Disney’s The Haunted Mansion Movie Is Just Like The Ride Equal Parts Spooky and Funny

Last night I attended the advanced screening of Disney's newest take on the cult favorite ride The Haunted Mansion. The original film of the same title debuted in 2003 starring Eddie Murphy, and kind of faded into oblivion. Let's just say it was not Pirates of The Caribbean easily the best ride-turned-film franchise in Disney history. But Disney decided to try again. The Haunted Mansion ride could easily be described as one of, if not the, most beloved Disney theme park attraction. And while it's not my personal all-time favorite (RIP Splash Mountain, that title now goes to Tower of Terror) it is a "must-do" for me when I visit a Disney park.

In terms of Disney fans, I'm probably in the lower tier of those still considered fans. I'm far from a "Disney adult". But I grew up loving the theme parks and still do. I  have visited both US parks- Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort a total of 5 times, and the OG Disneyland Resort twice. But I don't go every year, and unless someone was footing the bill don't have much of a desire to. It's more special to me personally when it's something I don't get to do all that often. All of this to say, I do have a strong sense of nostalgia for Disney, but I'm far from the "die-hard" fan title. I'm much more into the rides themselves than the Disney culture if that makes sense.

Though I will absolutely go see a Disney movie-you know the caliber of what you're getting and the story often has some familiarity. But I don't go see them all, there are numerous I haven't seen.

Cue Disney's Haunted Mansion. I have a lot of fond memories of this ride, so I was instantly intrigued when I heard about the movie. As I noted before the original adaptation, was forgettable. But I had high hopes for this film. And the movie delivered much in the same way that the ride does. While a "haunted" attraction, the ride has moments of humor mixed in with the more spooky scenes. For reference, I rode the ride numerous times as a 5-year-old and don't recall ever being frightened. The movie played on this dynamic as well. Was I ever truly scared? No, not at all. But there are spooky scenes and lots and lots of ghosts. Some were nice and one, in particular, was not so friendly.

There are also numerous moments of humor, many times with the entire theater busting out laughing. These moments were delivered at just the right time and were all very relatable to the age we live in and the places we regularly visit. I want to keep this review completely spoiler free, so you'll just have to trust my lack of examples. There were also heavier themes dealing with loss and grief so that could be something you may want to know about ahead of time. The film is rated PG-13 mainly due to theming more than language or anything that could be deemed inappropriate.

The story takes place in New Orleans and a mansion right outside the Lousiana city, in the present day. It follows a mom and her son, as they move to the area for a fresh start. They find a fixer-upper on Zillow- the Haunted Mansion. Within moments they realize it's haunted and call for help from a variety of characters including a priest, an astrophysicist, a professor, and a medium. Together they set out to save the house and the ghosts. You can watch the trailer below as well.

What I loved most about the film, is the way they incorporated the classic scenes from the ride into the movie. Because you can't make a movie about a beloved attraction, without capitalizing on the attraction. From a scene that gives viewers a glimpse of the ride's "doombuggy's" to the hitchhiking ghosts. There is of course Madam Liota in her crystal ball. The iconic stretching room and its recognizable paintings (which come to life). You get multiple glimpses at the ballroom scene, one of the ride's happier moments. And no Haunted Mansion is complete without its graveyard.

As mentioned above, the film takes place in New Orleans, so if you are expecting to see the Haunted Mansion from Orlando, you won't. The exterior mirrors Disneyland's version of the ride. Which is located in the New Orleans Square section of the park. It's a stately southern mansion. If you've never visited Disneyland perhaps this would diminish a little bit of the nostalgia. But I personally love it.

I'm very glad I saw the Haunted Mansion movie and absolutely enjoyed it. If you've seen other Disney rides turned movies I'd rank it well above Jungle Cruise but not quite as high as the original Pirates Of The Caribbean movie. It was well done, enjoyable, and mirrored the ride in numerous ways. The plot was modern and easy to follow. The moments of spookiness and humor did the attraction justice. My biggest complaint? That the ride's narrator didn't give us the two most iconic quotes in the oh-so-recognizable voice. "Welcome to the Haunted Mansion" and "And consider this dismaying observation: this chamber has no windows and no doors... which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out! A-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!! Of course, there's always my way...”

Were the characters able to find a way out? You'll have to catch the movie which is in theaters Friday, to find out!

I just returned from 5 days at Walt Disney World as a media guest for their Disney Dreamers Academy. This incredible program invites youth from across the country to a conference all about helping them reach their career goals and aspirations. I was in awe of these students and know they will go on to accomplish great things. More to come in the following days about this program. But for now, while I wallow in self-pity that I am no longer on a work-cation I'm going to tell you about the newest rides in Walt Disney World. The last time I visited was in March 0f 209 and there have been several rides that have opened since that time frame.

For these rankings, I'm including 7 rides that I personally had never ridden before this trip. They are the newest rides at Walt Disney World and are scattered between three parks. The rides included are as follows:

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

I realize Frozen Ever After has been open since before my last trip, but the last time I had been at Epcot it wasn't open. In fact, the movie wasn't even out. Overall each of these seven rides were extremely well done and worth a ride for anyone visiting. But if you need to prioritize or just care about my somewhat controversial opinions then keep reading! I also want to say that I have zero emotional attachment to any of the movies or franchises represented in these attractions. So my opinions are based solely on the ride itself as an "outsider" of sorts. Disagree? Let me know your thoughts on social media!

While all 7 of these rides were enjoyable one had to come in 7th. I'll mention this again but when it comes to Star Wars, my knowledge is very limited. I've probably seen one and a half of the movies ever and outside of a few classic characters I don't really know anything. This ride gives you the chance to fly in the Millenium Falcon. It's a simulator ride but has an element of rider control as well.  If you are chosen to be the pilot on this ride (2 riders are) and/or have an emotional attachment to the franchise as millions of people do, you'll probably rank it higher.

Remy's was a very cute trackless dark ride where you are shrunk to the size of a rat and take an adventure around Remy's restaurant. This attraction is in 3D includes so immersive special effects including water and smells piped in. Your kids are sure to love it and it's a great edition to Epcot for families and those who prefer rides.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is a cute and fun dark ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It had me laughing and has some thrills yet remains family-friendly.

I'm sure this is controversial. Rise of the Resistance has been hyped up by everyone I know who has been to Disney since it opened. And don't get me wrong it was fun. I'm sure as someone who understands the storylines it's more immersive. But to me, this ride was just overhyped to a point where it didn't live up to what I expected. In all honesty, it probably couldn't live up to what I expected. It was fun the stormtroopers are a sight to be seen, and the drop part was thrilling. But would I wait in a multi-hour line or pay $20 for a lightning lane pass again? Honestly probably not. If you love Star Wars though, I'm sure you'll be in the very large majority who consider this Disney's best ride.

If you weren't mad at me for putting Rise of the Resistance 4th, you probably are knowing I ranked Frozen Ever After ahead of it. But this ride pleasantly caught me by surprise. I'd been on its predecessor Malstrom, and the ride uses the same track, it's just rethemed to the massive film Frozen. I wouldn't even say I'm that much of a fan of the film, though I have seen it two or three times. This ride was adorable though. It's a classic Disney boat ride, but has a backward section, two drops, and tells the story wonderfully. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The main difference for me between why this is 3rd and Rise of the Resistance is 4th is expectations. Rise didn't meet mine while Frozen exceeded them.

While Tron hasn't officially opened yet in Magic Kingdom I was able to ride this attraction twice during my trip. It's a thrilling roller coaster where you are seated (but almost laying down) on a motorbike. The outdoor section was incredible and it goes so fast my eyes were watering. I would love to ride this at night when the canopy is lit up. My one complaint? I wish it was longer!

Before this trip I fully expected Tron to be my favorite of the new coasters. But Guardians of the Galaxy takes the crown for the best new ride in Walt Disney World. And this is purely on a ride basis as I have never watched one Marvel movie. This coaster is unlike anything I've ever ridden as the cars spin to let you see scenes on the story coaster. It's thrilling, in the dark, and such a smooth ride. I was worried about the spinning, and while I couldn't ride it back to back to back it didn't bother me or make me sick. Hands down recommend finding a way to ride this one!