hatbox ghost at magic kingdom in walt disney world doombuggies

After Walt’s death in 1966, Imagineers decided that a walk-though would have too low of capacity, and even floated the idea of having two separate attractions to move guests through faster. The Haunted Mansion was originally planned as a walk-through attraction.To confuse the spirits, the house was constantly added to with stairways leading nowhere and doors that opened to walls.

The massive mansion was designed by Sarah Winchester after a medium told her she must construct a house for the spirits who had passed from the Winchester rifles her departed husband had made his fortune on.

The finalized idea for the attraction was inspired by the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose California.

Walt is quoted as saying “We will take care of the outside, but let the ghosts take care of the inside.” Walt Disney eventually rejected the idea of a run-down looking building in the park, as he felt it wouldn’t fit in properly. His black and white sketch featured a run-down and spooky manor sitting atop a hill.

The first concept sketch for the Haunted Mansion was drawn by Imagineer Harper Goff.

Please join us as we run down some chilling facts about this fan-favorite attraction. In 1969, The Haunted Mansion opened its doors to guests in Disneyland and has since inspired versions of the ride in Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. The idea sat in development for years as delays occurred and changes to the design were hashed out. Walt Disney and his Imagineers were inspired to create a newer and more elaborate version of classic haunted houses found in traveling carnivals.

The idea for the Haunted Mansion stretches back to the earliest concepts developed for Disneyland. Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Hatbox ghost at magic kingdom in walt disney world doombuggies