I won't embarass myself by telling you how many times I've been to the Magic Kingdom this summer alone (more than most people go in their lifetimes) but tomorrow I go for a special reason. It is the (un) official 40th anniversary of my favorite attraction: the Haunted Mansion.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5hMqWl7TkwKtTYC-du9lIORFni1A7A4dACLP5Q0dbdT1GhISftSmdLvaUxdKVTg4F0NGf_G_MmCAizzIAvD9pPMgopV3ZTg3UbhYpW-lpwRhz25E5C1IyV8b-SHShSfVOgd3QdhhQovs/s320/hauntedmansion3.jpg)
Built in 1964 and finally "populated" by ghosts in 1969, the Haunted Mansion is the easily (IMHO) the world's best dark ride. It serves as a constant inspiration to me as a game designer - the way it uses space, sound, lighting and simple but effective effects to bring its 999 grim grinning ghosts to life. But my favorite phantom isn't even in the ride.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi4jEQpaA_Td7KIG11Lp5O1MRC-a1jbnN85kVghq_Kqs9kKOZ9W1NmkTapF6QAjQb7VnyVINN07qrgw9slh9j-qtpaVXKeu0-Sz8R5PJ97kzK39Izl37UBwEfvIt5INdniM5uqFlkVS6i/s320/K&J+HBG+Full+Figure.jpg)
This the infamous Hatbox Ghost. This fine fellow appeared only for the first month of the ride's life and was quickly taken down because his effect - which gave the appearance of his head disappearing from his body and appearing in the hatbox - never worked correctly. Here's what he looked like... actaully, this is a full-sized reproduction - an item you can bid on at the upcoming D23 expo - isn't it gorgeous? If only I had the money and space...
Anyway, rumor has it that the Hatbox Ghost will be returning to the Haunted Mansion during the 40th celebration. Well, I just can't missing welcoming the old boy home if it is true. So tomorrow night at midnight, I will be crusing along in a doombuggy, hoping to catch sight of a hatbox clutching ghost.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DoWoXoRkBWRZyDf8U60EVKd5NaYb5aGhjoV5ednsDsSESsCXOi-h5G1zwBe8autzP3CX6oEdX69JRBeJ2EssSnZ59SgP5WDyw3lcjBVoNUN-v8K5-JDB8pewv5b5o5E5hYEvR7Zof0pS/s320/K&J+HBG+Face.jpg)
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