Mansion Fun Fact

[WDWHM9707]

Many people know the story of the "wedding ring" that is no longer outside the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom.

However, there is a ring there that does have some meaning.

At the entrance to the que between the stables and the Yankee Trader there is a ring of stones in the concrete.
In Victorian times wealthy landowners like the ones who would reside in the Mansion would have a wedding ceremony on their property. Once the ceremony was completed the newlyweds would hire someone to construct a ring of stones a "wedding ring" if you will. around the spot where they were married.

So next time someone says anything about the wedding ring you can pass on this little bit of information

[lovedisprinces]

Thats kinda cool. I love random historical facts and that certanly fits in that category as well. Oh and btw welcome to the forums

[Smack81]

That's neat. So the ring of the "have you seen the ring?" conversation is no longer there? (I was plannin' on lookin' for it next time I head to WDW, so it'd be good to know if it's not there anymore.)

[disneydame2004]

That's correct, the 'ring' that used to be seen in the exit is gone.

[Disney05]

Anyone know why the ring was removed?

[disneydame2004]

Anyone know why the ring was removed?

1. it wasn't really a ring, it was a piece of an old post cut off at ground level.
2. the story made up around the 'ring' no longer applies with the new bride's story in the attic.
3. They repaved that area.

[nicki12]

I have never got to go on HM, I really wanted to see the ring.

[Disney05]

1. it wasn't really a ring, it was a piece of an old post cut off at ground level.
2. the story made up around the 'ring' no longer applies with the new bride's story in the attic.
3. They repaved that area.

I won't get to see the revamping until next Oct. Disneydame.. did you see the travel section in Newsday this weekend? I was looking for you.

[disneydame2004]

I did see the Newsday section! I've got a ways to go before reaching that 80+ trips the one couple took!

For those not on Long Island, I'm not sure how long this link will be accessible, but here is the story: Devoted to Disney -- Newsday.com

[Smack81]

I have never got to go on HM, I really wanted to see the ring.

The Mansion is one of my absolute favorites. Hopefully you'll get to go on it during your next trip.

"When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, spooks come out for a swinging wake..."

[GirlStar613]

wow, very interesting bit of info!

[cskiff7895]

that makes me feel better, i was pretty disappointed when the ring was gone, that was a nice little fact to tell friends and family. thanks WDWHM

[vixen101485]

Interesting trivia. I love wedding customs (not that I will ever get married, but the history behind them is fun) I looked all over the internet for some more info on this custom. Couldnt find a darn thing. Can you link us to a reputable page that has more on it?

I know Lou had a thread up on the stone ring a few years ago and when we went down in 2005, I asked. We met a lovely CM that happened to be stationed right near the ring. We told her why we were asking (I am sure it was the question of the day...lol) and about Lou's book and site (she was familiar with the book) She actually broke character and told us that it was originally a spot where a large planter (think green tree) was but the decorative tree had died and they had never replaced it. Apparently this woman was a very long term employee also. So I guess the only way we will know for sure is if someone has a pic of that tree. in that spot. I can actually picture a large planter there. Dont forget that some other items in the area currently were probably not there originally so something in that spot would not have been in the way of much.

[crussell54]

Very cool. There are quite a few little historical details in the Liberty Square and Frontierland area. Someone once told me why there's a different-colored section of concrete running down (I think the center of) the pavement. Has anyone else heard this?

[disneydame2004]

Yes, there is a special 'secret' to the pavement in Liberty Square. The two colors are a much cleaner recreation of the old-time streets, when the center would have been a river of sewage.