but at least I have my book with plenty of pics of it.

*huggles souvenir book*

 

[YoHo]

Excuse me?! Jack Sparrow ENHANCED the PotC attractions, especially the lackluster WDW one. And they're doing better than ever now. He belongs there!

And Skellington DOES enhance the Mansion when it's redone for Xmas!

I hate that people like you are so against film characters in attractions. That must mean that you hate all the older film-based attractions (Peter Pan, Snow White, Mr. Toad, Splash Mountain, etc.).

Jack Sparrow hasn't done much of anyhing for Pirates in DL. It's line is pretty stable at about what it's always been. DL has rising attendence versus a few years ago though. Plus they pulled out fastpass which was making the line move slower.

The Sparrow and Barbossa figures are nice, but the plot based around them is just stupid. And don't even get me started on Davy Jones. The effect is neat, but his use in the ride is borderline offensive.

I wouldn't have cared that those figures were added if they'd done something good with them. Especially since they had to shell out money to Depp and Bruckheimer for the image rights.

As for Jack Skellington, again, they needed to shell out money for the rights and while NBC certainly brings in the crowds and was a great idea for DL, it's more dubious for WDW. Traffic patterns to the park are too different.

 

[DaGrumpy]

Ok, I've been told not to get involved with this topic, but against better judgement I am. I am a big Nightmare Before Christmas fan, and I own several items related to this movie. NBC is a register trademark and copyright of Touchstone. Touchstone is owned by Disney therefore Disney does own the character rights. It Tim Burton own the charcter rights anything that had his chacters in he would get credit for them. If you have or seen Kingdom Hearts Tim Burton receives no credits unlike the owners of Tarzan. I just wonder where you people get your information?

 

[YoHo]

It's not the character rights. When the movie was made, Burton's contract stated that he'd get paid any time his creation would be used. So, yes, Disney owns the rights, but they have to pay Burton every time they use NBC.

 

[DaGrumpy]

I find this very hard to believe as Disney use the Nightmare character alot in merchandise. I'd really like to know where you're getting your information from.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

All I can say is based on what I've read the rehab will be well worth the wait. Bring on 9/13, I'll be there hook or by crook.

 

[MATTinNH]

It looks like the latest info points to an MC Esher type stair case next to the doom buggie as you accend the dark staircase.

 

[bulah1]

Excuse me?! Jack Sparrow ENHANCED the PotC attractions, especially the lackluster WDW one. And they're doing better than ever now. He belongs there!

And Skellington DOES enhance the Mansion when it's redone for Xmas!

I hate that people like you are so against film characters in attractions. That must mean that you hate all the older film-based attractions (Peter Pan, Snow White, Mr. Toad, Splash Mountain, etc.).

Sorry, had to jump in here... I do have to agree a bit with the original comment and kind of think I know where the poster was coming from. I admit that when I first heard of them "upgrading" POTC I was aghast and horrified that they would ruin the integrity of the classic and original ride. And of course when the movie for HM came out I was again fearful that it would somehow make it's way into the ride.

I understand upgrades need to be made to keep things running smoothly and to keep the public interested. I admit I've never seen the Skellington version (nor have I seen the updated Pirates yet), but Skellington to me should either be only seasonal or maybe get his own special place in the kingdom. I loved the movie, and am probably it's biggest fan... BUT - I am also very keen to keep the "original" HM around. It was there in the beginning and is one of my fondest memories from my childhood trip there. It's stuck with me forever. That's just my opinion. That's kind of the way I feel about the whole Pirates thing as well, but I'll see in October what I think - maybe I'll change my mind!

And as for the other rides you've mentioned... I think that's a totally different point all together! Those rides were DESIGNED with certain characters in mind. Let each ride be it's own "entity" if you will. I was absolutely crushed when Toad's was gone the last time I went. Seriously! But - um - what if they threw in Roger Rabbit in the middle of it just to keep more people coming... just doesn't seem right does it? Like I said before, Skellington is worthy of his own ride in my opinion - especially since in my mind, he has absolutely nothing to do with HM in the first place. I like HM as it is - and necessary upgrades are all I'd really want to see done. But hey, I'm not the one funding it... so who am I to say. Pirates was a different story since they based it on that ride - so it makes sense... though I know many people (along with myself) not sure if it will enhance the ride or not. I can't wait to find out.

Sorry about the babble, just wanted to add my two cents.

 

[Dreaming WDW]

Sorry, had to jump in here... I do have to agree a bit with the original comment and kind of think I know where the poster was coming from. I admit that when I first heard of them "upgrading" POTC I was aghast and horrified that they would ruin the integrity of the classic and original ride. And of course when the movie for HM came out I was again fearful that it would somehow make it's way into the ride.

I understand upgrades need to be made to keep things running smoothly and to keep the public interested. I admit I've never seen the Skellington version (nor have I seen the updated Pirates yet), but Skellington to me should either be only seasonal or maybe get his own special place in the kingdom. I loved the movie, and am probably it's biggest fan... BUT - I am also very keen to keep the "original" HM around. It was there in the beginning and is one of my fondest memories from my childhood trip there. It's stuck with me forever. That's just my opinion. That's kind of the way I feel about the whole Pirates thing as well, but I'll see in October what I think - maybe I'll change my mind!

And as for the other rides you've mentioned... I think that's a totally different point all together! Those rides were DESIGNED with certain characters in mind. Let each ride be it's own "entity" if you will. I was absolutely crushed when Toad's was gone the last time I went. Seriously! But - um - what if they threw in Roger Rabbit in the middle of it just to keep more people coming... just doesn't seem right does it? Like I said before, Skellington is worthy of his own ride in my opinion - especially since in my mind, he has absolutely nothing to do with HM in the first place. I like HM as it is - and necessary upgrades are all I'd really want to see done. But hey, I'm not the one funding it... so who am I to say. Pirates was a different story since they based it on that ride - so it makes sense... though I know many people (along with myself) not sure if it will enhance the ride or not. I can't wait to find out.

Sorry about the babble, just wanted to add my two cents.

Thanks bulah1: You said it before I could reply. I have been way out of pocket lately. I made my original statement based on the original storey line of HM. The Disney imigianeers made it up , not me. Casper does not belong there, nor Eddie Murphy, or Jack Skellington, and sorry, Johnny Depp! The latter is just too much of a stretch no matter how you view it.

If you took every Disney movie and worked the movie characters into the rides, WDW would lose a lot of its appeal to me. There are certain people that think Captian EO is still cool. But I tell you that MJ makes me sick.

Never before has marketing been mixed with imagineering as much as today. It cheapens what Walt started, and turnes it into an ongoing commercial.

 

[Diznejen1]

While at WDW last month, DH and I rode in the front of the monorail on our way to the Poly one evening. I spoke to the driver and he said that the reason they were rehabing the Haunted Mansion was to bring the attraction up to ADA (American Disabilities Act) standards. He didn't say anymore or less than that. Just FYI

 

[MATTinNH]

It looks like many new details are coming..... I got the following from screamscape.com


The Mickey Monitor passholder news letter revealed the following about the Haunted Mansion rehab in progress. "There's no turning back now! Errie enhancements are materializing at The Haunted Mansion. When The Haunted Mansion reopens this fall, you'll notice that strange things occurred. 'We increased the feeling of presence and movement between Guests and ghosts,' said Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Show Producer Kathy Rogers. Digital audio will give our old pal Ghost Host the power to hop around in the stretch room, and to dart back and forth in your 'Doom Buggy.' In the gallery a lightning storm will cause the portraits to become more and more ghostly! Even disembodied medium Madame Leota's had a face lift - literally. Her crystal ball will float in midair! In the attic look for an extra creepy bride with a string of grooms, all pictured before her. Each undergoes a change as the bouquet in her hand changes to an... well, we just can't give it all away!" Meanwhile we’ve been told that there will be a passholder preview of the new Haunted Mansion from 9am to Noon on September 14-16.
.....

All of this and it still doesnt mention other confirmed enhancements such as the new staircase thats replacing the giant spider.

this could now truly be the best darkride in WDW

Ill be there oct 4th cant wait.

 

[MATTinNH]

Yet another update on screamscape.com talking about even more enhancements.

There are also pics of what I'm guessing is the new EXIT/Store

I realy think we are all going to be surprised at the amount of work thats been done.

And it apparently will still be a stand alone ride with no update being tied to the film.

 

[daber]

For those of you who don't collect pins, there was a photo of an upcoming pin entitled "Till Death Do Us Part" with the bride from the attic holding an ax.
Add that piece of info to the Mickey Monitor info and you get the picture.

 

[bulah1]

And it apparently will still be a stand alone ride with no update being tied to the film.

That would be the best gift they can give us!! No movie enhancements! LOL

 

[disneyreporter]

This refurbishment will finally put the WDW mansion at the top of the chart.