One of the most anticipated features of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship is Haunted Mansion Parlor.
We don’t have too much longer to wait until we see the reality, as Disney Treasure sets sail on December 21, 2024.
However, it is a lot of fun to look at what we know about what the design and the experience is going to be like for guests.
The details that we know so far.
THE BACKSTORY AND DECOR
One thing that we knows is that the Disney Imagineers are the masters of creating a wholly immersive environment and transporting us to other worlds and dimensions.
Haunted Mansion Parlor is going to be a fascinating blend of the beloved elements of the park attraction with a new, nautical, back story.
All Concept Art Disney Parks Blog
The new story revolves around a jovial sea captain and his strange, but captivating fiancé. Guests are invited to solve the clues around the bar which explain the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the happy couple.
Here is a wonderful example of how the Imagineers have used a creative concept from the past and incorporated it into the design of the new Disney Treasure bar.
When the original Haunted Mansion attraction was being created at Disneyland prior to its opening in 1969, legendary Imagineer Rally Crump proposed a creative concept for a “Museum of the Weird” exhibit.
Whilst this never came to fruition, many of his ideas for the museum were incorporated into the design of the original Haunted Mansion.
A number of his ideas and concepts have been kept in the Disney vault. And now, more than 50 years later, one of his drawings has been used to inspire the current Imagineers to create a modern “Aquarium with Ghost Fish” for the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
The backstory weaves this Ghost Fish Aquarium into the new Haunted Mansion Parlor mystery disappearance of The Captain and his fiancé.
Legends passed down from the crew tell how that the last time The Captain was seen was when he went to his parlor to enjoy a special meal which was prepared for him by his betrothed.
When the crew went looking for him all they found was his hat which was floating in the Ghost Fish Aquarium
As well as this ghostly aquarium, we now know that there will be a number of art pieces in the Parlor.
Related: Which Disney Park has the Best Haunted Mansion Attraction?
The Haunted Mansion Parlor Art Collection
A very important part of the original Haunted Mansion attraction is its spookily distinctive art collection.
The art work in the Parlor will mirror the style of the attraction which was designed back in 1969. The art will also come to life using new technology – a thread that we have seen for many years in Disney Cruise ship design.
The concept for The Mariner was created by legendary Disney animator Marc Davis.
This art work is already used in the Haunted Mansion attractions in Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort.
New art work has been created for The Captain. We had already seen this picture in the original reveal for the bar.
His lifelong dream of serving on a luxury ocean liner was cut short after his untimely demise, but his merry soul has lingered on in his private parlor.
This captivating picture of the Captain’s fiancé has taken inspiration from Marc Davis’ iconic “cat lady” concept, which was also featured in the original attraction. Inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor, her portrait will flicker to reveal her true form and perhaps, her true intentions.
Look closely at the two versions of the picture. Aside from the obvious point that she has taken on the form of a mermaid. Remind you of anything?
Is that an axe she is concealing in the second picture?
Fans of Haunted Mansion will no doubt see a reference to Constance Hatchaway, also known as The Black Widow Bride who appears in both the Disneyland and Disney World attraction.
How did the Captain and his mysterious fiancé meet? This was when The Captain received a distress call from another ship.
The Captain changed course to attempt to help the distressed vessel, but he was too late. All he found was a ship wreck with a lone survivor floating in the debris.
The captivatingly beautiful survivor had bright green eyes, chestnut hair and a golden key hanging about her neck.
The Captain was immediately smitten and became inseparable. Within a short period of time they were engaged to be married.
THE DRINKS
Unquestionably Disney upped their game on Disney Wish, and in particular in Hyperspace Lounge, on the innovative cocktails that are available.
And it looks as though Haunted Mansion Parlor is also going to offer some spookily innovative cocktails to us foolish mortals.
- Blood orange and sour cherry flavors will harmonize in a shimmering zero proof cocktail served in a specialty mug aptly titled,Sympathetic Libations.
- TheGhoulish Delightwill be an ube-flavored treat that everyone will be able to enjoy. The drink, with hints of sweetness and nuttiness, will incorporate decadent ube fudge, oat milk and tapioca pearls ina purple concoction garnished with a gummy eyeball and ube glitter.
- A spooky twist on a classic margarita, presented to guests amidst a swirl of flavored smoke, will be another signature drink at the Haunted Mansion Parlor. Topped with a lemon salt foam, this tequila-based cocktail will contain a secret message, only to be revealed by black light.
When Hyperspace Lounge was first opened, all the hype was about the $5,000Kaiburr Crystal cocktailwhich is described as the “galaxy’s rarest and valuable cocktail”.This eyewateringly high price fortunately gets you more than just a drink (it includes a visit to Skywalker Ranch).
It will be interesting to see if Haunted Mansion Parlor will offer a similar drink! And what would the “experience” offered with it be?
Related:Disney Treasure Complete Reveal – What is Onboard?
MERCHANDISE
There is going to be huge demand for these items!
These include
- TheHaunted Mansion Parlor Music Boxwill be a keepsake inspired by an eerie music box that will be found inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor. As the rumors go, this mysterious box belonged to the captain’s bride-to-be and only opens in the presence of malevolent spirits.
- Inspired by the old grandfather clock from the original Disney Parks attraction, theHaunted Mansion Parlor clockwill evoke the nostalgic allure of the Haunted Mansion.
- And, a ghost may even follow you home on your voyage… TheHaunted Mansion Parlor Mirrorwill offer a frightening surprise when the hitchhiking ghosts mysteriously appear in the frame.
And just announced are the Tiki Mugs
Disney has said that these will look as though they have been “carved from the worn wooden planks of a ghost ship.” However, the actual material will be ceramic.
So far they have revealed two Haunted Mansion Parlo tiki mugs:
Final Thoughts
The concept at and the details that have been released so far all point to this being an amazing experience. This seems to really have inspired guests from the moment that it was announced.
I know that this is where I am going to be headed first as soon as possible after I board.
I just hope that the issues of Hyperspace Lounge on Disney Wish are not repeated here.
There is no doubt that Haunted Mansion Parlor is going to be popular.
Very popular.
And it is a small space.
Just as Hyperspace Lounge is. And that meant initially long lines, then a reservation system. This lasted for months after the launch, but now it is relatively easy to get a seat in Hyperspace Lounge.
I am sure that DCL will have thought out this issue and perhaps have put a reservation system in place to cope with the initial high demand.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is one of the most exciting new design concepts on a Disney ship – I really can’t wait to experience it.
How do you feel about it?
Alison
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.
