Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker Wow, I got to this topic SO late, it's not easy to catch up on 120 posts! I'm happy to hear that the HM is going to finally get a refurb, I just hope it's more than just lighting and sound like a few people have reported. I love the ride, but I can't help seeing how old it has become. Fortunately I won't visiting WDW this summer, so I won't be without it.
Originally Posted By gaston lives The projection inside the ball is Leota Toombs and the VOICE is Eleanor Audley. They'll probably keep EA's voice. Oh man...HM under new management would be terrible! Tiki birds trying to scare us? Blah!
Originally Posted By NYthrillseeker I think it would be nice to make the queue similar to what they have at the Tower of Terror. It would make the waiting experience more enjoyable to have a portion of it in a spooky, yet air conditioned mansion foyer or something, before entering the stretch room. But with all this talk of budget cuts, it doesn't seem like anything will change outside.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Aww......you kids are gonna make me blush. And I need no encouragement, though I do appreciate it.
Originally Posted By labretbear Maybe the MK Mansion will get the floating Leota crystal ball like the one in California?
Originally Posted By Trinitys Ghost Folks - They are keeping both Eleanor Audley's voice and Leota Toombs face as Madame Leota. They're just looking to update the Seance Room to be more along the lines of what DL has (floating crystal ball, ghost faces on one wall, etc).
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 By the time they finish chopping the budget for this rehab (it's already been cut by more than half) the only thing you'll see is some new carpet in the foyer.
Originally Posted By Labuda ^^ You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray...
Originally Posted By Skellington88 Spirit, what was originally planned for MK's mansion before the budget got cut?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^I'm not sure exactly, but there were going to be major improvements to the sound system and lighting, some scenes were going to be improved/changed (like the attic) and there was even talk of adding a gift shop at the end.
Originally Posted By tinkerbell77 Ok do these rides usually go down before they are reported? Like it says that it will be open on Jun 5, and closed on June 6. We arrive June 5th and it is my daughters favorite ride. So if it is open then we will go when we get off the plane. Thanks
Originally Posted By DLFAN1979 Spirit, we ARE STILL getting the new attic. I dont know how "new" but i can tell you for SURE we are getting the new bride. New Stretch Rooms. Wallpaper. Audio and MAYBE LED lighting. Everything else has been cut. Oh and NEW Ballroom Costumes too! I saw them making the a male dancer jacket and pants and new Dickies for all the male dancers! Was very neat!
Originally Posted By CTXRover From what I know, original plans drawn up by WDI for HM's refurb included the addition of a gift shop at the end of the ride where the current mausoleum stands. With the budget finalized, that was cut and I'm kind of glad. While I think HM merchandise would be neat, I was never a fan of them adding a gift shop in that area. Adding something like that, with its needed foundation, electricity, air conditioning, and everything else involved in constructing a new building, etc. it would have also chewed up a lot of the refurb budget and I would much rather that any money put into the HM be put into what it needs the most, that is updated lighting, audio, and updated effects to bring it up to par with the recent improvements at DL's mansion, all of which from what I have been led to believe are still happening, as well as possibly something new and unique for WDW's mansion, but that is all I've heard.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 DLFAN, I think you know more than I do. I just hope this gets the TLC it needs and that it sticks. They did a great job on Small World two years ago, but look at it now. And I agree CTX (RE: the gift shop).
Originally Posted By FloridaHeidiLovesWDW Um when did they say they were referbishing the haunted mansion, as a florida resident and a WDW active visitor i can tell you nothing has happened in since the last time i was there just 2 weeks ago. (the day John Travolta was there)
Originally Posted By FloridaHeidiLovesWDW Oh and FYI Leota hasn't floated for the passed like 2 years
Originally Posted By DLFAN1979 ""original plans drawn up by WDI for HM's refurb included the addition of a gift shop at the end of the ride where the current mausoleum stands. With the budget finalized, that was cut and I'm kind of glad. While I think HM merchandise would be neat,"" Why have a Mansion gift shop, when they would fill it up w/ Pirate and NBC merch anyway. ""They did a great job on Small World two years ago, but look at it now."" I dont think it looks bad yet. AAs missing yes. But the audio was AMAZING last week. really kicking!
Originally Posted By leeharrell "...as a florida resident and a WDW active visitor i can tell you nothing has happened in since the last time i was there just 2 weeks ago." Hasn't started yet. First week of June through September. "Oh and FYI Leota hasn't floated for the passed like 2 years" At MK she has never floated. She will start soon, though.
Originally Posted By gaston lives Leota reportedly floats in California, and was on the list of things to upgrade during tihe upcoming refurb. Check out www.doombuggies.com for more specific info on all matter HM related.
