WDI's X-Scream Makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:17:32 GMT

Great article, Jim! Reminds me why I keep coming back to your site every weekday.

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:42:04 GMT

Man, I don't know if I'm the only one, but I sure thought this article was well worth the wait!!

Great job, Jim! This is the kind of stuff that got me coming here in the first place and it's for sure the stuff that keeps me coming back.

I am SO looking forward to reading the next 4 installments. Having just gotten to experience the "new" Haunted Mansion (during MNSSHP, no less) I'm still fresh off my "WOW!" experience with it ... what the Imagineers did there was truly, truly amazing.

Can't wait to read more!!

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:39:36 GMT

I was just down to the Magic Kingdom in early August and stood outside the Mansion in Liberty Square and pondered what was happening inside this attraction. Now, thanks to JHM I will find out. The next time I am able to go down this classic will be the first place I go.

I also agree with Walt's philosophy of changing and revamping rides and attractions to keep quests on thier toes!

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:16:42 GMT

Ooh, another multi-part series for Jim to not finish!

What's the over/under on how far he gets? I'll bet he doesn't make it to part 4.

(just kidding, keep up the good work Jim!)

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:25:54 GMT

Earlier this year I was in California for Star Wars Celebration and took a side trip to Disneyland. It was my first experience with the Orleans Square version of the Mansion. I was both extremely impressed at what I saw and almost physically nauseated thinking of its comparison to what we have in my own backyard here in Florida. Well, be healed friend, as Liberty Square has nothing to be ashamed of anymore! The upgrades lift the east coast mansion to the top of the heep. I won't spoil any of Jim's upcoming articles, and will save further comments until after, but I will make one observation that I just learned from Jim. As a seasoned guest at the Magic Kingdom, I and my party would always make our way in the Stretching Room to the 'secret panel' that leads to the Doombuggies, this in order to be quick in the queue to board our macabre chariots. After reading Jims article, I'll now linger to listen to the end of the Stretching Room spiel! And thanks for the clarification that it is still Master Frees' vocals we hear. We were debating whether the noble Corey Burton had stepped in to fill the master's shoes!

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:12:35 GMT

This is simply the best "plussing" I've ever experienced at Disney. After seeing what has happened to some other WDW classics (Journey into the Imagination anyone?) I was quite worried about this project. But wow...it's amazing. Sometimes I need to take a long lunch break to sneak down to Disney just to get a fix. I used to skip the Haunted Mansion every couple of trips, but now I have to go on it multiple times just to try and catch all of the new stuff. Thanks for the story Jim, lots of stuff I haven't noticed yet but will keep and eye and ear out for in the future.

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:23:28 GMT

Looks and Sounds great I hope they continue to Plus other attractions in the Magic Kingdom ...

and I hope these new changes are not added to Disneyland for one I would like uniqueness at each of the parks wow what a concept

re: WDI's X-Scream makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:59:49 GMT

Now this is exactly the type of article that hooked me on this site to begin with!

These 'plussings' were not only much needed but great improvements. The audio improvements alone seem incredible.

Great story Jim... looking forward to the others in this series!!

re: WDI's X-Scream Makeover of WDW's Haunted Mansion: Part 1

Jim Hill — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:11:49 GMT

Great article Jim.

I've always loved the Haunted Mansion, and I can't wait till I'm in WDW in January to experience it.