It was on this day in 1969 that Haunted Mansion, one of the most beloved attractions at Disneyland, finally opened its creaking doors. Construction on the Mansion had begun seven years before, but work ceased on the project when Walt and his Imagineers were forced to turn their attentions to the 1964 World’s Fair. After that, years were spent devising exactly what would go inside the creepy house on the edge of New Orleans Square.
Doom Buggies . . .
Originally, it was conceived that Haunted Mansion would be a walk-through attraction, but with the arrival of the Omnimover transportation system, Imagineers settled on “doom buggies” as a solution. Disney Legend Paul Frees, who provides narration as guests are whisked through the spooky attraction, also voiced narration for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and was the voice of Ludwig Von Drake.
