Uncovering the REAL Story of The Haunted Mansion

[@StellarAvenger]

Whenever Offhand Disney makes a Haunted Mansion video, being seated is mandatory.

[@xBINARYGODx]

really? I like to rip off ALL my clothes and run around the room naked while they play in the background. but I guess... to each their own.

[@rebeccaleek3852]

This. THIS is what is so great about Offhand Disney. Nobody does Haunted Mansion or Pirates history like you! 🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Orkunkadunk]

OFFHAAAAAAND, MAKE A FULL BACKSTORY OF THE JUNGLE CRUISE AND MY LIFE IS YOUUUURS

[@metalstxrm]

LET HIM COOK

[@redspec01]

Be careful or he may accept your offering.

[@SRKStar]

Please let him would love it if he made a Tower of Terror Movie review as well. But I also think that movie is goated

[@holotape]

So, Dwayne Johnson is a boat captain that gets hired by Emily Blunt to go on an expedition…

[@LawnmowerManHWABAG]

don’t, I want this guy sad

[@rattyeely]

The Hatbox Ghost being one of the bride's husbands is my favorite Haunted Mansion theory. It works with the original bride, but it works even better with Constance, almost as if they designed her AROUND the concept of the hatbox ghost and the other hatbox pop-up ghosts that used to be in the attic. He's her victim, he makes the whole scene complete and complements her character so much. I'm SO mad they put him in a random hallway in the Disney World version, it misses the whole point.

[@AlienfromY841]

It’s apparently the original story, based on the little book they made at the time and one of the first vinyls

[@host_theghost507]

I would say that one of the strengths of the HM is that there IS no canon storytelling. Guests are free to imagine. I personally love the idea that Hatbox Ghost is the bridegroom... but it doesn't bother me if people have other theories. OTOH, I've never liked the way the Beating Heart bride was replaced with "Constance Hatchaway." It's too much storytelling and for me it introduces a goofy subplot into what used to be a genuinely chilling moment. In the earliest concept drawings it's not even clear that she's supposed to be a bride... somebody thought her shroud looked like a wedding veil, then it got hooked into the Bloodmere Manor narrative and, poof, she's a bride. Some people like the Constance mini-story and I don't begrudge them, but I prefer the mystery.

[@loribarker5781]

Ron Howard played the male teenage on the album. I always thought that was so cool. I had the album as a child. I absolutely wore it out I loved it so. 👻👻👻

[@Itachi8692]

Same here! I had the cassette tape and cd ^^ was just boutta say a comment bout Ron Howard but looks like someone beat me to it xD always loved that bit of disney history and still is one of if not my favorite story to listen to even now.

[@benirvin5609]

I actually still own it! Although it’s worn and well loved!

[@audrag.4756]

True story. They were still selling this album/book in WDW in 1978. My parents bought it for me that year on our first trip because I fell in love with HM the first time I rode it.

[@simpleanswer8954]

I had it around '82, no idea where my parents picked it up. We never went to any theme parks so it must have come from a plain old book store.

[@onbearfeet]

I saw it for sale in a museum gift shop in February 2020. (The museum was hosting an exhibition of Disney concept art, not particularly Haunted Mansion-centric.)

[@CatPianoClassics]

But i always thought that Snow Whites Scary Adventure was the scariest, they can change the name to Snow Whites Fun Happy Friends Go To A Picnic or whatever, its still the most frightening Side note, why hasnt there been a Haunted Mansion restaurant that sells an item called Goulash Delight?

[@bingotheraccoon]

I just applauded your comment. Physically. That...yeah. that was good.

[@leahpedroso5579]

They are making a haunted mansion themed bar on a disney cruise based around a sea captian

[@rebeccaleek3852]

Hey, Yellow Shoes! Check out this idea!

[@gothicfairy2407]

I always thought that the original Beating Heart Bride(s) and Constance are/were different people. I like the theory that the Beating Heart Bride was a trapped ghost bride, maybe of the Hatbox Ghost, who was in an arranged or forced marriage against her will and still trapped there after her suspicious death.

[@AtticHaunt321]

I came here to say his. The Beating Heart Bride is absolutely NOT Constance. BHB was a victim, not a black widow. Man, do I miss her still.

[@fredlopez5213]

When the Hatbox Ghost was added back to the Haunted Mansion, I think the Parks blog did an interview with the character that revealed he was not one of Constance's husbands (maybe there was something that said he actually hated her) and instead was in love with the old beating-heart bride.

[@gr33ngirlsea]

That's really funny. I love that they "interviewed" an animitronic! Makes sense, tho. His story in the book is connected to BHB, not Constance.

[@daydragoon331]

I actually think that’s more interesting than him being her husband, I like the dynamic that they actually don’t like each other.

[@rmack3720]

Saw a theory from another video that he was possibly an accomplice to her murders by helping her hide her husbands' heads in hatboxes only to be done in by her for knowing too much.

[@jetsons101]

I enjoy variations on the same story, always fun to mix it up a bit. Another person's personal "Cannon" may have more or different detail than my personal "Cannon," this helps the story expand and grow. Thanks to Offhand Disney for their time, work and keeping Disneyland History alive and kicking..............

[@skipbreakfast]

It never occurred to me that we're falling to our deaths after the attic scene. Neat.

[@andyinmichigan9058]

One of the best Disney guys in KZbin. Thanks Dalen!

[@mitchellgillum]

I’d love to see you do one of these type of videos for space mountain/tower of terror/jungle cruise. They’re awesome

[@ericnelson8422]

You're stuff just keeps getting better and better!! Rock on, kid!!!

[@Randoplants]

Haunted Mansion and the People Mover are the only Disney things I actually care about, this is the perfect channel for me!

[@edwardrizer8505]

How in gods name can this man make so many constantly entertaining videos about the HauntedMansion.

[@KLGChaos]

Just in time for me to change my phone theme to Halloween. Can't wait to visit the Haunted Mansion during the Halloween party in two weeks. Great video as always. I also just found out there's a book series called Tales from the Haunted Mansion that I now want to buy.

[@jediconnor9349]

Have you seen the new Haunted Mansion movie from last year? It’s sooo good.😅

[@KLGChaos]

​@@jediconnor9349 Yes! My friends and I watched it the night it came out and loved it! It may not be the best movie ever made, but it captured the spirit of the ride and the story was funny and heartfelt. Can't believe critics hated it so much.

[@KLGChaos]

@@jediconnor9349 Yep. Saw it opening night with my friends and we loved it!

[@jediconnor9349]

@@KLGChaos Awesome!😎

[@Jura_Cilean]

Many moons ago (the 70s), in daycare, they played that record as a treat when the big kids had a full day off school. I loved those times and is why my office has so much HM memorabilia. Favorite ride ever!

[@pinksiren8825]

Man your Haunted Mansion videos make me so unbelievably happy. This was so good! Honestly though, I guess it truly does make sense that the Hatbox Ghost was one of Constance’s husbands. It fits with both of their theming and all.

[@lmb41]

I had the album with the cool jacket cover/book when I was little and I used to scare myself by listening in the dark by myself…I was so freaked out when we went to the mansion at Disney World that I cried through the entire ride. 😜

[@memsfai]

I absolutely love watching your videos, but I can't help but be terribly jealous of how often you get to visit Disney. I haven't been able to go since 1999.

[@queenmedesa]

And I have never been to any Disney park !

[@jish55]

I remember a good 10 or so years ago seeing a long video on another channel that essentially was a history of the Haunted Mansion (not the history of the ride, but the history of the ghosts and how they got there). It was so good, I'm sad I can't find it. I think it was done by Doombuggy Productions when that channel was still active.

[@MannyEmm]

My theory is that it is based on nightmares which Walt had as a child. It could been based on relative he had or even a real haunted house in Marceline.

[@danieIIemydear]

I had my mom's copy of the album from when she was a kid (also one for it's a small world but I didn't like that one as much) when I was little and I used to listen to it on my little kiddy record player constantly when I a kid. Which I think explains a lot about me as an adult. The scratchy quality from listening to it on vinyl with what I'm sure was a too old/dull needle really added to the experience

[@midnight_rain33]

14:22 i have to disagree honestly. i mean yeah its all up to speculation, the lore is SO contradictory but i see the beating heart bride and constance as different characters. the beating heart bride is a forlorn but also sort of evil figure who IS tied to the hatbox ghost, however constance is a heartless killer who is kind of unrelated to the hatbox ghost. but this has always been my personal opinion, i'm up to hear out other opinions

[@GinaLynnGuesby]

I love how you tell a story. And especially this story. Thank you for this video!

[@kevinfraser7815]

Wow, this is such a well produced video. Thanks for the info and entertainment.

[@ConnorCampbell-ch5mk]

Dallin, we all know It’s Tough to be a Bug is the scariest Disney attraction, come on now we know this

[@rattyeely]

Yes

[@cathypiper9373]

That was truly a nightmare. It made my child cry .

[@ConnorCampbell-ch5mk]

@@cathypiper9373 almost made me cry

[@ryan7032]

Peter Pan is the scariest. You fly 7000 ft in the air ABOVE A VOLCANO!

[@brianb8060]

As someone who is afraid of bees and wasps. When they come down and "sting" me in the back... you bet.

[@wendyg1059]

YO! I owned that record when I was a kid. In fact, I think I may still have it in storage, lol! Good times!!

[@AdamWilsonA]

Offhand is my favorite KZbinr, I can confidently say that without having to phrase it “Offhand is probably my favorite”, forget the use of probably.

[@cecilyerker]

Offhand Disney is my favorite source of Haunted Mansion lore and history! God bless you my dude ❤

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Thank you Dr. D! This was so very Fun and Thrilling! You have done a wondrous thing! Please be enjoying the WDW adventure you indeed deserve!

[@jarombarney1001]

It was super cool to see you at the parks last week in Soarin’! Hope you enjoyed your time there

[@TBustah]

Right when he mentioned “spooky sponsor” at the end, it cut to an ad with a mermaid singing a jingle for Ore-Ida french fries. 🤣

[@aaronboogie4469]

Ohhhh, I always love your spooky-themed videos

[@JustcallmeDebbieB]

Thank you for giving me my HM "fix". I miss going, but don't miss the crowds!!

[@FIREBRAND38]

This was a great presentation. It's obvious how Walt's original concept for a walk through with a Museum of the Weird was mixed in with the different visions the subsequent creators had for the attraction.

[@jayedawg]

Omg dude, ur sooo adorable. =) Nerd out, proud Disney-adult. MWAH!

[@drewdatification]

Hell yes! Another Offhand Haunted Mansion video! My Weekend just got better 😁😁😁

[@Mrlaggy99]

My lil headcanon is that we are pushed from the attic but we land in some leaves or something soft to break our fall but we look like we’re a ghoul or something because of our fall that freaks the caretaker out.

[@Truepyropixie]

The one eyed black cat was mentioned in an old recording by Paul freeze that wasn’t used. I think it was a precursor to the raven. I’m actually quite happy to see it being referenced in the attraction.

[@pikachew3691]

Awesome video, its interesting to see the concet art along with the cool illustrations in the book, please make a tower of terror video!!!

[@electricwizard3000]

Wait! I always believed the things popping up in the graveyard from barrels and whatnot to scream 'Boo!' are ghouls. No??

[@brianantoniohuman]

We listened to that record over and over as kids. LOVED it

[@brianantoniohuman]

There's no one story. Theming allows each visit to be different. Story is not theme. Theme is immersive details. Story focus brings telling with fewer details, rather than showing and experiencing.

[@gamberlane]

No mention of Master Gracey? It feels like he should be a major figure in the story.

[@wordledad]

This was one of the most informative videos you've done since the Jean Lafitte conspiracy days. Good work!

[@j.7881]

I like to pretend that the hatbox ghost is "George" (tombstone) from the stretching portrait room that Constance is sitting ontop of🙌

[@Caleb-lc7tf]

Interesting fact, in a Random Rings short, it’s revealed that Scratch (the ghost from The Ghost and Molly McGee) resided in the haunted mansion for a time, and was the one who broke that one singing bust’s head (in a bowling accident - with Madame Leota’s head). It’s the only info we ever get on how that bust’s head broke, so I consider it as cannon lol

[@lilithcal]

Banshees make sense for the organ since they’re known for their shrieking.

[@oshuhua]

I love me some Paul Frees and Thurl Ravenscroft!!

[@JohnMatthewVO]

My favorite Cannon story is the one where William Conrad ate a whole box of Chocodiles and barfed on Pirates of the Caribbean...

[@andyb7808]

Dang! I was just at Hollywood Studios on Tuesday! Enjoy them Muppets dude!

[@TheInfintyithGoofball]

saving this video to my Halloween playlist RIGHT AWAY!

[@jetsons101]

Great Watch...... Nuff Said

[@Justintime619]

Here’s a sad note in history.. the haunted mansion opened up the same day The Beatles walked across the famous crosswalk at Abby Road and Sharron Tate lost her life….

[@OakForestBoys]

These kinda vids are my favorite

[@Randoplants]

I remember reading that the original backstory involved the owner of the house being a pirate like Bluebeard. The bride goes to meet her secret lover in the attic to try and run away - only to be done away with by the man she was supposed to marry. I don’t have any favorite interpretation, though. Scary bride in the attic is a good stock haunted house character

[@queenmedesa]

She wasn't an adulteress, she discovered he was a pirate

[@Nateberries]

Seeing this right after my Disney trips ended, bittersweet

[@envyq00]

My favorite headcanon is definitely that the Hatbox Ghost is moreso of a knowing accomplice to Constance rather than one of her former husbands. Something about putting heads in hatboxes feels very much in his MO somehow-

[@emmagreening7710]

Putting this on my Haunted Mansion playlist now. ❤️❤️❤️

[@WarholaSoup]

I love every story

[@BDawg-hy7pl]

My canon for Disneyland is that the ghost narrator is the sea captain and that the mansion is his house. For Disney world, the ghost host was the main butler and head of staff that was involved in some sort of scandal now lost to history. He hung himself out of shame or to avoid arrest

[@tcraiford]

I LOVE YOUR MANSION VIDEOS ❤❤❤

[@SP8inc]

I like the game's version of the story, and the overall mansion as well. That was a great game back in the day.

[@eztli_c]

Does anyone remember the ghost post? I love to remember that as canon events and it's why I love Sally Slater so much. She was such a great character during that ❤

[@ali_oks618]

Here's me and my sister's banger theory: the Hatbox Ghost is NOT Constance's husband, BUT the two attic ghosts are still connected. The Hatbox Ghost was Constance's accomplice! Evidence: 1) In the WDW's Haunted Mansion you can see 5 hatboxes in the attic, I believe, and there's a rack with five hats corresponding to each of the beheaded husbands. 2) We know Constance's husbands, and none of them were hatters. 3) There's an old concept where Constance is standing next to a hatbox with a very worried man head in it. 4) I think there was an old gag in the ride (or was it only planned?) where heads would pop out of hatboxes. Feel free to correct us on any of this! Yes, this theory depends on discarded concepts, but still, hatboxes and beheading seem to be way too connected to ignore, especially when both of the ghosts in question inhabit the same location. So our theory is: the Hatbox Ghost was Constance's accomplice, being in on the murders and providing hatboxes to hide the evidence in. But in the end, she killed him herself to get rid of all witnesses.

[@Undrave]

Is that Von Ginger on the last page?

[@copperkiddo]

I understand “Falling” out of the Attic window is a popular theory, but I always went for the balcony and staircase idea. I mean you clearly see a railing there when you ride backwards. But each to his own. However, there is one thing from the Mansion that always confused me. Not a big deal, but I always wondered why the Conservatory was on the 2nd floor lol. In the load area you go up the “Grand Staircase”. I just thought that was funny.

[@ericlaskey7729]

Curious to know if you've ever read the run of Haunted mansion comics from 2005. I've only ever been able to read summaries as these books are extremely rare but the narrative this series presents for the mansion is honestly quite unique and far more creative than any of the films. So if you have read them be curious to know your thoughts.

[@Dizvillager]

Very interesting! We live near DWorld and go often. I’ll look more closely during the halloween party.

[@nzjonty]

I finally did it. I bought some Magic Candle Company Candles and used your code. You got me. I’ll update with a review.

[@valledafne]

A Tower of Terror dive deep would be awesome! 💀

[@FruitBrute]

I love the idea that the Hatbox ghost is connected to Constance Hatchaway it makes so much sense. And also it makes the Hatbox being downstairs at WDW make even less sense, oh nooo 🤣

[@riviecore]

NEW OFFHAND VIDEO

[@cherrybomb6394]

One of my favorite theories/headcanons is that Constance was the last owner of the Mansion before she died. Love my girl Constance!

[@jediconnor9349]

You should make a separate video on Mission Space: Orange Team.😄

[@hollydransfield1653]

My theory is in short Chandler loses auction for mansion and buys mill, which therefore destroys thunder mountain and making all the ghosts they’re angry bringing them to the haunted mansion. winner of auction dies by ghost murdering him . he has two twins sons, and they fight over who should be the owner. they do a dual ballroom ghosts, both of them live. One decides to hang the other. Surviving twin Mary’s constants hence hat box ghost Constance kills him, and She becomes owner. this is why there is a ghost host and master Gracie, brother who is hanged is master Gracie brother who marries Constance hotbox ghost=ghost host.

[@concertino58]

Which video did you hear this from? I saw one a year or so ago detailing this exact theory.

[@mirandabaglien8511]

I just watched Muppets Haunted Mansion again the other night and noticed for the first time that they tumble out of the window and into the graveyard! I wondered if it was a nod to anything or coincidence 😊

[@jemmatilling]

Happy haunted mansion/phantom manor season to all who celebrate (all of us)

[@cmaden78]

It's kind of hard for me to use my memory to come up with the whole story, cuz I'm from Florida and was born in 1978 to parents who insisted we go to WDW every year( because my uncle and grandma lived there( or very close) and my aunt worked at the MK) Then i went to UCF and was a dancer at WDW And UCF. So I've been going since my mom got pregnant 😂 and most of what I remember is from Florida, but then when I got married my ex husband and I went a few times to DL. but then if you REALLY want to talk confusing, I grew up watching Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday with my grandparents, AND ALSO the Disney Channel since it's inception...wheeeew😏🤣😄so yeah that's A LOT of input. But I treasure what I see from your channel too✨🖤💀✨😄 Thank you for bridging this gap from my kids to me!😀😎

[@MikeTheBeholder]

I always thought the Hatbox Ghost was just the Bride’s co-conspirator in a black widow scheme. He gets rid of the bodies/heads, takes his cut of the wealth, finds the next mark for the Bride to marry. She has no real faithfulness except to HG making her “his bride.”

[@coreyspeechley218]

Great video as always I'm a huge haunted Mansion fan got the gargoyle candle holders with LED candles got the stretching room picture is ETC just wanted to say magic Kingdom screwed up... They really really really really really really to put the hatbox ghost where he belongs upstairs... Love your content my friend great style.... Oh yeah in Disneyland really really really really really really really really really really needs to get the Earthling Transporter moving again... See what I did there

[@Plokman040]

Please tell me they keep Paul's voice, Boris Badinov should not be erased.

[@UCRfZb91nX-triozNmzvaRrA]

That's the same thing I'm worried about But everyone Bitched about the Hanging Man all Because it was a Damn Suicide taken that out won't solve shit there is STILL gonna be on going Suicide even at the same time I'm watching this Film or when do this shit it doesn't power anyone to defeat People Problems People that don't like The Haunted Mansion should NOT Ride it But Fuck it up for People that enjoy the Ride None of the Ghosts Dide Peacefully it was ALL Tragic Deaths But we have to stop Enjoying Life just for who Bitch about shit Including Splash Mountain, Snow White Jungle Cruise Peter and we are Forced to give a Shit about Childish BLM instead of Enjoying ourselves there goes our fun just for them. I hope Paul Freezes Voice is still there if not what good is the Haunted Mansion now?

[@Ratmus1]

I have this book / record! It's awesome.

[@hannahblespecter5325]

My completely unhinged story: The ghost host was Constance's butler, and lover. But they both wanted money. So Constance married and with the help of her lover, murdered and hid all these husbands while she and her secret lover enjoyed the wealth. But the angry spirits of her husbands discovered the butler alone and trapped him in the stretching room where either they killed him or he killed himself. And distraught and tormentted by the death of her lover Constance takes her own life with his spirit comforting her by her side. Now they wander tthe mansion together, secretly wanting to exact some kind of revenge but in the meantime, having rich people parties with all ttheir dead friends and relatives.

[@Outlander_man]

Make a backstory of Horizons, that would be awesome.

[@JamesCorden23]

5:34 "Figments of our imagination" 🤨

[@TheBoyMechanic]

That's not Thurl Ravenscroft narrating. That was Peter Renaday, who sadly passed away last week. He was also the voice of Henry the Bear

[@JosephDavies]

I was expecting a mention or tribute to him, given the timing. Reneday was a terrific voice actor. RIP.

[@Turds-f9w]

Ron Howard gives a masterful performance 😅

[@leah6831]

Please come to typhoon lagoon on Tuesday!! I’ll be on the wave wall 😌

[@briananderson344]

My theory is that the ghosts haven’t had a living soul (pun so intended) visit them in a long time so when we show up they give us a tour and can’t help but be both scary and silly.

[@Disneyboy1989]

One of the imagineers who worked on HBG told me that he may be in cahoots with Constance. She chopped the heads, and he would come to collect.

[@Tinkerbe11]

The organ player is called "Victor Geist"? Geist is the German word for ghost! A very fitting name.

[@BellePullman]

Mike and Karen, hmm? not Brad and Janet? It's amazing how the Hatbox Ghost has gone from urban myth to factual, practical, over-exposed character...

[@brandonkstarr]

I would define the pop up ghosts as ghouls. Have they all been removed from the graveyard at this point? I can't remember, it's been a while since I've had a chance to ride it.

[@JosephDavies]

You're driving me crazy here, man! You can't repeatedly say you don't like the idea of the Hatbox Ghost being wedded to Constance when you know full well that Constance didn't even exist until 2006, nearly forty years after those lines in the LP were written (and clearly not the Bride it was speaking of)! I mean, honestly! Seriously though, I miss the original bride and wish she'd return. While I can see where Constance's concept was inspired by the Hatbox Ghost and his decades of mystery and rumor, now that he's back in the ride she feels even more out of place than ever. I wish they'd bring back the mournful Beating Heart Bride. But I'd settle for a rework of Constance so that she at least looks like she belongs in the ride. I grew up listening to this LP and always loved the alternate take on the ride. I'm glad the ride is a separate thing, but I enjoy a little what-if. I think it informs a lot about the _intent_ of many of the scenes and the tone, even where it diverges.

[@BrubySmalls]

The hatbox ghost hawk tuahed and constance went “weeeyoooh!”

[@TheInfintyithGoofball]

NON-MAGIC CANDLE COMPANY SPONSORSHIP??! I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY OFFHAND! (this doesn't mean I dislike them tho)

[@aliceincraftland3388]

I had that record!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤