Behind the Screams: The Making of Haunted Mansion Holiday (2010)

Long before Haunted Mansion Holiday became a seasonal staple at Disneyland Park, a behind-the-scenes featurette provided fans with a rare glimpse into how it all came together. The Making of Haunted Mansion Holiday was produced in 2010 as a bonus feature for the collector’s edition DVD box set of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

This documentary pulled back the curtain on one of Disney Parks’ most ambitious overlays, blending the gothic charm of the classic Haunted Mansion with the whimsical darkness of Halloween Town.

A Spooky Seasonal Tradition Comes to Life

Haunted Mansion Holiday debuted at Disneyland in 2001, transforming the iconic attraction each year with characters and themes from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The overlay has since become a must-see during both Halloween Time and the Holiday Season, especially at Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.

The 2010 behind-the-scenes documentary details how Imagineers, designers, and technical experts reimagined the Haunted Mansion while preserving the integrity of the beloved original.

Insight from Imagineers and Designers

The feature includes interviews with Walt Disney Imagineering creatives, including:

• Art directors and set designers
• Audio-animatronics engineers
• Visual effects and lighting specialists

They discuss everything from animating Jack Skellington and Zero to designing the massive gingerbread house centerpieces that change yearly in the Grand Hall. Viewers also see how Disney balances the spooky with the playful, keeping the experience fun for guests of all ages.

Bonus Content Worth Rewatching

While it was quietly released as a DVD bonus feature, the Making of Haunted Mansion Holiday has since gained cult status among Disney Parks fans. It captures the meticulous planning, seasonal hustle, and creative passion behind one of the most detailed overlays Disney has ever produced.

If you own the 2010 DVD box set of The Nightmare Before Christmas, dig it out and revisit this gem. If not, keep your eyes peeled—it occasionally resurfaces during Halloween specials or on fan channels online.

A Nightmare to Remember

The Making of Haunted Mansion Holiday is more than just a behind-the-scenes clip—it’s a celebration of Disney Imagineering, Tim Burton’s unique vision, and the magic that happens when two franchises collide in one chillingly cheerful experience.