The HatBox Ghost Returns to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland!
It’s been 46 years since the Hatbox ghost made a rare appearance at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion and he is finally making a return! Yesterday we heard Ryan Gosling is in talks to star in a big screen adaption Guillermo del Toro has silently been working on. del Toro has been working on a deal to create a movie with Walt Disney’s classic theme park ride, The Haunted Mansion. When del Toro announced the film at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, he revealed that the Hatbox Ghost would be a pivotal character in his adaptation.
46 years ago the hatbox ghost effect was tested inside the Haunted Mansion, but was short lived (no pun intended). When The Haunted Mansion opened in 1969, The Hatbox Ghost could be seen in a scene in the ride’s attic. Described as “an elderly ghost in a cloak and top hat, leaning on a cane with a waving hand and holding a hatbox in the other. Rumor has it the illusion didn’t work due to its close proximity to the ride vehicles. The character was removed but very well liked and Disney fans never forget!
Those who have visited the Haunted Mansion over the first few months of 2015 might have noticed a strange temporary wall in the attic. It has been speculated that Disney has been up to something behind the wall, and most of the speculation has circled around the return of the Hatbox Ghost.
The news Haunted Mansion fans have been hoping for was officially confirmed today via The Disney Parks Blog. It was announced The iconic character will return home in May as part of the theme park’s 60th anniversary diamond celebration.
The announcement via Disney Parks Blog said:
You may remember our chilling challenge from a few months ago, in which we asked you to guess which spooky specter was preparing to materialize inside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. Today, I’m excited to tell you that many of you were correct! The Hatbox Ghost is reappearing in May. Here’s a sneak peek!
The Hatbox Ghost appeared in the Haunted Mansion for a short time around the opening of this classic attraction in 1969. Although brief, his presence sparked a decades-long following, and this reclusive resident of the Haunted Mansion was never forgotten. We’re excited that he will soon materialize once again!
We’re also excited because that means there will be awesome new swag!
The Diamond Celebration begins on May 22 at Disneyland Resort in California.
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