The Haunted Mansion

Anyone that visits Disney will come away with favorite attractions.  Of course, it's so hard to pick only one that you have to start making categories, such as thrill ride or classic type ride.  While I love most of what Disney has to offer, there are certain attractions that remain high on my list of awesome; the Haunted Mansion is one of those attractions.

This was taken at one of the Halloween parties.

She sits outside and talks to people, very much

the undead Southern belle.

Out of all of the rides located at the Disney property in Florida, the Haunted Mansion is one of the best.  One could argue that it is the perfect example of classic Disney attractions.  Even today, it stands up.  Disney makes a point out of updating rides, adding new features, re-doing certain attractions.  The Haunted Mansion showcases all the old school tricks while featuring some new innovations, but they don't detract from the ride.

Now, I don't know how much of what I remember is real and how much my brain has embellished.  I faintly remember going to ride the Haunted Mansion when I was younger and being scared.  In my memories, my dad held me, and it was all okay.  Now, whether it happened just like that or not is inconsequential.  What matters is that I have liked the Haunted Mansion since I was a child, and it makes me think of all the times I've ridden it with my family.

Regardless of how many times I've hopped in a Doombuggy*, there is always something new to see.  The attention to detail is one of the elements that elevates the Haunted Mansion, that makes it one of the best rides on Disney property.**  It's fascinating to try and figure out how they make the ghosts appear, how the candelabra is floating, how that head in the ball is floating.***

The Haunted Mansion features the ultimate in theming.  From the ride itself to the atmosphere outside, every little detail is spot on.  In particular, the cast members are just amazing.****  Their attitude and demeanor makes the experience a hundred times better.  Their chilly, yet formal delivery has such a dramatic impact.  If you just imagine having regular, non-themed staff on the ride, it just takes so much away.

 It's hard to see, but those are ghostly footprints

that walk upon the stairways that

go each and every way.

Because I can't choose, I am unable to name the Haunted Mansion as the best ride on Disney property.  It is, however, up there on the list, if not first.  The theming is impeccable, and the blend of old and new technology serve the attraction well.  If you visit Disney, don't miss the Haunted Mansion.  It's truly amazing.

It's a pet cemetery...not the Stephen King version.

*That's what they call the ride vehicles.  Awesome.

**I admit that Pirates of the Caribbean is an excellent attraction, but the Haunted Mansion just barely edges it out.  Consider that the Haunted Mansion takes something that should be scary and makes it interesting and neat instead.

***I know her name is Madame Leota, in case you were wondering.

****We saw a pregnant one last time.  I'm pretty sure she got knocked up by Master Gracey.  On a side note, that may be the first time I've seen a pregnant cast member.