January 5, 2024

The Disney Haunted Mansion Attraction You've Never Seen

This one took some digging into my files. We all know that Disney's Haunted Mansion is one of Imagineering's finest achievements and an enduring fan favorite. At Disneyland, it takes it's classic look from the mansions around the South and is found in the park's gorgeous New Orleans Square. It's known as Phantom Manor in Paris. 

My guess, however, is that most Disney park visitors have seen it in its Gothic form at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World or in Tokyo Disneyland. But they've never seen it like this! This piece of rare concept art by Imagineer Ted Rich in 1967 gives us the very first looks at ideas for what the attraction exterior might look like for its inclusion in Liberty Square. In contrast to its earlier sibling, this version takes on a wood clad look and is more similar to its French cousin. Just imagine what's in those Disney vaults that we haven't seen! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

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