Thread: Disney HM - Hatbox Ghost Vid. Surfaces...

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For those of you who are fans of the Disney Haunted Mansion, heres something that will make you shriek Actual video footage of the Hatbox Ghost! Yep he really did exist.. shortly. For those who have no idea what im talking about, heres the story. Supposedly when the Disney (in C.A.) Haunted Mansion opened its doors, there was a ghost called the "Hatbox Ghost" that lived in the attic scene. Due to technical problems with the prop, he was removed. Now the ongoing internet debate is: did the public ever actually see him?

Plenty of photos exist, that were a mock up for promotion. But the official stance was that he was never seen by the public, in the actual Mansion. That he was removed prior to the HM opening to the public. Of course like any good internet rumor, and conspiracy, numerous folks claim that he did exist as part of the ride. Generally these folks were labeled as pure crazy.

The shadow of doubt lay with the folks who claim that "Hattie" was there. Up until recently, it was a hotly argued debate. Well, finally some evidence surfaced. First a photo. 1 photo. The photo appeared to be taken from the ride. But who knows, right? Could be photoshopped or anything. Well lo-and-behold... a video surfaced. A grainy-dark-amateur video came to light. 7 minutes of good info, but you can skip to about 4:30 to get to the jist of it all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnERBLhd5ac

That is really cool!!!

Finally proof!!!!!! Thank you for sharing, I've always been intrigued with the Hatbox ghost mystery!

I read some of the comments of the vid.Maybe I am reading wrong are they bringing back the hatbox ghost?

Originally Posted by buckaneerbabe

Finally proof!!!!!! Thank you for sharing, I've always been intrigued with the Hatbox ghost mystery!

I think most HM fans are/were intrigued. As far as I was concerned, too many photos existed for the Hattie to be nothing more then a prototype or marketing scheme. Of course if you have the kinda cash that Disney has... who knows what they create that is never seen.

Im just glad the video surfaced. A look back in time, if only for a brief moment. My understanding is that the effect never worked consistently from multiple angles. Something to do with too many black lights in the scene. You could make out both heads when only one was supposed to be present. Im surprised they didn't move him to another location. Or do away with the bride, and just feature him.

Now the mystery is, "where did he go?"

Before seeing the actual footage I never could wrap my head around the idea, now that I have seen a glimpse im seriously considering building a similar affect for my yard haunt. Haven't worked out the logistics yet, but I have no doubts it will be added to my list!

A nice bit of history right there. Thanks for sharing the link.

Originally Posted by halloween71

I read some of the comments of the vid.Maybe I am reading wrong are they bringing back the hatbox ghost?

Hard saying. He could just show up one day. Of course if he did make a reappearance, my understanding, he would have to be built from the ground up. Disney doesn't seem to know what happen to the original and no molds seem to exist. My money says he went home with an Imagineer, unbeknownst to Disney officials. I wouldn't be surprised if he did come back. Today's technology would make the illusion a piece of cake compared to the 1960's.

I have some ideas that I would like to explore with. Im thinking using scrim material.. that seems simpler then worrying about black-lights. Then again... I don't know. Got plenty of time

Originally Posted by Saruman of Many Colours

A nice bit of history right there. Thanks for sharing the link.

Hey no problem. Im quiet the fan of the Haunted Mansion. I personally think its the best ride Disney has to offer. I found the info. on another forum that I visit once in a while. Its a site dedicated to the HM.

Wow I didnt realize how slow news traveled in some parts....lol..this is about a year or so old news but it's good to see everyone enjoying it..it's very good indeed.

ST1

Originally Posted by FarmerChad

Hard saying. He could just show up one day. Of course if he did make a reappearance, my understanding, he would have to be built from the ground up. Disney doesn't seem to know what happen to the original and no molds seem to exist. My money says he went home with an Imagineer, unbeknownst to Disney officials. I wouldn't be surprised if he did come back. Today's technology would make the illusion a piece of cake compared to the 1960's.

I have some ideas that I would like to explore with. Im thinking using scrim material.. that seems simpler then worrying about black-lights. Then again... I don't know. Got plenty of time




Hey no problem. Im quiet the fan of the Haunted Mansion. I personally think its the best ride Disney has to offer. I found the info. on another forum that I visit once in a while. Its a site dedicated to the HM.

please post if you do.I am wanting to do a haunted mansion haunt this year and would love to see it.

Originally Posted by halloween71

please post if you do.I am wanting to do a haunted mansion haunt this year and would love to see it.

At the rate I go.. you may be waiting I did pick up a black light today.. didn't know that all black lights are not the same. The wife and I spent this afternoon/evening experimenting with different black light sensitive liquids. Very interesting to say the least.

My basic plan is to build a body. The head on the shoulders will be treated with black light reactive liquids. A black light will shine on it, alternating with another black light that will be inside the hatbox. The hatbox will be black. The front will be black scrim. Another identical head inside the hatbox that will light up and glow when the head on the shoulders goes black... Thats essentially how the Disney version worked (or didnt ) and thats my rather lose plan. Ill definitely do a mock up first... when I do it will be put in the props or tutorial section.

So far with my testing the heads will probably be plaster. Clay absorbed the liquid way to unevenly, and my 4th quality skulls didn't absorb anything. Plaster seems to take the liquid pretty evenly. Thats what I have so far.

Halloween71, since your interested, if you have any ideas please feel free to share them. You can PM me if you like.