Step right up, foolish mortals, and brace yourselves for a ghostly good time inside the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom! Filled with grim grinning ghosts, singing busts, and hot and cold running chills, this eerie estate is a must-visit for any Disney fan.
But as any Haunted Mansion enthusiast knows, the line to visit the 999 happy haunts can get long, with guests eager to meet the Hitchhiking Ghosts and take a doom buggy ride through this delightfully creepy attraction. Fear not! We’ve unearthed a time-saving trick that’ll have you gliding through those haunted halls just a bit faster.
Haunted Mansion Hacks: Mastering the Stretching Room Shuffle
The Haunted Mansion is brimming with secrets, Easter eggs, and ghostly surprises that keep guests coming back for more. But did you know there’s a nifty way to beat the crowd and save some precious time right in the stretching room? That’s right! Your doom buggy dreams are just a few strategic steps away.
Here’s the scoop: when you enter the stretching room—a magical chamber that elongates to reveal delightfully spooky portraits—you’ll want to pay close attention to where you stand. Once you’re inside, position yourself wisely:
- Entering from the Left of the Fireplace: Stand near the right wall.
- Entering from the Right of the Fireplace: Stand near the left wall.
Why? When the stretching room doors creak open, these prime spots will have you near the exits, helping you breeze past the crowd and into the next part of your ghostly tour. While this trick won’t cut your wait time in the queue outside, it’s a clever way to get a jump start once you’re inside the mansion!
Aneasy-to-remember tip brought to life by theMouselets on TikTok is to stand under the picture of the woman with the umbrella and tightrope. Check out their video below for a visual guide, and next time you’re visiting the Haunted Mansion, give it a try for yourself:
@themouselets here’s a little tip to get on the ride faster! #disneytips #disneyhacks #hauntedmansion #disneyparks #disneysecrets
♬ Grim Grinning Ghosts (Theme from “The Haunted Mansion”) [Instrumental] – Halloween Sound Machine
Related: Haunted Mansion Has a Hidden Message You Must Decipher
The Haunted Mansion Experience: A Spirited Adventure Like No Other
For those new to this ghostly attraction, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect on your spine-tingling tour. As you step into the dimly lit mansion, you’ll be greeted by the disembodied voice of the Ghost Host—your private guide through this supernatural realm.
You’ll glide past eerie scenes like a casket-filled conservatory, Madame Leota’s séance room, and a ghostly graveyard of singing specters. And remember, when the ride nears its end, don’t get too comfortable—you just might find a Hitchhiking Ghost trying to follow you home!
Here’s how Disney describes this iconic attraction:
“The disembodied voice of the Ghost Host is your private guide through the cadaverous realm of an eerie haunted estate, home to ghosts, ghouls and supernatural surprises. Glide past a casket-filled conservatory, Madame Leota’s chilling séance room and a ghostly graveyard of singing specters as you attempt to find your way out. Beware of hitchhikers—these phantom pranksters may follow you home.”
Haunted Mansion’s History and Legacy at Walt Disney World
Opened in 1971 as one of the original attractions at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion has been a fan favorite for decades. The attraction is steeped in rich Disney history, featuring innovative technology, spooky sound effects, and cleverly hidden details that make each visit unique.
From the famous “Hurry Back” voice at the ride’s exit to the ever-elusive Hatbox Ghost, the Haunted Mansion remains one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic rides.
A Spooky Sibling: Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort
Not to be outdone by its Magic Kingdom counterpart, the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park in California also has its own share of ghoulish delights. Nestled in New Orleans Square, this version of the attraction boasts unique elements and a slightly different exterior with a Southern Gothic flair.
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is famous for transforming into a Haunted Mansion Holiday from September through early January, where it gets a merry and macabre makeover inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas(1993). Whether you’re braving the original or the holiday version, it’s a frightfully fun experience that will make your spooky senses tingle!
Another Pro Tip: Wait to Be the Last Out of the Stretching Room
For those who aren’t in a rush, here’s another twist on the stretching room tip: wait until everyone else has filed out before making your way to the door. While this won’t necessarily save time, it’s perfect for guests who want to soak up every eerie detail or capture a perfect photo without the crowd.
Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts!
As you exit your doom buggy, you’ll encounter the infamous Hitchhiking Ghosts—Ezra, Gus, and Phineas—who are always looking for an unsuspecting guest to follow home. Don’t worry, though; these friendly phantoms are more pranksters than poltergeists, adding a lighthearted end to your haunted journey.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Haunted Mansion
- Madame Leota’s Head: The character of Madame Leota is voiced by Eleanor Audley, who also voiced Disney villains like Maleficent and Lady Tremaine.
- Changing Portraits: The stretching room isn’t the only place where things change before your eyes. Look out for the transforming portraits in the hallway after the stretching room—they reveal their true, spooky selves when lightning strikes!
- 999 Happy Haunts: The mansion’s residents are always looking for new recruits. As the Ghost Host cheekily reminds us, “There’s always room for one more!”
Haunted Mansion on the Big Screen
The Haunted Mansion’s spooky charm has also made its way to the silver screen! The first Haunted Mansion movie debuted in 2003, starring Eddie Murphy as a real estate agent who finds himself and his family trapped in a ghostly manor filled with mysterious spirits.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Disney released a brand-new Haunted Mansion film, featuring an all-star cast including Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, and LaKeith Stanfield. This latest adaptation brings a fresh, comedic twist to the classic tale, delighting both new fans and longtime lovers of the haunted attraction.
Have You Tried This Time-Saving Trick?
Next time you’re at the Magic Kingdom, make the Haunted Mansion your first stop and give this stretching room hack a whirl. It’s a simple way to shave a few minutes off your wait time and make your ghostly adventure even more delightful.
Did you know about this secret trick? Have another Haunted Mansion tip to share? Let us know in the comments below and happy haunting!
