Alright, here we go. I don't have to be to AK until 5 PM, so I can finish this up for you guys.
We continued walking into the area where the Endless Hallway is located. Although it looks like it is endless, it is only about 30 feet long. There is a mirror at the end behind a scrim that makes it look like it goes on forever. The back of the floating candles are painted black so you don't see the reflection in the mirror. Couldn't grab a flash photo of the hall because of the mirror.
On a side note, the Imagineers originally wanted a live person to be in the suit of armor in this scene. It was tested in Disneyland, but was scratched after several guests attacked the armor out of fear.
We moved into the Conservatory and learned the history of the gentleman in the casket. Story is that he dies in the winter when the ground is hard and frozen. He is placed in the coldest room in the house, the Conservatory. Flowers are placed around him to keep the odor down until they can bury him, but he is impatient and tries to join the other happy haunts. The raven's name is Lucifer, and each cast member on the opening team each day pet Lucifer. The one day they did not pet Lucifer, the ride was down for five hours. Needless to say, we all pet Lucifer as we went by. He makes several appearance in the mansion.
For those of you that miss the Hatbox Ghost, he is still in the mansion, you just need to know where to look. Here's your hint, it's in this area:
Next was Madame Leota. We were told that there is a bounty on Leota's head on the internet. Up to $500,000 to anyone that can steal her head and bring it back. How do you get it out of the park,
Security: "Excuse me, where did you get that giant ball?"
Thief: "It was on clearance at the Emporium."
Madame Leota was also refurbish when the mansion was in 2007. The projection camera is actually inside her head and feeds a 1080p image. There is also a significant drop between the Doombuggies and Leota's table. One guest tried to jump from their Doombuggy to Leota's table, which resulted in a trip to the hospital and over 40 stitches.
(There are intrusion alarm mats approximately every 3-4 feet under your Doombuggy, so don't even think of trying to get out. We were setting them off all morning)
Now we were not allowed to take photos in the Ballroom, but we were given the opportunity to go ON the the Ballroom floor. The way the ghosts appear in this scene is incredibly simple. Your Doombuggy is actually above the animitronics, and when a light shines on them, they appear in the glass making it look like they are in the room.
There are a couple of stories associated with this scene that have absoulutely nothing to do with the mansion story line. Personal stories. In 2000, a frequent Disney World guest and avid Huanted Mansion fan passed away. Her family asked if they could spread her ashes inside the ride. Disney's answer was no. They did however make a counter offer. Since 2000, her obituary memorial card has been kept under one of the plates in the Ballroom.
The second involves a your International College Program cast member that was working at the mansion in 2007. While walking home from the store, she was struck by a car and killed on Route 535. The loss was devasting as she truely loved her role at the mansion and the mansion itself. Her memorial card and picture are kept in a book on a table behind the main ballroom table. It was very moving to see our hosts choking up because they all worked with this young woman.
We then moved into the Attic. There are three hidden Nightmare Before Christmas items in this scene. I tried to capture a hidden Sally, but the camera didn't focus quick enough. She is in the first "wedding" scene on a shelf:
We then moved into the Cemetery. As you leave the Attic, your Doombuggy goes through the window backwards. This symbolizes your death, which is why this guy is scared of YOU as you ride by:
The dog's name is Bones. There are actually real dog treat right under his nose, and if he only look down and eat them, he wouldn't be hungry. They are actually placed there as a snack for the K-9 Security dogs that come in from time to time to do their security sweeps. The skin on the gravedigger feels incredibly real.
The man second to the left in the Grim Grinning Ghosts (you know, the broken one), is better known for singing "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch," and the voice of Tony the Tiger (they're grrreeeaaattt). And it is not modled after Walt Disney, they just happened to look alike.
Hidden Mickey
Next up were the Hitchiking Ghosts. Very different with the building lights on. All of the Hitchiking Ghosts as well as the ghosts in the cemetery scene wear translucent raincoats coated in a special paint. When lit properly, they give off their ghastly glow.
Finally was the area where a ghost follows you home. This is done with the latest in digital technology. There is actually a full width 1080p HD television screen on the other side of the mirror that the ghost appear and interact with you. This area is being upgraded to include a Photopass+ option. No word yet as to then this will be available.
I hope you all enjoyed. I didn't want to go give away many secrets and ruin the ride for people. Keep a good eye open when riding the Haunted Mansion. It is very detailed in every way. A chance of a lifetime that was offered to my wife and myself as Cast Members. Thanks for reading!
