My darlings, I’m sure it’s a surprise to no one that I have a certain appreciation for Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. From the grisly corpse of the hanged host, illuminated in the cupola of the stretching elevator by flashes of lightning, to the ghostly visage of Madame Leota calling spirits forth, there is a certain celebration of dark illusion there, as the Disney “Imagineers” reverently placed every last detail of their haunt.
I have a special fondness for the paintings in the “stretching room,” particularly the deliciously precarious Tightrope Walker. As the floor slowly drops beneath your feet, their portraits transform from benign pastoral images to scenes of murder and madness. Long-Forgotten, the repository of all things Haunted Mansion history, recounts the intriguing story of how the Tightrope Walker’s face has changed over time, while The Blogess did a lovely piece on the Tightrope Walker’s particular brand of madness.
If the latest news that Guillermo del Toro is making a Haunted Mansion movie is true, we Haunted Mansion fans are in some rather good company. I was thinking of just this, my dears, when I came across this video to create a lovely 19th-century inspired Haunted Mansion look, complete with doe eyes and upswept curls…perhaps the perfect look for Halloween, should you plan to spend the evening as the hostess of your own haunted estate.
“Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat; call in the spirits, wherever they’re at. Rap on a table; it’s time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond. Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween: awaken the spirits with your tambourine. Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond; let there be music, from regions beyond! Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint, by ringing a bell!“
– Madame Leota, The Haunted Mansion
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Categories: Costume DIY Tutorials, Costumes & Makeup, Makeup Tutorials, Videos
The Year of Halloween 
If the news about Guillermo del Toro doing the movie is true, I’m throwing a Haunted Mansion party. I have such fond memories of my first trip to Disney World, and seeing the Haunted Mansion — it was love at first sight.
And I love the video! I’ve even bookmarked it for future reference.
Glad you liked it, Madame. Can’t wait to hear what you decide to do for Halloween!
Oh, and I assume my engraved invitation for your Haunted Mansion party is already in the mail. 🙂
I’m sending it via Registered Mail and everything. 😉
Oooo, I feel fancy already! 🙂
Growing up I was terrified of everything scary (movies, stories, etc.). I couldn’t step foot in a haunted house without have a nervous breakdown, lol. But the Haunted Mansion was absolutely love at first sight for me too. *sighs* 🙂
Awwww, we’re thrilled to have you in the fold, Mistylayne. 😉
Stay out of my yard!
I was only there looking for my posts, sir!
I love the Haunted Mansion. Every time I go back, I bring my death certificate, just like they ask me to, but then no one ever checks it. Lazy ghosts.
It’s really true, darling. You can’t imagine the ennui that comes with simply hanging around for eons. To be honest, we’ll let just about anyone in if they seem lively enough. 😉
This is by far one of my favorite Disneyland rides. Too bad there’s no video tutorial for being the gator…XD
I think if you dressed up like the Tightrope Walker and added this as your accessory, you would win Halloween. 🙂
haha! I’ll have to think about that one…xD