Behind the Scenes Haunted Mansion Tour

[Doom Buggy]

Sounds fun!!

 

[unkadug]

Sounds fun!!

I love your avatar.

 

[righttrack]

My wife would love this!!! She fell in love with the ride from a prior Keys to the Kingdom tour. I've got to get her on this tour. She will @#(@ herself!

 

[FireChiefGoofy]

My wife would love this!!! She fell in love with the ride from a prior Keys to the Kingdom tour. I've got to get her on this tour. She will @#(@ herself![/

Unfortunately it's for Cast Members only.

 

[FireChiefGoofy]

I love your avatar.

Thank you. This is the best job I've ever had!

 

[Magenta Panther]

I went on that tour myself. We were part of a group that was taking the Leadership Training offered by WDW. I don't think this tour is open to the general public. It was about a three hour tour (a three hour tour. Then the weather starting getting rough and the tiny ship was tossed......uh wait I got carried away). Anyway, I don't remember why it took so long but it was quite interesting. I do remember that we did go to other attractions.

wait till you see how the ball room scene is done. It's so simple.

Yeah, it's


SPOILER

...a Pepper's Ghost effect. That's all I'm going to say. But I kind of wish I didn't know. Fortunately, it's still an amazing effect when you see it in person, even if you DO know how it's done...

 

[luv]

I always assumed the big scene was smoke and mirrors.

Tour sounds very cool. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Jennibelle]

Can't wait to hear about it

 

[PatriciaH]

I took that tour 2 times as well. I LOVED it. The first time they allowed pictures (everywhere) and of course my friend, my husband and I did not bring a camera because we did not think we would be allowed! This was before cell phone cameras were any good, so we got a few crappy ones (too dark.) The 2nd time we could only take them on the ride. We also got to go on a walking tour of Spaceship Earth and go on many of the official Disney tours. I have seen Nemo and Sorin as tours in the past and a friend said he got to do Pirates years ago.

 

[FireChiefGoofy]

22 hours until tour time. Batteries are charging for the camera. I have to work tomorrow night, so I will update Friday morning!

 

[FireChiefGoofy]

We finally had our tour of the Haunted Mansion. After an early start to the morning, we met our Ghost Host tour guides in the Utilidoors of the Magic Kingdom promptly at 6:50 AM. We proceeded to the mansion for our tour. Here is the group:

Our tour started as the ride starts, in the main entrance where the changing portrait hangs over the fireplace. Our hosts showed us where the hidden Mickey's are located in this room (you have to look very close to find them). We then moved into the stretching room. This was a unique experience as we were asked to lie on the floor as the room started to stretch. Everyone is always in a hurry to get to their Doombuggies, and miss hearing the gargoyles talk to you. We continued to lie on the floor as the room reset. If you do not like enclosed spaces, watching the ceiling come back down at you, may not be your thing. We were allowed to take flash pictures during our tour:

My lovely wife watching the room reset.

We then proceeded to the queue area. Our hosts proceeded to tell us that there are over 200 ghosts in this area alone. If you look closely at the woodwork, you will see them. More flash pictures of some of the portraits in the area:

Our walking tour began of the ride. The first scene we were told about was the floating candles:

It is amazing how easy they do it. And after 41 years of operation, one of the few that never breaks.
Flash photos of the portraits where the Ghost Host in your Doombuggy tells you NOT to take flash photos:

We were able to walk up an touch these portaits. We were told how the lightning effect makes the portaits change into their immortal images.

Next we went to the Library. Most of the scene is painted on the wall, and there are very few real books in this room. There are however, two hidden Jack Skellington's in this room (and of course Donald), you need to have a keen eye to find them (hint: one is on the floor). The busts that follow you around the room are remarkably simple in how they work. They do not actually move at all:

We actually got the chance to walk up and touch the busts.

Next we went into the Music Room. Sorry the photo isn't very clear. There are hidden Mickey's in this room as well:

Next stop was the never-ending stairs.

More to follow. I need to get ready for work at the Animal Kingdom bus hub.

 

[hauntdmansion79]

Totally loving this thread! I've heard of this tour and have always wanted to go on it. Please continue posting your tour notes and pictures! It's the closest thing many of us will ever get to going on the tour!

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Excited to hear whats to come on the tour Thankyou!!!

 

[DancingPhoenix]

This is FABULOUS. There are quite a few rides I'd like to walk through, but HM is by far the one I would love to see the most! All those hidden Jacks that need to be found...

 

[RandomPrincess]

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Gonzo79]

Great thread! Thanks for sharing this with us. I had no idea that the gargoyles talked to you. Next time I'm definitely going to hang around and try to hear them.

 

[ShookieJones]

Thanks for posting. Nice pics.

 

[HatboxGhost]

I had no idea that the gargoyles talked to you. Next time I'm definitely going to hang around and try to hear them.

My wife and I hang back and let the crowd slowly filter out into the hall and sure enough we hear them whispering.

 

[JenniferS]

More, please.

 

[alissafalco]

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to reading the rest.