As Disney fans attractions are a big part of our trips to Walt Disney World. But its not only the excitement and Adrenalin rush that we get from these attractions but sometimes its just a quote that resonates with us. Here are some of my favorite quotes to hear in Walt Disney World when riding an attraction.
Haunted Mansion
“Do not pull down on the safety bar please, I will lower it for you.”When the ghost host says that you know you are in for a great ride.
Soarin
“Hello, Welcome to Soarin. My name is Patrick and I will be your chief flight attendant today.” That is such a great introduction to Soarin. But you have to also love “When the doors to your flight open, please take a seat and store all carry on items in the under seat compartment. This includes: Cameras, purses, hats, and of course… these little beauties.”
Illuminations
“We’ve gathered here tonight around the fire, as people of all lands have gathered for thousands of years before us, to share the light and share the story” While Illuminations isn’t my favorite fireworks show, when he blows out the fire you can’t help but get goosebumps.
Monorail
“Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas.” No explanation needed!
Tower of Terror
“We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight’s episode you are the star, and this elevator travels directly to – The Twilight Zone.” I just love hearing this as the door opens to the boiler room. This is one of the best pre-shows on any attraction.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
“Buenas dias senorita, my siestas are getting shorter and shorter.” Oh Jose how much we love the music to this show and not too mention the opening to Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast!
Pirates of the Caribbean
“We wants the redhead!” Pirates has so many great one liners and not too mention “Here Kitty Kitty Kitty”
Big Thunder Mountain
“Hang onto your hats and glasses, folks, cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” Probably one of my most favorite lines of all time in the parks.
You heard some of mine so please tell me some of yours!!
The Hatbox Ghost is about as legendary as you can get in Disney folklore. There have been many that have speculated as to why he was removed from the attic in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion just weeks after the ride debuted to employees and the media, not to materialize for the actual Grand Opening of the ride. But, as you can witness on DoomBuggies.com, the general public DID get a short look at the attic’s most sinister occupant. The actual reason for removal: He just simply didn’t work correctly! 
Recently, The Hatbox Ghost has been resurrected in sorts, showing up on merchandise and more rumors. In 2005, he was brought to life in a sculpture by Jody Daily and Kevin Kidney that Disney marketed as a “Big Figure” and in 2009, a life size sculpture was auctioned off at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Ca. Over the years he has been featured on several pins, decorative tombstones and even a miniature pewter figurine set. 
Now nostalgia is great, but more recent materializations have things getting quite interesting for us Haunted Mansion Lovers! In 2012, Disney released Halloween merchandise that featured The Hatbox Ghost as a prominent figure right along with The HitchHiking Ghosts. Along with this came the debut of The Haunted Mansion series 1 Vinylmation that included The Hatbox Ghost as a figure and as a glowing chase version. The artwork on the packaging was done by Thomas Scott and Dan Salgo and was based on the original artwork of The Story and Song of The Haunted Mansion. They even used the lettering found on the book cover. 
One of the most exciting days in 2013 came for Haunted Mansion Fans when Disney unveiled a working audio-animatronic version of The Hatbox Ghost at the D23 Expo. They used an A100 figure similar to Abraham Lincoln from “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln” as a demonstration on movement. And although he wasn’t even holding his Hatbox and there were no heads disappearing, it was still quite a sight for fans to see! On August 8th, 2013, I ordered a limited edition Haunted Mansion shirt from the Disney Store that featured artwork of The Hatbox Ghost by Casey Jones, who also based his artwork from the original found in The Story and Song of The Haunted Mansion, see a theme here? 
So why all this attention to a character that never really spent much time as one of the 999 Happy Haunts in the Mansion? Is it nostalgia? A Gimmick to sell more merchandise? Or is there something quite more to Ol Hatty showing up so much to represent a ride that he isn’t even featured in? There have been many rumors and questions over the years that remain as to whether or not Disney plans to bring back The Hatbox Ghost to once again Haunt us. One of the most recent clues to answer that question may have been revealed this past week on The Disney Parks Blog. In a story called, “Meet The Hatbox Ghost” there is artwork by Austin Hillebrecht that shows The Hatbox Ghost in the attic stitching his name, “Hatty” on a Mickey Ears Hat. There is a window to the left of him that clearly shows Cinderella’s Castle outside of where he is, and we all know that Cinderella’s Castle is at The Magic Kingdom in WDW. 
Is this a hint of what’s to come? Maybe. The Haunted Mansion at The Magic Kingdom is due to shut down for refurbishment from December 1st to December 19th, plenty of time to install Ol Hatty! And think of this, The Haunted Mansion Holiday decor will be coming down about the same time, making for an easy change in the attic at Disneyland! So, have I stirred your interest? Or are my prognostications just more fodder for the ones that wish upon a star? Let me know your thoughts and comments! Until next time, Mahalo and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! David
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