In the 1960s, a Disney Imagineer had a vision for a ghost fish aquarium, where spooky skeletal fish would swim alongside living sea creatures. Fast forward to 2024, Disney finally had the technology to bring this dream to life. The Entertainment industry, including Disney, is always seeking ways to create immersive experiences that impact consumer spending and vacation decisions. This led to the creation of the Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney’s latest cruise ship, the Disney Treasure. This setting fully envelops guests in an eerie haunted ship, drawing inspiration from the Haunted Mansion attraction from Disney’s resort parks. It features themed cocktails, specters dancing around guests, and scenes like Madame Leota’s tarot reading and a graveyard performance by Phantom Five minstrels.
The Haunted Mansion was one of Walt Disney’s last ride designs, debuting in 1969 at Disneyland. It has since become a popular attraction at various Disney parks worldwide and has even inspired movies and specials. The Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure cruise ship represents the next chapter in the Haunted Mansion saga. Imagineers spent five years developing this experience, including the creation of a ghost fish tank envisioned by original Imagineer Rolly Crump. The tank features both real and “ghost” fish swimming back and forth, using a combination of science and new technology to create the illusion. Additionally, the parlor includes a portrait gallery with changing portraits, reminiscent of the original Haunted Mansion’s technology.
Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph shared insights into the technology, science, and engineering behind creating Disney’s illusions, revealing that his team often invents new techniques to enhance theme park experiences. Joseph attends tech expos like CES to stay updated on emerging technologies, looking for ways to incorporate them creatively. The Haunted Mansion Parlor utilizes a blend of traditional and modern technology, such as high-resolution footage of original audio-animatronics and inventive techniques for creating lifelike paintings. Despite the advancements in technology, the design team chose to keep the aesthetic of the original Haunted Mansion intact, maintaining a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.
While technology plays a crucial role in creating magical experiences, the Imagineers carefully balance innovation with maintaining the classic charm of Disney attractions. The scenes in the Haunted Mansion Parlor reflect a 1969 aesthetic, emphasizing the importance of design elements that capture the essence of the original ride. Unlike some companies that rely heavily on artificial intelligence, the Disney Imagineers have chosen not to incorporate AI into their projects, focusing instead on utilizing traditional methods combined with cutting-edge technology. The Haunted Mansion Parlor represents a harmonious blend of creativity, storytelling, and technological prowess, offering guests a truly immersive and unforgettable experience onboard the Disney Treasure cruise ship.
