It takes a lot to make those grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize. The latest installment of “We Call It Imagineering,” the Disney-produced YouTube series, dives into the details of the Haunted Mansion, the longtime spooky attraction at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and other Disney theme parks.
The 28-minute production features interviews with current and former Imagineers, including one who worked alongside Walt Disney himself. The show also explores Haunted Mansion experiences overseas and aboard the Disney Cruise Line, where the Treasure ship features a Haunted Mansion Parlor. Here are five fascinating factoids about the iconic attraction on dry land.
### Scratch That: The Ghost Host’s Origins
The disembodied Ghost Host narrator, heard throughout the ride, was not part of the original Haunted Mansion plans. “Originally the narrator was going to be a cat that then morphed into a raven,” explained Tom Fitzgerald, portfolio executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering, during the episode titled “Foolish Mortals.”
“They weren’t able to get the raven to work as the narrator, so it became just the Ghost Host voice.” Ravens, however, still appear inside the attraction. Other characters that never made the final cut include witches surrounding a cauldron and a more sheet-like ghostly hitchhiker. One early iteration even featured Constance, the bride in the attic, as being faceless.
### Breezy and Eerie: Wind and Music Blend
There’s something spooky in the wind at Haunted Mansion thanks to its unique sound design. “The composer for Haunted Mansion was Buddy Baker, a Disney Legend, and he created amazing musical melodies that are woven into the wind sounds and graveyard music,” said Greg Lhotka, manager of audio media design with Walt Disney Imagineering.
“A lot of the sound design was performed with actual physical props built by legendary sound artist Jimmy Macdonald,” Lhotka added. “He worked closely with Buddy Baker to weave the music and sound effects so you can hear the Haunted Mansion’s theme playing through the wind.”
The YouTube program also features outtakes from the recording sessions of Paul Frees, the iconic voice behind the Ghost Host.
### Eye-Catching Wallpaper by an Imagineer Who Knew Walt
Haunted Mansion’s famous “looking-back-at-you” wallpaper was created by former Imagineer Tania McKnight Norris. She also designed drapery and furniture to complete the scenes.
“I couldn’t find a spooky wallpaper, so I remember sitting at my desk doodling the eyes,” Norris shared. “Then I worked with a wallpaper company to get it just right.”
Norris takes pride in her Disney legacy: “I’m one of the very few people left who knew Walt Disney.”
### Melting Away: Bizarre Creations and Hidden Tributes
Another Disney alum, Rolly Crump, designed creatures that were slightly too bizarre for Walt’s Mansion vision. Instead, these ideas inspired a potential Museum of the Weird attraction that never came to life.
After Crump’s death in 2023, a miniature version of his melting Candle Man character was placed in the attic scene of the Magic Kingdom ride. A melting bust and other “Weird” elements also appear in the Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Cruise Line ship.
### Light Club: Atmospheric Exterior Lighting
The exterior lighting of Haunted Mansion is carefully crafted to draw guests in while complementing the foggy atmosphere.
“We considered angle, shadows, color, and how these evoke different emotions,” said Ralphie Weisbecker, manager of lighting design with Disney Live Entertainment. “Greens can make you feel a little uncomfortable, blues a bit darker and spookier. We try to take the story Imagineers created inside and extend it outside.”
### Bonus: Haunted Mansion Characters Come to Life
Haunted Mansion characters sometimes venture out, notably during Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade, a highlight of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.
One memorable moment features choreographed gravediggers who hit their shovels on the pavement for a special effect. “During rehearsal, someone was a little tired and dragged their shovel,” recalled Tara Anderson, show director with Disney Live Entertainment.
“There was a spark. That was all I needed. We decided to play with that—the sound, the clang, the scrape, and the spark—adding to the performance magic.”
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The Haunted Mansion continues to captivate guests with its rich history, creative sounds, and immersive atmosphere—all thanks to the brilliant Imagineers who brought those spooky spirits to life.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/30/mansion-facts-1031/
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