If you’ve ever walked through the western side of Disneyland, you may have noticed a little white house on the riverbank. Okay, maybe it’s not so little…it’s a mansion.
Long before New Orleans Square joined the park in the 60s, Imagineers had conceptualized some kind of haunted manor house – though at first, it was more like a walk-through museum than a ride. Walt allegedly visited the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose for early inspiration, noting strange elements like stairs to nowhere and many long hallways.
The haunted house idea was shelved until the park’s expansion provided both space and ideas for the home’s theming: a southern manor house. Imagineers studied New Orleans architecture, plantation mansions, and southern architecture to design a long-abandoned home for the waterfront.
 Source: Disney Parks Blog
While Walt loved the southern architecture, he was adamant that the house NOT look abandoned. Legend has it Walt said “we’ll take care of the outside and let the ghosts take care of the inside.” So rather than shuttered windows and broken chimneys, Imagineers focused on neoclassical architectural elements, a popular style in the southern US in the 1800s.
Around the mansion, you’ll see white columns, busts, a gabled roof, and ornate ironwork – all common elements of Southern neoclassical homes.
 Source: The Old House Life
The interior deviates a lot from those beautiful southern homes Imagineers drew inspiration from. But hey, ghosts do what they want. The only room that still maintains the decor you’d expect is the entry chamber – though it is a bit dark and eerie (especially at Halloween time). Look around this room and you’ll notice the elaborate chandelier, intricate wallpaper, and intricate design work around the doors and windows.
The Haunted Mansion combines so many elements from real architecture, while managing to look totally unique and instantly recognizable. This building is a focal point in New Orleans Square, inviting countless visitors onto the front porch and into the mysterious realm of happy haunts.
That piece of concept art is legit one of my favorite works of art ever. Absolutely ADORE it!
The various incarnations of the Haunted Mansion in the different Disney parks around the world are some of my favourite attractions. Disneyland Hong Kong’s Mystic Manor is both different in architecture and theme, and great fun!
Totally! I also like the differences in how close you can get. There’s something cool about the fact that in Disney World the mansion is always looming on a hill, and in Disneyland you walk right through the front door 🙂