The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies

by Jason Surrell, Tom Fitzgerald (Foreword by), Marty Sklar (Foreword by)

The Haunted Mansion is one of the most popular and beloved attractions in Disney theme park history, and can be found in each Magic Kingdom Park around the globe. The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies will illustrate how the Mansion's 999 "grim grinning ghosts" moved from sketches to reality, evolving from earliest story concepts through adaptations and changes as it moved into each of the parks, to the very latest ideas for show enhancements. This book will also confirm or dispel the various myths and rumors that surround the mysterious Mansion's story. In recent years, The Walt Disney Company has seen the demand for theme park attraction-specific merchandise explode, and the Haunted Mansion resides at the top of the list. Fans are waiting with super(natural) anticipation for the upcoming movie, and this book will also explore the latest technology developed to bring the Mansion's inhabitants to an afterlife like never before.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Art, Travel, Reference, Media Tie In, Ghosts

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2003

Reviews

[Christy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge Disney fan over here. One of my all-time favorite rides has been The Haunted Mansion. I love the creepy vibe, the funny gags, and the silly scares from the 999 happy haunts. It seemed pretty natural for me to read the history of The Haunted Mansion. The book is segmented into two parts: the history of the original Disneyland ride, including how it inspired rides at the other parks around the world, and a detailed description of each section of the ride. The interesting history of the ride explains the decade long endeavor to bring a haunted house to reality. So many issues and problems for the Imagineers to solve, including losing their inspiring leader when Walt Disney passed away in the 60s. A great many creative geniuses took part in planning and producing aspects of the ride. It’s a true wonder that so many hands were able to create something amazing. You’d think it would have been a chaotic mess. I enjoyed hearing about the other parks and how their Haunted Mansions are unique and why the different choices were made. I haven’t been to any of the other parks, so this California girl needed to read up on things she might never experience. The second section allows readers to delve into each scene of the beloved ride, learning about historical tidbits and well-placed Imagineers’ tricks and jokes. The book definitely made me feel like I need to take a trip to Anaheim very soon.

[Coos Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es un libro pura y exclusivamente para fanáticos de Disney, en especial su lado más oscuro y aterrador. Este libro cuenta los mayores secretos de la Haunted Mansion, mi atracción favorita de todos los parques. Había empezado este libro en Agosto, pero por varias razones se me había imposibilitado terminarlo, y aguantó hasta el mejor mes de todos: el de Halloween. Lectura más que apropiada 🎃 👻

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge Disney fan? Do I have the perfect book for you! This quick read gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the ride at various Disney Parks and how the story of Constance Hatchaway (AKA The Bride) came to take over the Haunted Mansion ride. We also get a look on how the storyline was developed for the 2003 film starring Eddie Murphy (which we also have at the library!). I loved learning the little facts about one of the most popular rides at Disney and how each artifact has a story on how it became a part of the attraction. A must read for anyone who enjoys Disney or behind-the-scenes movie magic! – Alyssa C.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a hardcore, unashamed fan of Disney, especially Disney World, and the Haunted Mansion is my single favorite ride... Well, anywhere. So I obviously had to read this book. There are three parts here: the development of the four versions of the ride, a complete tour of the experience, and (sadly) a behind-the-scenes look at the Haunted Mansion movie that was, when this was published, about to be released.

I could have done without the section on the movie, and been much happier if, instead, the sections about the actual rides had been fleshed out more. Because that is the biggest weakness that a Haunted Mansion nut like me can find with this book. In particular, the coverage of the Disneyland Paris version (Phantom Manor) is sadly lacking. That was a huge disappointment to me, because Phantom is so different, so unique, that it deserved to be more than just a footnote. A lot more could have been said about the development of Phantom Manor, and I was looking forward to reading more about it. And folding a tour of Phantom Manor into a tour of the other three Haunted Mansions, when it's just so different... It didn't really work, and I imagine that a lot of the people who snapped this book up would have loved to have seen more out of such a different take on the Mansion, one that many of them will never get a chance to see in person.

There are a lot of great stories and photos from behind the scenes of the ride, enough to satisfy most fans. And maybe I'm in the minority of Mansion fans who would love to see more about Phantom Manor. At any rate, it's a good read for Mansion fans, and for anyone interested in how the Imagineers pulled off those great effects.

[Jenn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World, I thought I knew basically everything about it, I was so wrong. I loved to learn more about the parks in Tokyo and in Hong Kong, it was fascinating! I even learned stuff about my home (Walt Disney World) and the interactive queue ! Next time I'll go I'll definitely pay more attention to the details. A must read for any fans of the attraction!

[Lou Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a life long fan of the Haunted Mansion (it's number 1 on my top 5 rides in Disney), I found this book a curiosity, interesting and full of facts about the creepy place. The book is split into 3 parts, firstly explaining the background to the ride and how it stayed as a mere concept for years and took far longer than you would imagine to come to fruition. The second part was the most interesting part for me, as it takes you step by step through the ride in your doom buggie pointing out subtle details that you may have missed and highlighting the differences between the rides at all the Disney parks. Disneyland Paris seems to be the most different.The third part concentrates on the film based on the ride, starring Eddie Murphy, made at the start of the 2000s. I've never seen it and not entirely sure I want to.
What I do want to do is make sure I have a flip through the book next time I visit Magic Kingdom, to remind myself to look out for some of those exquisite details that I probably glossed over on the myriad of times I've been to the Haunted Mansion.

[D.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm only slightly ashamed to admit to being a Disney fan, but the Haunted Mansion is absolutely THE thing for me when it comes right down to it.
We picked up this book on our last trip to Disneyworld a few years ago, and it does not disappoint. It covers the development of the ride, does a pretty through walkthrough of the three different versions of the ride (in four different parks) and then goes into the (unfortunate) attempt to capture the spirit (sorry) of the attraction in the Eddie Murphy movie.
This is a thorough and wonderfully illustrated volume, with loads of background information on every front. The ONLY drawback is that it fails to fully illustrate the bizarre Spooky Bride changes over the years, and doesn't have a single decent photo of the original, really spooky bride from the Disneyworld version! I recommend it to fans of the Mansion (even the coverage of the movie is interesting, if the movie wasn't), as well as recommend Surrell's book on the Pirates... attraction.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting, nostalgic record of the making of all five Haunted Mansion rides (Disneyland, WDW, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong). I loved the array of photography!

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's enough information here that's worth reading, but I wouldn't mind it if, when Mr. Surrell passes away, his ghost is fitted the chains he forged in life--each link representing a platitude, unnecessary modifier, or wonkily structured sentence that he's written.

[Kimberly Karalius · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! I still have some lingering questions about one of my favorite rides, but this was such a comprehensive book on the ride's history and incarnations.

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorites at Disneyland. This book however is about the 2003 movie with Eddie Murphy. I just wish there was more, it felt very surface level.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is easily one in my top five attractions at Disneyland and Disneyworld. It was fun to read about the history of the attraction, go on a tour through each of the rides features and read about the film adaptation decisions. I enjoyed how they compared and contrasted the different houses in different theme parks. There were small aspects that dated the book (the Hatbox ghost is back) but overall I learned a lot. My favorite was when the author addressed and cleared up urban myths as well as the section of the book giving you a tour through the rooms. 6/10.

Content: Scary stories sometimes involving violence and ghosts which may frighten younger readers.

No Favorite Quotes.

[CourtOfBooksandPixieDust · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book telling the history of one of the most famous and loved Disney attractions of all time. This book gives a clear overview of how the attraction came to be after several struggles and afterwards follows the attraction scene by scene while explaining several facts and details about the imagineering behind each part. The Book also compares all the different versions of the beloved attraction around the world and gives special attention to the changes and different overlays realized throughout the years. Paired with stunning behind the scene pictures and concept art this book is a must have for every fan. Now... hurry baaaaack..

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome quick read. Annnnnnd now I need to go to all the Disneys. Disneyland, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc. Pronto.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This makes me want to tour the world and visit all the variations on the Haunted Mansion.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s one of the only official books ever put out about a specific Disney attraction, so I’ll take what I can get, but I would have appreciated more details.

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for even casual fans of the Haunted Mansion…

The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic by Jason Surrell, Marty Sklar, and Tom Fitzgerald is an exhaustive look at the iconic ride that can be found all over the world.

Until you read this book, you may believe you’ve ridden the haunted mansion before…but that’s not quite true.

In fact, every mansion at every park has its own unique story and place in the Disney pantheon. Sure some of the elements may be the same, but the look and feel differs…as they cater to the different regions of the world where they are found.

This book does a comprehensive look at every haunted mansion and their histories.

From the original proposal, you can see how haunted mansion and its successors have developed over fifty years…from an originally planned walking tour to the ride we all know and love.

Every haunted mansion and it’s “backstory” is covered, providing details that you would not normally be aware of as much of the Disney attraction’s history has only been passed down orally or vi online musings.

Accessing the Disney archives, you also get to see what might have been…with alternate art and sketches that eventually have shape to the final product. The development of the different versions also gets covered as you learn why the haunted mansion is set in different lands in different parks…providing a vast tapestry of lore to inspire you…

I don’t know if there are any other Disney books that are so affordable and comprehensive, and it’s hard to think of any other attraction that deserves such a testament to its greatness…

[Erica Pehrson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great haunted mansion reference book! I love that it starts at the beginning telling a history that is both specific and succinct. It introduces the key players, inspiration, hurdles, and successes really early on in the process. I loved that it featured not only Haunted Mansion in Anaheim but also WDW, Tokyo Disney, Phantom Manor in Paris, and Mystic Manor in Hong Kong with equal importance. It showed the inspiration, design process, reception, and successes of the different iterations of the attraction.

There were great photos that I've never seen before.

It really made me appreciate how much work goes into a masterpiece and respect for the Disney Imagineers in knowing when to preserve and when to adapt.

Not only was it a great history, but also a great reference for everything as you see it. It. Documents all of the show pieces we love through. Great photos of angles and lighting that we may not have seen before One brings attention to parts of sets that deserve showcasing even if they aren't the main feature.

[Jenn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for fans of the amazing attraction !! It's my favorite one so I loved it. The part about the movie wasn't as interesting for me but it's only cause I'm not a fan of it.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! Bought for my haunted mansion-loving nephew, I’m sure he’s going to love it.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one is for real nerds (wdym a whole 130 pages BOOK on a theme park ride??) and I like it like that

[Matthew Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gets the vibe of the ride perfect with its tone and shares plenty of insightful bits of backstage information you’d never have otherwise known. Really interesting and well put together.

[Whitney Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great behind-the-scenes look at the extensive and lengthy process behind the making of the Haunted Mansion. I really enjoyed it! The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides at Disney World, and its history is fascinating! I'd delved into this topic before, but this book had quite a few things that I'd never heard before, and the production photos really enhanced the experience.

The only reason I gave it four instead of five stars is that the book geared up to the last chapter, which talked about...the movie. Yes, the movie, which is nothing like the ride. Some of the details on the set decor was interesting, but I really wish they'd used these pages to elaborate on the Haunted Mansions at other Parks, and how they differ. Particularly Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, which looks like an amazing ride.

Also, I believe this book was published before Mystic Manor was built (at Disneyland Hong Kong, I believe), and this ride differs from the others so drastically, it would have been interesting to read about the decisions made about that ride. And particularly the technology behind it, as it is quite state-of-the-art.

I'd really like to see a new edition that talks about the different Haunted Mansion rides, including the newest one, and excluding anything about the movie.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunted Mansion is my all time favorite Disney attraction. This book gave a great overview of how the original Disneyland attraction was developed, and how those beginning concepts moved on to other similar Disney incarnations around the world.
While I've experienced the Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion most often, I still learned a lot that I didn't know about it, and will have a sharp eye out for new-to-me details the next time we go. The book didn't give away too much about HOW the sight gags are achieved, which I can appreciate. I like that this treatment of the attraction keeps the magic going.
It was also interesting to learn about overseas versions of the mansion, with alternate story lines, such as the Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong locations. The book had multiple photos and illustrations on every page, with good explanations. You can easily picture what it might be like to visit the actual attraction.
This was a fun read for me. It's a good choice if you just want a unique coffee table type of book, though not as big and bulky as others that could fit that category. It's very visual, so even if someone does not prefer to sit and read a long time, they could flip through this and get the idea pretty clearly.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! How could I not? I've been a hardcore Haunted Mansion fan since I was little. I know the Disney, WDW and Paris versions, and I hope one day I'll see the Japan and Hong Kong ones. I have souvenirs from the shop, and I'm dying to get the hitchhiking ghosts pops. And of course, I had always wanted to know everything. Since its conception to a few tricks.
This book answers almost all questions. They provide a detailed explanation of how the Haunted Mansion came to be, how long it actually took from concept to reality, and lately, how it was adapted to the different countries it was setup in. Hong Kong being the most drastic change.
And then, they provide an extremely detailed account of the ride, with how the Paris and the WDW and Japan versions differ here and there. They mention what changes are done for the Halloween makeover at Disney and Japan. And they should explain a few tricks of the ride, though not all of them of course.
And of course, they present the main characters and their creation, such as the bride and Madame Leota. It was really amazing! This is a must have book if you're the ultimate fan.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the Haunted Mansion, part of Disney World, this book is perfect. It has all the inside info, ideas and the concept for this attraction. My favourite part of this ride, aside from the scene in the Great Hall with all the ghosts in the ball, is the attic, so I've loved all the descriptions and the story of Constance, the black widow bride. I think I would love for this to have a novel or a short story (maybe in the next edition?). Personally, this attraction brings back so many memories. I am lucky I have been to Disney World many times, so it was very interesting to see the ideas that made the Haunted Mansion what is today.

Walt Disney remains inspiring.

There's really no secret to our approach. We keep moving forward - opening up new doors and doing new things - because we're curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We're always exploring and experimenting. We call it Imagineering, the blending of creative imagination and technical know-how.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book. If you're a fan of the Disney parks and The Haunted Mansion ride, I highly recommend it. It goes into detail from the early imagineering days in the 1950s all the way through the different adaptations the ride has gone through to make it, or a version of it, fit into all the Disney parks. From there, the book covers each portion of the story/ride, from the outside queue and Portrait Chamber to the Grand Hall and Graveyard, including the differences between the attractions and even tidbits about the holiday Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. The author gives some fun insight, being one of the imagineers who worked on various enhancements, and points out details you might not have noticed before. As for why I didn't give this book 5 stars - there were a couple places I would have loved more detail, and I wish some of the pictures had been larger. Overall, I definitely recommend picking up a copy if you like this kind of nonfiction writing.

[Jdetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is divided into three parts, and they are most definitely not equal.

The third part looks at the Haunted Mansion movie and is eminently skippable because 1.) No one remembers that film and 2.) Even if someone did like the film, this is a studio puff piece and doesn't give any insight into the making of it.

The first part is your history of the four Haunted Mansions that existed when the book was written and it's solid, if a little shallow.

The best part is the second part, which is a walkthrough of all four Mansions that existed when this was written. Its a great resource, and it's fun to really see the differences in the Mansions. For fans of the attraction, the book is worth it for just this section alone.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides at Disney World, and I would love a chance to ride the other ones in the various Disney Parks. Since I can't do that at the moment, this book about the history of the haunted dark rides at the parks will have to do. I'm a huge history nerd, and the history behind the original ride with all the changes that occurred during the concept stage was my favorite part of the book. I also liked the overview of the mansions in Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney. I suggest this book for fans of Disney or those who have kids who want to know more about the behind the scenes of the Haunted Mansion.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greetings Foolish Mortals! Are you a fan of the Haunted Mansion? If so, this is the book for you. This book gives the history of the famous Disney attraction, complete with how it got started, as well as the differences in the many different versions. Did you ever want a walkthrough of the ride? Well look no further. Like most technical books, some of the text was kind of boring, but the pictures were amazing. However, the last third focuses on the very lame Haunted Mansion movie, thus bumping this book down a few star ratings.