Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. We’ve been invited by a ghost host to tour this mysterious estate in New Orleans Square. Shall we enter the gates?
Our tour beings in the gardens. There’s a strange organization here; despite the mansion long being abandoned, the exterior and landscaping are in pristine condition. Apparently a former caretaker was known to say, “We’ll take care of the outside. The ghosts can take care of the inside.”
In the rear courtyard of the gardens, we stand beneath a cemetery. A lot of the epitaphs rhyme or describe some slightly strange departures. Here’s hoping we don’t share in their bad luck during our tour.
We’ve reached the southern side of the mansion, and the sweeping porch and wrought iron make it clear we’re in New Orleans. Fun fact: a balcony with post or column supports is actually called a gallery.
We’ve reached the front porch! I can’t believe the ghost host is letting us walk right through the front door. Here’s one space where the mansion deviates from traditional New Orleans design. Most porches have ceilings painted a light color known as “Haint Blue”. Originally, Gullah and Geechee tradition said that the color warded off evil spirits. Others believe mimicking the sky keeps bugs from building nests in the corners. And others still just like the tradition, no matter the reason for it.
We’ve made it inside. I guess we better hurry; we’re being invited into a chamber filled with portraits.
Wait…is it just me, or does this chamber have no windows and no doors…?
I love the haunted mansion in its various manifestations in the different Disney parks. The Mystic Manor in Disneyland Hong Kong is a totally different take on the familiar theme, as well as being a lovely piece of architecture externally.