Disney's Haunted Mansion making room for new ghosts

**AAADisneyFan** · 07-01-2007, 08:34 PM

I skipped the Mansion on my last two trips but will definatley pop in this time!

**ungis** · 07-01-2007, 10:21 PM

I think this is great, all rides should get spruced up once in a while. I can't wait to see it. It's one of my favorite rides, and would love to see new things in it.

**DisneyFREAK91** · 07-02-2007, 12:31 PM

WOW!! I really do hope they do the same thing with the bride as they did in Disneyland's version. I really love that one.

**Ultimatewdwfan** · 07-06-2007, 08:18 PM

"Walt Disney World Florida to unveil new Haunted Mansion Ride in Florida. Long time staple of the Magic Kingdom rides is getting a face lift, "The ride was over due for a face lift" says Kathy Rogers of Walt Disney Imagineering. Die hard Haunted Mansion fans are protesting the proposed changes of what they call a 'classic ride' and a piece of 'Walt Disney History'. Following suit of the Pirates of the Caribbean, changes iinclude the addition of an Eddie Murphy audio animatronic, based on the 2003 film "The Haunted Mansion" directed by Rob Minkoff and starring Eddie Murphy. The new layout will have eddie murphy, reprising his role as real estate salesman Jim Evers, narrating a tour through the Mansion. The guests play the part of potential buyers touring the house, but the tour goes awry when spooks and specters make their appearance.

"We wanted to make the ride a bit lighter, injecting a more comedic element.." says Josef Aker of the Walt Disney Illusions department. "We want the Haunted Mansion in Disney World to stand out from the other theme parks. Capitalizing on the successful movie was a no brainer. We've redesigned the ghosts to reflect a more humorous haunted house."

Fans of the Haunted Mansion have a list of complaints which include, the removal of the original voice of Paul Frees, the addition of Eddie murphy in several scenes, including the seance room and the inclusion of a hip hop version of the original song "Grim grinning ghosts" now sung by pop star Justin Timberlake. "It's a shame that they are changing, the ride was perfect." Says Chris Knight, a long time fan of the ride.

"There's always some resistance to change." Says Laura Tirips of Walt Disney World design. "I think once the public sees the final product, they will embrace it, this will be the best Haunted Mansion yet."

Wallace Shawn who is providing the voice of Ezra had this to say, "I was really excited when I was asked to provide the voice. I've read the new script and it's really, really funny. I think this will appeal to all ages."

The public will just have to wait and see. -(AP) Gib Seil, Theme Park Press"

A fine example of what not to do with the ride.

**Mouse** · 07-07-2007, 11:56 PM

My Trip is this week. I wish it was open.

**Mickey's#1Fan** · 07-17-2007, 04:43 PM

it was very depressing to see HM closed during my vacation but i must say even the sign on the door left by master gracy was genious and clever so i can only hope they are spurcing up the ride beautifly!!!

**Ultimatewdwfan** · 07-17-2007, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Mickey's#1Fan

it was very depressing to see HM closed during my vacation but i must say even the sign on the door left by master gracy was genious and clever so i can only hope they are spurcing up the ride beautifly!!!

Any pics of the sign that's hanging up?

**Zipadeedooda** · 07-17-2007, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by Ultimatewdwfan

Any pics of the sign that's hanging up?

yea theres a pic somewhere else on this site, but i cant remember where

**Hakuna Matata** · 07-18-2007, 12:12 PM

it was closed during my trip, I was kinda bummed, but I'm really excited to see what changes they make!

**Mickey's#1Fan** · 07-19-2007, 02:02 PM

i didnt take a pic but i kinda remember what it said it was someting to the fact that master gracy was taking a trip to the under world to find some new happy haunts! it was quite clever!