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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.

walt disney in front of sleeping beauty castle
Credit: Walt Disney Archives

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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.

A man and woman ride in a Doom Buggy on the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland
Credit: Disney

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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

Round 2

Immersive Storytelling

Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion are both situated in New Orleans Square, which is why, on Pirates of the Caribbean, guests board their boats and begin their journey by traveling through the bayou. However, the journey takes an unexpected turn as they drop down two hills and enter a world filled with skeleton pirates playing chess, examining maps, and lounging on mounds of treasure.

Pirates Of The Caribbean
Credit: Disney

Guests then find themselves in the realm of the living, where pirates fire cannons and raid a town while the townsfolk scramble to hide. The scene is alive with pirates pillaging, plundering, and enjoying themselves. In 2006, Captain Jack Sparrow was introduced to the ride, adding an exciting twist to the narrative.

The Haunted Mansion invites guests into the Southern plantation-style home of Mr. Gracey, who is infamously seen hanging from the rafters in the stretching room.

Once aboard their Doom Buggy, guests journey through the mansion, encountering many of the 999 happy haunts that reside there. They witness a birthday celebration in the ballroom, a séance with Madame Leota, and even a rather menacing bride in the attic.

The attic scene from the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland
Credit: Disney

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The Ghost Host mentions that there’s always room for one more ghost, and guests almost become part of the haunting when they “fall” out of the attic window and join a lively wake in the graveyard.

**BONUS Points: Every Halloween and holiday season, the Haunted Mansion is reimagined as the Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)-themed Haunted Mansion Holiday. During this festive transformation, Jack Skellington takes over, giving guests a glimpse of what happens when two holidays merge! Each year, a new and distinctive gingerbread house is showcased in the ballroom scene.

WINNER: The Haunted Mansion

Round 3

Nostalgia and Timelessness

From the moment he began planning Disneyland, Walt Disney envisioned a haunted house as part of the park. The Haunted Mansion was announced in 1961, and an official preview aired on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in 1965. However, following Walt’s passing a year later, the attraction’s opening was delayed and it underwent redesigns.

Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park
Credit: Disney

Related: 10 Swashbuckling Facts About Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean

As for Pirates of the Caribbean, it was actually the last attraction Walt was involved in designing, opening just three months before his death. Initially conceived as a walk-through wax museum, Walt changed his vision after witnessing the success of “it’s a small world” at the 1964 World’s Fair, opting instead to create a ride similar to that experience.

**BONUS Points: Ask any passionate Disney fan, and they’ll tell you that certain scents instantly take them back to the parks and spark a desire for a Disney trip. One of those aromas is the water from Pirates of the Caribbean, a scent that the Haunted Mansion simply can’t match.

Auction scene featuring Pirate Redd, the auctioneer, and townspeople in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

WINNER: Pirates of the Caribbean

And after a close battle, the winner is….

THE HAUNTED MANSION

While both the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean evoke joy and wonderful memories, the Haunted Mansion takes the edge in a direct comparison. However, this is just one perspective. Every guest has their own favorite attraction, and whether it’s the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, or another ride, you’re guaranteed to have a magical experience!

Do you agree with our winner in this head-to-head battle? What is your favorite attraction? Let us know in the comments! 

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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