While Disneyland has been closing for the past year, Walt Disney has updated Imagineering “The Haunted Mansion” to include old and new effects. Thanks to the LA Times, we have more information on what guests can expect to see again.
As reported yesterday, the painting “April to December” – depicting the horrors of aging – by Marc Davis makes a return to the attraction after it was removed when the portrait corridor was updated in 2005. According to Michele Hobbs, who manages the renovation of the attraction, the painting’s four-scene change did not work with the 2000 technological update, which used two slides. The painting, which Hobbs emphasizes, is the original image just created with the latest technology, is now placed around the corner of the portrait aisle where guests climb on their Doom Buggies.
The area around “April to December” has been further filled in, as it was previously only during the Nightmare before Christmas cover. In addition to the painting and a mysterious door, guests will notice a new image of a cat. This is a reference to an original idea for attraction by Imagine Xavier Atencio. In Atencio’s concept, the demonic cat would have appeared during the ride, looking for a soul to possess. The cat has elongated fangs and one red eye, as a reference to Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Black Cat’. The cathedral was discarded before it came into being, but it eventually returned in this statue form. “You’ll see this beautiful image of this cat,” Hobbs said. “Maybe you see red in his eye. Maybe not. “
More details include new curtains and new props in the attic, including a dollhouse and trinkets from Constance, the bride’s deceased husband. “What we did was just go through all the scenes and add a little candy and flavors of extras to help support each of those ‘love stories,’ if you will,” Hobbs said.
In Madame Leota’s room, a reed chair now floats next to the musical instruments. Although Hobbs says that this design is not taken from the archives, it could be a reference to Imagine Rolly Crump’s concept for the room, with a chair that would come alive.
“There was no history to it,” Hobbs says of the addition of the chair. ‘It was something Kim had [Irvine] investigation. What would make sense? What would work stylistically and creatively and soar in the air? Why not a chair? Maybe from the Mansion porch? ”
Spider floors in the entrance of the Haunted Mansion have been rebuilt and the exterior of the building has been repainted with multiple white shades intended to evoke shadows.
The pet cemetery has a new landscape that includes catnip, frog valleys and more plants linked to each animal. Guests can also see a slight garlic scent near a skunk grave.
“We all love our beloved pets,” Hobbs said of the update. ‘What would you do if it was your pig named Rosie? You would decorate. We treated it like our own pets would do. ‘Roses naturally surround the pig Rosie.
Finally, although there were no changes yet, Hobbs did make calls to remove the hanging body from The Haunted Mansion’s expansive portrait room. “It was definitely discussed,” Hobbs said. “It’s definitely something we’re thinking about.”
It sounds as if the rich narration and mysteries of The Haunted Mansion will only continue to grow as the new elements remain frightened and amazed by these new elements for years to come. What are you most excited to see on the revamped ride? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Los Angeles Times