When guests step into the eerie, cobwebbed halls of the Haunted Mansion, it’s not just the ghoulish atmosphere and ghostly inhabitants that make the attraction unforgettable – the cast members and the costumes they wear have become a beloved component of the Haunted Mansion experience that truly brings the attraction to life.
These outfits are modeled after the attire typically worn by servants of large mansions in the late 1800s – with waistcoats paired with vests or floor-length dresses with aprons and hats, all in subdued colors as to not draw much attention to the staff. Despite this, the costumes have gained their own fanbase and become an integral part of Disney Parks fandom, inspiring everything from merchandise collections to elaborate cosplay, in addition to playing a critical part in the attraction’s storyline.
Haunted Mansion Cast Members Dress and Delight Around the World
The deep, dark green costumes at the Haunted Mansion reflect the uniform traditionally worn by the household staff of large estates more than 100 years ago, with distinctly Disney components. Guests have grown to love the signature striped pattern, pops of purple, lace detailing, headpieces topped with a boo-tiful black bat, and of course – the classic cast member nametag to complete the ensemble.
Whether you’re at Disneyland park, Magic Kingdom, or Tokyo Disneyland, cast members at the Haunted Mansion are eager to share stories of the mansion and its inhabitants, from well-known favorites to lesser-known legends. From the ever-so-iconic Madame Leota to the reclusive Hatbox Ghost at Disneyland and Disney World, these silly ghouls have floated into the pop culture realm, even more elevated by the spirited, delightful cast members who love sharing stories of the mansion and beyond.
Cast members working in the Haunted Mansion are known as Caretakers, reflecting an attitude that is formal yet unfamiliar, with an extra layer of charm behind each grin and smirk. Whether you are greeting a cast member at the imposing front porch of the mansion or stepping away from the walls toward the dead center of the stretching room, you probably have an idea of what this role takes from past visits, no matter what time of the year you’re visiting.
Over the years, these cast members have even participated in fun cast activities outside of the world-famous attraction. In 2023, specially selected cast members from each Haunted Mansion at Disney parks worldwide, including the unique variations inspired by it, were invited to attend the world premiere event of the 2023 film at Disneyland Resort. Take a look at some of the pictures from the event above!
Just like so many dedicated Disney Parks fans, it’s always fun to debate which cast member costume is your favorite. So, what is it like being able to say you worked at the Haunted Mansion and were able to wear a fan-favorite costume? We asked Kristin Camacho, a former Haunted Mansion Caretaker at Disneyland.
“Haunted Mansion has always been my favorite attraction. Growing up local to the park, I have so many memories of the ride itself, but also the cast members and how they were the ones actually bringing the story to life,” said Kristin, who now serves as a guest talent coordinator with Disney Imagination Campus.
Kristin also reflected on her time at the mansion, recalling an especially memorable experience she had with a guest dressed head to toe in some iconic ghoulish gear. “One of my favorite memories was when a mom approached me at the entrance gates and told me she had a shy daughter who had a surprise for me. She stepped aside and behind her was the cutest little girl in a full Haunted Mansion costume. We took a picture and I walked her to the entrance steps of the attraction. Knowing I’ll get to be in those photos and in her memory means so much to me because I have so many pictures and memories of my own with cast members,” said Kristin.
Moments like these are a huge part of the Haunted Mansion lore, bringing cast members and guests together for a grim grinning good time full of playful laughs and silly gags. So, if you were a Haunted Mansion cast member wearing the legendary dark green outfit, what would your favorite part be? The spirited striped dress or the fashionably jaded jacket fit for supernatural service? Be sure to let us know on social media this Halloween by sharing your best fits inspired by the legendary attraction!
Cast Members Bring the Story to Life at Haunted Mansion-Inspired Locations
Since the attraction opened on August 9, 1969, at Disneyland park, the Haunted Mansion has become a fan favorite of so many guests with its sly humor, legendary music, and 999 of those instantly iconic ghouls. Yet before even boarding your Doom Buggy and experiencing chilling anticipation from scene to scene, cast members in daft disguise instantly make you feel right at home as you witness an array of spectral sights and ghostly gags.
This chilling charm has helped the legendary storyline expand around the world, putting cast members right in the center of the action in each of the iconic mansions and manors. In fact, cast members have also donned several variations on these familiar-yet-frightful costumes at additional locations around the world, including at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland!
Opening in 1992, Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris debuted as the first attraction inspired by the original Haunted Mansion with its own unique name and storyline, while the mysterious Mystic Manor opened its doors in 2013 at Hong Kong Disneyland by following the story of the mischievous monkey, Albert, his friend, Lord Henry Mystic, and their museum of artifacts, which supernaturally come to life when they come into contact with mystical, musical dust also through an original storyline.
Last year, Disney Cruise Line took the spooky stories of the famed estate to sea for the first time when it welcomed the Haunted Mansion Parlor onboard the Disney Treasure (and starting in November with its inaugural sailings, the Disney Destiny), offering spirited craft cocktails and even more haunted hijinks. While ghosts arrive for the midnight spree during your visit, cast members in this already-iconic location dress in a slight alternative to the famed look, yet still seamlessly blend right in with the purple and dark green hues found throughout the lounge.
As new experiences continue to delight fans and the tales of the mansion grow further into the great beyond, stories of families and friends who have worn the costume continue to echo through the halls of the attraction, bringing together sympathetic vibrations with more than an ounce of enchanting excitement for generations to come.
Haunted Mansion Merchandise
Upon entering the mansion grounds, cast members transform into the staff of mysterious butlers and maids that grimly assist visitors and faithfully maintain the house, known for its ghostly goings and gatherings. Guests have long appreciated the costumes these cast members wear, for both the role they play in the immersive storytelling of the attraction and simply because of the unmistakable aesthetic.
These days, anyone can join in on the frightful fun and serve as an honorary Caretaker (at least in our eyes), thanks to a variety of merchandise that is influenced directly by the captivating costumes cast members are clad in at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom park – with that signature color palette, beloved motifs, and intricate patterns.
Fans of the Haunted Mansion can don the distinctive dark green color scheme, stripes and all, which previously materialized in apparel and accessories including The Haunted Mansion Clogs for Adults by Crocs and The Haunted Mansion Spirit Jersey – available on DisneyStore.com.
Her Universe also creepily crafted some pieces like the Ghost Host Fashion Top and The Haunted Mansion Monogram Pullover Sweatshirt by Her Universe – allowing you to truly step into the spirited world of the Haunted Mansion and show off your spooky style.
Haunted Mansion Fandom
The magic of the Haunted Mansion costumes extends far beyond its walls and halls – fans are often finding ways to display and celebrate the attraction’s ghostly allure, showcasing the unmistakable style of the mansion’s mysterious maids and butlers.
It is not uncommon to see guests at the separately ticketed Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort or Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort outfitted in some version of these eerily elegant costumes. The same can be said for other events where fans are encouraged to don their Disney best, whether it be at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event or any runDisney race weekend. We are always impressed by the meticulously-made outfits that pay homage to our hard-working cast members, bringing the Haunted Mansion’s spectral staff to life in a way that truly speaks to the love our fans have for this attraction.
Oftentimes in the parks (especially now during Halloween Time), you can also spot guests taking a more subtle approach through Disney “bounding,” where they style outfits using a mix of everyday clothing or accessories combined with recognizable elements to evoke the essence of a certain character – or in this case, cast member.
Even Josh Gad took on the role of Caretaker for a day earlier this year, stepping into the shoes that many do every day at Disneyland park. Outfitted in this fan-favorite ensemble, he made his way through the mansion with a little help from some other cast members (and perhaps some ghosts, too) before fully embracing his role and welcoming guests to the attraction. Even Disney Legends want to be a part of this spooky story!
As you are scrolling through the Disney Parks Blog looking for the latest news and updates this Halloween season, you may even notice the Haunted Mansion theming on the site – an extra touch of mansion mischief and way of paying homage to the attraction’s aesthetic, which is defined largely by the cast members and their costumes.
Now that you know some of the history behind the hallowed halls of the Haunted Mansion and the lore of these looks, we hope you’ll hurry back soon to admire these clever costumes! While you’re there, be sure to thank the cast members you see for their spooky service to this beloved attraction.
