If you are anything like Doctor Disney himself, then you probably have a huge obsession with everything to do with The Haunted Mansion. What better way to bring in the spooky Halloween season by discussing a fantastic book about this classic Disney attraction?
The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies by Jason Surrell is a must-have for any Disney Parks or Mansion fan. The book features two forewords by Imagineers Marty Sklar and Tom Fitzgerald, so fans know that they are in for a very special treat.
Like most of the Disney coffee-table-style books, this one offers 132 pages of full color, fantastic art and imagery from conception to “execution.”
In the first section of this book, Surrell gives an overview of the origins of The Haunted Mansion, including ideas for walk-through houses and even a version featuring the Headless Horseman! The Haunted Mansion was a difficult project to get running, mainly due to having multiple projects on the drawing table simultaneously, including those for the 1964 World’s Fair and the addition of Pirates of the Caribbean to Disneyland.
In this section there can also be found a nice overview of the Mansions at Disney Parks around the world. A good deal is spent on Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, which is a wonderful adaptation and re-theming of the original concept.
One of the best features of this book can be found in the second chapter. Surrell cleverly gives us a “tour” of the entire mansion, beginning with the grounds, then to the stretch room, to the load area, and so on, all the way to the graveyard, devoting a few pages to each “room” of The Haunted Mansion, showcasing furniture design, portraits, characters and storyline.
The third chapter focuses mainly on the 2003 film starring Eddie Murphy. Regardless of your opinion on the movie, this section shows some wonderful concept design. It is interesting to see how the attraction’s scenes were adapted to create full, workable sets.
The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies is a wonderful addition to any Disney Parks or Haunted Mansion lover’s collection.
Callie’s Grade: 5/5
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The Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction in all of WDW and pretty much all of Disney. Granted, I only went to Disneyland (my first Disney park) when I was 13 in 1977. I know how much that whole park has changed and look forward to going and enjoying it again (LOVE to go and see the Haunted Mansion in “Nightmare” mode for the hoilidays!). Eager to explore California Adventure, as well. But what I still hope will happen is to see director Guillermo Del Toro do HIS version of the Haunted Mansion, which I read online a while back, is going to stay with the original storyline of the spooky place we all know and LOVE!