Birt Family Focus

The Haunted Mansion -- 12/11/01
Photo by Jay

Today we go a-haunting at the Haunted Mansion. Now there is a story behind the hauntings that some of you may not know about. You see- there is-sorry was- a love triangle between the master of the house- Master Grayson, Madame Leota, and the Bride. I have heard it in various versions but the one I like best is this:

Madame Leota had a thing for Mr. Grayson, but he only had eyes for his bride. In a fit of jealousy, Madame kills the bride in the attic. Master Grayson, overcome with grief, hangs himself from the stretch room ceiling. Madame Leota wants him anyway and spends the rest of her days calling his spirit from the dead, but getting 999 others instead.

Whether that background story is true or not, I don't know, but I like it. ;-)

This attraction is not nearly as scary as I thought it would be the first time I rode it. That was some 30 years ago. It is eerie and dark with some loud noises, though, so littles might get a little scared. It's mainly pretty funny, especially when the CM's are really into their roles. The party in the dining room is the most amazing part and its worth several rides to check out all the ghosts they have in there. My favorite is the drunk hanging from the chandelier as if he might fall- I always though ghosts floated!

There are some neat things to look at and for while you are in queue and on the way out. Look closely at the hearse- it is drawn by an invisible ghost horse, and the casket inside is empty. Some where in the ground you can find the bride's (or is it the Master's? ) wedding ring embedded in the tiles. The cemetery stones on the way in are a very amusing read, as are the crypt covers on the way out.

This is is a "must do" for my family every time we visit the Magic Kingdom. I bet it becomes a must do for yours as well.