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Battle of the Icons: Haunted Mansion vs Pirates of the Caribbean
One of the amazing aspects of visiting Disneyland is how much of Walt Disney’s spirit is present throughout the theme park. Many opening-day attractions that Walt cherished are still available for guests to enjoy, such as the Disneyland Railroad, the Jungle Cruise, the Mad Tea Party, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Peter Pan’s Flight, among others.
However, two of the park’s most beloved rides — Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion — didn’t open on day one but held a special place in Walt’s heart. Many people might not even know that the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean weren’t there when the park opened. That’s how many incredible memories the two attractions hold.
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As mentioned, both Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion are fan favorites. So, which one takes the crown in a direct matchup?
Let the showdown begin!
Round 1
The Ride Queue
To be honest, the queue for Pirates of the Caribbean is quite straightforward. Guests wait outside and then move into a simple line just before boarding their boats. There are some paintings of famous pirates on the wall, but that’s about it. However, while in the queue, you can watch guests at the end of the ride.
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In contrast, the Haunted Mansion offers a more immersive experience. Visitors stroll through a graveyard and even spot cherished pets in the pet cemetery, all before hearing about dear old Fred, who unfortunately had a large rock fall on his head. After exiting the stretching room, guests proceed through a dimly lit hallway filled with shifting portraits before boarding their Doom Buggies.
Disney teams are currently putting in a lot of effort to revamp the Haunted Mansion queue, enhancing its immersion to resemble the one at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
WINNER: The Haunted Mansion