On August 9, 1969, the doors of the Haunted Mansion creaked open for the first time to ghoulish guests looking for an unlivable home. Today, foolish mortals are still able to visit the attraction in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park.
The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was the first major Disney attraction to open without the direct supervision of Walt Disney. Although Walt reviewed many early concepts and vignettes, he never saw the completed show.
Construction for the Haunted Mansion attraction began in 1961 and the exterior of the attraction was completed in 1963. It remained unoccupied until 1969 as Walt Disney instructed his Imagineers to work on the timely projects for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair instead. Good thing they waited because the World’s Fair experience made way for some of the technology that’s used in the Haunted Mansion.
As you can see above, before the attraction opened, a witty sign was displayed outside of the Haunted Mansion, which read: “Notice! All Ghosts and Restless Spirits. Post-lifetime leases are now available in this Haunted Mansion!… For reservations, send resume of past experience to: Ghost Relations Dept., Disneyland. Please! Do not apply in person!”
Take a look back at this beloved attraction in the video below:
So what are you waiting for you foolish mortal? Make your way to the Disneyland Resort to celebrate 50 years of ghoulish delights and happy haunts. The ghosts of the Haunted Mansion are just “dying” for you to join them!
News & Media Source: Disney Parks Blog
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