The Haunted Mansion's history is among the most unique of Disney. Originally intended as a walk-through attraction, it was one of the last rides Walt Disney supervised before his death. It was then the first major attraction that opened after his passing and quickly became a hit. Its "Omnimover" system set a new bar for Disney, and it's little wonder that the Mansion has been transplanted into various Disney parks around the world.
With a new Haunted Mansion movie ready to hit theaters this July, it's a good time to look at the various versions of the Mansion around the world. It's interesting how Disney has had to shift them for different cultures, yet all retain the fun of a trip through a house of 999 ghosts and ghouls amid some fun scares. Here's how each version of the Haunted Mansion ranks to show Disney can love to mix up this classic attraction.
5. Tokyo Disneyland
Calling something the "worst" Haunted Mansion may seem extreme, as it's still a great ride. However, the Tokyo installment of the ride does seem less a "must-ride" than the other Mansions. It gets points for its fun placement by Fantasyland to play into ghost stories and the outer manor mixing elements of both Florida and California. There are a few touches like a "stretching face" painting and other effects, but for the most part, it's just a carbon copy of the rides in the U.S. It does have the holiday overlay and is popular for the guests but not as top-notch as the other Mansions.
4. Disneyland
It's hard to argue with the original version, which has been scaring folks since 1969. Aside from the Hatbox Ghost, which is coming to the Disney World version, the ride can feel a bit lacking, especially in the enhanced effects department. However, the manor looks excellent in New Orleans Square and is still fun to take the portrait room elevator down for a unique loading area.
It also gets added points for its yearly holiday overlay themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas, which automatically makes it a must-ride. While it may lack some of the sparks of other versions, the original Mansion is still magical to so many guests.
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.