Ever wondered what eerie secrets lurk behind the walls of Disney World’s Haunted Mansion? Well, you’re in luck boys and ghouls.
The Haunted Mansion
We’re sharing some spine-chilling behind-the-scenes secrets of one of our favorite attractions and we can’t wait to spill these ghostly secrets. Ready? Let’s go!
The real voice behind the famous farewell
As your Doom Buggy makes its way to the exit (we know, we never want to leave either!), you’ll hear a ghostly voice say “Hurry back, hurry back…” but did you know who that eerie voice belongs to?
©Disney
Leota Toombs was a legendary Disney Imagineer who played a key role in bringing the Haunted Mansion, and many other iconic rides, to life. Not only that, but she was also the inspiration behind Madame Leota!
Her face was the model used for Madame Leota’s floating head, which is absolutely iconic. However, Leota Toombs’s voice was not haunting enough, so voice actress Eleanor Audley (who voiced Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty and Lady Tremaine in Cinderella!) provided the official voice for Madame Leota.
Madame Leota
However, Leota Toombs actually voices the final farewell at the end of the attraction. So next time you hear the ghostly invitation to “hurry back”, know it’s coming from an absolute Disney legend!
Why you really need to stand in the DEAD center of the room
The Haunted Mansion’s Stretch Room is one of the most iconic experiences of the attraction. It sets the tone of the story and lets you in on all the haunting fun you’ll be getting into. But if you ever wondered why Cast Members are always instructing you to move to the center, there’s a very good reason.
Stretching Room
The Stretch Room’s door will not close if there are people lurking too close to it. So unless you want to be stuck in ghostly limbo, make sure to move to the dead center of the room.
There’s a reason why cast members at the Haunted Mansion are so serious
While most cast members around the Magic Kingdom are all smiles, you’ll realize that the vibe at the Haunted Mansion is very different. It’s not because they’re not happy to be there, it’s because they are actually in mourning.
Haunted Mansion Cast Members
Master Gracey has departed, and the staff at the mansion are mourning the master of the house. So if you ask them a question and feel like they’re not as cheerful as most cast members, just know they’re immersing you in the story and adding a little magic to your ride experience. The maids and butlers are just playing their parts (Oscars for all of them!).
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is an iconic attraction and there are even more secrets and behind-the-scenes stories to tell, so stay tuned to us here at DFB for more!
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Why has Eleanor Audley never been named a Disney Legend?
Leota Toombs. Her last name couldn’t have been more appropriate for the Haunted Mansion ride.