Welcome, Foolish Mortals! This month, the DoomBuggies Podcast takes you to Tarrytown, NY where we visit the home of author Washington Irving and the location of his story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Julia talks about modern Sleepy Hollow and a quick visit she made to the village, and Jeff looks at the town's history, and some of the ways Irving's famous short story has affected the place. Finally, we take a look at Disney's interpretation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and we discuss Imagineer Ken Anderson's concepts for incorporating the story into his walk-through Haunted Mansion. Plus - LEGO finally releases a Haunted Mansion kit, we consider Salem, MA as a Halloween destination - and more.

Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to the June 2022 episode of the DoomBuggies Podcast. This month we're digging heels over heads into the topic of Haunted Mansion collectibles! We'll take a look at the grue-vy history of the attraction's souvenirs and memorabilia, and we'll mention some of the events that have produced so much ghoulishly great stuff over the past 53 years. We also discuss some upcoming events, new Haunted Mansion dice, a cool collectible from Phil Sears, and more!

Contact us at comments@doombuggies.com or call toll free 1-888-5-HATBOX.

Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to the May 2022 episode of the DoomBuggies Podcast. This month we're digging up - er, digging IN to the latest news regarding the 2023 version of "The Haunted Mansion" from Walt Disney Pictures, and we speak with Maegan Foret, who had the good fortune of acting as an extra and a stand-in in the upcoming film. We'll also take a look back at the official backstory from the 2003 version of "The Haunted Mansion," and compare how that story relates to the various storylines pursued by the Imagineers during the creation of the Disneyland attraction in the '50s and '60s. Plus - Halfway to Halloween merch, our latest collectibles - and more!

Contact us at comments@doombuggies.com

Welcome foolish Muppets to our October episode of the DoomBuggies Podcast. This month is dead-icated to "Muppets Haunted Mansion," a new special streaming on Disney+. We share news of Muppets-related spooktacular events at the Disney Parks, discuss our feelings about and opinions of the new show, talk about MacGuffins, and report on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum that featured Dave "Gonzo the Great" Goelz and Bill "Pepe the King Prawn" Barretta sharing inside stories from the sets of the new special, and talking about their experiences while making the show. Finally, we welcome Kirk Thatcher, the director of "Muppets Haunted Mansion," to the show to share his insights into the making of this new holiday tradition. Plus - post a photo of your Haunted-Mansion-themed Halloween pumpkin and tag #doombuggies, and you can win a Death Certificate autographed by Ghost Host Peter Renoudet!

This month, DoomBuggies hosts Jeff and Julia take you back 52 years to the opening day of the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. We talk about the myths that surrounded the attraction before it opened, the press accounts that accompanied the opening of the attraction, and the mindset of the foolish mortals who waited upwards of 4 hours to ride through the Mansion during the hype of the long-awaited opening of the doors - the "creak heard 'round the world," as they said. Plus - counting the Mansion's ghosts, and a merchandise report!

This month, we take a brief look into the history of the development of the mechanics of the Haunted Mansion, and a few of the key engineers and technicians from WED and MAPO who took the famous Imagineers' designs and concepts and turned them into an immersive physical experience. We also look at the latest news, including an upcoming Disney+ series featuring the Mansion and a new book about Haunted Mansion designer Claude Coats. Plus, which would make a better Haunted Mansion overlay - Dark Shadows, or Hocus Pocus?

This month, Jeff and Julia visit Disneyland on opening day 2021 and make a beeline for the Haunted Mansion to experience the updates, refreshed sets, and new effects added to the refurbished attraction. We also discuss the latest Haunted Mansion news, including a Muppets mash-up, new merch (of course), and an exhibit from the Disney Archives that is closing soon.

This month, Jeff and Julia present a special edition of the DoomBuggies Podcast to discuss the soon-to-be-unveiled changes coming to the Disneyland version of the Haunted Mansion, which include fan-favorite characters and new props and effects which call back to some of the Imagineer's earliest concepts for the attraction.

Welcome, Foolish Mortals - to the DoomBuggies Podcast! This week, we take a look at some of the ghost stories that existed during the conceptualization of the Haunted Mansion, and consider some of the ideas and tales that might have influenced the Walt Disney and his Imagineers as they designed the greatest haunted house dark ride of all time. Also, in news, we mention some new artwork dealing with the Haunted Mansion, a new publication ready for pre-order, and we await the reopening of Disneyland and the original Haunted Mansion attraction.

This month, DoomBuggies explores the topic of nuptial doom, specifically as found in the recently renovated Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris. We meet Melanie Ravenswood, the bride of the manor, and discuss her tragic history, the sorrow of loves lost, and the new special effects that were added to the attraction in 2019. We also discuss our favorite couples in the Haunted Mansion, and share the latest news in which Donny Osmond remembers going to school in the Haunted Mansion as a child - and more!

This month, we are going back to the late 1980s to discuss a much-discussed book of tales: The Haunted Mansion's Ghost Gallery. This collection of stories was developed by Cast Members from the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion attraction, and it represented their attempt to describe all of the denizens of the Mansion. We'll discuss the history of the collection, the development of the stories, and we'll read a few excerpts. Plus - we list our favorite graveyard ghosts, and we discuss the new merchandise that is hitting the shelves.

This month, we take a dive into the newest gigantic tome for your tomb published by Disney Editions - Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter, by Graham Allan, Charlie Price and the director of the Walt Disney Archives, Rebecca Cline. We dig specifically into the book-length chapter about Haunted Mansion Holiday, and discuss some of the revelations and artwork unearthed by this magnificent collection of photos and facts. Plus - some Haunted Mansion related gift ideas, and more.

This month, we present part two of our discussion of the architecture of the Haunted Mansion, and discuss the look, feel and architectural style and era of the facade buildings in Anaheim and Orlando that give the Haunted Mansion its spooky setting. We discuss the atmosphere and styling created by WED Imagineer Claude Coats, the historical setting dedicated to each of the Mansions' settings, and the single book that started it all. Plus - news about Haunted Mansion paper projects, spooky "no-touch pulls," NBC pop-up advent calendar... and a discussion of Haunted Mansion Holiday's pros and cons.

In this special Halloween 2020 edition of the DoomBuggies Podcast, Jeff and Julia present a word-for-word dramatization of the continuity and narration working script for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion from November 13, 1968, as written by famed WED Imagineer X. Atencio. Enjoy this peek behind the scenes at the production of the greatest haunted house attraction ever created. Happy Halloween, Doombugs and Foomorts!

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the DoomBuggies Podcast! This week, we celebrate the start of the spooking season by listing our favorite Disney Halloween video treats (all of which are available to stream on Disney Plus, to boot!) Then we discuss the latest news, including a virtual fan-created Haunted Mansion project, some new Haunted Mansion merch, and a cool virtual trick-or-treat fundraiser. Finally, we discuss the origins of the Haunted Mansion's architecture, and consider what really lies under the foundations of that old house on the hill.

This month, DoomBuggies celebrates the start of the spooking season with some crafty tips from some bewitching artists. But first, we take a look at the results of the recent Van Eaton Disneyland memorabilia auction to consider the value of some of the high profile Haunted Mansion souvenirs that were sold. Then, DoomBuggies welcomes artisans Emma "Emmacabre" Mosier and Tina Biles to the show to discuss some ways to keep things spooky this Halloween, from inspiration to methodology. Learn easy ways for you to spookify your own home. We also have all the latest Haunted Mansion news, including new merch, comics, rumors of a new movie, and special events hosted by the Walt Disney Family Museum.

This month, DoomBuggies celebrates the Haunted Mansion's 51st birthday with a plethora of spooky happenings. We all might be locked down, but opportunities await. While Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash might have been cancelled, you can still get your scare on by buying candles with dancing flames using licensed Imagineering technology, or taking a haunted virtual run while learning about the Bay Area's most ghostly places. We also discuss Super 7's Comic Con Haunted Mansion "ReAction" figures, which quickly sold out... and then we explore the upcoming Van Eaton Galleries auction called "Disneyland: The First 65 Years," which contains a plethora of amazing artifacts for Haunted Mansion fans to ghoul over.. er, drool over. Plus - our favorite Haunted Mansion-related experiences - and more!

In this month's episode of The DoomBuggies Podcast, DoomBuggies' founder Jeff Baham introduces co-host Julia Layne and they introduce the show's new format, then talk about some new Haunted Mansion merchandise hitting the virtual shelves, including dolls, tiki mugs, Funko, face masks, and more. Next, Jeff offers a short history lesson on the contributions of Disney Legend (and Walt's original business partner) Ub Iwerks to the special projection effects used in the Haunted Mansion.

In this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, we look at some opportunities that are coming quickly as the Haunted Mansion's 50th anniversary rapidly approaches on August 9, 2019. DoomBuggies offers a special event on August 9, while Disneyland offers its own overnight spooky celebration celebrating the anniversary with two parties and the release of a plethora of new art and collectibles. Then, Jeff talks about the winners of the D23 Expo Design Challenge and reviews "Happy Haunts Materialize: Fifty Spirited Years of the Haunted Mansion" at the Disney Gallery at Disneyland. Finally, we take a look at two potential moments of inspiration behind the Haunted Mansion - one being an article from a Kansas City newspaper from 1921, and one being an episode from a radio show from 1949. Both provide an interesting context to the world into which the Haunted Mansion emerged in 1969.

In this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, we look at the earliest plans for Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion as envisioned by WED Imagineer Ken Anderson in 1957. Thanks to recent discoveries this year, new details about Ken Anderson's plans for a haunted house at Disneyland have been unearthed, and we take a deep dive into the various ideas and proposed floor plans for this surprisingly grim attraction. From a conceptual link between the pirates of New Orleans Square and Walt Disney's proposed haunted house, to an old house haunted by Disney's Lonesome Ghosts, we mull over Ken Anderson's various ideas for the haunted house before it became known as The Haunted Mansion. Plus - plans for DoomBuggies 20th anniversary events are announced; Haunted Mansion products are discussed; and a review of AtmosFX's latest digital decorating kit.

Happy Halloween! Celebrate the 20th year of DoomBuggies.com with this special episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show. In this episode, we speak with the director (James H. Carter II) and executive producer (Ryan Grulich) of "Foolish Mortals," a documentary about Haunted Mansion fandom. Learn about their inspiration, goals, and discoveries along the way toward finishing this film, and their own personal histories with the Haunted Mansion. We also will take an audio trip through Disneyland's Haunted Mansion with a twist - join me in a special Doom Buggy designated for Ghost Post subscribers, and communicate with the Mansion's happy haunts directly! Plus - Disneyland's family plot returns to the Haunted Mansion grounds; new podcasts announced; new merchandise reviewed; Disney XD premiers animated Haunted Mansion shorts; and Jeff announces a special appearance at Creature Features in Burbank on November 19. 

In this special Friday the 13th episode, we welcome Imagineer Patrick Romandy-Simmons to the show to talk about the anniversary of the reappearance of the Hat Box Ghost in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Patrick sculpted the new character, and shares secrets about the creation of the ghost, as well as other haunting tales about his career with Disney, including a story about Marc Davis and "Friday the 13th Part VII". In other news, Guillermo del Toro is trending again with a tidbit about his Haunted Mansion film project; Disney uses RFID to personalize your trip through the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion; the Haunted Mansion comic book from Marvel is going strong, and The Disney Store releases a subscription to the "Ghost Post," a box of Haunted Mansion collectibles that doubles as an alternate reality game. Visit Patrick Romandy-Simmons at https://www.facebook.com/ArtOfPatrickRomandySimmons, www.instagram.com/ipatrickromsim, and www.patrickromsim.tumblr.com . 2yf3w6kk

On this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, host Jeff Baham speaks with comic book writer Joshua Williamson about Marvel's new Disney Kingdoms title, "The Haunted Mansion." Williamson talks about his history as an artist, his interest in Disney's Haunted Mansion, and his trek through Disney fandom. We talk about how he goes about creating characters for this enigmatic attraction, and the book's balance of spookiness and silliness. In other news, Jeff talks to actor Doug Jones about the possibility of becoming Guillermo Del Toro's Hat Box Ghost, and we remember WED Imagineer Paul Saunders, who recently passed away. Also, we host a custom Haunted Mansion Mickey Ears giveaway, courtesy of Etsy's Pixie Dust Dreams by Renee.

Bridget Marquardt, the "Queen of Halloween," joins this jam-packed holiday edition of the DoomBuggies Spook Show to share some tips for celebrating Halloween as we dive into the fall season. Imagineer Daniel Joseph joins us to talk about the triumphant return of the Hat Box Ghost to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, and to discuss some of the obstacles that WDI had to overcome to bring the beloved character back to (after) life. Author Jason Surrell joins us to talk about the new edition of his book "The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic," and to talk about some of the heroes from the development of the incredible attraction. Finally, Disney voice actors Mark Silverman, Margaret Kerry, and original "Ghost Host" Peter Renaday join DoomBuggies' own Jeff Baham and Mousetalgia's Kristen Pfeifer in a re-enactment of the original 1969 "Story and Song of the Haunted Mansion" record album. Plus - a free Halloween soundscapes album, lots of Halloween news... and more!

On this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, we discuss the mysterious new wall that recently materialized in the attic of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion, and ponder the possible return of the long-awaited Hat Box Ghost. Jeff Baham gives a history of the storied character, and talks about when it first appeared in the Mansion, why it disappeared, how it has inspired a multitude of artists (including Disney's famed creative team Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily), and what fans might expect as the date of his expected return nears. Jeff also briefly discusses Walker Stalker Con, a convention dedicated to celebrating AMC's "The Walking Dead" television show. Learn more about what you can expect from this convention, which is curently making its way across the country. Also: Disney's March Magic features Gracey's Ghouls, Killer Pumpkins releases Disney-themed artwork, a Haunted Mansion fan reveals a note from Yale Gracey from 1969, and more!

In this spook-er-sized Halloween episode, we discuss the recent "Ghostly Materials" exhibition at Disneyland and speak with one of the artists, Bridget McCarty, about the opening day of this release of Haunted Mansion-related artwork. We also talk about the recent flood of Haunted Mansion merchandise in the parks, and the new Haunted Mansion-specific store called "Memento Mori" at the Magic Kingdom. Also, the Walt Disney Family Museum hosts a "Haunted Mansion Halloween" party, and we talk to an attendee, and hear from the musical troupe that performed at the special event. Next, the bride in the attic has long been one of the Mansion's most mysterious residents, so we take a brief look at her history and possible origins. And finally - as a special Halloween treat - we take a rare audio tour through the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion that must be heard to be believed. Plus - a tour through some of Hitchcock's haunts, and will the Hat Box Ghost return in 2015? 

Disney Legend Alice Davis joins the DoomBuggies Spook Show this week to talk about her late legendary husband Marc Davis, who was one of Walt Disney's original Nine Old Men and was largely responsible for the majority of the scenes and gags in the Haunted Mansion. Alice talks about Marc's childhood and early art, and explains why Walt selected him to become an Imagineer, and some of Marc's artistic aspirations. Also, Jeff's new book has been published - "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion," from Theme Park Press and now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions. Jeff explains what's new about this book, which acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro has called "a haunted tour that is both scholarly and thrilling - an E-ticket ride!" Get your copy at http://www.doombuggies.com/book . Plus - we introduce a new segment for home haunters called "Club Haunt Corner," to offer tips and tricks to budget or home haunters looking to spook up their surroundings for the haunting season. Plus Disneyland Haunted Mansion merchandise news - and more!

This week, the DoomBuggies Spook Show presents an abbreviated news-only show, featuring a variety of topics, including the recent passings of horror artists; a Haunted Mansion pin-up calendar; news about Marvel's Seekers of the Weird; minor news about Guillermo del Toro's possible Haunted Mansion film; the opportunity to spend the night in a "real" Santa Ana Haunted Mansion; and the announcement of ScareLA's tribute called "When Hinges Creak: 45 Years of the Haunted Mansion" featuring your host Jeff Baham and Disney Legend Bob Gurr on stage, celebrating the Haunted Mansion's anniversary on August 9. ScareLA, a Halloween convention in downtown Los Angeles, promises top Halloween attraction designers and operators, manufacturers, artists, filmmakers, a trade show, and much more.

Paul Saunders was a WED Imagineer in the late '60s, working on the Omnimover system, New Tomorrowland, and the Haunted Mansion. In an exclusive interview, DoomBuggies talks to Paul about working for WED, working for Walt, and helping to develop and engineer the Haunted Mansion. Paul discusses what it was like in Imagineering at the time, and how he, as an architect and designer, interfaced with the art directors and creative legends that Walt selected to work for WED. Also, the Walt Disney Family Museum opens a new exhibit of Marc Davis artwork, and DoomBuggies speaks with Disney Legend Alice Davis about her husband Marc and his legacy. Plus - a designer creates a Haunted Mansion out of Legos, and wants your help to get it manufactured by Lego... and more!

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion briefly used live characters to portray a knight inside of a suit of armor inside of its dank halls in the 1980s, and in this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show we learn more about the experiences and challenges that these actors faced in bringing some true scares into the Haunted Mansion. We'll also take a tour of the Corridor of Doors inside of the Haunted Mansion, and learn some behind-the-scenes information about this brief yet surprisingly integral scene in the attraction. Also - the Winchester Mystery House intends to host sleep-overs, Wolfe Manor auctions off haunted items, film (and Phantom Manor) composer John Debney schedules a CD signing in Burbank, and a Haunted Mansion art contest is announced.

As the start of an intermittent series on the nature of fear, this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show deals with the nature of fear, and how and why we, as human beings, enjoy and/or abhor being scared. We interview camera operator Craig Fikse, who has experience filming series like American Horror Story and films like Van Helsing, The Invasion, and The Ring 2. Fikse discusses working with directors like Guillermo del Toro and his thoughts regarding the methods and tactics filmmakers use to create dread and fear in audiences. Also - a Micechat Haunted Mansion forum report, Haunted Mansion artwork at the Disneyland Resort's Wonderground Gallery, Maleficent in the news - and more!

Disney producer and author Greg Ehrbar joins us on this episode of the DoomBuggies Spook Show to discuss the seminal spooky sound effects record "Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House" released by Disneyland Records in 1964. In this 50th anniversary year of the album's release, we take a look back at the history and circumstances surrounding the creation of the world's most popular Halloween record. From the kooky narration and stories to the familiar sounds from the Disney sound library, this collection of various situations and set-ups made the studio a mint while costing next to nothing to produce. Learn all of the behind-the-scenes secrets in this episode. Plus - a new bronze based on Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast is released, haunted industry events are scheduled - and more! 

We're just dying to hear from you! Call with your suggestions, feedback and ghost stories toll free: 1-888-HATBOX or email comments@doombuggies.com. 

In this episode, DoomBuggies talks to WED Imagineer Rolly Crump in an exclusive interview. Crump, who worked directly with Walt Disney in the planning and design of Disneyland, was assigned to the development of the Haunted Mansion, where he worked with Imagineer Yale Gracey on many proposed scenes and special effects. In this interview, we talk to Crump about working with Gracey, his relationship with Walt Disney, and his ideas for the Haunted Mansion. We also speak about the recent Marvel comic that is based on his original Haunted Mansion concepts that came to be known as a "Museum of the Weird." Also - Disneyland brings the Tightrope Girl to life; WDI-designed candles appear at Sundance; Drew Struzan art is shown at Forest Lawn - and more. Thank you for listening to the DoomBuggies Spook Show, a podcast "dead-icated" to fans of Disney's Haunted Mansion attractions, and other spooky things. Leave us voice mail at 1-888- 5-HATBOX or email comments@doombuggies.com. Follow us on Twitter @doombuggiesweb and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/doombuggies

Welcome to episode number four of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, a podcast "dead-icated" to fans of Disney's Haunted Mansion attractions, and other spooky things. In this episode, we discuss a listener's "Top Ten Questions About the Haunted Mansion," since they echo many questions regularly asked about this seminal haunted attraction. What exactly is inside of that big Haunted Mansion building facade? Will Guillermo de Toro ever come through with his proposed movie treatment of the Haunted Mansion? Does Tim Burton support the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay? Get the DoomBuggies perspective on these and many other topics. In Spook Show news, Rolly Crump will be signing Marvel's "Seekers of the Weird" comics at Beach Ball Comics in Anaheim; the Disney Parks Blog unveils new Haunted Mansion artwork for upcoming merchandise, and a DIY special effect. Plus, a listener tells a ghost story, buying and selling Haunted Mansion merchandise opportunities - and more!

In this special episode, the DoomBuggies Spook Show celebrates Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday seasonal overlay with an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the development and creation of this extremely popular attraction. After taking a trip back to 2001 to look at some of the promotional material Disneyland produced in anticipation of the new overlay, DoomBuggies invites you to jump into our black coffin sleigh to take a tour through the history of the Haunted Mansion Holiday, including a look at a proposed Nightmare Before Christmas ride, an overview of the musical history of the overlay, and interviews with former Disneyland Entertainment artist Tim Wollweber and voice actor Corey Burton, both of whom had integral roles in the development of the attraction which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this year. Plus - WDI wins some Thea Awards, new Haunted Mansion merchandise is announced, remembering Diane Disney Miller - and the DoomBuggies Spook Show hosts its first sweepstakes!

Welcome to episode number two of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, a podcast "dead-icated" to fans of Disney's Haunted Mansion attractions, and other spooky things. In this episode, we discuss "The Haunting," Robert Wise's 1963 film that Martin Scorsese has called the scariest movie of all time, and a direct influence on the development of the Haunted Mansion attraction. We also disuss a few holiday gift-giving ideas for Haunted Mansion fans, and review "The Disneyland Story," a new book by Sam Gennawey that covers the entire history of the creation and design of Walt Disney's theme park. Plus - Haunted Mansion chat on message boards, more "Seekers of the Weird" artwork is released by Marvel Comics... and more!

Welcome to episode number one of the DoomBuggies Spook Show, a podcast "dead-icated" to fans of Disney's Haunted Mansion attractions, and other spooky things. In this episode, we welcome Marvel Comics editor Bill Rosemann and Vice President of Publishing David Gabriel to the show to discuss Marvel's upcoming series "Seekers of the Weird," based on Imagineer Rolly Crump's 1965-era designs for the "Museum of the Weird," a proposed Disneyland attraction intended to complement the Haunted Mansion. We also discuss Rolly's concepts and how the comic fits into the Disney universe. Also, meet Megan, a Haunted Mansion fan who had a unique and memorable experience inside of the Mansion during this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Plus, the latest Mansion news, an introduction to the podcast, ghost stories - and more!