A limited edition 5000 MagicBand will be available only at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom, sold at parties between September 1st and October 31st, while supplies last. It will be sold at the Frontierland Trading Post and the Emporium for $29.95 each.
Party admission is required. No “link it later” option will be offered, but regular merchandise discounts can be applied.
Disney Theme Parks have made their name offering one of a kind experiences. Exploring Mt. Everest in search of an elusive Yeti, piloting a mission to Mars, being pilloried by pirates, or un-furtively spying “love’s first kiss.” These experiences are all of this world. They are inspired by humanity’s dreams, goodness, and sense of adventure. The same holds true for the Parks’ architectural statements.
Only occasionally are the structures in the Parks truly original. They generally evoke a place and or, a time. Sometimes they “play” with time, transposing familiar historic style elements into an unfamiliar place, or even in to the future.” And even though the architecture is often not so subtly abbreviated or condensed, we believe in it. It invites us to play and generally tell us “everything is okay.” It can also tell us who inhabits this place.
With this occasional column, WDWNT hopes to highlight the borrowed buildings of the Disney Theme Parks and their direct antecedents. We hope to encourage some discussion of Park architecture, to showcase the power of the original buildings, and the emulations.
The prime inspiration for the Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World is San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. It was California’s first municipal greenhouse. Completed in 1879, it was patterned after The Conservatory, in Kew Gardens, England, and built in a late Victorian style.
The Conservatory of Flowers opened in 1879 and still welcomes visitors to this day.
It was built using early techniques of mass production, especially in the creation of it’s distinctive glass work. It was a gift to the City of San Francisco from “public spirited citizens.” The Conservatory is listed as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 841.
The Crystal Palace at the Walt Disney World Resort is a restaurant in the Central Plaza area. It fulfills the same functions as the Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park. Like many areas in The Magic Kingdom, this pad, and the entire circular Central Plaza, are scaled up for capacity and a grander presentation. There is actually a similarity of scale between the precursory structure and its heir in Florida, with The Conservatory narrowly toping the tale of the tape. (This fits with one of the few artistic directives Walt Disney issued about the look of the then called “Disney World” park – that the buildings be generally full scale.) The biggest difference between the two buildings is their purpose and functionality.
The lush gardens of The Conservatory thrive in a constant warm and humid environment.
The Crystal Palace nods to The Conservatory’s glass cupola. Image @ Disney
A graceful drainage system at the Conservatory.
The Crystal Palace features Character Dining in a classic American Victorian setting. Image © Disney
The Conservatory of Flowers is located at 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118. They can be contacted at (415) 831-2090 or info@sfcof.org. They are online at ConservatoryOfFlowers.org.
So, like many, I was a bit worried when Disney announced a $99 a person (including children) add-on event to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Many of us had just spent $67 on a Villains event that we ended up asking for a refund from, and were granted easily by Disney because it was such a disaster. I love the Halloween Party and so was concerned that a dessert party in the middle of the night might ruin my enjoyment of this wonderful Magic Kingdom hard-ticket event. It certainly didn’t ruin my event, it made the night far more memorable and enjoyable.
The event began at 7:30 with check-in. Check-in was offered either outside of the park or in the hub inside of the preferred viewing area offered to those attending. Upon checking-in, each member of our party was given a lanyard and we were given a seating card for the reception indie Cinderella Castle. We then proceeded to the reserved viewing space for the night’s entertainment.
Our credentials
The preferred viewing area for Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes! fireworks was the front 1/3 of the center hub behind the Partners statue. This was a great location. We staked out a spot all the way to the left so we could watch the parade come straight toward us over the Liberty Square bridge, but also so we could have that perfect view of the fireworks with the bursts taking place just to the left of Cinderella Castle. I know some guests complained that it wasn’t a great location, but this is typically where I would stand for these offerings anyway. For the added cost, there wasn’t a ton of uncomfortable, sweaty guests on top of each other (myself included, I’m a big guy and I don’t want to squish next to a stranger as much as they don’t want to do it with me), which is nice when it’s over 90 degrees at the first party of the year. The ability to watch the parade with our children and not have someone try to push kids between us after we had been waiting an hour was magnificent. Not having to hold a healthy, heavy 5-year old child for over 10 minutes through a fireworks show was just as wonderful, if not more-so. It really gave everyone in the family a better opportunity tot enjoy the parade and fireworks and focus more on how much fun we were having and not if everyone could see or was uncomfortable. I already felt like I had gotten some great value out of my $99 (obviously more if you include the party ticket cost), but I knew there was also more to come. We also had a great view for 2 showings of Villains Mix ‘N’ Mingle on the castle stage, one before and one after dark. You are free to leave the area and come and go as you please as an attendee, and many guests did in fact just stay or the parade and then departed from the area for good. I stayed in the area from 7:45Pm until 9:45PM, the kids and mom left for about 20 minutes to get some candy and had no problem getting in and out to do so.
After the fireworks ended, we waited about 10 minutes for the crowd around the area to dissipate before cast members led us behind Cinderella Castle for the Villains’ Sinister Soiree. The time on our card said 10:15PM, but we arrived with the group at the check-in for Royal Table at around 9:50-55PM. We were not allowed in until 10:15PM, which was a bit of a wait when you have two kids who have to go to the bathroom, but we made it.
When the doors opened, there was a free-for-all meet and greet with Anastasia and Drizella, Captain Hook, Judge Frollo, and the Queen of Hearts in the entry area of Cinderella’s Royal Table. I’ve heard some people complain about not getting to meet these characters, but again, I’m not really sure what these people were doing. The step-sisters spent at least 2 minutes talking to our boys, who were then grabbed by Captain Hook for a photo-op, who then promptly moved us along to the Queen of Hearts who we also spent an adequate amount of time with. These aren’t face characters, so 30 seconds to a minute with them seemed like enough. We skipped Judge Frollo as he was one of the few villains we actually met at “Villains Unleashed”.
We weren’t rushed upstairs, in fact, it seemed most guests attending needed to use the restrooms and had enough time to do so before traveling to the restaurant. Once we made it upstairs, we found the already charming restaurant enhanced with table decorations, live music, and wonderful gifts. Included with your package was not only the advertised Maleficent souvenir cup, but also a Maleficent light-up drink stirrer, and the poison apple “glow-cube” that was very popular at “Villains Unleashed”. Everyone also received a commemorative menu and autograph card exclusive to the event.
Lady Tremaine arrived a few moments later and opened the event with a musical number and an introduction of all of the Villains who would be joining us for the event: Cruella De Ville, the Queen, Dr. Facilier, Maleficent, Anastasia, and Drizella. Throughout the 45 minutes we were seated, we would get to spend some time with each of these villains. Some of these villains spent 3-4 minutes with us! Every Villain was on their A-Game for this event and were obviously very devoted to making sure guests felt like they were a part of something special. The time we spent with these characters and the photos we took with them were wonderful and, as corny as it might sound, are memories we will cherish for a lifetime.
The few occasions where Lady Tremaine and the step-sisters broke into song were quite memorable. The mash-up of “Sweet Nightingale” and “Royals” was a highlight for sure…
The food was much better than expected. I thought we would just be having dessert in the castle, but a plate of cheeses, salami, and bread was found in the center of each table when we arrived. I expected everything to be theme park quality, but was quite surprised to really have enjoyed most of the items on the plate. Everything tasted fresh and well-prepared, and certainly did not feel like it had been left out for a long time which I often find to be a problem at Disney events like this.
Lady Tremaine’s Classic Castle Favorites
Water was provided as well as a specialty beverage called the Captain’s Not-So-Poisoned Potion. This was basically an apple seltzer with a foam topping. It was good, not great, but I’m not much of an apple fan anyway. The drink stirrer and “glow cube” were enough for me.
Captain’s Not-so-Poisoned Potion
After a short period, the Villains presented the 4 dessert creations they came up with: The Queen’s Bleeding Heart Apple (a white wine poached apple), Maleficent’s Dragon-toasted Confection (pistachio mousse with crisp meringue), Dr. Facilier’s Chocolate Tarot Card (dark chocolate covered pecan praline with chocolate torte), and Cruella De Vil’s Spotted Chocolate Mousse Cake (101 layers of white chocolate and dark chocolate mousse with a hint of raspberry).
The presentation was amazing, from the small powder puppy paw prints, to the tarot card made of chocolate. Some of the desserts were not my thing, but everyone in our party received 4-full size desserts and everyone at least found 1 dessert in the four that they enjoyed. I ended up eating all 4 of our chocolate tarot cards…
DESSERT!
Villain’s Sinister Soiree is worth every penny of $99 if the party entertainment and meeting characters are what you most want out of a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I’ve paid north of $200 for some Tables in Wonderland meals, so I can’t imagine a scenario where this sort of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity isn’t worth this price. If Epcot dessert parties are north of $50 a person ,and so is the opportunity to dine in Cinderella Castle generally, then how is this not worth $99? We also took away a good value in souvenirs with a Maleficent souvenir mug exclusive to this event, a light-up drink stirrer, a fairly exclusive “glow cube”, and an autograph card & lanyard. I’d at least value those items at $25-30, never mind dessert, the premium viewing area, and the 10 characters available to meet.
The one thing I would change if I could would be our seating time. 10:15PM being in the middle of the party, we did not do much else at the event. The 11:45PM seating is an even better value, giving you more time at the party at an event only 150o guests get to experience a night.
Overall, it was wonderful. I would do it again at any price point up to $150 a person. The value is there, especially for families or just those who are more entertainment oriented. Meeting rare characters with no wait, seeing entertainment with plenty of space to yourself, delicious desserts, time inside Cinderella Castle, and bag full of items to bring home (including some extra candy) is hard to beat. This event was probably the best add-on ticket I’ve ever purchased at a theme park. All expectations were exceeded and the taste of “Villains Unleashed” has finally been washed away. It’s refreshing to know that a concept for added Disney profit can still be produced where Disney can make plenty of money and the customer can feel appreciated and special. Something isn’t over-priced if no one attending feels that it is. Value is a perception, and I perceive that the Sinister Soiree is a good sign of event add-ons to come to Walt Disney World.
The Villains’ Sinister Soiree will be discussed in-depth on this week’s WDW News Today Podcast if you are looking for more information on this special event, but be advised that it is sold out for most remaining Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween
Guests can celebrate America’s birthday with a red, white and blue extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort. There will be no shortage of nighttime fun as fireworks will dance across the skies above the Florida vacation kingdom. This year marks a special milestone in America’s history, too: the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” observes its 200th anniversary in 2014.
Here’s a look a what’s in store:
Magic Kingdom
The celebration begins with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” July 3 and 4 at Magic Kingdom. The 14-minute fireworks spectacular rockets into the sky above Cinderella Castle at 9 p.m. both nights.
The fireworks are set to an exciting musical score produced in a concert band style. This score was specifically created to stir a sense of pride in being American, show producers say, while at the same time, inviting guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests also can enjoy a twist on traditional fireworks with the “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration.” At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the party kicks off at the Sorcerer’s Hat stage at 6 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m. on July 4 with live entertainment from “The Hollywood Rockers” whose music will take guests on a rockin’ road trip across America.
Everything leads up to a special rock n’ roll fireworks presentation above the Sorcerer’s Hat starting at 10:15 p.m.
Epcot
Guests visiting Epcot on July 4 will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire throughout the afternoon at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a capella group, will have special performances at American Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. They also will perform inside the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m. that day. Guests also will have the opportunity to catch the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps outside at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45 p.m.
That evening, the spectacular fireworks and laser show “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights the night at 10 p.m. with a heart-pounding grand finale in a salute to America.
WDWNT Reporter John Corigliano visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot earlier this week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us:
The massive overhaul of the hub at the Magic Kingdom continues
A lot of new walking space that used to be moat…
The Astro Oribter is in the middle of a multi-month refrubishment
The Peoplemover is also closed during this time
Every few years, the ride is essentially disassembled and rebuilt
All of the planets have been removed
Moving to Epcot, we can see the work on the water main much clearer from the monorail
Over at Test Track, the FastPass machines and their canopy have been removed
Really strange to see this missing
As you take a brisk ride along monorail blue, and look out at the expansive land of the Seven Seas Lagoon, many will see the beauty of the Grand Floridian, the wonder of the Polynesian and the marvel that is the Contemporary resort. An even sharper eye will see the grandiose Bay Lake Tower and maybe even the hidden gem of the Wilderness Lodge (though those eyes need to be better than perfect.) What you will never see is just how busy the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon might have been, if only the drawing board ideas had come to fruition. Just think of how busy the Magic Kingdom Resorts would look with additions like Disney’s Venetian, Mediterranean Resort, Disney Persian Resort or maybe even the creation of the Asian Resort or Cypress Point Lodge. Some of these resorts became the first concepts for the current day Walt Disney World Resorts. Some of these resorts were actually built on the original site bookmarked (like Cypress Point becoming the Wilderness Lodge) but many resorts never left the drawing board. Across the Magic Kingdom area, we could have been looking at possibly three more resorts if only the concepts became reality. Lets look around the Lagoon and bring light to each one’s idea and place in Disney World history.
Disney’s Venetian Resort
When Disney World was in the early stages of development, the theory was to build many resorts radiating away from the theme park. This would have allowed for a dedicated guest area, with the prototype city, EPCOT, located further to the south. One of the first conceptual resorts that Disney developed was the Venetian Resort. Located between the current homes of the Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary Resort, the resort would be themed after the canal city of Venice, Italy. The resort would have used gondolas to transport guests from area to area within the resort.
Though logistically this may have proven to be extremely difficult, it was one thought that would have made the resort unique to any in the United States. The resort would have featured a naturally lit lobby, with a stained glass atrium, and a working campanile (bell tower) of St. Mark’s as its icon. The Venetian Resort would have had its own dedicated station on the monorail loop, adding to its popularity. What became a huge problem for this and other resorts conceived in the 1970’s was the oil embargo of 1973. This caused many plans to be halted because of the skyrocketing price of gasoline.
Disney’s Asian Resort
A Thai themed Asian Resort was another concept of the early stages of the Walt Disney Resort. Originally planned in 1967, the resort would have featured a deluxe restaurant on the top floor, similar to California Grill, as well as over 50 suites, that would have featured architecture from Thai royalty. The lobby would have been in the center, with the rooms surrounding the lobby, making the lobby appear to look like a palace.
The courtyard of the lobby would have the swimming pool and walking areas. The lobby would have four A-frame windows. This lobby would have featured shops and a large convention center. Eventually the resort fell victim to the 1973 Oil Embargo as well, but would not be completely abandoned. Though its theme would change drastically, the area where the Asian Resort was originally planned would eventually be home to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Disney’s Persian Resort
Disney’s Persian Resort became a concept that would have called for it to be arguably the closest resort to Magic Kingdom. Located just to the north of the Contemporary, (taking up area that is now part of Bay Lake Tower) the Persian Resort’s circular layout would have been a departure from the normal resort layout. Being another resort featuring a monorail station, this resort would have necessitated the monorail to travel through Tomorrowland to make it to the Magic Kingdom Monorail station.
The focal point of the resort would have been a 24 foot white and blue dome. Within the domed building would have been shops, a restaurant and the lobby. A focus of the resort architecture would have been a focus on archways and onion shaped domes, like the one on the lobby. The guest buildings surrounding the central building would be two stories on the inner ring and single story on the outer ring. This means that the footprint for the Persian Resort would have been gigantic, considering most Disney resorts are at least 3-4 floors. This visually stunning concept also never saw construction because of the 1973 Oil Embargo.
Disney’s Mediterranean Resort
When the Venetian Resort concept was scrapped, the area reserved for the resort was reserved in case a suitable concept could be found, or if the Venetian concept was rehashed. As the years went on, the feasibility of the gondola rides throughout the resort proved impractical, and thus the concept was permanently shelved. A Venetian concept without gondola rides throughout would have become difficult to create effectively. In the late 1980’s, as the DisneyWorld Resort continued to grow, and guest numbers skyrocketed, it was decided that another resort would be necessary.
Michael Eisner wanted a resort that would rival the Grand Floridian as the grandiose Deluxe Plus resort that it became. Thus plans for a resort themed after the Greek Islands were created. Unfortunately, the plans were short-lived, as when land was cleared, it was found to be unsuitable for construction, as it was swampland. To build a resort on this land, pylons would have had to be sunk into the ground deeper than those sunk for Spaceship Earth. As the cost estimates continued to rise, the decision was made to pull the plug on the project, and the land was replanted with trees and landscaping.
Disney’s Cypress Point Lodge
The last of the resorts to be conceptualized, but never see construction in its original form was the one that was created closest to its original plan. The Cypress Point Lodge was originally planned for an area south of the Contemporary Resort. Cypress Point was planned as a turn of the century hunting lodge, modeled after Yellowstone Park (sound familiar?). It would have featured log cabins along the shores, as well as two restaurants, a pool and a boat dock with transportation to Magic Kingdom.
After the Oil Embargo, all resort building was halted. Cypress Point Lodge was furthest along, having had land cleared and prepped for construction. Plans for this resort along with the Mediterranean Resort would be halted until the late 1980’s. By the time Michael Eisner took over the Disney Company, the concept was slightly changed as well as the name. What was once the building site of Cypress Point Lodge is now home to Wilderness Lodge, which opened on May 28, 1994.
Imagine a Magic Kingdom Resort Area featuring onion shaped domes, A-Frame Asian architecture and Gondola rides. This was the original concept of this area. As what was planned, the area would feature five Monorail stops and everything from Persian architecture to the Polynesian islands. Had everything gone to the original plans, the area would be vastly different than today, and we can only imagine what affect the Disney Vacation Club would have on each of these resorts. Though some of these resorts came to fruition in various forms later, it is always interesting to see how the area may have looked if everything went according to plan.
WDWNT Reporter John Corigliano visited the Magic Kingdom one evening this week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:
Another curb flattened, this time by Tony’s, probably having to do wioth the eventual pathway around the back of Main Street that will dump guests here
We thought it strange that there were no fences near the new Casey’s seating area, well, that has since been rectified
Work on the Hub continues
Tarps are still up at the Enchanted Tiki Room
July seems like a good time to board up the Peter Pan’s flight queue, right?
We expect it to just be some routine painting and such
The FastPass sign with tic tock croc is gone… it dated back to the days of Hook’s Tavern which was located here
New Simba and Mufasa plush for sale
Instead of overloading the queue, guests are now being given stand-by return times for Anna and Elsa, as this point they were gone for the day
The fancy new FastPass and Stand-By line sign at Mad Tea Party was taken down for some modifications
Work continues on the TTA and the Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Terrace is open, TRY THEIR FROZEN LEMONADE* (Item not related to Disney’s animated hit Frozen)
A closer look at the work near the Plaza Restaurant for the new Magic Kingdom Hub
Another look at the new flattened curb by Tony’s
Remember when we told you over 100 new Haunted Mansion items were on the way, ready to fill the Yankee Trader store at the Magic Kingdom when it re-opens as a Haunted Mansion emporium in the fall? Well, Disney released a preview of many of the new attraction-inspired items coming to the park today:
Here is a preview of some of the new drinkware, dinnerware (plates, bowls, wine glasses), figurines, bookends, cloth napkins, tablemats, and much more. Yes, that item in the top right corner is an urn…
Take note of the bat stanchion ice cube tray… the hostess smock is pretty cool too…
For accessories, Guests will soon find several new jewelry items including bat stanchion earrings. There are also women’s shoes that use the infamous purple wallpaper pattern from the attraction. That wallpaper pattern will also be used on three new Dooney & Bourke items. All the new items will have a purple colored liner not red like the first incarnation.
New apparel will include both long and short-sleeved options for women, men and children. Some resemble Cast Member costumes from the attraction. Some of the shirts will also include a glow-in-the-dark element.
These items will also be available at Disneyland Resort and through the Disney Parks Online Store in the Fall.
So, what do you think of all of this new Haunted Mansion merchandise?
DoomBuggies.com founder Jeff Baham. Used with Permission.
Even though the California and Florida editions of Disney’s Haunted Mansion were not constructed on the same day 45 years ago, it seems appropriate to acknowledge August 9, 1969 since the versions are so similarly conceived. So it is in this “spirit” that we have caught up with DoomBuggies.com founder, Mousetalgia founder and co-host, and author of the just-released The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion Jeff Baham. Jeff has joined us for a look into the Mansion’s spooky history as we anticipate its 45th Anniversary.
Brian: Jeff, thanks for being with us for such a ghoulish occasion.
Jeff: Thanks. I’m always up for discussing one of my favorite topics.
Brian: Given that, I think it’s safe to assume that you have a rather nice collection of Haunted Mansion artifacts and collectibles. What is your favorite piece of Haunted Mansion history?
Jeff: My favorite piece is a silk-screened poster from Disneyland advertising “I Scream Sundaes,” featuring the famous hitchhiking ghosts. I was lucky enough to purchase this from someone who worked in the park’s print shop, where they had a copy or two of the silk-screened prints archived. It has been pictured in books before, but I’ve never seen one out on the market. I love it — very vintage, very classic Disneyland.
Brian: It’s all about who you know and being in the right place at the right time.
Jeff: And a little luck.
Brian: You reference “vintage Disneyland” and there are definitely different vibes between WDW and Disneyland. Regarding the Mansion specifically, there are some obvious differences and some not-so-obvious differences. Why the architectural variance in the Florida and California versions of the Haunted Mansion?
Jeff: I’ve heard Tony Baxter say that they didn’t want to put a southern plantation-style home in Florida since that type of architecture might not be as uncommon out on the east coast as it is here in California. But I suspect the Imagineers also wanted to play with the scale and apparent scope of the attraction. Part of the charm of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is that so much happens in a space that should be obviously far too small to contain it all. I can imagine some designers may have had the idea that the suspension of disbelief was too high for such a small house — but I still run into people to this day that marvel at how so much action can take place in Disneyland’s tiny southern manor. They really have no idea that there is a separate show building!
Brian: Passport2Dreams has a fairly exhaustive post about this exact topic for anyone that is interested.
Jeff: Yes. She’s very thorough.
Brian: When I first started going to the parks I really didn’t understand all the love the Mansion got. After doing little reading, however, I have formed my own opinion on this. With so many great attractions in the Disney parks, why do you think the Haunted Mansion remains far and away the most popular?
Jeff: I think there are a couple reasons for this. One is that the internet has enabled like-minded souls to find each other and many of these people like to walk briefly on the wild side without really dabbling in anything awful or gruesome. Halloween and Disney’s Haunted Mansion are two perfect expressions and outlets for this kind of personality. Another reason is that the attraction contains something more than just scenes —it contains magic. Literal stage magic. Some of the tricks Imagineer Yale Gracey came up with were adapted from techniques reaching back all the way to the late 1700s, while other tricks he used were cutting edge in the ’60s. Even today new digital techniques are being utilized in the Mansion. It’s an audio-animatronics show, it’s a magic show, and it’s a spook show. It covers a lot of bases.
Brian: That’s better than my answer.
Jeff. Ha. Well it’s what I do.
Brian: Both the Florida and California Mansions went through some changes in the late 2000s. What changes or refurbishments would you like to see in the next 10 years?
Jeff: Well, I guess I’m a purist. I always prefer that the Imagineers either take an attraction away completely or leave it alone if it’s a classic. But I don’t get upset about it when they do change things — I just hope for the best. That said, I think one of the most effective additions to the Mansion in recent years has been the audio effects in the Walt Disney World stretching gallery. It brings the room to terrifying life in a way that Disneyland’s can’t match.
Brian: I’m more a purist as well. I walk that line between “Stop!” and “Just please don’t blow it.”
Jeff: I might like to see what the Imagineers could do with enhanced audio effects throughout the attraction — or even smells. But I’m essentially a purist.
Brian: An interview like this isn’t complete unless there’s at least one question about the Hat Box Ghost. Tell us what you know about the Hat Box Ghost and its amazing disappearing act.
Jeff: I can’t tell you everything!
Brian: Ha ha. Of course you can’t.
Jeff: But I can say this – the gag was sketched out by Marc Davis among many other equally worthy characters and ghostly creations, and Yale Gracey did his best to make it work; but the Haunted Mansion relies on stage magic, not close-up effects. Whatever they tried, they just couldn’t get the head to completely vanish when it appeared in the hat box. Because of this, only days after the attraction opened, Marc asked to have it removed. Blaine Gibson sculpted the head that was used, which was one of the ghost heads used a number of times in the attraction – for the skeletal hitchhiker and a family portrait or two hanging in the corridor of doors. The Imagineers know that the legend of the Hat Box Ghost has grown tremendously over the years to the point that I think they are truly torn over whether or not it would make sense for them to revisit the character at all. Nothing they do could ever live up to the hype in people’s imaginations. But ol’ Hattie may show up someday — maybe in a slightly different location, in a slightly different form. Who knows.
Brian: I’ve read that the timing of the illusion was a problem as well. That is, the entire gag couldn’t be pulled off in the time allocated by the speed of the doom buggy.
Jeff: I’ve read that as well. It makes sense.
Brian: Given the length of time between concept and completion and the imagineering legends that contributed to the attraction, the Haunted Mansion is practically a “museum of imagineering.” What is most interesting to you personally about the Mansion’s history?
Jeff: I think one of the most interesting aspects of the Haunted Mansion’s history is simply Walt’s tenacity in having it placed into Disneyland and his motivation behind putting it there. Every park that Walt had a hand in creating, from his original Mickey Mouse Park that was intended for a small lot in Burbank, to Disneyland, to the Riverfront Square project in St. Louis, and finally to the Magic Kingdom in Florida — each of those proposed parks had a haunted house included in the design. In fact, in the park Walt was proposing for St. Louis, the plans called for the front gates to open toward a boulevard that ended with a hill upon which was to sit a dramatic haunted house, rather than a castle like the other parks. At Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion was always in development. It was probably in the conversation before the park even opened in 1955 and assuredly since 1957 when Ken Anderson started designing the attraction in earnest. Walt clearly believed that any park that would echo his concept of American life would also necessarily include some sort of haunted house.
Brian: Ah. I’ve never looked at it that way. That’s fascinating.
Jeff: Walt’s understanding of the American psyche is fascinating.
Brian: Right. Walt Disney’s footprint on Twentieth Century Americana is staggering. Next question. Sea captains, Beauregard, the Ghost Host, Leota, the bride, the raven. There has been quite a bit written about the Haunted Mansion story and how it came together (or didn’t come together, depending on the source). What has your research led you to conclude about the origin of the current Haunted Mansion story?
Jeff: The origin stories of the Haunted Mansion are many because some of the designers responsible for its creation never really regarded it as a success. So each of their takes on the project stand alone. Generally speaking, I think you could consider Ken Anderson’s initial stabs at a storyline for the attraction, based on a sea captain and a probable marital tragedy, among the foundations with the deepest roots. Much of what Yale Gracey and Rolly Crump did when creating special effects and magical techniques were based on Ken’s sketches and ideas. Even Marc Davis, when he came to the project in the early ’60s, started by trying to visualize the ideas that Ken had developed, with brides and pirates, et cetera. Some of the minor details came about later in the game, when X. Atencio was writing the script for the Ghost Host. My conjecture is that it all boils down to the fact that Walt Disney himself was never completely satisfied with the solutions that had been developed for the attraction, up to the time of his death. Ken wrote treatments and built sample sets with intricate scenes developed to show to Walt. But he eventually was sent back to Animation to help with Sleeping Beauty so he must not have captured exactly what Walt was envisioning. Ditto the rest of the team when they came back after the World’s Fair. I think that’s why when Rolly had something way outside of the box to add to the conversation with his ideas for surreal characters and scenes for the Mansion, Walt was very open to him — even if he never really knew exactly what to do with them, eventually suggesting a sort of “Museum of the Weird.”
Halloween Overlay. Photo courtesy of Karen Daniel
Brian: I visited Disneyland during the Halloween overlay in the last couple of years. I thought it was a nice mash-up that created quite a lot of energy. Why do you think WDW doesn’t use the holiday overlay for its version of the Mansion?
Jeff: I think that too many people make once-in-a-lifetime trips to Walt Disney World for the park to decide to radically change the Florida attraction for an extended period of time. At Halloween, they probably want a to provide guests with a haunted house to visit, not a winter wonderland. I think that’s probably the main concern — but you never know what might happen.
Brian: And I get the sense that California has more season pass guests, by percentage, than WDW. I’ve always thought that contributed to the decision.
Jeff: That could be.
Brian: How about a book recommendation, Jeff. What resources are available for those of us that want to know more about Haunted Mansion history?
Jeff: Funny you should ask. My own book on the history of the Haunted Mansion is set to be released this month from Theme Park Press. Called The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion, it presents an in-depth look at the various key players in the attraction’s development, their struggles and conflicts, and how the attraction finally came to exist as it is. I utilized hours of new interviews and a thorough review of all of the Haunted Mansion-related events and panels held at the various parks over the past 15 years. Nothing else comes close to the level of detail and variety of source material. Having shamelessly plugged that project, I would say that The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies should be in your library as well because it has a wealth of cool artwork pulled from Disney’s archives. And here’s a pro tip: one book that any hardcore Haunted Mansion fan should have in their library is a copy of Decorative Art of Victoria’s Era by Frances Lichten, which was published in 1950 and is still readily available as a used book for very reasonable prices on Amazon.com. This is the book that Ken Anderson borrowed from the Disney Studios’ library and used very specifically to create the look of the Haunted Mansion’s architecture. It’s quite likely that he, and other Imagineers, also utilized the book for advice regarding cast iron, home decor, and other elements that went into the development of the look of the Haunted Mansion facades. It’s a distinct part of the history of the Haunted Mansion, and a sort of Haunted Mansion collectible in its own right.
Brian: That is definitely a pro tip.
Jeff: You need to buy it if you don’t already have it.
Brian: I guess you’ve seen a lot of the new Haunted Mansion merchandise that will be available this fall. What “got to have it” items have you found? Note: I have actually asked for the 13-hour wall clock from doombuggies.com for Christmas.
Jeff: Why wait until Christmas?
Brian: My wife, Karen, said so.
Jeff: Good decision. It seems Disney is really testing the well of Haunted Mansion fandom to see how deep it really goes. The recent announcement includes over 100 new products, not to mention the art that releases this year for the 45th anniversary at Disneyland. I’ve finally moved more into the “vintage collectibles” realm of Haunted Mansion collecting, but I do like some of the new home decor that Disney has come up with.
Brian: I really like the plate.
Jeff: You or Karen?
Brian: I’d rather not say.
Jeff: Ha. I guess the item I’d most like to get my hands on is the newest Ink and Paint Department release at Disneyland Park which features a hand-created cel of the Hat Box Ghost. It’s quite beautiful, and a very limited edition.
Brian: Thanks for your time, Jeff. That’s it for us. It’s always a pleasure. Hopefully we can do it again sometime.
Be sure to check out Jeff’s web site at www.doombuggies.com and follow Jeff on Twitter @JeffBaham. And I’m excited about the release of The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Its includes a foreword by Rolly Crump and is a must for any Haunted Mansion fan. Thanks again, Jeff. And Happy Anniversary Haunted Mansion!
Disney has announced more details for Friday’s Disney Side Party at the Magic Kingdom, taking place from Friday May 23rd at 6AM until Saturday May 24th at 6AM. A cast of Disney Villains will have a special place in the Magic Kingdom 24-hour celebration, including Maleficent, Cruella De Vil and such rarely spotted miscreants as the Big Bad Wolf, Stromboli from “Pinocchio,” and Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons.” They will appear in locations throughout the park and also join in the “It’s Good to Be Bad” cavalcade preceding Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade.
Guests at the Magic Kingdom will enjoy nighttime dancing around Cinderella Castle and in Frontierland. The “#IncrediblesSuperDanceParty,” a nightly feature throughout the summer, will be followed during the All-Nighter by special screenings of “The Incredibles” at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.
A number of specialty drinks and treats will be offered during the 24 hours, and after the party ends, all these goodies go away except for two: the Olaf souvenir beverage and the Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae. So plan your 24 hours of fun accordingly!
The cupcake craze is in high gear, plus there are plenty of places to order breakfast.
Here’s a list of the specialty food and rink options that will be available:
Sleepy Hollow
-Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae: waffles with stewed apple topping and whipped cream
The Lunching Pad
-Olaf souvenir cup with specialty beverage
Friar’s Nook
-Olaf souvenir cup with specialty beverage
Gaston’s Tavern
-Princess-themed cupcake
Main Street Bakery
-Maleficent Cupcake
-Frozen-themed Cupcake
-Olaf Carrot Cupcake
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant
-Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae
Storybook Treats
-Poisoned Apple Shortcake Sundae: ice cream, yellow cake, stewed apple topping and whipped cream.
Various Outdoor Food Locations
-Pink and blue cotton candy, themed to “Heroes and Villains.”
BREAKFAST LOCATIONS:
Main Street, U.S.A.
•Main Street Bakery, Starbucks breakfast sandwiches
•Casey’s Corner, breakfast sandwich
•Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (5/24)
Adventureland
•Aloha Isle (5/24)
•Sunshine Tree Terrace (5/23)
Fantasyland
•Pinocchio Village Haus, breakfast flatbread pizza (5/24)
•Friar’s Nook (5/24)
•Storybook Treats (5/24)
•Cheshire Café (5/23)
•Gaston’s Tavern
Frontierland
•Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, hot breakfast sandwich (5/24)
•Westward Ho
Liberty Square
•Columbia Harbour House, French toast sticks and bacon (5/24)
•Sleepy Hollow, breakfast waffle sandwich
•Liberty Square Market (5/23)
Tomorrowland
•Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, hot breakfast sandwich (5/24)
•Auntie Gravities Galactic Goodies (5/23)
•The Lunching Pad, breakfast dog
Also, if you’ll be heading to the Magic Kingdom on Friday, you’ll want to stay tuned for a fun announcement from WDW News Today about what we’ll be doing to mark this special day!
