If you've already been captivated by the thrills and suspense of the Phantom Manor attraction at Disneyland Paris (and other Disney parks around the world), good news! The Haunted Mansion, a feature film based on the American version of the attraction, arrives in cinemas on July 26, 2023. This is our chance to delve into the history and unexplored mysteries of this famous attraction!
And the attraction is full of secrets and easter eggs. Starting with its very conception... Unlike its counterparts in other Disney parks, the Parisian Mansion has a darker, more elaborate story, influenced by European history and horror cinema. This influence can be seen right from the façade of the dilapidated mansion, which bears a striking resemblance to the mansion inAlfred Hitchcock's horror film Psycho, itself inspired byEdward Hopper's painting House by the Railroad.
The story of the Disneyland Paris attraction also differs from the haunted mansions of the other parks, being more in-depth and more in tune with Frontierland's environment, as it fits coherently into the story the land wants to tell. The plot revolves around Melanie Ravenswood, an abandoned bride whose ghost haunts the grounds in search of her missing fiancé. It's a tragic love story that lends the manor a romantic yet spooky atmosphere. This ghost is joined by that of the bride's father, who is suspected of being responsible for the deaths of the young woman's suitors, and whose tragic fate we discover in the streching room, the very first room we enter, which grows longer as the story progresses.
As for the voice-over, it's the master of horror, Vincent Price, who lends his voice to the ghost who guides us through the mansion. His eerie timbre helped forge Phantom Manor's identity. Although a French version was recorded by Bernard Alane and Gérard Chevalier, the English version with Price is the one that most impressed visitors. Note that Vincent Price's voice can still be heard, since the phantom 's characteristic laugh is his, the attraction's true vocal identity.
Other secrets to be discovered outside the mansion: head for the cemetery, and take a tour of the Ravenswood family tombs. Stand in front of the large anonymous tomb... You should hear a heart beating!
Other graves are those of animals which, positioned side by side, reveal what happened to them, as you can guess the work of the food chain.
Also of note are the graves of the bride's father and mother, Martha and Henry Ravenswood.
Phantom Manor, beyond its ghostly apparitions and spooky atmosphere, is a living testimony to Disney's technological innovation. From holograms to optical illusions, every element contributes to creating an immersive and terrifying atmosphere. The Haunted Mansion will be an exceptional opportunity to experience these chills on the big screen. Ready for a cinematic exploration of one of Disneyland's most beloved attractions, folks?
Location
Disneyland Paris
Boulevard de Parc
77700 Coupvray
Access
RER A station "Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy - Parc Disneyland".
