Posts Tagged ‘Haunted Mansion’
“He follows his dream, with mind and heart”
Classic \ˈkla-sik\ serving as a standard of excellence; of recognized value; traditional, enduring
There are the thrill rides. There are attractions that showcase the latest and greatest technologies. There are those that exploit modern themes and the newest stories and characters.
And then, there are the classics. They may not utilize the most up-to-date equipment, advanced programming, or state-of-the-art special effects. It doesn’t matter. They are the classics; the quintessence of the Disney experience. Using old-time tricks and familiar illusions, the Haunted Mansion continues to amaze and delight us. It’s a Small World still compels us to board little boats and float past hundreds of dolls while listening to a repetitive tune. Children will always clamor for Dumbo the Flying Elephant, adults will forever get teary in the Hall of Presidents, and they all line up to sit in twirling teacups and laugh together.
Yet none is more clearly touched by Walt’s hand than the Carousel of Progress. It’s a simple concept – guests are seated in a theater that revolves around a central stage as they follow nearly 100 years of innovation. Through a series of cozy kitchen scenes and folksy chats, the audience can see the evolution of both technology and, more subtly, American culture, from the late 1900’s until the end of the 20th century.
The clothing changes, as do the “latest” appliances, and even the vocabulary, but the core message remains the same: mankind’s infinite capacity for inventiveness and resourcefulness, and the timeless values of family and country; philosophies that were dear to Walt’s heart. In fact, he was deeply involved in the project right from the start when it was developed for the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965. Progressland’s Carousel Theater, sponsored by General Electric, was actually an offshoot of a concept known as Edison Square, which Walt had conceived, but never built, for Disneyland in the 1950’s.
It was a huge hit at the Fair, and although the original structure was demolished, the audioanimatronic figures and the systems were packed up and moved to Disneyland when the Fair closed. While Walt did not live long enough to see it open, it ran for six years at its new home in Tomorrowland. On the upper level of the theater, guests could view a beautifully-detailed model of Progress City, a preview of the real city he had planned to build in Florida – EPCOT. Today, visitors can see a section of that model displayed along the route of the TTA PeopleMover in Walt Disney World.
After its Disneyland closure in 1973, once again, the theater was left behind, although this time repurposed for America Sings and later, Innoventions, and the figures and systems made the trek to their new home in the Magic Kingdom. Renamed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in 1994, the attraction underwent renovations which included an updated final scene.
Still featuring the original control systems and audioanimatronic figures, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a somewhat fragile treasure, and only open seasonally during busier periods. Nonetheless, it holds the record for the most performances of any show in the history of American theater.
Although the fourth, “modern day” scene is sorely in need of some serious reimagining, the attraction remains a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Indeed, sitting in that theater, it’s easy to imagine that a great, big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Magic Kingdom
21 minutes
Open seasonally
Wheelchair and ECV accessible
Park admission required
Frightful Photos!
A Disney Halloween isn’t only about pumpkins and parties. It’s about spooky sightings and devilish details. There are endless ways of capturing that “not so scary” spirit! Here are just a few of our favorites.
It’s the time of year when fireworks wear their autumn colors,
Villains come out to play,
and all the cool guys are hanging around.
Some old friends just fit right in;
while others get all dressed up
to celebrate!
We look at the everyday details; architecture,
attractions,
and ambience;
with new eyes.
And discover that some of the most spooktacular subjects of all
are the classic favorites!
Smashing Pumpkins
If you’ve ever dreamed of Halloween at Walt Disney World, it’s time to start planning! Dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party have been released and there are lots of opportunities to add this seasonal favorite to your autumn itinerary:
September – 3, 8, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, & 30
October – 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, & 31
November 1
7 p.m. to 12 midnight
Ticket Prices for 2010, not including taxes range from $53.95 to $59.95 for adults and $47.95 to $53.95 for children. Lower prices reflect advance purchase savings which are not available for all dates.
Here are a few tips to make the party even more fun:
Don’t forget that guests holding party tickets can generally gain admittance to the park as early as 4:00 p.m. You can save a day on your park tickets and still spend some time enjoying the Magic Kingdom before the party begins. The cost of a ticket to the party is far less than the cost of a one-day one-park admission ticket.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets represent a significant additional cost; don’t waste valuable party time having dinner. Make your plans early and grab a late-afternoon dining reservation in the Magic Kingdom or one of the resorts close by. When the fun begins, you’ll be ready.
If you and your family are planning to wear costumes, take the weather into account. Party dates begin in September when the temperatures can still be extremely warm. Going in costume definitely adds to the fun, but you don’t want your choices to interfere with the evening’s activities.
If elaborate costumes are not for you, other possibilities include matching, themed tee shirts for your group, or Mardi Gras style masks (Disney does not allow full-face masks). These options are both easy to pack and easy to wear.
There’s plenty of candy and the candy-handlers seem to be extra generous at the end of the night. Make some extra passes at the candy stations late in the evening.
If you’re a fan of the Villains, there’s no better time to ogle the Evil Ones than at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. They are the stars of the parade and the fireworks extravaganza, Happy HalloWishes. At the Villains Mix and Mingle, you can enjoy a show followed by meet and greet opportunities.
Cinderella’s coach awaits in Fantasyland but don’t miss other photo opportunities. The Magic Kingdom is beautifully decorated for the holiday and Halloween-themed displays are everywhere, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable shot.
Guests with dietary concerns will find sugar-free candy at City Hall.
The wonderful Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade is shown twice, but the Headless Horseman only rides before the first parade. Since the second parade is usually less crowded, you may want to find a spot to see the Horseman, then go and enjoy the attractions during the parade when lines are shorter.
When you’re ready for the parade, stake out a claim along the curb that lines Main Street U.S.A. The view from this vantage point is wonderful; the floats are practically close enough to touch and the parade characters and cast members give lots of attention to the guests closest to the street. The decorations are spectacular and seem to get better with each passing year.
Finding a viewing spot early gives you plenty of time to enjoy the window displays, the lighting, and the simply smashing pumpkin collection. Keep an eye on the second floor windows for some entertaining special effects!
If your vacation will span more than one party date, remember that nights during the middle of the week are usually less busy than those on the weekends which often draw local crowds as well as visitors.
The first night to sell out is always October 31st. If you intend to celebrate on Halloween, pick up your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. While this is the most festive night, it’s generally the most crowded, as well.
Along with the best Villian-spotting of the year, you’ll have a rare opportunity to see some of the 999 Happy Haunts who make their home at the Haunted Mansion. They’re grim and grinning and dressed to impress on these special nights, joining the parade and even chatting with guests at the Mansion.
It’s a beautiful time to visit Walt Disney World and Whimsical World Travel is ready to make your Halloween truly spooktacular! Read about our special Halloween itinerary or contact us to help plan something special just for you.
Silly Spooks
If asked to select their single favorite attraction at Walt Disney World, the choice of millions would be the Haunted Mansion. It’s a source of endless fascination for aficionados of Disney theming – every ride through the dark passageways seems to reveal some previously unnoticed detail.
There are puns galore, from the graveyard epitaphs to the “Doombuggies” that ferry guests past the 999 happy haunts. The ride is accompanied by a spooky soundtrack with music, monologue, and eerie noises.
Featuring carefully crafted cobwebs, meticulously designed props, dozens of Hidden Mickeys, and a number of classic special effects; the ride is a visual feast. The exterior is a wondrous recreation of an 18th-century estate, looming over the Rivers of America and complete with spectacular architectural details – a leaded-glass conservatory, gables and gargoyles, stone balustrades and balconies.
Lovers of trivia might be interested to learn that only two of the more than 100 audioanimatronic figures represent the living. Caretaker Dick O’Dell and his little dog walk the grounds while the rest of the residents “hover” nearby.
Although the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland has a true elevator, the “stretching room” in Walt Disney World only gives the illusion that it’s moving from floor to floor. For guests staying at the Magic Kingdom resorts, the mournful sound of the howling dog can often be heard early in the morning, drifting across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The original version of this attraction is found in Disneyland, but there are also Haunted Mansions at Tokyo Disney and at Disneyland Paris, where it is known as Phantom Manor, giving foolish mortals around the world an opportunity to be there when the grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize.
The Haunted Mansion
Magic Kingdom
8 minutes
Guests must transfer from wheelchair to the ride vehicle
Park admission required
It’s a Dog’s World
Disney gives dog lovers a lot to smile about. Great dogs are not only the stars of many animated features, but they pop up in unexpected places at every Disney destination. We thought we’d share a few of our favorites!
The famous jailhouse dog delights us in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Everyone feels a tug of sympathy seeing the poor little emaciated pup slinking by in the gloomy graveyard of the Haunted Mansion.
Although he’s not very furry, RoboDog at Space Mountain certainly has more than his share of personality.
Visitors to Downtown Disney always enjoy seeing the wonderful Lego dogs strolling along the sidewalk.
Our top pick? The sweet dog in the Carousel of Progress who stays by his master’s side through generations of kitchens, his head bobbing and his tail wagging softly.
