Today, August 9, in 1969, Disneyland debuted the Haunted Mansion attraction New Orleans Square complete with “I Scream” sundaes sold at Carnation Plaza.
One of the parks most endearing attractions, Disney’s Haunted Mansion’s design process began in 1955. Original plans called for an antebellum mansion overgrown with weeds, dead trees and boarded up doors and windows. Walt, however, was not excited about having a run down building in his park and famously said, “We’ll take care of the outside. Let the ghosts take care of the inside”. Construction of the mansion began in 1962 and the exterior was completed in 1963 but was delayed for years due to Walt Disney’s heavy involvement in the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. After Walt’s passing the attraction went through a complete redesign before finally opening 1969. The attraction has been updated over the years but the premise remains the same…999 happy haunts socializing with Master Gracey. And there is always room for 1 more!!
