CONFIRMED: Disney's NEW Haunted Mansion Lounge Will Honor a Former Imagineer

It’s been a little bit since we last heard of an update about the Disney Treasure ship, but this one’s quite exciting!

A Haunted Mansion lounge is coming soon!

It wasn’t too long ago that Haunted Mansion fans went bananas over the news that the beloved attraction would be making a first-of-its-kind appearance at sea with a themed parlor and we even got a sneak peek at some of the unique merchandise you’ll be able to purchase onboard the ship. Now, Disney is revealing another cool hidden detail that you’ll be able to spot (and impress your friends with your extensive Disney knowledge)!

The latest update for the ship gives us another detail about the highly anticipated Haunted Mansion Parlor.

Haunted Mansion Parlor, Disney Treasure ©Disney

A familiar-looking sculpture is looking to make its way to join the happy haunts that are set to board the Disney Treasure ship. Walt Disney Imagineering at Disney World is hard at work preparing this melting bust for transport to the ship. If at first glance you seem to think to yourself, “Hey, I’ve seen that one before!” you very well may have… just not quite like this.

©Disney

This mysterious bust is inspired by the Disney Legend Rolly Crump, who worked on the original Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland (and the news of this bust’s addition happens to have been released on his birthday)!

©Disney

“Rolly” was actually a nickname given to him by Walt Disney himself during his early days with The Walt Disney Company, and he was an integral voice and creator of the original Haunted Mansion attraction. Now, 60 years after the attraction’s debut, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will become the next chapter of the Haunted Mansion saga for Disney Cruise Line voyagers to experience at sea. The entire atmosphere of the parlor will have Rolly’s unique brand of charm, and little bits of eccentricity, and aims to be a “proud continuation of his legacy, celebrating the weird and the fantastical.”

Rolly Crump via ©LA Times

Part of Rolly’s earliest concepts for a “Museum of the Weird” inspired what we now know today as the Haunted Mansion. His original drawings and vision included a character affectionately known as the “Candle Man” who appeared to be melting like a candle. A small nod to this “Candle Man” can actually be spotted in Disney World’s Haunted Mansion ride in the attic scene (but you’ll have to look closely!).

Candle Man

It seemed fitting that the design for Rolly’s memorial bust would be inspired by his own creative genius, so the sculpture will appear dripping on the side of his face along with a memorial plaque that will read, “BROTHER ROLAND- FOREVER REVERED FOR EMBRACING THE WEIRD.” Be sure to look for Rolly’s bust as a cool easter egg to spot when you set sail on the Disney Treasure ship and enter the Haunted Mansion Parlor.

We think this is a very fitting nod to one of the original creative giants behind one of the most beloved attractions for Disney. Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for even more cool Disney details!

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