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Haunted Mansion (2023) Easter Eggs Every Disney Fan Should Spot

August 12, 2023

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Travis (Chase Dillon), Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), Father Kent (Owen Wilson), and Harriet (Tiffany Haddish) stand in the entrance to the “stretching room” in the film Haunted Mansion. All five are looking out at something offscreen, with Gabbie holding up a flashlight. Behind them, one of the iconic portraits from the Disney Parks Haunted Mansion attraction in its unstretched form is hanging on the wall.

Disney’s Haunted Mansion (2023) draws direct inspiration from the beloved theme park attraction, and it’s bursting with fan-favorite nods and clever callbacks. From iconic characters to detailed set pieces, the film is packed with references that die-hard Disney fans will love.

A teal, transparent ghost in a top hat and cape has his back to us as he plays on a pipe organ. Most of the room is in darkness, except for the ghost, his instrument, and a ghostly woman leaning on the right side of the organ.

Classic Characters Come to Life

Several familiar ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction make appearances in the film. You’ll spot the Hitchhiking Ghosts in Ben’s nightmare and see Madame Leota and the Hatbox Ghost brought to life by Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto. Additionally, background appearances by the opera singer, duelists, and ballroom dancers tie the film to its theme park roots.

A grandfather clock designed to slightly resemble a red-eyed face with sharp teeth. The face of the clock is numbered to 13, instead of the traditional 12.

Iconic Scenes Reimagined

Many iconic attraction scenes are recreated on screen. The séance room, stretching room, endless hallway, and the grand dining hall—seen from above just like in the ride—all get their time to shine. The film also pays homage to the ride’s ticking clock striking 13 and features several of Madame Leota’s original lines.

Famous Haunted Mansion Quotes

Fans will enjoy hearing lines like “Welcome, foolish mortals” and “There’s always room for one more.” Even the musical score features “Grim Grinning Ghosts” as a motif throughout the movie, leading up to a full performance during the film’s finale.

Ghostly Companions Follow You Home

Just like the attraction’s Ghost Host promises, a ghost follows the characters home. Ben, Travis, and Bruce each experience hauntings after leaving the mansion. Their ghostly companion, the sea captain, is a nod to a character from Haunted Mansion’s early conceptual history.

Actor Owen Wilson (left) is seated as he prepares to film a scene for Walt Disney Pictures' Haunted Mansion. Justin Simien (right) stands above Wilson, giving him direction.

Art and Design Inspired by the Parks

Stretching portraits, Marc Davis’ classic artwork, and changing paintings from the ride make appearances throughout the mansion’s halls. Even Harriet’s haunted chair resembles a Doom Buggy, offering a fun visual callback to the attraction’s iconic vehicles.

Disneyland Details

Director Justin Simien, a former Cast Member at Disneyland, paid tribute to the original park. The mansion’s facade, the stretching room, and even the film’s opening angle match Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square.

A still from the 2023 film Haunted Mansion, showing the exterior of the mansion at nighttime. In front of the mansion, a fence leads towards the camera.

The exterior of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion at nighttime. The mansion is white and features four tall columns in front, connecting the first two floors of the house. In front of the mansion is the attraction’s queue, a pet cemetery, and a horseless hearse.

Walt Disney World References

The film also tips its hat to the Florida mansion. Look for the busts that follow your gaze—just like in Walt Disney World’s library scene. Crump Manor, a secondary mansion featured in the film, shares the Dutch Gothic architecture seen at Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square.

The Hatbox Ghost stands at the end of a hallway, bathed in teal light. In his hands is his hatbox, which is emitting yellow light. The hallway surrounding him is lined with paintings and busts.

The exterior of Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion at nighttime. The mansion is covered in brick and designed in the Dutch Gothic style, surrounded by skinny tress. Yellow-orange light glows out of some of the windows.

A Loving Tribute

Haunted Mansion (2023) isn’t just a movie—it’s a love letter to Disney Parks history. With its blend of story, nostalgia, and attention to detail, fans of all ages will find something to appreciate. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a Haunted Mansion superfan, this ghostly flick is worth a second look to catch every hidden gem.

So next time you watch, hurry baaack… and see what you may have missed!

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