The Haunted Mansion: Ranking every version of the classic Disney attraction
3. Walt Disney World
For a while, the Walt Disney World version of the Haunted Mansion lagged behind, but a 2007 renovation changed that. The effects are much better, including a few scenes not in the California version. Madame Leota truly looks like she's floating in the air, and the gothic manor is gorgeous. Its place in Liberty Square is perfect, with the exterior looking terrific at night.
The larger building allows the Imagineers to add more scenes, and it feels more entertaining. Even the queue area is better with interactive exhibits and some great puns. Overall, of the "classic" versions of the Mansion, Orlando has the best take, thanks to its newly enhanced effects.
2. Phantom Manor
Befitting Europe, the Disneyland Paris version of the Mansion is much darker. The overall plotline is a bride on her wedding day terrorized by a mysterious "Phantom." The drawing room has different portraits and it features various scenes of the bride. The Phantom also appears throughout the ride.
The entire mood is so much more sinister and foreboding. The usual fun music is exchanged for a somber tone. The ending is wild as it takes guests through an abandoned town of zombies and the "hitchhiking ghosts" replaced by the Phantom lunging at riders. It may be the scariest of all the Mansions but worth the darker ride.
1. Mystic Manor
Because the Chinese view spirits differently than the West, Disney couldn't do the classic Haunted Mansion for Hong Kong Disneyland. Instead, they crafted what's now considered one of the best theme park attractions in the world. The plotline is Lord Henry Mystic giving guests a tour of his expansive mansion when his pet monkey Albert opens a magical box.
Guests are then sent on a trackless journey around the mansion as the magic brings the various objects to life. The special effects are stunning, from holograms to old-school audio-animatronics and physical effects, making this a stunning experience. It's not as scary as the other versions of the Mansion, but this Manor is probably the most magical of them all.