Haunted Mansion 50th Anniversary Thread

[George Lucas on a Bench]

The knight is pretty daffy. Reminds me of the Tinman.

 

[Figments Friend]

Fitzgerald's a hack. His work on Phantom Manor destroyed the storytelling so wonderfully crafted by Baxter.

From what I have learned over the years, that seems to be something he specializes in.
As if by personal grudge.

Too many instances where one of Tony's prior projects has been done over years later by Fitz and thus been drastically altered or outright erased.
I can immediately think of four or five major projects ....

Not a coincidence.


-

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

Sorry this is late but holy they brought the knight back.

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

 

[mickEblu]

The second girl is so into it

I didn’t realize we were celebrating 48th anniversaries this year.

 

[VJ]

This is the level of extra I expect for each classic and its 50th anniversary.

but only if you pay $300

 

[Californian Elitist]

but only if you pay $300

I meant to put “without the $300 price tag” in my post, but I forgot and didn’t feel like editing it lol.

 

[VJ]

I meant to put “without the $300 price tag” in my post, but I forgot and didn’t feel like editing it lol.

that's what kinda bugs me, everyone's like OMG HAUNTED MANSION I NEED THE MERCH while conveniently leaving out that this celebration revolves around a glorified opportunity to buy merch masquerading as an "event". the show is cool, yes, but disney should be giving these types of things to everyone, not just the highest bidder.

 

[Californian Elitist]

that's what kinda bugs me, everyone's like OMG HAUNTED MANSION I NEED THE MERCH while conveniently leaving out that this celebration revolves around a glorified opportunity to buy merch masquerading as an "event". the show is cool, yes, but disney should be giving these types of things to everyone, not just the highest bidder.

I can’t disagree with you there.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I didn't see any good merchandise aside from the automatic door knocker replica. There are some new t-shirt designs that look very bad.

 

[D.Silentu]

Here lies the perfect opportunity to adorn the Mansion with something special, now buried under a cascade of merchandise. True, bringing back the knight was fun, and the event show was top notch. Yet, the ride itself now sits just the same as before. I'm not sure any ride has been as inspirational as The Haunted Mansion. Thanks to the early construction of the facade, it had its own urban legend before admitting the first guest. I could mention the countless bits of lore and tribute, but the fact that I won't have to speaks to my point.

So why couldn't the Mansion have gotten something new for such a noteworthy anniversary? I find this doubly frustrating seeing as not long ago Phantom Manor received a full overhaul(story liberties notwithstanding). I would have appreciated some of that technical magic finding its way to our haunted house. There are so many respectful additions that would have been well received, such as a restored attic, the return of the April/December portrait, or high definition projectors giving us a phantasmagorical 'boundless realm' at the load. If we were lucky, we might have even expected realistic candles in the foyer, in place of the current bare bulbs. Incidentally, I have always crossed my fingers for a binaural speaker set in the Doombuggies, complete with a mastered and remixed dimensional soundtrack to really bring out those "running chills."

My hopes were never high for such improvements, but the potential seems clear. I do think it's nice that the graveyard has returned(albeit with a few squatters) and the Hatbox ghost is an outstanding addition. I also take solace in the fact the Mansion has not been remodeled over and over, as Pirates seemingly has. Perhaps that is the best takeaway from the fiftieth anniversary. Still, when it comes to visual effects I believe there's, at least, room for one more.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

They'd probably just mess it up.

 

[Disney Irish]

Here lies the perfect opportunity to adorn the Mansion with something special, now buried under a cascade of merchandise. True, bringing back the knight was fun, and the event show was top notch. Yet, the ride itself now sits just the same as before. I'm not sure any ride has been as inspirational as The Haunted Mansion. Thanks to the early construction of the facade, it had its own urban legend before admitting the first guest. I could mention the countless bits of lore and tribute, but the fact that I won't have to speaks to my point.

So why couldn't the Mansion have gotten something new for such a noteworthy anniversary? I find this doubly frustrating seeing as not long ago Phantom Manor received a full overhaul(story liberties notwithstanding). I would have appreciated some of that technical magic finding its way to our haunted house. There are so many respectful additions that would have been well received, such as a restored attic, the return of the April/December portrait, or high definition projectors giving us a phantasmagorical 'boundless realm' at the load. If we were lucky, we might have even expected realistic candles in the foyer, in place of the current bare bulbs. Incidentally, I have always crossed my fingers for a binaural speaker set in the Doombuggies, complete with a mastered and remixed dimensional soundtrack to really bring out those "running chills."

My hopes were never high for such improvements, but the potential seems clear. I do think it's nice that the graveyard has returned(albeit with a few squatters) and the Hatbox ghost is an outstanding addition. I also take solace in the fact the Mansion has not been remodeled over and over, as Pirates seemingly has. Perhaps that is the best takeaway from the fiftieth anniversary. Still, when it comes to visual effects I believe there's, at least, room for one more.

Problem is what you're talking about requires an extended refurb with a larger budget. And since HM already goes down twice a year for the HMH there wouldn't have been much opportunity or budget. Timing was just not on our side for this one, unlike the 60th with Hatty when everything was being updated and budgets were open.

So I expect there to be updates the next round of extended refurb HM gets, hopefully this January during the HMH change over back to HM.

 

[mikenatcity1]

Does anyone have any idea if the merchandise that was released for the 50th is only exclusive during this short time or can we expect it longer? I have friends coming to the parks next week for D23 that wanted the Host a Ghost jars released over the weekend.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

 

[Californian Elitist]

I’m genuinely surprised at the well-deserved attention Mansion received for its 50th. Wish Pirates had received the same two years ago.

 

[mickEblu]

I’m genuinely surprised at the well-deserved attention Mansion received for its 50th. Wish Pirates had received the same two years ago.

Agree with the second half of your statement. I think most of us saw this coming for Mansion, it’s a cash cow for them. Pirates could be too if they showed the merch nearly the same amount of love.

 

[TROR]

They killed their most bankable characters on Pirates of the Caribbean. Original captain, the redhead, the auctioneer's voice. It's all gone.

I do hope that sign stays out front of the Mansion for a while and not just the 50th. It's a charming thing.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Agree with the second half of your statement. I think most of us saw this coming for Mansion, it’s a cash cow for them. Pirates could be too if they showed the merch nearly the same amount of love.

Absolutely. I’ll admit I’m salty because Pirates is my favorite ride at the park. It’s just as iconic as Mansion and deserves more than just crappy merchandise for its 50th.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I’m genuinely surprised at the well-deserved attention Mansion received for its 50th.

Too bad it's going to close before the end of the month to put up Xmas decorations. They should have taken a break from that this year.