For years, guests have laughed their way through the end scene of the Haunted Mansion. For something that was an impressive two-way mirror trick at the end of the attraction back in 1971, it has become a classic, memorable element of this much loved attraction. Well…. it seems this is all about to change as a Cast Member has contacted us and given a sneak peek in to what we are to expect.
According to our friend there are several new scenarios that will appear in the finale scene. They did not get to experience all of them but they saw enough. The new system will use a series of sensors, motion cameras and a huge amount of computer power to manipulate the image of you and the ghost. They use a similar technique in the Tower of Terror at both Disneyland and Disneyland Paris when your image alters in the hallway mirror scene.
The new effects will allow the three ghosts (Ezra, Phineas and Gus) to manipulate you as well as themselves. Gone are the days of the animatronic ghost as it will now become digital. This allows freer movement as well as the opportunity to alter, add and remove effects continuously. How about Gus appearing and sitting on your knee? What about the ghosts all cramming inside your vehicle and making you disappear?
Ok, so here are some of the effect our friend experienced. When guests enter the mirror scene they will see that they are suddenly wearing a ghost like version of an item of clothing (in this case a hat) and a ghost materialising and taking it from you. Our witness was unsure as to whether is was Ezra or Phineas who did this, but there is a chance that they could do both.
On a second ride through, they experienced Ezra appearing to sit next to them, lifting their head of their shoulders and then replacing their head with his. This may just take the Haunted Mansion from the comedy, family attraction to verging on a PG13!
As I have said, this was a Cast Member test and is by no way finished. There is still no news on just what will happen when it opens and some of the current ideas may have disappeared. We will have to keep riding until the Imagineers finally open it.