Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[Smugpugmug]

New Ghoulishly Delightful Ways to Celebrate ‘Haunted Mansion’ Film at Disney Parks

Fri, July 28, 2023

New Ghoulishly Delightful Ways to Celebrate ‘Haunted Mansion’ Film at Disney Parks​

by Cayla Ward, Manager, Synergy & Partnership Marketing



Welcome, Foolish Mortals… to the release of the new “Haunted Mansion” film, now playing only in theaters!
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. Keep your eyes peeled for many easter eggs and nods to the Haunted Mansion attractions that made it into this film!
There’s no better place to celebrate the release of this film than at Disney Theme Parks, and we’re materializing frightfully fun ways to experience “Haunted Mansion” for a limited time.

Hatbox Ghost Coming to Walt Disney World Resort​

Later this year at the Walt Disney World Resort, one of our most iconic specters will set up residence in the Haunted Mansion of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies as they set off deeper into the mansion. Guests will soon see temporary barriers materialize as we await his apparition.

“Haunted Mansion” Costume Display at Disneyland Resort​

For a limited time, guests visiting Disneyland Park can visit the Opera House inside The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to see a collection of concept art, props and costumes from the “Haunted Mansion,” including the ornate dress worn by Madame Leota (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) in the film.
And for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort, stay tuned for a similar display of props and costumes coming to Walt Disney Presents Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park very soon!

“Haunted Mansion” Inspired Treats at Disney Parks​

Disneyland Park​

Look alive! We’re cooking up concoctions inspired by “Haunted Mansion” that are sure to thrill your taste buds!

Haunted Mansion Inspired Pre-Fixe Menu available at Café Orleans featuring the Vanilla Mousse and Seafood Boil

April-December Churro at the New Orleans Square Churro Cart: Strawberry-flavored sugar with fresh strawberries, purple cherry sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and donut icing drizzle

Constance Concoction at Harbour Galley: Potato and leek soup topped with pea flower crème fraiche, herb oil, and fried leeks served in a sourdough bread bowl

Crystal Ball Cereal Treat at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen: Cereal treat in black-colored dark chocolate with teal and black M&M’S embellished with a Madame Leota chocolate piece #MoviesWithMars

Pickwick Ghost Punch at Royal Street Veranda and Harbour Galley‌: A Combination of fruit, citrus juices, and sherbet (Non-alcoholic)

Hatbox Ghost Sipper at select locations in New Orleans Square and Critter Country

Walt Disney World Resort​

Playful Spirits Margarita featuring Patron Silver Tequila with a Fess Parker Big Easy Red Floater and Mickey-shaped Caretakers Beignets dusted with Cookies and Cream Powdered Sugar and a ghoulish Marshmallow Crème drizzle. Both can be found inside Scat Cat’s Club at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Push Pop with a Chocolate Tombstone at Sleepy Hollow inside Magic Kingdom Park.

Happy Haunts Shake at Columbia Harbor House inside Magic Kingdom Park: Blackberry shake topped with purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles.

Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars at The Ganachery inside Disney Springs: Chocolate Ganache Bars with edible image. Bar Flavors: pistachio, salted caramel, chipotle, passion fruit.

“Haunted Mansion” Supernatural Style ​

Come and see your new favorite looks inspired by the “Haunted Mansion” that have floated on over to shopDisney and select retail locations at Disney Parks. The Hatbox Ghost Long-Sleeve T-Shirt features the big and bold Hatbox Ghost on the front, with thrilling tie-dye stripes from top to bottom and is a perfect mix of day and night (that way, you will always be covered when the ghosts come out). The Haunted Mansion T-Shirt for Women shows Crump Manor lurking beneath the surface of Gracey Manor. If you look closely, that’s it, closerrr…. there is an eerie red and black tie-dye that will turn heads (upside down).

Foolish Mortals, you didn’t think we would forget about the kids, did you? Madame Leota waits and watches your fashion sense from the front of the Haunted Mansion “Foolish Mortals” T-Shirt for Kids. For this last apparel piece, expect spectators to stare back at you when you wear the Haunted Mansion T-shirt for Kids.

With this warm gesture, you will be raising the spirits of those who live in The Haunted Mansion when serving this blood red mug. The design shows a plaque with Master Gracey’s initial (G) set between pictures of Gracey Manor and Crump Manor. For even more thrills, The Haunted Mansion Collection can be found at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and on shopDisney. And, don’t forget – beware of hitchhiking ghosts! Blend in and hopefully they won’t follow you home!

Tour de Turtles Madame Leota and Harriet Take to Sea​

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) and Disney Cruise Line are each sponsoring a turtle this year, whose names, Madame Leota and Harriet, are inspired by the live action film “Haunted Mansion.” Through the use of satellite telemetry, partner organization, Sea Turtle Conservancy will track these two turtles along with others to determine how far and where sea turtles swim during their annual migration. The one to swim the furthest distance wins Tour de Turtles! The data collected during Tour de Turtles helps researchers, conservationists and governing agencies make more informed decisions about sea turtle conservation methods and policies across Florida.

Can Disneyland stop getting the better food/drinks? lol

 

[BrianL]

Can Disneyland stop getting the better food/drinks? lol

No. DLR always has the better food.

That sipper is awesome - I hope it's still around when I go in late September.

 

[BrianL]

Saw the movie last night. I really set my expectations too high. It wasn't bad, as others have said. The acting was good, the story was good, there were some nice moments of the mansion being the mansion, but the overall delivery of the story and the directions it took to get there didn't really fill up my expectation meter. I don't think it was any better than the Eddie Murphy version. There were a few times that I wasn't sure why the actual quotes from the attraction were not used, but something similar was said. Etc Etc Etc. There was a character that I really liked a lot, that I wasn't expecting to play a big role, but I'm so glad he did. I don't want to give spoilers, so I can't say who. On the same note, I thought maybe there would be a bigger role of other characters that didn't play out at all.

And now Hatbox Ghost is coming to WDW, which would be great, except why for the love of storyline is he being put at the end of the long hallway before Leota!? Story is important. STORY MATTERS. ::walks away to calm down::

I pretty much agree with you on the movie. It was good, but nothing special. I think if you really wanted it to be special, you'll be disappointed.

I hear what you're saying about the placemtne, but it's not like you don't see any ghosts before Leotta. the Organ player, the coffin guy, even teh busts - they are around, they are just keeping it subtle. Hatbox may just be the kind of ghost that doesn't give a dang about the rules.

 

[Brocktoon]

The Rotten Tomatoes summary is essentially: "Eh, it's fine I guess."

RT's aggregate also trashed the Mario Bros film as well, but was a huge hit that I quite enjoyed. But Mario probably has a much wider appeal across multiple generations. I don't think the Haunted Mansion will resonate with enough people just based on nostalgia and recognition like Mario.

With Barbie still filling screens for families and Oppenheimer (seeing it tomorrow on IMAX) chugging along, it may not look good for Haunted Mansion as people will wait for D+.

 

[Smugpugmug]

No. DLR always has the better food.

That sipper is awesome - I hope it's still around when I go in late September.

Yeah that's a given but can they throw us WDW people a bone? We're literally starving....

RT's aggregate also trashed the Mario Bros film as well, but was a huge hit that I quite enjoyed. But Mario probably has a much wider appeal across multiple generations. I don't think the Haunted Mansion will resonate with enough people just based on nostalgia and recognition like Mario.

With Barbie still filling screens for families and Oppenheimer (seeing it tomorrow on IMAX) chugging along, it may not look good for Haunted Mansion as people will wait for D+.

Mario is a solid 6/10 movie but it gave fans exactly what they wanted. I'm hearing with Haunted Mansion, it has a lot of references to the ride but that doesn't seem to be enough to carry it. It does have a wait for Disney+ vibe to it. It's a shame. The trailer didn't look that bad.

 

[BrianL]

RT's aggregate also trashed the Mario Bros film as well, but was a huge hit that I quite enjoyed. But Mario probably has a much wider appeal across multiple generations. I don't think the Haunted Mansion will resonate with enough people just based on nostalgia and recognition like Mario.

With Barbie still filling screens for families and Oppenheimer (seeing it tomorrow on IMAX) chugging along, it may not look good for Haunted Mansion as people will wait for D+.

Yeah, HM is still a pretty minor IP to be honest. It has its hardcore fans for sure (like ME for one), but it isn't super recognized. Unfortunately, they haven't had the kind of breakthrough hit that POTC had with its first movie.

Jungle Cruise was kinda the same way. they treat it like a franchise movie, but it just isn't that big of a thing. That movie was also pretty good, but just not quite special enough to be more than it is. I think I like it a little better than this new HM movie though.

 

[Brocktoon]

Yeah that's a given but can they throw us WDW people a bone? We're literally starving....

Mario is a solid 6/10 movie but it gave fans exactly what they wanted. I'm hearing with Haunted Mansion, it has a lot of references to the ride but that doesn't seem to be enough to carry it. It does have a wait for Disney+ vibe to it. It's a shame. The trailer didn't look that bad.

Yep. I enjoyed the Mario film as it fed me my nostalgic 'member berries' better than I expected. With the Haunted Mansion, I figured it would need to have a more solid story, which sounds like it may be lacking.

 

[rangerxenos]

Saw the new Haunted Mansion tonight. Pretty cute and funny. Especially for Disney parks aficionados.

How annoying was Owen Wilson? I'm not a fan, and it's one of the reasons I'm considering skipping it until it comes out on Disney+ .

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

This just doesn't seem like something I would want to pay to go see based off of the reviews. That's an issue with a lot of Disney's stuff lately. If this was amazing, I would've gone to see it but I don't want to pay money to see something bad.

I'm still shocked that this cost more to make than Barbie lol

The reviews are really way too harsh. I've stopped paying attention to Rotten Tomatoes.

But Barbie is definitely a better movie. So if one can only see one, I'd pick Barbie.

 

[BrianL]

How annoying was Owen Wilson? I'm not a fan, and it's one of the reasons I'm considering skipping it until it comes out on Disney+ .

Well, he's Owen Wilson. I thought he was one of the better characters, but I also like him just fine. He isn't the most prominent star though. It's really LaKeith Stanfield who is the primary of the group.

 

[MidnightMeeko]

I pretty much agree with you on the movie. It was good, but nothing special. I think if you really wanted it to be special, you'll be disappointed.

I hear what you're saying about the placemtne, but it's not like you don't see any ghosts before Leotta. the Organ player, the coffin guy, even teh busts - they are around, they are just keeping it subtle. Hatbox may just be the kind of ghost that doesn't give a dang about the rules.

There are ghosts, but we don't see them as full apparitions until after Leota and the "beginning to materialize" part from The Ghost Host. Before that we see shadows, movements made by them, and sounds made by them. I'm a stickler, lol.

 

[Smugpugmug]

The reviews are really way too harsh. I've stopped paying attention to Rotten Tomatoes.

But Barbie is definitely a better movie. So if one can only see one, I'd pick Barbie.

Yeah when I saw this was like, 20% rotten, I was like is this movie THAT bad?

Already got my tickets for next friday Going back to Barbieland.

 

[BrianL]

There are ghosts, but we don't see them as full apparitions until after Leota and the "beginning to materialize" part from The Ghost Host. Before that we see shadows, movements made by them, and sounds made by them. I'm a stickler, lol.

No, you're right for sure. But if Hatbox is a villain, maybe they can make it make sense. I don't understand why not put him in the same place he is in in DL right after the attic scene - that corner exists and is empty at WDW.

 

[Ismo]

The reviews for this are worse than I had expected. I didn't think the trailer looked THAT bad (looked better than the Eddie Murphy version but that means absolutely nothing).

I was going to go see it if reviews were decent but guess I'm going to see Barbie again instead.

LOL the worse the reviews are... the more I will; prolly like it. Going tomorrow afternoon, so trying not to be influenced either way

I stopped basing what movies I see on the reviews a long time ago. I found that when I went to a movie that had amazing reviews, I was underwhelmed. But when I saw movies that had bad or mixed reviews, I ended up loving them. Besides, it's a Haunted Mansion movie and I'm a die-hard fan. There's not way I'm NOT seeing this in the theater. I'm not expecting to be amazing or even remotely scary (it's a Disney movie after all), but I am expecting some fan service.

 

[Brian Noble]

The reviews are really way too harsh. I've stopped paying attention to Rotten Tomatoes.

Of the movies that opened on the 28th that have ratings, only three are Rotten: Haunted Mansion (41% as I type this), The Baker (50%), and Susie Searches (54%). In contrast, there are nine rated as Fresh.

I don't think that the reviews in general are harsh so much as the reviewers did not like this particular film. And formulaic films or summer popcorn movies that are still a lot of fun often don't fare well in critic reviews, for the same reason Anton Ego is Anton Ego. The audience score is okay, not great, but it is also early. It will be interesting to see if it "has legs" the way that Elemental seems to have.

 

[HopperFan]

That’s cool! But if he’s a ghost will the liquid stay inside?

I hope once he is in WDW Haunted Mansion they will release him here too!

I NEED THIS to go with my other three.

 

[Justrose]

Man oh man, I hope those treats are still materializing at the end of August in WDW!

 

[crazy4wdw]

Man dies after falling from balcony at the Contemporary Resort:
https://insidethemagic.net/2023/07/death-reported-guest-disney-world-ld1/

 

[Gary Stocker]

Man dies after falling from balcony at the Contemporary Resort:
https://insidethemagic.net/2023/07/death-reported-guest-disney-world-ld1/

The same thing happened but at the Contemporary main building, not Bay Lake Tower, when I was there for our March 2020 trip and they shut down the monorail since it was so close to it. Getting back to the Poly after the boat from Hoop de Doo became quite an adventure (after a pit stop at the Wave- which I miss). Tragic.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I stopped basing what movies I see on the reviews a long time ago. I found that when I went to a movie that had amazing reviews, I was underwhelmed.

Exactly!

Of the movies that opened on the 28th that have ratings, only three are Rotten: Haunted Mansion (41% as I type this), The Baker (50%), and Susie Searches (54%). In contrast, there are nine rated as Fresh.

I don't think that the reviews in general are harsh so much as the reviewers did not like this particular film. And formulaic films or summer popcorn movies that are still a lot of fun often don't fare well in critic reviews, for the same reason Anton Ego is Anton Ego. The audience score is okay, not great, but it is also early. It will be interesting to see if it "has legs" the way that Elemental seems to have.

You're right, harsh is not the right term. It's just that folks don't usually see RT ratings with the kind of nuance you describe, imo. So I'll clarify what I mean: movies that don't fare well with critics can be very enjoyable, but my sense is that seeing a movie rating as rotten = "bad movie, don't watch it" for a lot of people.

ETA: RT's audience score is 83%. Not bad.