Obviously, I’m a Disney Fanatic. I have been since I was 5 years old. Until recently, I was more of a pop culture kind of girl. I knew a lot of useless trivia, and current events from Disney, but I never was much of a history buff. In the process of re-vamping TMSM, I decided to broaden my horizons, and dig back into Disney History. Research, you know? I have always loved the Haunted Mansion, so I began to read. Low and behold, out pops the story of the Hat Box Ghost. I was fascinated….. and a little creeped out too! I know a lot of you know what the story of the Hat Box Ghost was about. I truly didn’t. So, for those of you who were like me, and just saw a modern approach on Disney, here’s a little bit of a history lesson for you.
Back in the 1960’s, even before the Haunted Mansion was opened, Disneyland was busy promoting the new attraction, gaining suspense and curiosity from the guests. There were promotional photos taken, of Yale Gracey, head designer and creator for many of the spooks, which featured a premier of what the ghosts would look like. The most popular picture, and to me the most creepy, featured Gracey with what’s known as the Hat Box Ghost. He was a short, hunched over, scary looking little man, holding in his hand, a hat box. More photos emerged and Disney used this frightening little guy for a lot of it’s merchandising at that time. People were curious about him, and still are. So, what’s the big deal about Hattie? Well, it’s because he simply isn’t there! Promotions, yes. The actual Haunted Mansion, no. But why?
During testing of the different features that were to be in the Haunted Mansion, the Hat Box Ghost worked well. The illusion was that his face would disappear off of his body, and reappear inside the hat box. Pretty cool. When the ghosts were put into the HM, Hattie was put in the attic scene, where the bride is allegedly. When they did test runs for the attraction, they found that while the effect worked in the test rooms, it didn’t work the same in the actual ride. Even though the Hat Box Ghost was already sort of known from the previews, he actually couldn’t reside with the other 998 haunts.
Here is where the debate and controversy comes in. Some say the Hat Box Ghost was removed from the HM before any guests were able to take their first ride. He wasn’t there. Eye witness accounts from some of the guests lucky enough to ride the HM first, say they actually saw him in the attic scene. So, did they, or didn’t they? What’s even weirder, is no one seems to know what happened to the Hat Box Ghost once he was removed from the ride. There are no photos of him, no trace that he was even in the Haunted Mansion, he became almost a myth or a legend. Recently, there was a video released from a home movie, from a guest who rode the Haunted Mansion that first week in Disneyland, and has actual footage of the Hat Box Ghost in the attic. It’s brief, and dark, but you can see him. Creepy indeed.
So, even years and years later, Disney fans are still interested in the ghost that never was. It’s interesting. Controversial. Creepy!! So, where is he? Who knows. What’s really amazing is the fact that he is still a prominent figure even today. To me, the Hat Box Ghost is probably the scariest spirit that was created for the Haunted Mansion. There is something about his face that gets to me, he makes me want to look the other way! Even though I previously wasn’t into a ton of Disney history, this story made me want to learn more. The creation and stories behind our favorite attractions really is fascinating. I hope, after reading this article, that maybe you’d be curious to learn more too!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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The face of the Hat Box Ghost appears several times throughout the Mansion, as pictures hanging in the door-knocking hallway, just before Madame Leota’s seance.
There is a Walt Disney Treasures dvd box set called Disneyland: Secret, Stories, & Magic that had cast members talking about attractions of the past. It mentioned and proved the Hat Box Ghost legend as well. The movies are a little expensive, but I love Disney History and you may enjoy this set as well.
Thank you so much!!!
Absolutely fascinating! The Haunted Mansion is my favorite at MK. Love your blog!!