As part of Halfway to Halloween, Disney Cruise Line has revealed more details about the Haunted Mansion Parlor bar on the new Disney Treasure ship.
Rolly Crump’s “Aquarium with Ghost Fish”
When plans for the original Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland were underway, Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump proposed a creative concept for a “Museum of the Weird” exhibit. The separate exhibit wasn’t realized but some of Rolly’s ideas were incorporated into the Haunted Mansion while many remained “in the vault.”
One such concept was a mysterious aquarium filled with ghost fish. More than fifty years later, Rolly’s “Aquarium with Ghost Fish” sketch was referenced by today’s Imagineers to create a version of the aquarium for the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
Blending nostalgia with a fresh layer of lore, the aquarium will fold into the curious backstory of the parlor’s former sea captain owner. Legends passed down from The Captain’s devoted crew recount how he was last seen heading to his parlor for a special meal prepared by his betrothed. All that remained after The Captain and his bride seemingly vanished was his hat, which was found floating in the aquarium tank. Perhaps his disappearance grants a new meaning to “fish food.”
As previously announced, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will also include a Museum of the Weird-inspired Rolly Crump bust.
Portrait Gallery
Just like the ride, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will feature a portrait gallery of the wandering souls that have taken up residence on the Disney Treasure. These new pieces mimic the art stylings used by Imagineers for the original Haunted Mansion in 1969. The gallery will also incorporate present-day technologies to allow the ghostly residents to entertain guests in new ways.
The concept for The Mariner was created by famed Disney animator Marc Davis. The portrait first occupied the halls of the original Haunted Mansion attraction and later made its way to the attractions at Walt Disney World Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort. The Mariner’s story will be taken to new depths when he takes his place in the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure and continues to uphold Marc Davis’ impactful legacy.
A distinguished portrait of the good-humored sea captain will also grace the walls of the Haunted Mansion Parlor. His lifelong dream of serving on a luxury ocean liner was cut short after his untimely demise, but his merry soul has lingered on in his private parlor.
The likeness of The Captain’s enigmatic bride-to-be will take cues from Marc Davis’ iconic “cat lady” concept, which was also featured in the original attraction. Inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor, her portrait will flicker to reveal her true form and perhaps, her true intentions.
Tales of the doomed couple’s first encounter all began when The Captain received a dramatic distress transmission from another vessel. He wasted no time in altering his course to aid in the rescue, but as he neared the source of the call, he found only a mangled wreckage and a lone survivor – a woman floating amongst the debris. With bright green eyes, chestnut hair and a golden key hanging about her neck, it is no wonder that The Captain was immediately taken by her beauty. The pair became inseparable and were soon engaged to be wed.
Mug Collection
The ghosts of the portrait gallery also inspire a new Disney Cruise Line-exclusive commemorative mug collection. These ceramic mugs look like carved wooden planks of a ghost ship.
The first two in the series will be inspired by The Mariner and The Captain’s bride.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor was confirmed last fall and Disney provided a first look at the bar’s themed drinks. The Disney Treasure’s maiden voyage is scheduled for December.
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