Both Images Credit: DisneyHaunted Mansion is one of the most iconic Disney Parks attractions of all time. The popular dark ride takes Guests through a mansion of haunted characters while riding aboard a Doom Buggy.
But did you know that one Disney Imagineer actually came up with the concept for a water ride version of the Haunted Mansion?
Related: Guests Experience Secret Entrance to Haunted Mansion
A Haunted Mansion Boat Ride?
According to a D23 article, Disney Imagineer and Legend Claud Coats once developed a water ride version of Haunted Mansion. The ride would have been based in a Louisiana bayou where Guests would float through the ruins of an old plantation house!
D23 explains:
Imagineer and Disney Legend Claude Coats briefly developed a water ride version of The Haunted Mansion in which guests would float through the ruins of an old plantation house partially submerged in a Louisiana bayou.
There was also some concept art from Disney that showcases one of the scenes that would have been part of the boat ride, which you can see below.
Related: OpEd: Disney Needs to Build a Haunted Mansion Resort
Despite Disney not moving forward with that boat ride version of Haunted Mansion, Monster Mansion at Six Flags Over Georgia is similar to this water ride version of Haunted Mansion. So, if you want to experience a non-Disney version of a haunted boat ride, you can head to that amusement park! The official description of this attraction reads:
Climb in your boat and drift into the flooded mansion, if you dare! Every “body” is getting ready for the picnic, but hopefully those tasty humans won’t be the main course. You’ll float through the bog where dementedly devious creatures are crawling around every corner and even flying through the air! It’s an entire world of extremely colorful and creative beasts, with faces you’ll never forget. At the monster reunion, all the funny furry ones have come out to play. Whether tiny or giant, these monsters are having the time of their lives.
A spirit made of smoke beckons you deeper! But don’t go in the marsh—it’s dark and scary in there! Fiery red eyes watch you from the dark, and you don’t even want to know who’s looking. It’s the wildest picnic party in town!
Related: Virtually Visit Disney’s Haunted Mansion Without Leaving Your Home
More on Haunted Mansion
It may not be a boat ride, but it is certainly a Guest-favorite attraction. Guests can visit the happy haunts at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park in California or at Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida.
The official description of the Disneyland ride reads:
Dearly depart into a foreboding estate, drag your body to the dead center of the Portrait Chamber and watch as the walls begin to stretch before your eyes. Climb into your waiting Doom Buggy and embark on a shivering journey into an unearthly realm.
The disembodied voice of the Ghost Host is your private guide through the cadaverous dwelling—home to grinning ghosts and other spectral surprises.
Glide past a rattling casket in the conservatory. Head off to Madame Leota’s spooky séance room. Float by the Grand Ballroom and its waltzing apparitions. Take a spin through a cemetery where the spirited residents regale you with song.
Beware of lurking hitchhikers—these phantom pranksters may try to follow you home!
Walt Disney World describes this attraction as:
A Spirited Tour
The disembodied voice of the Ghost Host is your private guide through the cadaverous realm of an eerie haunted estate, home to ghosts, ghouls and supernatural surprises.
Glide past a casket-filled conservatory, Madame Leota’s chilling séance room and a ghostly graveyard of singing specters as you attempt to find your way out. Beware of hitchhikers—these phantom pranksters may follow you home.
Happy haunting!
Before Entering the Mansion
A musical crypt, a leaky tomb and a ghostly writer are among the creepy haunts you’ll find outside the main entrance. Explore supernatural hands-on experiences—only at Walt Disney World Resort—while you await your fate inside.
Too Scary?
The Haunted Mansion is dark and contains some mildly frightening scenes, but there is no gore, the ghostly residents are friendly and the ride is slow-moving.
There is also a Haunted Mansion attraction located in Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris (it is called Phantom Manor here), and Hong Kong Disneyland (it is called Mystic Manor at this theme park).
Would you have liked to see a water ride version of Haunted Mansion? Let us know in the comments below.
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