DoomBuggies.com / TellNoTales.com Official Weblog

Corey Burton on voicing the 'Ghost Host'

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:59:00 +0000

burton_as_ghost_host.mp3 Listen on Posterous

DoomBuggies.com's Chef Mayhem, along with the rest of the Mousetalgia podcast crew, recently interviewed Disney voice actor Corey Burton for the April 18, 2011 episode of the Mousetalgia podcast. In this advance excerpt, Burton discusses channeling legendary voice actor Paul Frees to voice the Ghost Host for the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, which has been installed annually at Disneyland since the fall of 2001.

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Untitled

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:07:00 +0000

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Orlando_HM_Organ_Sheet_Music.mp3 (772 KB)

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DoomBuggies talks to Black Widow Bride Kat Cressida

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Happy Halloween, Foolish Mortals!

I hope that this tricky season is treating you well! Having barely recovered from the numerous 40th anniversary celebrations for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, DoomBuggies has another special surprise for you this week: a new Mousetalgia podcast featuring an interview with Kat Cressida, the voice of the Black Widow Bride in the Haunted Mansion attic. (Mousetalgia is the official podcast of DoomBuggies.com.) Kat talks to us about getting the role, the history of the Mansion, and the secrets inside the attic. We also discuss all the Halloween happenings at Disneyland park - so for some spooktacular fun, you won't want to miss this episode! You can either go to iTunes and search for Mousetalgia (this week's episode is 52), or you can listen directly from:

http://www.mousetalgia.com

Here's another spectacular treat for you: recording artist Keith LuBrant has recorded a phantastic rendition of "Grim Grinning Ghosts," and he's offering it this season as a free download! Grab it while you can:

http://www.lubrant.com/ggg/

If you missed out on all the excitement over the past few months as Disneyland celebrated the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary, don't hesitate to join the DoomBuggies.com forums and read all about the recent happenings, art releases and events. Rumors are flying about the Hatbox Ghost's eminent return to the Mansion - so be sure to join our forums for the latest news and reports.

http://disneyshauntedmansion.yuku.com

You can also join us on facebook, to keep up with all the day-to-day Haunted Mansion news and features. Become a fan today:

http://www.facebook.com/doombuggies

That's all for now... have a safe and scary Halloween!

-The Chef

Thurl Ravenscroft - the lost interview

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Hey, Ghost-fans...

Now playing on the Mousetalgia podcast (Episode 44): A never-before-heard interview with legendary Disney voice Thurl Ravenscroft in honor of this week's CD re-release of "The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion" record album. Subscribe at iTunes or listen at http://www.Mousetalgia.com.

RIP.

DoomBugs at the Haunted Mansion's 40th birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:01:00 +0000

On August 9, 2009, the Haunted Mansion celebrated its 40th b-day in style, with an artist signing at the Disneyana store in the morning by Shag, and a gathering of DoomBugs (above) to celebrate the Mansion's birthday properly. On the evening of August 8, a private "Swinging Wake" was held at Disney's Paradise Pier to honor Shag for his new release of 13 frightful Haunted Mansion images, featuring an open "Shagtini" bar, an undertaker jazz band, and endless sweets and hors d'oeuvres. But the real star of the weekend was the Haunted Mansion, which was open at midnight Aug. 9th to a select family for the first-ever sleepover in the manse. A live webcam of the entire night showed some mysterious goings-on... including a serenade by the Hitchhiking Ghosts themselves! Amazing!

Be sure to listen to this week's Mousetalgia podcast for a special Haunted Mansion birthday episode!

RIP.

An interview with Haunted Mansion voice actor Dal McKennon

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:29:00 +0000

As many of you are no doubt aware, Disney voice actor Dallas McKennon passed away last week at the age of 89. McKennon had a long and successful career, providing voices for all sorts of Disney projects, including records, films, and the theme parks.

As Haunted Mansion fans, you might take particular note of the fact that McKennon created many of the sounds and voices in the Haunted Mansion, including the whimpering dog at the caretaker's side, and the long, howling scream heard in the stretching rooms.

This week (July 20-26, 2009 - Episode 37), the Mousetalgia.com podcast contains an exclusive interview with Dal McKennon from 2003 that was never broadcast. It provides some wonderful insight into the life of an often-overlooked Disney star. We also discuss the current Haunted Mansion "O-pin House" events going on at Disneyland - so give it a listen!

http://www.mousetalgia.com

or find us on iTunes and subscribe there.

RIP,

-The Chef

Haunted Mansion voice actor Dal McKennon dies at 89

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Voice actor Dallas ("Dal") McKennon has passed away at 89, just shy of his 90th birthday, which would have been July 19. While best known for his extensive work as a voice for various animated features, McKennon also voiced numerous voice tracks used in the Disney theme parks - most notably his warning for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, in which he exclaimed "Hold on to your hats and glasses... this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!"

Mansion afficienados might note that McKennon also voiced the deaf old man in the Haunted Mansion's graveyard, who, unable to decipher the mummy muttering through his bandages, has been doomed to an eternity of croaking out "What's that? Louder!" Additionally, McKennon claimed that he was also the voice behind the whimpering dog outside the graveyard gates, as well as a few assorted moans, groans and wails from inside the attraction - including the famously horrifying scream inside of the stretching gallery.

"Since he does some of the Haunted Mansion screams, his fans may be interested to know that he can be seen doing that on-screen in the schlocky Vincent Price movie "The Tingler," if they remember that one," recalled Tim Hollis, author of Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records. "Toward the end of the picture, Dal appears as a projectionist in a movie theater, with a giant rubber grubworm locked around his throat. Dal then lets loose with practically the same scream you hear in the Haunted Mansion stretch room."

RIP, Dal.

Read the full article here.

Join DoomBuggies at a Bridal Bash Banquet!

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:57:00 +0000

DoomBuggies presents The Bridal Bash Banquet at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 from 3 to 6 p.m.

As the 40th Anniversary of our favorite haunted domicile draws near, we at Doombuggies decided that one party just wasn't enough. Since all of us here are part of one huge haunted family - and since families always help with weddings - we figured it was only appropriate to throw a Big Bridal Bash to help celebrate dear Constance's betrothal.

So you are all cordially invited to attend a special celebration on Tuesday September 8th, 2009!

Our Bash will feature special guests, a live emcee (or a dead one if he'll work cheap enough), photo ops, and a killer buffet that will leave you dying for more. This will be THE social event of the season. If you're heading out to the HM 40th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland (or even if you're not), make plans to drop by and join the fun at this swinging shower. And we've planned around the official Disney events so you won't miss a thing. The New Orleans-themed Jazz Kitchen is just steps away from Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel, in the Downtown Disney District.

This event is going to be a scream, so send your RSVP today and help us redefine "wedding party!" Space is limited and tickets will sell quickly, so start making final arrangements now.

Tickets are $49.99, and are available by sending payment via Paypal.com to chefmayhem@aol.com. The deadline to purchase tickets is June 1, 2009. We hope to see you there!

RIP.

Before the Mansion, there was Sarah...

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Back in the early '60s, a group of WED Imagineers traved north to San Jose to visit Sarah Winchester's Mansion, commonly known as the "Mystery House," as research for the still-in-development Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. In today's edition of the Santa Maria Times, Julia McHugh takes readers on a quick tour of the San Jose attraction:

"I watch my 8-year-old daughter’s eyes grow large as Mr. Chapels talks about Mrs. Winchester’s eccentricities: how she became a recluse, refused to be photographed and kept a black veil over her face at all times.

"'She lived here alone and consulted no architects,' he says, 'simply constantly built, tore down, and rebuilt until her house towered seven stories high.'

"My 13-year-old leans over. 'Demented,' she says with a grin. I smile, but I’m nervous to be here. I take her hand..."

Read the entire article here.

RIP.

D23 - to be or not to be (a member)...

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:41:00 +0000

Today, the Disney Company unveiled its new official fan "community," which they call D23 (and have been mysteriously promoting with a viral "Are you 23?" campaign for past few months.) I was able to participate in a conference call this afternoon with Steve Clark, the head of D23; Dave Smith, head of the Disney Archives; and Marty Sklar, Imagineer and Disney Legend - along with other members of the media and high-profile Disney fansites and internet communities.

At its most basic, D23 is a pricey fan club, though it appears you will get what you pay for. Annual membership is $74.95, which includes 4 issues of the quarterly "D23" high-end publication, which will not include advertising (save the fact that the entire thing is promotional, to an extent); reduced admission to the D23 Expo, to be held for the first 4 years or so in Anaheim, CA (this year's event is scheduled for Sept. 10-13); a special gift (which Steve Clark mentioned he'd be proud to display in his own home, after noting that it wasn't just a pin); and opportunities which are too vague and/or preliminary for the officials to announce just yet. When asked about the price point, Clark pointed out that they are making every effort to keep the website full of insider information and wonderful content that can be accessed by anyone on the internet for free - and the initial launch of the site is, in fact, impressive.

Clark did indicate that some of the members-only opportunities could include advance screenings of Disney or Pixar films, exclusive evening events in the theme parks, and possibly advance opportunities to experience new attractions in the parks, as annual passholders have been able to do in the past. In fact, Clark often referred to D23 as a sort of corporate umbrella that encompasses and ties together all the fan-style business units currently employed throughout the Disney corporation, such as Annual Passholders, DVC members, Disney Movie Rewards members, and Walt Disney Collectors Society members.

A lot of the conversation during the conference call was directed toward the intent of the new club. While Clark called it the first Disney-authorized fan community (somehow, I guess the early Mickey Mouse Clubs don't count, as they were run by the theaters with tacit company approval), it also seems that the club will serve as yet another conduit via which collectors can get their share of "exclusive" merchandise, which they call the "Disney Archives Collection." The D23 team will be working with the existing creators of Disney merchandise (such as Disney Shopping, the theme park merchandise division, and Walt Disney Collectors Society) to create unique pieces available only to D23 members.

Early concern that the corporation might be trying to compete with Disney fan communities (both offline, such as the NFFC, and the numerous online forums) was generally dismissed by Clark, who feels that the Disney Company has a broad enough fan base and collection of properties for there to be "room for everybody." There doesn't seem to be an indication that the D23 website is trying to draw together individuals in any way other than offering logo wear and hosting events, at this point. And Dave Smith was quick to point out that the Disney Archives has every intent to continue their long-standing collaboration with the NFFC, which is an independent fan organization based around an annual convention.

Which brings us to the D23 Expo, which Clark compared vaguely with ComicCon or Star Wars Celebration, both of which are massive fan gatherings. While the D23 staff kept their cards close to the vest, some things mentioned that may occur are numerous celebrity appearances, artist signings, fan tables and booths to buy/sell/trade Disneyana, previews of upcoming attractions and movies, and everything you'd expect from a massive corporate fan event. The first few events will occur at the Anaheim Convention Center, and there should be hotel deals available for attendees. The event will be open to the public at a cost of around $35/day, though D23 members will get reduced price admission.

Overall, the effort feels overdue, though it still smacks of yet another means of presenting corporate PR. From a Disneyana collector's point of view, joining the club is a must-do; but casual fans will have to decide on their own what this means for them personally. On a number of occasions, Clark pointed out the importance and uniqueness of the corporate legitimacy of the event, as it pulls together input and cooperation from Disney's myriad "business units" (the theme parks, the merchandise, the films, Pixar, Imagineering, etc.) But as a launch, I was hit in the face with the myriad purchasing opportunities.

It's not an easy thing for a corporate entity to launch a fan club in celebration of themselves without handing out rose-colored glasses along with the membership card. But perhaps, as Disney has shaped so much of popular culture over the past 80 years, the time is ripe for an insider perspective, even if it's a Disney-sanctioned perspective. One thing Clark and Sklar repeatedly stressed was that they wanted to throw open the doors to the Disney Archives, to show the fans the real treasures from the company that have been long-since buried (and perhaps to sell them a Mary-Poppins-Prop-Replica-snowglobe, while they're at it.) And that doesn't sound like a terrible formula at all.

In closing, Marty Sklar stressed that this was "not about finding ways to sell more merchandise," and he pointed out that the venture is a real opportunity for fans to come together with the Disney corporate entity, and each other, in the process. Time will tell.

Haunted Mansion event sells out in "minutes"

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Recession? What recession?

To no one's (except Disneyland's, apparently) surprise, the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary event scheduled to be held on 9/9/09 at Disneyland sold out almost immediately. Tickets to the $475 and $430 packages were snapped up within 5 minutes of going on sale Tuesday, and the remaining packages at $250 and $85 were gone within 2 hours after going on sale Wednesday, according to the OC Register.

Server overloads caused the ticketing website to crash beginning at least 20 minutes before the tickets were even released for sale at 11:00 a.m. PST, and extensive frustration was evident among fans that weren't able to secure tickets.

Complicating matters this year is the fact that Disney recently implemented a single-ticket-per-purchase regulation, meaning that a number of attendees only were able to get a single ticket for their party - IF they were lucky enough to even get that.

Reporting that one ticket agent called the situation a "fiasco," a DoomBuggies.com forum member, who wanted to get the second member of her party on the waiting list for a ticket, said that the agents "were looking on in horror as all the problems went on, and [he] sympathized with me, even though there was absolutely nothing he could do to help other than put us on a waiting list that he informed me 'was so long at this point that literally every attendee would have to cancel for us to call you.'"

DoomBuggies is tentatively planning to host a party for Haunted Mansion fans that wish to congregate the evening before the official event near Disneyland Park, whether they are able to attend Disneyland's event or not. Stay tuned to the DoomBuggies.com forums for upcoming details.

Read a brief story in the OC Register here.

RIP.

RIP, Uncle Forry

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Forrest J. Ackerman has passed away at the age of 92. A legend in the horror and sci-fi community (in fact, Ackerman is credited for creating the term "sci-fi"), Forrest was loved by his fans, and opened his home to them weekly for years, showing off some of his varied items from a fascinating cabinet of curiosities (most of which, however, were famously and unfortunately sold off a few years back due to Ackerman's financial situation.)

DoomBuggies owes a special debt of gratitude to Forrest, as he personally awarded DoomBuggies.com its first award almost 10 years ago - the "4E's Faves" award. I was informed by a friend and assistant of Forry's that he had, in fact, admired DoomBuggies.com, which is one of my greatest claims to fame.

I remember seeing Uncle Forry walking through the HauntX convention hall a couple years back when I was hawking my book and giving a presentation on the Mansion. It was my only time in his presence, and I regret not finding the time to take one of the storied morning fan tours he offered of his home. I had been contacted to create an official website for Forrest a while back, and had been working on it on- and off-again over the past few months. Perhaps I'll be able to finish it as a tribute to Forrest, the "Ackermonster" of Hollyweird.

RIP, Uncle Forry.

Haunted Mansion 40th anniversary news - and a DoomBuggies' sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Greetings, Foolish Mortals!

Happy holidays! The big news, if you haven't already heard, is that Disneyland Resort has announced not one, but TWO major events in celebration of the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary next year!

First, on Aug. 8 & 9, Shag will be hosting an exclusive cocktail reception and art release at Disneyland Park. The reception is the 8th, with an exclusive opportunity to purchase art, and the Disneyana Store signing is the 9th in the park. The art is to die for, of course (no pun necessary.)

Then, a month later on Sept. 9, Disneyland will be hosting an official 40th anniversary merchandise event (on 9/9/9, naturally!) This event, focusing on the bride's tale, will include 4 tiered admission packages and plenty of great art and memorabilia collecting opportunities, as well as a Haunted Mansion panel discussion of some sort.

Both events sound like can't-miss opportunities, and you can learn more about them at www.disneygallery.com (and join the conversation at the DoomBuggies forums at http://disneyshauntedmansion.yuku.com to keep up on the latest breaking news and rumors!)

In honor of the holiday shopping season, DoomBuggies is having a blow-out merchandise sale. Our basic black logo t-shirts (which are not available on the website - only at rare DoomBuggies events, and consist of the DoomBuggies.com logo and mascot in ghostly white, on a midnight black shirt) are now just $9.99, and for a limited time only, fan club kits (which include a newsletter, bumper sticker, cloisonne pin, exclusive pressed penny, and more) are reduced 25% to just $14.99. Shipping is $5 on all orders. Shirts available in L, XL or 2XL. Both shirts or fan club kits make great stocking stuffers, and are limited in quantity, so order yours today. These mailing list specials are only available by sending payment via paypal to chefmayhem@aol.com, and listing what you would like in the comments. Shipping is just $5 regardless of the size of your order.

I'm currently sold out of signed copies of my book ("The Secrets of Disney's Haunted Mansion"), but if you order a copy between today and Christmas at http://www.lulu.com/content/217810 and email me a copy of the receipt, I'll mail you a signed bookplate free of charge.

Here's hoping you and yours have a fantastic Thanksgiving and holiday season - and take a chance to rest in peace!

-The Chef
DoomBuggies.com

Special Halloween Haunted Mansion Podcast is Online!

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:56:00 +0000

Special Halloween Haunted Mansion Podcast is Live!

Hello DoomBuggies fiends,

The current episode of the Mousetalgia podcast (featuring "The Chef" from DoomBuggies) is all about Disneyland's Haunted Mansion - so drop by and download it for some good old-fashioned Halloween fun!

Learn some of the lesser-known facts about the Mansion and impress your friends with your amazing head full of Disney trivia! Discover how technology from four separate centuries has been combined to create this masterful attraction. Hear some spooktacular sound effects straight from the ride - and enter a contest for some really cool prizes! All this and more awaits you...

Search for "mousetalgia" at the iTunes Store, or subscribe and/or listen directly at http://www.mousetalgia.com.

RIP.

P.S. Pass this note on to your friends, if you think they'd like to listen in as well. Thanks!

Disneyland's Master Carver shares Jack-o-Lantern tips

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Georgina Johnson, the master carver for Disneyland Resort, has created many pumpkin- and squash-based characters for Halloweentime at Disneyland Park, including carved pumpkins found in front of the Haunted Mansion. In this brief clip, she shares some tips:

RIP.

"The Haunted Mansion" to air on ABC Family Oct. 20

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:31:00 +0000

ABC Family celebrates the 10th annual "13 Nights of Halloween"

For the tenth year in a row, ABC Family brings viewers fright-full evenings during its 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN programming event. The ABC Family premieres of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” and “The Addams Family” will join other Halloween themed programming airing the 13 nights leading up to Halloween (October 19 – October 31).

Following is a listing of programming thrills and chills taking place October 19-31 during ABC Family’s 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN, released by ABC Family.

Night One – Sunday, October 19
The 10th annual 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN begins with a day full of screams starting with The Witches at 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM ET/PT, where a young boy comes across a convention of witches with devastating results. Right after the witchy adventure watch as a small town is terrorized by monsters in Gremlins (1:30 – 4:00 PM ET/PT). Then settle in for the afternoon with a butt-kicking ninja marathon starting with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET/PT, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (6:00 – 8:00 PM ET/PT) and then the ABC Family premiere of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III at 8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT.

Night Two – Monday, October 20
“Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize” with the airing of The Haunted Mansion at 8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT. Eddie Murphy stars as a father who brings his family to a haunted house that hides a much darker secret.

Night Three – Tuesday, October 21
The screams ring out when Scariest Places on Earth returns at 10:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT. Host Linda Blair guides viewers as they take a look at some of America’s greatest urban legends and investigates each famous spot.

Night Four – Wednesday, October 22
Say this man’s name three times and you are in for quite a terrifying ride! Beetlejuice wreaks havoc for a married couple at 8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT. The film stars Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis and Winona Ryder.

Night Five – Thursday, October 23
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysteriously spooky – they’re The Addams Family. In the ABC Family premiere, the eccentric family must deal with an Uncle Fester imposter from 8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT. Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd star. The night concludes with an episode of the fan favorite Scariest Places on Earth (12:00 – 1:00 AM ET/PT), where the Monahan family tackles Vlad the Impaler’s lair in Transylvania.

Night Six – Friday, October 24
The shenanigans of the macabre Addams Family continue with Addams Family Values at 8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT. This go-round the family must come to their uncle’s rescue when a gold-digger targets him as her new love. Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd star.

Night Seven – Saturday, October 25
The weekend is full of witches, ghosts and the undead and starting it off is Casper Meets Wendy at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET/PT with the world’s friendliest ghost. The day continues with a cauldron full of spells with the film Teen Witch (1:00 – 3:00 PM ET/PT) about one unpopular high school student who uses her new found powers to get revenge. The eerie fun continues when Hocus Pocus airs at 3:00 – 5:00 PM ET/PT starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. Follow the Sanderson sisters on their quest for immortal life and the 300 year-old cat that tries to spoil their dastardly plans. Then true love is doomed in Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT) when Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp) finds himself mistakenly married to a corpse bride (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter). The Scooby gang reunites when each member arrives to a mysterious island to investigate strange occurrences in Scooby-Doo (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT). The film stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini. The mystery fun continues with the airing of Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). The Scooby squad is back at it, this time trying to track down a masked villain who wreaks havoc at the Coolsville Museum of Criminology. The evening comes to a screaming halt when six dinner guests are thrown into a murder mystery in Clue (11:00 PM – 1:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Eight – Sunday, October 26
The wicked weekend continues with another day of haunted humor, starting off with a teenager who finds out her past holds a lot of spells and flying broomsticks in Teen Witch at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET/PT. The day continues as viewers get a double dose of family wackiness with Morticia and Gomez in The Addams Family (1:00 – 3:00 PM ET/PT) and Addams Family Values (3:00 – 5:00 PM ET/PT). Then listen for the deadly wedding bells that are ringing for Victor and his undead bride in Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT). The other-worldly hijinks continue with Beetlejuice at 7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT. Frightening terrors conclude the evening with the horror classic Poltergeist at 9:00 – 11:30 PM ET/PT. Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams and Heather O’Rourke fight the supernatural spirits that haunt their house.

Night Nine – Monday, October 27
New York City gets the scare of a lifetime when the mother of all lizards attacks the city in Godzilla (8:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). The film stars Matthew Broderick and Hank Azaria.

Night Ten – Tuesday, October 28
The un-holy hauntings continue at 10:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT with Scariest Places on Earth as they take viewers on a tour of America’s most gruesome institutions, including Moundsville, WV prison and Dixmont, PA mental institution.

Night Eleven – Wednesday, October 29
Hold on to your seat as four lethal ninjas take you on the ride of your life as they fight evil all across the world in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT).

Night Twelve – Thursday, October 30
All the Scooby snacks in the world won’t be able to help the gang as they track down dastardly culprits in Scooby Doo (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT) and Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). The evening comes to a haunting conclusion with an episode of Scariest Places on Earth at 12:00 – 1:00 AM ET/PT where one unlucky family get the unfortunate task to tackle Bathory Castle, home of the infamous Blood Countess.

Night Thirteen – Friday, October 31
The petrifying thrills come to a frightening end on the most haunted night of the year. To celebrate this ominous night, ABC Family will air Poltergeist (7:30 – 10:00 PM ET/PT). The story of one girl’s supernatural connection that brings evil spirits into her family’s house stars Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams and Heather O’Rourke.

RIP.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Merch event Sat., Oct. 4

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:26:00 +0000

Disney Gallery just announced a "surprise" merchandise event for this Saturday (Oct. 4, 2008). Ostensibly a celebration of the 15th anniversary of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas," the merchandise is also largely oriented toward the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, including replicas of the "Countdown to Xmas Clock," the entrance plaque which is being swallowed by a wreath, a "smashing" stained glass window from the stretching gallery, and much more. Many of the artists will be on hand for signings Saturday, and the event is sure to be crowded - so get there early. For more information, visit the Disney Gallery website.

RIP.

Depp confirmed for POTC 4

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:40:00 +0000

According to ANI wire reports, Johnny Depp will reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film, it has been confirmed. Depp will also play Tonto in a film adaptation of The Lone Ranger. Variety Magazine reports that both the films will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who has helped Disney earn about 2.6 billion dollars with the previous three Pirates films.

Simon Brew at "Den of Geek" has suggested Ten Ways Disney Can Make Sure POTC4 Gets It Right. Not sure if we agree with all of them, but interesting reading nonetheless.

For what it's worth, Rope of Silicon reports that the 9/24 Disney Studios Showcase (which also announced Depp would portray the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland") didn't exactly claim a POTC4 was imminent, but rather that Studios' chairman Dick Cook claimed that Depp's casting was "a perfect Trifecta," including Tonto, the Hatter, and "another (Pirates) for good measure," apparently referring to Depp's role as the infamous Jack Sparrow.

Yo ho!

'Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House'

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:30:00 +0000

Nearly three years ago, I spoke briefly with Randy Thornton, executive producer over at Walt Disney Records, about the Disney Company's then-recent decision to re-release some of their classic vinyl as digital downloads. Thornton was pretty excited about the potential of digital distribution as a godsend to fans of the old Disney material, since Disney's cost of distribution was brought down to nearly nothing; just the costs of remastering the material, basically. At that time, he was working on preparing both the 'Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion' and 'Chilling, Thrilling Sounds from the Haunted House,' both of which are seminal recordings to many of us Mansion fans.

I never mentioned this earlier this year, with all the planning for the DoomBuggies anniversary event, but since the Halloween stores are starting to open, it's worth noting: "Chilling, Thrilling' is currently available from iTunes as a remastered digital download. The album hit iTunes early in the year, but with the haunting season upon us, I think it's worth a reminder. All of the tracks are present - even the potentially embarrassing "Chinese Water Torture" track. (You can use the link at the top right sidebar of the blog to check out the album; I've been asked so many times about this record over the years that I decided a permanent link was in order.)

Some 'Chilling' trivia: The howling screech used as a "bumper" to most of the tracks on the album is actually a sound effect taken from the 1936 Mickey Mouse short "Lonesome Ghosts;" and the uncredited narrator of the LP is not Dark Shadows' Grayson Hall, as regular rumors claim - but rather is Laura Olsher, a frequent Disneyland Records collaborator.

Some iTunes releases from the Disney archives have vanished from the store in the past, so if you're interested in the 'Chilling, Thrilling' album, you might keep that in mind - though I don't know if this album will ever disappear or not.

RIP.

Marty Sklar on the Haunted Mansion, 1964

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:30:00 +0000

Martin Sklar, currently Vice Chairman of Imagineering, has been with the Walt Disney Company since Disneyland opened in 1955. In the '60s, he was tapped by Walt to be a writer for WED Enterprises (among other responsibilities).

Sklar wrote an oft-updated manuscript for a Disneyland history book that was published back in 1964 which contained a preview of the soon-to-be-unveiled "Old New Orleans," or New Orleans Square. In this manuscript, Sklar describes the upcoming Haunted Mansion attraction:

"Nearby, overlooking the Rivers of America in Frontierland, the facade of an old southern-style plantation house has already been completed. It will be occupied several years hence. No frontier setting would be complete without its ghosts of another day. Disneyland's will not live in a ghost town; they will occupy a deluxe haunted mansion (sic).

"Here, the lonely ghost who seeks the companionship of 1,001 restless spirits can live in a domain of illusion and imagination. There will be spine-tingling built-ins that are sure to provide new life for even the most sagging spirits: fresh cobwebs daily, wall-to-wall creaking floors, stereophonic screams, cold drafts and midnight lighting all day long - plus an endless supply of guests on whom the inventive spooks can practice individual talents, from simple scares to supernatural shockers!"

Interestingly, when the book is revised for 1965, much of the language is altered to match some of the new effects created by Marc Davis (and shown on the Wonderful World of Disney Tencennial episode):

"Nearby, overlooking the Frontierland river, an old southern-style plantation house has already been completed, and it will soon be occupied by the world's greatest collection of - ghosts. No frontier setting is complete without its ghosts of another day; Disneyland's will live not in a ghost town, but in this deluxe Haunted Mansion.

"Filled with 1,001 illusions, this haven for restless spirits will cater to the mythological and to the metaphysical. Marble busts will talk. Ordinary-appearing portraits will dissolve into werewolves and evil beasts. Ghosts will move through solid walls. A museum will display weird statues, moving furniture and surprising mirrors."

RIP.

What's a (broke) ghost to do?

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:37:00 +0000

Writing for the Desert Valley Times, Bob Challinor put a humor column out about living paycheck to paycheck:

"But I’ve got a plan to pay off my funeral expenses after I’m dead. I’m going to work in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. The pay’s not great and the working conditions – the drafty old house, the darkness and cold – are less than ideal, but it’ll be a steady paying job. However, with my luck, Disneyland probably would outsource my job to a ghost in Guatemala or India.

“Boo! Thank you for letting us startle you. Come again.”

RIP.

Inflatable "Zombie Organ Player" scene

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:28:00 +0000

New this year from Sam's Club, a scene I'm sure you all recognize:

Animated, illuminated, and comes with its own pump - just plug it in and impress the neighborhood. Just another homage to the greatest spook house ever built. Looks like it's more or less lifesize. $179.

Check the product page at Sam's Club here.

RIP.

1969 Cast Member Preview Flyer

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:33:00 +0000

Pictured here is a rare example of a cast member flyer designed by the in-house "University of Disneyland" (probably by art director Bill Barry) which was distributed to Disneyland staff members on Thursday, August 7, 1969 advertising private previews of the soon-to-be-opened Haunted Mansion attraction.

It should be noted that most Haunted Mansion advertising materials from the time (press releases, newspaper articles, etc.) announce the opening date of the attraction as being August 12, 1969, though Disneyland itself celebrates opening day as Aug. 9. In fact, the fancy midnight "press preview" hosted by Disneyland (which started with a press dinner at Club 33) wasn't held until August 11 - which presents a chilling challenge: when did the Mansion actually open to the public?

It appears likely that the Haunted Mansion was actually opened to the public on Saturday the 9th, after the cast previews had been held the two nights before. (This may have been in keeping with Disney's tradition of hosting "soft openings," in which attractions are opened to the public before their actual dates of operation.) A "safer" date of August 12 was probably released to the public, which was well after opening weekend, allowing Disneyland to fine tune any minor tweaks that might have presented themselves during the cast member previews. At any rate, at 39 years old and counting, this old Mansion is still creaking along and delivering chills to everyone that visits.

RIP.

P.S. By the way, if you'd like a inside look at dining at New Orleans Square's secret Club 33, be sure to check out episode #1 of the Mousetalgia podcast!

Haunted Mansion board game developer lauded

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:18:00 +0000

The Sanibal-Captiva Islander has a nice article about retired game designer Jack Elias, a Sanibal resident who had a distinguished career as a designer working for Lakeside Games, and was a key contributor to Lakeside's Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean board games.

Elias is probably best known for creating the classic "Barrel 'o Monkeys" game, which catapulted him into the status of legendary toymaker - but the innovative Lakeside Haunted Mansion board game was equally inventive, with a three-dimensional board with rotating pathways and a towering backdrop.

Click here to read the article.

RIP.

A "Nightmare" DVD preview featuring Haunted Mansion Holiday!

noreply@blogger.com (Chef Mayhem) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:08:00 +0000

Shocktillyoudrop.com has just released three clips from next week's new DVD/Blu-ray release of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and the first is a 2-minute clip from the disc showcasing the creation of the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction at Disneyland (presumably, though not assuredly, from a lengthier segment on the actual DVD.)

Click here to watch the clip, or use the links below to order a copy of the DVD at a great discount from Amazon.com.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (2-Disc Collector's Edition) + Digital Copy

The Nightmare Before Christmas [Blu-ray] + Digital Copy

RIP.