When you visit Disney World, you agree to abide by the theme parks’ rules the minute you step onto Disney property.
Haunted Mansion
Now, some of these rules are pretty strict, meaning that if you break them, you could get banned from the parks. There are even rules you may not even be aware of, but they’re still rules nonetheless. Of course, there are also unspoken rules. When it comes to rides, there are also rules that you need to follow, but one ride, Haunted Mansion, has a big one that Cast Members hope you don’t break (because people do it ALL the time).
Spreading Ashes
Okay, you might not realize it, but this is the rule that’s been broken so much there’s an actual CODE for it among Cast Members. It’s Code “A,” and it means that actual human remains have been found on the ride. Why? Because people think it’s cool to bring their dearly departed relatives to the ride and add them to the list of happy haunts there.
Haunted Mansion graveyard
We’ve spoken with a former Cast Member who informed us that many times when the ride is closed, this is why. They have to clean up the ashes. Usually, Cast Members learn about it by seeing ashes inside the Doom Buggies. If you’ve seen a Cast Member inspecting a Doom Buggy with a black light, that’s why (the ashes glow pink under the light). When this happens, a maintenance team in protective gear has to come and clean up the ashes. So please, please, please, don’t do this.
5 Confessions from a Former Haunted Mansion Cast Member in Disney World
Flash Photography
There’s a reason the Ghost Host tells you not to take any flash photos inside a dark ride like Haunted Mansion. One, you could literally blind people with how bright a flash is in such a dark place. Two, it’s just disrespectful to everyone else on the ride and takes away from their ride experience. Also, the ghosts just don’t like it (and they could follow you home and haunt you for being so rude).
Please do not take photos with a flash
It’s also against the rules (again, listen to the Ghost Host because he’s telling you not to do it for a reason). If you must take photos, make sure the flash on your camera or phone has been turned off. It’s always a good rule of thumb to be mindful of other visitors to the Haunted Mansion.
I Never Knew This Until I Worked at Haunted Mansion, and Now You Get To Know Too
Touching things
It is never okay to reach out and touch things while a ride is moving. Again, there’s a reason the instructions tell you to stay seated and keep your hands and feet (and any other appendages) inside the vehicle at all times. This is because you could not only break something by touching things, but you’re also in a moving vehicle and could hurt yourself. You also risk angering the ghosts, who will make the ride stop and then send the Bride after you with her axe (okay, it’s more like the ride will just stop and make everyone else on it mad).
Don’t try to touch things
Imagine falling out of a Haunted Mansion doom buggy just because you wanted to touch the grandfather clock. The whole ride now has to be closed down, and not only do you look ridiculous, you’ve probably hurt yourself, and created a situation where other people can’t ride the attraction. Please don’t be that person. If you want to touch something Haunted Mansion-ish, visit Memento Mori (the Haunted Mansion gift shop) and stock up on Haunted Mansion souvenirs to take home that you can touch any time you want.
7 Disney Loungefly Bags You’ll LOVE if Your Favorite Ride Is Haunted Mansion
Running on the moving platform
It’s pretty tricky getting into those Doom Buggies because they’re constantly moving, so you have to step onto a moving platform and then walk on that platform to get to your Doom Buggy. However, one thing you should not do is run. Running could create an issue where you fall and hurt yourself, and trust us, the ghosts will have no sympathy for your plight.
Hatbox Ghost says “No running!”
The moving platform is a little scary, sure, but it’s moving slowly enough that you’ll have no problem getting into a Doom Buggy. Listen to the Cast Members and follow their instructions and you’ll be fine.
Only Experts Know This Hidden Haunted Mansion SECRET in Magic Kingdom
So before you ride Haunted Mansion for the first time or the hundredth time, be sure to stay aware of the rules that you should not break. If you break the rules accidentally, you will probably just get a warning. However, if you continue to break the rules, there will be consequences, and if you get caught, it’s at your own peril (you could be banned from Disney World for life). These rules are generally given during a ride’s spiel, so pay attention and be aware.
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
Someone Please Give Us $2 Million So We Can Buy This Haunted Mansion House
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you ever seen someone break these rules and get caught? Let us know in the comments what happened!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
This one is ridiculous because ashes are sterile. Anyone can sprinkle in the ocean and other places without any issues. The real reason for this, in my opinion, is that Disney is concerned what people will think about having the ashes there. It’s not for health reasons!