Disneyland History 1969 - Mystery of the Hatbox Ghost

For more history of Disneyland, check out our Podcast: tinyurl.com/j34... - For the FULL Story of Disneyland's Creation, read... tinyurl.com/m26...

[@Popp1092]

4:56 This photo is absolutely frightening. Seriously, any time I look at it I immediately get chills.

[@tylermannor4290]

Yeah, compared to the new one, the original hatbox ghost is freaky

[@jmdavison62]

@@tylermannor4290 The 2015 Hatbox Ghost is a letdown. It's brightly colored, cartoonish CGI that isn't the least bit scary.

[@tylermannor4290]

@@jmdavison62 Yeah, honestly I think it has to do with the fact that the original's eyes appear to be more sunken. At least the 2015 one actually works as intended though

[@RipplyAnemone67]

Yes but I think it’s the flash and how the current ones eyes are less of a drastic distance from the original and also the fact both heads are in view and the monochrome color scheme and the head overall looking more skull like

[@hunterolaughlin]

@@jmdavison62Well, you should at least be thankful they were able to bring him back to the Mansion even if it isn’t the original animatronic.

[@6dash9dash95]

HE'S HOME AND I'M SO HAPPY YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. I wrote a 10 page research paper on him in high school. I was made fun of SO much. But now he's back. So everyone who made fun of me in high school that's all amazed by him now can leave. I told you he was real. I. TOLD. YOU.

[@TemeryN]

Addie B do you remember the grade you got on your paper? I hope the teacher was not one of the one's who made fun of you.

[@6dash9dash95]

TemeryN I got a C because "KZbin isn't a credible source" even though a lot of my quotes were from Tony Baxter, an Imagineer and former cast member who WORKED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION WHEN IT OPENED like how is that not credible?? But she did include that my actual essay writing skills were the best in the class. It was just a weird situation.

[@puke.1393]

I wrote 9 pages on the history of the Country Bear Jamboree. Good thing the video I got my information from was a reuploaded extinct attractions video. Lol, I commend you for really writing about what interests you though and not being afraid to show it!

[@tabithaschultz6308]

+Addie B A C?!!!!!! Wth?!!!!! I would have maybe knocked it from a 100 to 95 for KZbin, but...a C?!!?!?!!! Booooo, boooo you, teacher!!!! Find your humanity!!!!!! ;)

[@tez_05]

Can I go out with you...😍

[@Fangzthewolf]

HE RETURNS!

[@TSaylor2001]

He's home:)

[@crashguy4196]

HOORAY! :)

[@ManateeGhost]

He is materializing today!! I cannot wait for him to come out and socialize.

[@atsmithson]

Yes

[@evaglover5394]

Wait I'm kind of confused so near Christmas you know how jack and boo are at that corner when you lay down and then come around to the grave yard scene? Where the singing statue heads are? But when not near Christmas I always though the hatbox ghost was at that stage area. I kind of remember seeing it but if it was a illusion I'm really scared :s

[@yungccsonar]

DOUg

[@user-jj7uc9gg7b]

I know this comment is from 4 years ago, but you called Zero 'boo'??

[@KidzRuleStudios]

He has come

[@DeathlyPumpkin]

Omg that old footage!!! I want to see more!!! More!!! More!!!

[@UrbanPanic]

The photograph you used may be in part why the hatbox ghost was removed: flash photography would ruin the effect. In particular, any and all guest photos would have the effect spoiled, because low light photography was pretty much non-existent at the time, so flash bulbs would be the only way to get the shot. Which would make it look cheesy in the picture and for anyone else nearby.

[@AuraLeafstorm]

"I am the box ghost... Beware!"

[@MK1MonsterOck1989]

***** Danny Phantom Reference!

[@camilianSLC]

very underated

[@daboz8753]

That is amazing...I’ve been fascinated with this guy since randomly stumbling upon an article online about him. I recently went to Disneyland, and without knowing he’d been added back to the mansion rode the ride...imagine my delight at seeing him waiting there passed the bride, I was awestruck! Thank you so much for this video, it still puzzles me over what could’ve happened to the original animatronic, but I’m so happy there’s a new one honoring his rightful place there.

[@jupiter9099]

Watching this is so fascinating. All of this stuff that was there when the attraction opened that's not there anymore.

[@ItsIdaho]

I watch Homevideos from Disney Trips in the early days, I would never like to go there now. So much gone.

[@lachamaburda]

I just wish they could bring the old hatbox ghost back, just leave him as like a decoration, nobody cares. We just want him back

[@Bobsheaux]

Wow... A rare piece of footage, this. I knew the original Hatbox Ghost existed, but to actually SEE him 'live'... Crazy...

[@VinluvAntonHandesbukia]

I always wanted to see the ORIGINAL hatbox ghost working

[@CC007]

THAT IS FANTASTIC! :). My mom and aunt actually went to Disneyland back in '69 the weekend Haunted Mansion opened. She remembers it being quite an event, the cue almost starting where Pirates is located. Recently we were talking about the Haunted Mansion, and I had to ask her did she see this figure. Thanks to the internet, found a pic...and she was like "whoa!!...I remember that!...he was creepy..but we didn't get what he was supposed to do..." this very cool, thanks for posting.

[@kidstufffilms3817]

Excellent job and presentation. I did see the Hatbox ghost in 1969 (I was 12 and remember it distinctly). I am so glad someone got it on film!

[@gaialanzer81]

Y'know, it's a wonder that through all these renovations of the Haunted Mansion, they never brought back the idea of the Hatbox Ghost. I'm pretty sure with modern technology, they can pull off the effect better than they did back then. I know the guy said it seemed to grizzly, but I think it would've looked more cartoony compared to the bride. I remember seeing THAT bride(the one with the glowing eyes and glowing heart) before they switched it over to the modern one, and let me tell ya, that ALWAYS used to scare the hell out of me as a kid. It, in itself, is far more "nightmare fuel-ish" than the Hatbox Ghost, IMO. Maybe that was also something that lead to it's removal, the contrast(Hatbox being cartoony looking, the Bride looking like something out of a legit horror movie).

[@AJ17_]

It's been rumored for years now (with several hints dropped by WDI) that the Hatbox Ghost might make his way back into the Mansion at some point. I wish Disney would just do it. They're driving us Manson fans crazy! LOL!!

[@waikoloa555]

apparently for the 60th anniversary, its rumored that the hatbox ghost might come back for a limited time

[@ItzCaityCat]

waikoloa555 it's now confirmed!

[@atsmithson]

Or as a permanent resident of the haunted mansion

[@clintwilliams3818]

fast forward one year...

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Fascinating. I'm ashamed to say I knew very little about the hatbox ghost.

[@rossfitzpatrick7549]

Didn't expect to see you here, hello from 8 years in the future where I'm still shocked the Hatbox Ghost is back 😂

[@thrutheturnstyles]

Haha wow what a cool Fresh Baked sighting!

[@ponyboycurtis579]

Who took that video of the hatbox ghost? Was it your family's video?

[@RRRandomRecordings]

Amazing footage of the Hatbox Ghost. By the way, that photo of the bride is most likely a prototype and not the original bride. Long Forgotten posted some good evidence that the original bride was "Corpse Bride". Notice how the bride in the photo is not holding the flowers. This is good evidence that it was a prototype and not the original bride. Check out Long Forgotten's "Here Comes the Bride" posts for more about the original bride.

[@RipplyAnemone67]

Wow that’s neat that it was the prototype at a point

[@RRRandomRecordings]

@@RipplyAnemone67 I had completely forgotten about this video and the comment I'd made. Back in June of 2020 the same "Long Forgotten Haunted Mansion" blog posted new photos that have been found of the "prototype" bride. It is now confirmed to be the real bride used in the Walt Disney World ride for the first few years of that ride's existence. The photos were supposedly taken in 1973 but may have been taken when the bride was being assembled before the ride was opened in 1971.

[@SorcererParker]

Happy Hatbox Day! 5/9/2015

[@richarde.skywalker1977]

You guys might notice that in the mock up photo of the Hatbox Ghost in the Haunted Mansion is black and white. But, the face and hair of the Hatbox Ghost is green. And, in the photo, it was different.

[@Senor0Droolcup]

Now that's an amazing discovery. :) That beats the Zapruder film hands down IMHO.

[@thisismysea]

I hope you're joking. It's certainly a cool find for fans of entertainment history, but is nowhere near as important as footage of a political assassination. Come on.

[@Nocredit11208]

I remember watching this video when I was young, and now finally this year I got to see the hatbox ghost in the ride!

[@rebeccabettinger3482]

Question: has any thought that maybe the Hatbox Ghost was recycled? Meaning his robotic skeleton was put to use in another location? After all, it saves money (think about when they moved America Sings audio animatronics to Splash Mountain) and explains why no one can find the original anymore.

[@TheWrongHands18]

There would be records if that had happened.

[@thesexygreenllama9]

I LOVE THE HATBOX GHOST. I'm obsessed with him!!! Saw him at Disneyland yesterday

[@andreapatane4204]

thesexygreenllama9 You did? I'm glad to hear that. You should see how 😎 he looks when The Haunted Mansion is decorated for Halloween and Christmas all at once.

[@thesexygreenllama9]

Yup I went there last month and saw it as well :) love the haunted mansion layover

[@andreapatane4204]

thesexygreenllama9 I'm glad to hear that.

[@joshmainman6923]

thesexygreenllama9 same

[@mindyschocolate]

Hatbox ghost looks AWESOME!!!! I rode it one day (I go to Disneyland a lot), and I nearly banged my head on the top part of my carriage when I went right by him. I didn’t realize he had been put in again! He looks great, and I’m glad they worked out the kinks.

[@amiibler]

And now, he's back.

[@dankconspiracynut]

Still can’t believe this is the video that pretty much started the whole Hatbox craze and was the origin of the Hatbox ghost footage.

[@thrutheturnstyles]

And now he’s the star of a movie. How far we’ve come. I remember this video being like proof of a Yeti. Such a great revisit

[@distantShade]

This made me SO happy. It reminded me how much I love this ride. And the hatbox ghost. He is one of those characters what Mansion fans hold dear and this takes the cake. He is one of those mansion legends.

[@rainbowduck4875]

If the hatbox ghost really had a Facebook page he would probably be like "hey y'all why'd ya kick me outta the mansion?"

[@ConnL]

speculation says that the hatbox ghost may have been composed of human remains much like the skeletons in the grotto on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and was taken off the attraction, spooky

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

I was there as a kid summer of '72, so missed it. Good detective work on this video!

[@Omeganed0]

Hattie also recieved a brief cameo in the Halloween episode of House of Mouse alongside other Haunted Mansion characters. Even if they haven't put him back in the ride, its nice to see them give a nice wink to the fans now and then.

[@mikedegnan7489]

Here is a crazy theory I thought up. The hatbox ghost is the ghost host. It all adds up. The hatbox ghost used to be a young master gracy who was going to get married but the bride either killed her self by jumping out the attic window or falling out. After gracy finds out what happened he became depressed and grew old to look like the hatbox ghost. then one day he had enough of depression and hung himself in the rafters of his art gallery aka stretching room.

[@TFN5459]

Well, a "replica" of the Hatbox Ghost was built for the 2013 D23 convention in the Audio Animatronics section of the Imagineering open house. Who knows? Maybe they will install this "replica" in the Haunted Mansion in the next refurb. They certainly have the technology to make it happen now.

[@elliegee7334]

I was lucky enough to ride this amazing attraction when it opened on August 9th, 1969. I was 9 years old and it just blew me away! A lot of it scared me, but I loved it and HAD TO get on and ride it again. Did I see the Hatbox Ghost? I honesty do not recall - maybe I did, but I have no memory of it. Thank you for posting this bit of history!

[@KramSacul]

Excellent film analysis. Now if only they could return the beating heart bride to the attic and toss the current cheesy talking one in the garbage.

[@taylorward3773]

I don't think it's cheesy, I quite like it.

[@shawnmulligan2894]

Kram Sacul Technically, according to many sources, the very first bride, at least for several weeks, had the line "I do... I did" in the WDW ride version. In the first one, the caretaker also said "Who's there?", but it was taken out really fast. However, I do hate the new bride! She's just a projection! The first one was enough to make a young child never get married ever!

[@thegraylink8269]

Well said, studying the history of the bride i wish that they would bring back the very first bride (the corpse one). The new one is boring

[@isaiahromero8024]

I never got to see the old bride :( she was so much creepier

[@morshuscloset]

New one sticks out like a sore thumb. I know some people like it, but honestly it barely fits with the tone of the rest of the attraction. It just feels too tacky and cliché for an attraction like The Haunted Mansion.

[@samwisethegamer9020]

HE'S BACK.

[@NurseryCrimeDivision]

This just blew my mind! I've been a fan of the Hatbox Ghost since forever....

[@TheHaarrrleyFan]

That's so cool!!! Though it only explains that in fact the Hatbox Ghost DID exist, not where he's gone to now. I've often wondered how it is something like a piece of a ride could just dissapear from the attractcion COMPLETELY without there being any records of it. This is a great find

[@kevinkarstens1294]

SWEET...you can even see the effect of the head appearing/disappearing in the hatbox...this is EPIC...;)

[@TemeryN]

how lucky for someone to have home video's from 1969, I didn't even realize that non-movie people had access to camera's then, it must have been huge and heavy to lug around DL. Thank you for sharing that bit of history =)

[@timrose9826]

Tony Baxter is incorrect The head of the Hat Box Ghost is still in the Haunted Mansion It’s on one of the Pop Up Ghost in the graveyard Also the mold for the Hat Box Ghost was and is used for the head of the tall skinny Hitchhiking Ghost

[@ABOSS302]

I remember when the antique also contained many great victorian furniture props, which also seemed to disappear over the years. There was combination oak bookcase desk that I loved and would always check on each visit. I have not checked lately to see if those artifacts have reappeared????

[@Kraele]

I know it's just about an attraction, but something about the way this video is presented sends chills down my spine.

[@wampabutt]

Really nicely put together. And a pretty amazing story - I would have pooped myself had I found that footage. How incredible that your family captured it. I heard tell that the head 'switcheroo' effect on the hatbox ghost followed the heartbeat of the bride, which would mean that the head popped back and forth pretty fast. If you watch your footage carefully, you can see how fast the hatbox light goes on and off. This tricky effect is rumoured to be the reason this character was removed.

[@77legocreator]

2:22 ew he's the bride ghost lol

[@Kem1kal13]

He did a Bruce Jenner to keep progressive with the times.

[@TemeryN]

wow that was really cool. I feel bad for the poor schlep who had to haul that camera around all day (I'm sure it was no camera phone!) but I'm so glad they did it.

[@carlyo72]

Let me just get one thing strait, if you read the Disney book, "haunted mansion from the ride to the movies" it clearly says that the hatbox ghost was there for the soft opening, but was taken out before the official opening

[@DaveArm]

i went to disneyland 6 years in a row from 1973-1979 and i remember the hatbox ghost lifeless and in darkness but could see it by looking back to yor right after passing it like it was behind a curtain ... this was in 73 if i had to put a year down

[@DaveArm]

7 years in a row

[@thecreativekid13]

Really? HM is supposedly haunted. But it's a little hard to believe your story because there are no longer pop-up heads in the attic, and the bride that's in the attic now isn't Emily. Her name's Constance....

[@eliktroniq]

back then companies lost things all the time, like how early episodes of dr. who are missing, or how some beatles songs' master tapes are gone, a missing mold doesn't surprise me at all.

[@goldenbynight]

Funny they found the mold with erza's.

[@maxmora647]

Finally,I was losing my head!

[@Mansionology]

@GrayManichean Yes, that is Paul Frees in the beginning. The clip is from a radio ad.

[@QueenOfR0ck]

The Hat Box ghost has been remade recently and was at the D23 event and while looks different, looks very similar in the face of the original Hat Box ghost. So, I think they would possibly say something like that in order to stop people from asking about it, or create more mystery to the story.

[@AngeKHQueen]

Whoa,I didn't know that the Hatbox Ghost is in the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. I've been there a lot of times and didn't realize that the Hatbox Ghost isn't in the attic anymore. Still it's a great video.

[@PetProjects2011]

Thania Shults He is back now, but what's funny is if you ask a staffer where Hatbox Ghost has been all these years, they'll tell you he's been there the whole time, just invisible, watching everyone.

[@thevoodoocardteacher]

IT'S OFFICIAL, HE'S RETURNING!!!

[@robertozasky208]

I worked as an attractions host at the Haunted Mansion in 1977. We toured the mansion with the lights on several times, and at that time, there was no hatbox ghost in residence.

[@yeethedinosaur5566]

It's back

[@atsmithson]

Old Hattie is back with more hatboxes

[@Eric930]

That's a great looking ghost & a really neat effect...They should put that back in the ride!

[@MorrisCreativeStudio]

Happy 50th Birthday, Haunted Mansion! (And in a few days, Happy 50th Disappearance Day, Hatbox Ghost!)

[@makennarho]

He's back!

[@jaw-knee-5]

That was the era of cool Scooby Doo-esque ghouls and goblins, etc. Definitely shines through in the original Hatbox.

[@newguy09100]

I;ve been on this ride for years, and I have never heard of the Hatbox Ghost until last october. Hopefully when they reinstall him, I'll get to see him.

[@TheAssinat0r]

This is such an amazingly done video even to this day even though he’s there again now REALLY WELL DONE WITH THIS PIECE OF WORK 👏 please make more content like this

[@NxTTxT]

i've heard rumors in other forums about a "hatbox ghost" in the Haunted Mansion but i never actually knew anything about it. thanks for the depth, really. it helped me understand the whole thing a lot

[@McHaleMega]

I've read that when they reboot the Haunted Mansion film it will feature the debuts of several new ghosts, including Hatty, and act as an advertisement for the addition of said characters to the ride.

[@GreatGarloo]

I have The Haunted Mansion record album from Disneyland Records and it does mention HatBox Ghost and the Bride in the attic identified by her thumping heart. It was scary when I was a kid. I don't know what I would think if I played it now.

[@alexleon2188]

So glad they brung it back

[@everybodylol2]

TJ found the HAT BOX GHOST!!! I can't wait until this DVD comes out.

[@Lancaster300]

Great work! Magnificent.

[@manda1294]

it makes me so happy that the hatbox ghost is going to be returning next month (i believe). hopefully it will be a full time thing. cause i cant make it down there this year!!

[@Dylan-Hooton]

As scary as the current hatbox ghost is, I would love it if the original one was not thrown away in the trash and has been preserved in the Disney Vault. We just don't know that yet.

[@KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved]

I don't know why the Lost Media community hasn't embarked into the world of theme parks yet. Because the case of finding out about the original animatronic would make for a good Lost Media adventure. One I would love to help embark on.

[@RipplyAnemone67]

@@KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved yes I agree I just wonder what happened to the original anamatronic

[@kdm71291]

I was just there last week and I go often (I have a premium annual pass). He appears a few times in portraits in the hallway of doors but I've never seen him anywhere else.

[@disneyfan81]

Not to mention when he tried to imitate the hatbox ghost, he held his right hand up, even though Old Hattie had the box in his left hand.

[@Mansionology]

@spongebobslushpants1 Yes, the hanging skeleton is the Ghost Host's remains and the "hatchet man" painting is his portrait. The "aging man" portrait in the foyer depicts the master of the house, according to Jason Surrell. It still hasn't been 100% confirmed whether or not Master Gracey is the "master" in the foyer portrait.

[@MAragon1964]

That was really cool. I do wonder whether the Hatbox Ghost is in storage somewhere in Disneyland or whether he sits in an Imagineer's attic waiting to be rediscovered.

[@LEGOMaster56]

@Blu923the2nd i was refering to how is head is still in the mansion, it's used as a pop up ghost

[@Caterpillarjon]

I think the original Hatbox Ghost was much more scary than the new one. Just something about the face that's more terrifying.

[@softballfreako]

@SlasherV8 His face is used in Leota's room against one of the walls. It;s not the actual animatronic, but a projection.

[@Ghostly1989]

3:13 notice the bride tilted close to him like she was saying “oh? You don’t say?”

[@WhattheVloggity]

Wow this was awesome! Loved the information! Cant wait to see The Hatbox Ghost return to his home!

[@WhattheVloggity]

We visited the new Hatbox Ghost this weekend! It looks so awesome!

[@RobertRonan]

This video is amazing. Thank you so much for putting it together!

[@CarrieVines]

Thank you Thank you!! You had us sitting on the edge of our seats! I've been waiting for this moment for a long time!!

[@nicholasleavitt5326]

Who knew, home videos would solve the mystery of the Hatbox Ghost

[@BlakeNorthington]

well we still don't know the whereabouts of the actually ghost :/ and why doesn't Disney make a new one but like an upgrade and newer ?

[@UrSammich]

Blake Northington Well Disney did make a new Hatty which was shown last year at D23. I assume, which is a theory, that they took the Hatbox ghost out in the ride preview or that during the preview go around he stopped working after a point in time. He said they rode it for 2 hours. It's possible that during the second time it was taken out then or the lighting didn't work and so no one saw it. It was possible that during its opening Hatty had the same experience during the preview where sometimes he would work and other times not and so after that its possible someone working as a ride operator or whatever took Hatty out, but where is a mystery. Only that person and others involved would know. :/ Specially since during those days, tech was still remotely knew. so why not.

[@tornadoe13]

Blake Northington About a year ago I typed into google the words 'hatbox ghost' And found an interesting article that said that the first hattie was lent to a music group and appeared in one of their videos. But when I went back to double check, I couldn't find the site. Its a real shame as it had photos and everything..

[@mulryanc]

tornadoe13 mbey we should look this up on wikileaksD:

[@tylermannor4290]

One thing I never hear people talk about is the Hatbox Ghost's arm movement. As you can see in the footage, the hand that's holding the cane is twitching which makes an already freaky character even freakier

[@Eps-Eeyore-PlayZ]

I'm sure that part of the love of the hat box ghost came from the fact that Walt's uncle was a hatter and he often would use hat boxes in his work as a nod to his uncle (ie: the hat box that Lady is given to Darling in Lady and the Tramp).

[@bradsatz]

Very cool! Enjoyed this video a lot.

[@DiamanteDea]

THEY SHOULD BRING BACK THE HATBOX GHOST. HE IS SO LEGENDARY!!!

[@sforzandofilms]

O.O You're one of the only people in the whole world who has actual film footage of the Hatbox Ghost!!!!!

[@rayvnluv]

So I guess Tony's memory is off by a few days. Thanks for finding and sharing that footage!

[@JoshuaAmos]

this is amazing.

[@CTPerks]

That's astonishing! I never thought I'd ever see ANY video footage of the old guy!

[@lowbaritonewwj]

Great to hear a portion of the Paul Frees radio commercial from back in the day opening the clip. His son, Fred Frees, does a better "Paul Frees" than anyone else, in my opinion. It would have been great to hear Fred narrating this in his late father's "voice" if you will.

[@beddoerocks7509]

great video

[@lastxwriter]

Hattie! Holy crap, man, you made the find of a Mansion fan's lifetime there.

[@maxmora647]

NOW,someone gets it!

[@Itstephaniie]

This is amazing and I literally got the chills. Ah, to go back in time I would love to see this eye to eye.

[@maxmora647]

Does anyone else find it weird that the original molds "vanished"?There is no way that Disney could lose such a valuable piece of its history.

[@amber-rosesales1589]

I was on reddit and I found a story. when the guy says they don't now where the hatbox ghost is, 3:21 , I remembered the story. if you wanna read it, the story is this: www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/1qscwt/haunted_house/

[@samuraikudzi]

it’s been removed :(

[@hunterkiller1440]

So only 998 ghosts lives in the mansion now.

[@TheWrongHands18]

there's ghosts constantly spewing out of graves in the background of the graveyard scene so that number is always changing. You can see them when you get an overview of the graveyard before descending down into it.

[@MannicMannix]

No the hatbox was the 1000 “happy haunt” hence why they were looking for a new ghost also when he came back the beating heart was removed for constance who was always there and the beating heart lest