Practical Voodoo for Dummies

Greetings Ghost Fans!

This week we take another look at the Haunted Mansion movie. In an alternate cut of the movie, Edward Gracey had his own private study where he spent much time trying to bring Elizabeth back from the dead. In the version of the movie that we all got to see, we never did see the study. However, there are many clues to the fact that the study did exist and even the underlying story of using voodoo was still vaguely existent in the finished film.

In the library there was a large globe surrounded by two staircases. Behind this globe was the door to the entrance of the study. The voodoo storyline, while not officially pointed to in the movie also was mentioned in the library when Jim was "living the high life" behind Edwards desk. "Oh Nigel, I just got back from the continent where I picked up the most interesting book called, Raising the Dead."

Below are photos of the set, a few blueprints and even some pictures of Edward's desk where voodoo books entitled, "Voodoo: The study of the Dark Arts," "Spirits of the Undead," and "Cursed Souls" can be found.




Note: All images in this blog can be seen at a larger size by clicking on the image.

And the ghosts will take care of the inside...

Throughout the history of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion, there have been many refurbishments. Some of these have been to update effects, some have been to fix items that were getting constant wear from guest interaction. In 1995, the Haunted Mansion was given a nice new hearse, updated attic popups, a broken down piano and the Ghost Host again told us that the ghosts on the corridor are having trouble getting through.

In the foyer however, the woodwork wainscoting on the walls was raised. Originally it was perhaps two feet off of the ground. By this being within a guests footrange, people could easily raise one foot and rest on it. This however was not a good idea. It caused much wear and tear on the woodwork. What could Disney do? They couldn't remove the wainscoting, it just wouldn't be thematically pleasing. So, Disney took the existing woodwork and added more! The current Disneyland Foyer woodwork extends probably four to five feet above the floor.


The third Photo is courtesy of Leotas Child and Disney Thug. If you would like to submit material or information for future posts, please contact me through my profile. Full credit or full anonymity can be given.

Easter Already?

Originally this weeks post was going to be about Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. However, I found a topic that I thought might be a little more interesting considering that today is Easter.

When going through the Walt Disney World Ballroom, there are numerous Victorian props. The table has amazing china, there are glass domes on smaller tables with flowers in them and tons of older furniture. On the Ballroom dancefloor, there is a small table through which the ghost couples pass. A good eye can tell that there is what appears to be a box, an empty frame and an old stereoscope. A stereoscope was a form of entertainment where whoever looked through the scope could see a nice little 3D scene, the equivalent of today's viewmaster. Stereoscopes had interchangeable cards that the user could swap out in order to see a new 3D scene.


In this scope however, there is quite an interesting card. This card, I am told is put into the scope by cast members who feel that it is fitting given the circumstance of the ride. The card is part of a series called, The Life of Christ. The card itself is #23, The Resurrection.

Only Ghost Stories... Of Course???

Hi Ghost Fans!

This week we go into detail that only castmembers will see. When going through the Walt Disney World Ballroom, we see many things. Ghosts are passed out under the table, swinging from chandiliers, firing shots at each other and enjoying a nice waltz. However, one ghost is enjoying herself by reading a book. Thats right, good ol' granny. So, as the Ghost Host says, "Our library is well stocked with priceless first editions, only ghost stories of course." Well, it looks like Granny has snuck in her own private book. So what is she reading you ask? It is none other than a copy of, "Arizona in the 50's."


From time to time this book pops up on ebay as it is out of print. But, maybe its worth reading. Afterall, Granny has been reading it for over 35 years.

A Story in Pictures...

This week, we take another look into the Walt Disney World attic. The attic scenes worldwide have quite a collection of interesting items. Last month we found a horse hitch from main street, in the future who knows what we will find. However, this week there is an item that, if you have ridden through the WDW Mansion, you probably saw but not very well.


We now have new information regarding this painting. The painting itself is of a mother grooming her daughter and in the background there is a long veil hanging. This painting was created by the artist L. Mason (as written in the bottom corner). As to who this is, I do not know. Perhaps a local artist, perhaps famous. If anyone knows, please leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Welcome to April!

Greetings Mansion Fans!

Welcome to an all new month of posts about our favorite haunt!

I want to take a moment and thank the people who have posted comments to some of the blog sections and also to the great response I have had so far to the blog. I would also like to thank those who have e-mailed me with tips to new Haunted Mansion tidbits that I never knew before that will be posted in upcoming months. For anywho who provides information, I will gladly post your name if you wish, or if you would like to remain anonymous I can do that to.

Just a reminder from last month, when you visit the mansions, please show the utmost respect to the attraction, other guests and above all, the cast members who try their hardest to provide a good show that we can all enjoy.

If you might have some interesting facts or interesting tidbits, or just want to say Hi and tell me what you think, feel free to e-mail or send me an instant message, both of which can be found in my profile.Thank You,

-Ghost Relations Dept.