Welcome to Hooked on Fridays, a blog party I host at the end of each week to celebrate the things that make us happy. Today I’m hooked on Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, which celebrate its 40th anniversary this week. It first opened its spooky doors in August of 1969 and has been giving people the chills ever since. I’ve only been to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion once, but it was my favorite ride in the park–probably because it looked like a really cool antebellum manor, and I couldn’t wait to get inside!
My blog friend Derek told me about the anniversary and has even redesigned his blog this week to celebrate it (check it out: Derek M Design). He also gave me a link to Doom Buggies, a site devoted to The Haunted Mansion that’s a lot of fun (Doom Buggies are what you ride through the mansion in). Head over there for all the information on the celebration.
I’ve been to Disney World more than Disneyland, so the Haunted Mansion in Florida is the one that I have the most memories of. It’s more of a Gothic-style manor (the one at Tokyo Disneyland is almost identical to it):
They say there are “999 Happy Haunts” in the mansion, but there’s always room for one more [insert evil laughter here].
Has anyone been to the one at Disneyland Paris? I haven’t, but here’s what it looks like:
Photos via the Disney Gallery.
Now it’s your turn to tell us what you’re hooked on today! If you have something to share with us on your blog, then add your link below. Just please be sure to:
- Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address.
- Include what you’re hooked on in parentheses after your blog name. Ex: The Red Cottage (antiques)
- Link back to the party from your post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is talking about today!
- Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what a blog party is all about!
- Double-check to make sure your link works and goes to the right page so it doesn’t get deleted! If you come back and see your link is gone, re-read these rules and try again.
Hooked on Fridays Participants
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I was there in 1969 and have the pictures of me in the haunted house to prove it. Yikes was it really that long ago? But you know I STILL remember it vividly.
Jane T.
.-= Atticmag´s last blog ..Recipe – Mid-Summer Rice Salad =-.
Hi Julia. Well it sure makes sense that, since you’re hooked on houses, that you’d be hooked on mansion! And a Disney mansion sure is a good choice. I’ve been to Disneyland several times and was sure to include the Haunted Mansion as a must-see attraction. I visited Disney World once but did not get to the Haunted Mansion. And the one in Paris? No, but I’d sure love to go! Fun post — thank you! ~Arleen
.-= Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home´s last blog ..Cheerful Rooms, Yellow Walls =-.
Hi Julia,
What amazing mansions! I have never been.
I enjoy visiting your Website–it is so much fun each time I stop by for a visit! Thank you for sharing your passion for houses!
Debbykay at Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm
.-= Debbykay´s last blog ..Bon Appetit! =-.
I absolutely ADORE Disney and his phenomenal vision…….no one could make a better haunted house than WALT! And he was such an amazing man to be able to instill that vision into the future generations that ran the company after him.
.-= Tamara´s last blog ..Hooked on "BEFORE" and "AFTER" =-.
I have been to both in the U.S. and enjoyed them!
That one in Paris looks right out of an Alfred Hitchcock Movie. Love to see the inside of that. Thanks for sharing! You will love my Hooked this week check it out!
Keep it Sweet,
Suzy
.-= Suzy´s last blog ..Hooked on a Life Size Dollhouse…. =-.
Pretty creepy! Thanks for hosting the party Julia! ~Tracy
.-= daily decorator´s last blog ..Dog Days Of Summer =-.
I’ve always been a big chicken when it comes to stuff like horror movies and haunted houses. What can I say — I’m a wuss!!
Wow, Derek is really a devoted Disney haunted house fan!! I’m going to have to try out those frames he created.
Kelly
.-= DesignTies´s last blog ..Random stuff =-.
The ride got stopped in the darkest part of the Haunted Mansion in Disneyworld the last time I was there for a girls’ weekend. We sat there for a good ten minutes. I was totally freaked out! So glad I didn’t have kids then, b/c my 3 year old would be scarred for life.
Thanks for hosting!
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Hooked On: The Kitchen Timer =-.
Wow! I didn’t even know there was a Disney in Paris!!! If I ever get there I will save a day to check it out. I love this post–love learning about different places in this wonderful world of ours.
I also love your Friday post. I’m just so nosy and have to know what others love too!
Have a great weekend, Julia!
~Misti
.-= Misti England´s last blog ..Hooked on Uppercase Living products! =-.
I used to go every year as a kid…now we’re planning a trip in early December to take our kids. It will be interesting to see if the kiddo’s get spooked. Although…I think the scariest ride in Magic Kingdom is the Snow White ride (do they still have that)? I remember being terrified! lol
.-= Susan´s last blog ..The Linen Closet Challenge =-.
Julia, you come up with the most interesting and diverse posts!
.-= Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home´s last blog ..Kitchen: Flatware Storage Options =-.
I’ve always loved the haunted mansion… well, It stands to reason since I love ghost stuff and I love house stuff. lol. Two great tastes that taste great together!
I made it into the first 30! lol lets hope it sticks around this time!
.-= Jenny K´s last blog ..Union Jack =-.
Although I grew up on the east coast and live in the eastern part of the country, I go to Disneyland almost every year and have only been to Disneyworld once! My kids love the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. It is like a familiar and comforting place that is a little bit scary at the same time – the perfect thing for kids who want to feel a little bit scared, but also want to feel safe too. Doesn’t that sum up the whole Disneyland experience?
.-= Things That Inspire´s last blog ..New on the market: a Buckhead home with ‘celebrity’ connections =-.
I totally missed out on that when I visited Disneyland…( more than ten years ago), and all I remember are roller coaster rides -love them.
I never realized what fun the exteriors were! When I went as a kid I was so scared I couldn’t focus on anything but trying not to scream too loud!
.-= Daly Essentials´s last blog ..It’s AC season, but I’m loving these fireplaces! =-.
I love the Haunted Mansion! I still remember being super freaked when you turned to go by the mirror and the little ghost was sitting right next to you. Those folks at Disney are genius.
.-= living with lindsay´s last blog ..The New Kid in Town =-.
I LOVE the Haunted Mansion!!! OOOOOPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS… I just realized… I forgot to mention I’m giving away a PAINTING on my blog!!! Off to add info… ENJOY your Friday party!!!
Fifi
.-= Fifi Flowers´s last blog ..The Ever Fashionable Eiffel Tower… =-.
The Haunted Mansion has always been my favorite attraction at Disneyland as well. We used to run to that ride first and I just loved seeing the ballroom with all the ghosts dancing. I actually thought it would be wonderful to live there when I was a child (and maybe now too!). Love the creepy lady at the end… “Come back, come back, make sure to bring your death certificate”. I am so hooked on your blog, Julia!
Happy weekend! ~Tracie
.-= Tracie ~ My Petite Maison´s last blog ..Summer on the Porch ~ Carole’s Giveaway =-.
Julia,
It is hard to believe 40 years have flown by so quickly. As a child this was such a fun place to see things go bumb in the night! Thanks for the fun walk down memory lane and thank you for hosting Hooked on Friday! Enjoy your weekend.
Cathy
.-= The Stylish House´s last blog ..Decorating with Birdcages =-.
Do you ever watch that show on TLC called “A Haunting”? I am always so sad that those big, old homes are haunted, because otherwise they’d be awesome homes for a family! Why can’t the haunted houses be crappy, little houses!?
Thanks for hosting!
.-= Mrs. Petrie´s last blog ..My Parent’s House: The Dining Room =-.
It’s been so long since I went to Disney World that I remember the Haunted Mansion, but I don’t think we went on the ride. I was in 5th grade, so probably not.
I hope to take my daughter there someday.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Hooked On Friday: Church =-.
I got my first kiss in that Haunted Mansion! Sigh….oh to be young again! And the Paris one has weirdos working in it…my friend and I were groped by the young man working the ride in the first room when the lights went out. NOT pleasant!
.-= Kristen @ More Than Mulberries´s last blog ..It’s That Time of Year… =-.
I might be a tad biased…but I {heart} the original Haunted Mansion in the OC…that one skinny cat that had a broken tail for most of my life…I wonder if they ever fixed it…ahhh, the memories!
m ^..^
.-= m´s last blog ..Be Afraid…Be Very Afraid (my glittery tutorial video) =-.
The haunted Mansion is my favorite as well. We will be going this September, yeah!
When my son was about 5 we took him on that ride not really remembering how scary it could be especially for a little boy, he cried and cried — we felt so bad (not a great parenting moment!) This time he is almost 10 and will LOVE it I know.
Thanks for hosting!
.-= Angela @ Imaginecozy´s last blog ..Real Deals on Accessories =-.
Who doesn’t love Disney Land. So many great memories. I love the mansion but my favorite is the Pirates of the Carribean.
.-= kim´s last blog ..A Big Giveaway! =-.
I love Disneyland! Been twice, as a teenager…can’t wait to take my family there when the kid(s) is/are older!
Great post!! I feel like I’ve been gone forever…I missed a week getting ready for Harper’s 1st birthday party!!
.-= Lindsay @ Likely Design´s last blog ..{Parties} Harper’s Polka Dots & Butterflies 1st Birthday Party! =-.
Ooooh, I’ve been to the one in Disney World, but not Disney Land. It looks so much better (probably because I’m from the south)!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Hooked on Easy, Low-Cost Window Treatments =-.
To this day, when walking down main street of Disney land i tear up. Even when i wasnt with my children. What a magical place … and wonderful places to remember.
Your Mansion is great… I was so frightened of it as a child and it still gives me goose bumps when i think of how effective they are! Boo!!!
TTFN ~~ Claudia ♥ ♥
.-= Claudia@DipityRoad´s last blog ..Plush Lush Pillows =-.
Went to the one in Disney World when I was a kid. LOVED it! I love Halloween, so I’m a fan of these haunted mansions. I’m torn though… I think my favorite ride in any amusement park has always been the log ride. Maybe they could make a Haunted Log Ride!
(Actually, I’d be surprised if someone hasn’t already thought that one up). The Paris House looks like the one from Psycho.
Seriously, I was just at Disney World in April – HOW did I miss that beautiful haunted mansion? When I first saw the photo I thought it was one of their theme hotels! Yep, I’m blonde ;o)
.-= Diana@TheDevineHome´s last blog ..My Southern Kitchen =-.
Ahhhh!!! I haven’t been there in way to long and I miss it! You’ve inspired me to get over there ASAP!! The mansion brings back so many memories and its just beautiful! Once again thanks for your awesome posts!
.-= Maura´s last blog ..Marley Farm =-.
I love the conservatory on the side of the Disney World mansion! Fabulous design, all around. I am a devoted coward when it comes to scary rides, but I might venture in one of these, lured by the architecture!
Cass
.-= Cass @ That Old House´s last blog ..Hooked On A Sears Kit House, And a Foodie Sandwich! =-.
I’ve been to the one in Paris! In fact, I’ve been 4 times (most recently in Nov 08) and every time we hit the haunted mansion or Phantom Manor as they call it. IMO, it is much spookier than the one in Florida, especially at night. It’s creepy going up the front porch at night. The PM is more like going into a house than the one in FL, which really feels more like a line for a ride. Also, Europeans are less concerned with making sure people know where to go in case of emergency so there aren’t a whole lot of neon exit signs to “break the magic.” This is also true of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride there. We find it odd that the ride is mostly in English. I would think it would be all in French, but it’s a weird mix of French and English, but mostly English.
We were at WDW in FL in June and they have redone the HM there and I like it less. They’ve changed the storyline to make it less of a tragic bride to a whole host of killer brides who apparently murder their husbands on their wedding day (at least that’s what I got out of it). Women’s lib, maybe? I don’t like it as well as I used to. You might also be interested to know that the PoC in Paris still has the male pirates chasing the women, like the one in FL used to have before some groups started protesting that it was sexist and they changed it to have the women chasing the pirates with rolling pins and brooms. Boo for political correctness in my Disney rides.
.-= Mom in High Heels´s last blog ..STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!! =-.
I LOVE haunted houses! It just sucks that you’re not allowed while pregnant!
.-= Dagny @ Beautiful Living´s last blog ..Scandinavian interiors: Real estate stalking / Interessant interiør fra finn.no =-.
Hi Julia,
First of all I’m sorry about accidentally clicking enter when I was trying to clear the McLinky box to type in a new entry. I can’t figure out how to delete it. Is there any way it could stay clear as its default?
We’ve never made it over to the States to Disney World. I’m glad Mom in High heels enjoyed it; we’ve been put off by reports that the Paris one isn’t as good. I’d have been too scared to go in anyway; I’m one of those wimps who’d leap a mile and have a heart attack on the spot.
do you know we’ve never been to Disney? but that looks really cool! so do you “ride” thru it? is it like going thru a haunted house at halloween?
~TidyMom
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..How I’m using my new office =-.
Living in Florida we go to Disney a lot. My girls love the Haunted Mansion ride. I have only been to Disneyland once. It was at Christmas so their Haunted Mansion was themed in The Nightmare Before Christmas. We all enjoyed it!
.-= Candy @ SoBella Creations´s last blog ..Memories for Life =-.
I haven’t been to Disney in over a decade and I love seeing pictures of it. It’s still such a magical place for me! I think I am going to take my fiance – he’s never been.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Time for the weekend =-.
Great post Julia- I LOVE the haunted mansion at Disney World as does my 5 year old. I was shocked to find that she even loved it at age 3, she was a little scared but she insisted we go in repeatedly.
.-= Morning T´s last blog ..A cloche here, a cloche there =-.
Oh, I loved this ride, too! I can’t believe it is that old!!!
.-= Ms.Tee´s last blog ..Postcards from the beach =-.
We were just in Disneyland a couple of months ago and loved the Haunted Mansion. We did get stuck in it for about 15 minutes, but those twirling cars are so comfy, we didn’t mind. I was afraid we might have to get out and walk out of there if they couldn’t get it up and running again. Thanks for the memories.
.-= Laurie @ My Domicile Style´s last blog ..Attention to Details =-.
Since I was a little girl my favorite ride in Disneyland has been the Haunted Mansion.
I think I have to take my kids on a trip to Disneyworld to see the one there.
It looks fantastic!
Have a wonderful weekend, Julia
xo
Brooke
.-= velvet and linen´s last blog ..hoods =-.
The Paris Haunted Mansion reminds me of the house in ‘Psycho’…. now that’s scary
I’ve been to the Disneyland HM once and the one in WDW about 8 times.
Joan
.-= Joan´s last blog ..Re-Visiting Illumination Night … =-.
Hi Julia
Tracie stole the words right out of my mouth… the ballroom and the lady at the end were my favorites too! I grew up going to Disneyland twice a year, because we were only an hour from it. It really IS the Happiest Place on earth
rue
.-= rue´s last blog ..It’s ours! & We have a winner! =-.
I LOVE this post! Our family are Disney Geeks… and we go twice a year to Disneyland. We have been to Disneyworld once a long time ago. I didn’t realize that the Haunted Mansions were different! Great photos! Thanks for sharing that Disney trivia and awesome pix.
I gave always made those kind of potatoes from a box! You made them look so easy, I am going to try it!
Thanks for the great advice about my diet too!
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Really Rainey~
.-= ~Really Rainey~´s last blog ..Foodie Friday & Hooked on Fridays 8/14/09 =-.
I had no idea it was their anniversary! It’s one of my favorite rides at Disney! Thanks for sharing!
.-= MissCaron´s last blog ..Peter Pumpkinhead =-.
If we’d not gone to the city today, I wouldn’t have thought of something on which we’re hooked. Biscotti. Nonni’s, with the sexy commercial.
Fav Disney visit here: Two Jasmines at Disney, Florida
.-= Dotty Pants´s last blog ..Hooked on Biscotti =-.
Loved the Haunted Mansion in WDW. Unfortunately when we were in Disneyland Paris this year, their Haunted Mansion was closed for refurbishment.
.-= Janmary, N Ireland´s last blog ..My first 7 days with a personal trainer! =-.
Julia, the last time I was at the Haunted House, someone tried to unzip my backpack when the lights went out. Talk about scary.
.-= Puna´s last blog ..Fix It Friday ~ The Eyes Are The Windows To The Soul =-.
Love this post and all of yours. I’m hoping to be able to bring my little guy to Disney in the near future , it’s such a magical place
)
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Hooked on…Kitchen Islands =-.
oohh…the way the eyes in the portrait followed you around still haunts me!!
.-= cara´s last blog ..Rent This Quirky, Adorable Philadelphia Trinity House =-.
Oh my goodness, has it been 40 years?! I lived in Orlando when WDW opened! I’ve visited the Haunted Mansion many times and it is my favorite! I can hear the music just looking at the photo! What a wonderful place!
it was always my favorite too!!!!! a house tour & getting scared all in one!!!! PERFECTION!!! gosh, I really want to go back now
.-= Lauren @ pure style home´s last blog ..Accessorizing with Ferns =-.
That looks so cool! I am getting ready for fall!
.-= Gayle at Mountain Moma´s last blog ..Estate Sale Shopping =-.
Ahhhh…..memories…I went to the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland 39 years ago on my honeymoon and infact just 2 weeks ago we passed on to the granddaughter the “secret box” that we brought back as a memento of the trip….One actually just sold on E-Bay for $191.00
.-= Sue´s last blog ..SUE AND JOYCE’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE…..cooking at the Viking School =-.
OK…this Friday I *promise* — I’m going to be hooked on tents.
I am so behind…
.-= Laura @ the shore house´s last blog ..One cool yard sale. =-.
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