Fifty-Eight Years Ago...

Merry Christmas From Mouse Troop!

 

Have a wonderful Holiday, everyone!

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Vs. Walt Disney World's

The Haunted Mansion recently closed for its annual Nightmare-Before-Christmas overlay, so here's one last look at HM Classic before Haunted Mansion Holiday opens on September 14th.

I love both the California and Florida Haunted Mansions. Although the rides are mostly identical, each has its own touches. If pressed, I'd say the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion gives a slightly superior experience. The exterior looks more foreboding, and the ride includes a couple of brief, wonderful scenes not found in Disneyland.

Yet there are elements of Disneyland's HM that I prefer. I like entering through the front of the building. I like the fact that the stretching room floor goes down here, as opposed to the ceiling rising in Florida -- it just feels creepier knowing you're descending away from the "living" world. I like walking through the hall of paintings.

And, of course, I grew up with this version and it will always feel like "my" Haunted Mansion. I'm sure Walt Disney World fans feel the same way about their awesome mansion ride.

The Elephant Bathing Pool

One moment, you're cursing at traffic on I-5. An hour later, you could be gazing at this. See, this is why the world needs Disneyland.

No matter how many times people ride the Jungle Cruise, I think -- as they listen to the guide's jokes -- they always forget the Elephant Bathing Pool's coming. Then the boat emerges into the clearing, and you hear that collective gasp of wonderment from everyone, adults and children alike.

I'll bet the guides love that moment.

Where Lightning Got Sentenced

Near the courthouse, right where it should be, stands the famous "Happy Place" spot where Doc Hudson sentenced a horrified Lightning McQueen to hard labor community service while Mater requested $32,000 in legal fees. The courtyard has been "prettified" since Radiator Springs regained its rightful place on the map at the film's finale, and now boasts tail light flowers (love the tire planters) and a bench for human guests.

Here's a side shot to show the spot's placement in the town. It's 7:20 A.M. during Extra Magic Hour, and it seems 95% of the early visitors to Disney California Adventure are in line for Radiator Springs Racers, which leaves the rest of the town open to relaxed, crowd-free touring...until 8:00, when the general public enters en masse. The place is completely believable as a historic, once-forgotten stop along Route 66; it's hard to believe those telephone poles were just installed a few months ago.