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Disney Officially Revives Original Plans for the Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

The Haunted Mansion has thrilled Disney fans for decades, but its road to becoming a beloved theme park staple wasn’t as smooth as you might imagine. Thanks to Disney Treasure, the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line, fans now have the chance to experience elements of the Haunted Mansion’s original concept—a tribute to the ideas that helped shape the attraction’s not-so-spooky legacy.

Haunted Mansion Origins

A gothic-style mansion with ornate architecture and glowing windows is illuminated against a dark night sky. The building, which holds Disney's Haunted Mansion ride, is surrounded by trees, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Credit: Disney

Two Disney TikTok creators who run the account @themouselets recently shared fascinating insights about the Haunted Mansion while aboard Disney Treasure. In their video, the creators revealed that the original concept for the Haunted Mansion wasn’t tied to New Orleans Square or Liberty Square but was instead planned for Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park.

@themouselets

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♬ original sound – The Mouselets

“The original idea was a walkthrough attraction of a rundown, dilapidated building located on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland,” one of the creators explained.

However, Walt Disney wasn’t a fan of the idea of an abandoned structure in the heart of his picturesque Main Street, U.S.A. Walt Disney Imagineers pivoted, moving the concept to New Orleans Square, which was under development at the time.

A nighttime image of a brick pillar with an ornate metal sign reading "Haunted Mansion," featuring a demonic face at the top. The background shows a dimly lit, gothic-style building with intricate ironwork, adding to the eerie atmosphere reminiscent of Disney's Haunted Mansion ride.

Credit: Disney

The TikTok creators also touched on the ride’s earliest concept as a “museum of the weird,” a walkthrough attraction featuring eerie artifacts and supernatural oddities. “This was before the Omni Mover type of vehicle existed, which is what is now the Doom Buggies,” they explained.

A Creative Tug-of-War

The Haunted Mansion’s development wasn’t without its creative challenges. As @themouselets noted, Walt Disney Imagineers Claude Coates and Mark Davis disagreed on the tone of the attraction.

A man and woman ride in a dark amusement park attraction at Disney's Haunted Mansion, sitting in a two-seater pod. The man looks surprised with his mouth open, while the woman appears focused on the ride. The scene is dimly lit, creating a suspenseful atmosphere.

Credit: Disney

“Claude Coates wanted a super scary ride with endless hallways and corridors full of doors,” one of the creators said. “Mark Davis wanted silly, comical characters with tons of gags.”

The compromise between the two Imagineers is apparent in the final ride. The attraction’s first half feels ominous and foreboding, while the second half introduces the playful antics of the 999 Happy Haunts. This balance of spooky and silly has made the Haunted Mansion a family-friendly favorite.

Disney Treasure Brings the Past to Life

hitchhiking ghosts in porthole of Disney Treasure

Credit: Disney

Elements of the Haunted Mansion’s original plans now live aboard Disney Treasure. As the TikTok creators highlighted, the ship’s Haunted Mansion-themed parlor features tributes to the early “museum of the weird” concept. One standout element is the ghost fish tank, inspired by abandoned Imagineering designs.

What’s your favorite part of the Haunted Mansion attraction? Let Disney Tips know in the comments. 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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