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Embark with your Ghost Host on this not-so-spooky tour through a house of happy haunts. The Haunted Mansion is a dark ride and contains some “mildly frightening scenes but there is no gore. The ghostly residents are friendly and the ride is slow-moving.”
The attraction is on both coasts. You can read more on the Disneyland or Walt Disney World site.
The Haunted Mansion in your Homeschool
You’ll notice that the Haunted Mansion attraction is different at each park. They are very different architectural styles, that could make a fun study! In Disneyland you’ll find a Southern antebellum-era manor house which fits perfectly in New Orleans Square. In Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion is in Liberty Square and was built in Dutch Gothic Revival style.
You can also read some fun, behind-the-scenes facts, secrets and history about the mansions here.
This eerie journey is a fun opening to learn about optical illusions, and to explore some spooky stories, crafts and snacks. (Not to mention socialization opportunities. hahaha “Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize”)
Learn about optical illusions with this Optical Science kit.
You may want to do an artist study on M.C. Escher and check out some of his art.
Here are some spooky story books to check out:
For older kids:
For teens:
Of course you’ll want to watch the Haunted Mansion movie starring Eddie Murphy. It’s a family friendly spooky story.
Online Resources
Optical Illusions
Read about optical illusions and see a number of them on this site.
This site details a number of the optical illusions and special effects used in the Haunted Mansion.
This post on the Disney Youth Programs blog highlights some of the science behind the Haunted Mansion’s spookiness.
This video shows you the science behind the optical illusions in the Haunted Mansion.
Want to learn about how elevators are used in the Disneyland Haunted Mansion? This video takes you behind the scenes.
Spooky Science
Try making these creepy spider bots. They’re made with toothbrushes! (you can find the micro motors you’ll need right here)
Static electricity ghosts are a fun and easy experiment to try.
Here are 12 haunted science experiments for kids.
Flying Creatures of the Night nature study – Learn about flying nocturnal animals like bats, owls, fireflies and moths – and be prepared to find a magical world of animals that come alive in the night!
Crafts and Snacks
This straw-blown painted ghost craft is easy to do even with young children.
Make some spooky ghost snacks with your kids. (Try these if you’re looking for something healthy and fun!)
This site shares both ghostly snack and craft ideas for your family.
Older kids might like this more involved ghost in a jar craft.
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