Is the Haunted Mansion Ride at Disneyland Too Scary for Your Child?

The Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland has been a popular favorite among visitors to Disneyland for decades. The Haunted Mansion attraction opened in 1969 and sees tens of thousands of Disneyland guests each week.

And while the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland is loved by many, the truth is that many parents wonder if it will be too scary for their child. If you are wondering whether or not the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland will be too scary for your child, the following information may help you decide.

The Haunted Mansion is quite dark - Once riders are loaded onto the Doom Buggies of the Haunted Mansion attraction, the ride is quite dark but there are lots of areas around that are lit up a little. So it isn't exactly pitch black darkness, but for children who are really uncomfortable in the dark, it still may be dark enough to make the ride too scary. And considering the ride is relatively long, riders are kept in this dark atmosphere for an extended period of time. Additionally, the Haunted Mansion experience begins with all guests being loaded into an enclosed room, where the lights momentarily go off, leaving the crowd in pitch black darkness.

The theme is spooky - As its name implies, the Haunted Mansion attraction is designed to look like, what else, but a haunted mansion?The beginning of the attraction is probably the most frightening to small children, as when the lights go out, there is a loud scream, and then the image of a hanging body is seen dangling from the ceiling. The corridor that riders walk down next can be scary for children as well, since it is designed to appear through the windows as though it is dark and stormy outside. The area is laced with cobwebs, and spooky pictures. Once riders are loaded into their Doom Buggies, there are more spooky rooms, images, and props. These include ghosts dancing in a haunted dining room, a spooky cemetery, and ghostly music streaming from the speakers directly behind riders in their Doom Buggy. There is also a room through which the Doom Buggies pass that is a little extra creepy and a little less fun than the rest of the ride. This room contains a crystal ball with a talking head inside of it, sitting on a table, as various objects appear to float in the air above. Another element of the Haunted Mansion attraction that a young child may find to be too scary, is the end. At this point on the ride, the Doom Buggies are turned to face mirrors, which appear to reflect your own personal ghost sitting right next to you.

Consider these things before deciding whether or not the Haunted Mansion attraction is too scary for your child. A lot of small children begin crying in the entrance room, and some cry all the way through the attraction. If you are unconvinced, sit at the exit for a little while, and watch how many of the kids appear to be extremely relieved to finally be out of the attraction.