The New Hitchhiking Ghosts

[mindflipper]

The DLR HM usually shuts down mid September and doesn't come back till late January (hence, it's best to go between Feb and Aug). The HMH runs for 13+ weeks through the end of the first week of January. The rest of time the attraction is closed to either set up or take down the holiday overlay.

Oddly enough, it's the only attraction that ever mentions that unmentionable word for that time of year: Christmas.

[momeja]

Now when was the MK Mansion a pale imitation? For most of the two rides' histories, they were mostly the same, with the library and portrait chamber being something you walked through in Anaheim, and Orlando being a longer ride. The main difference was the exterior, and that's more a preference thing, not one being a pale comparison of the other. They even went back and forth in which one was in better condition. They were just way to similar for one to be markedly inferior to the other, and, if anything, I would think the longer ride (and no exit escalator) would win.

That's interesting to read. My first encounter with DL's HM was in 2006, and it was a far superior ride to WDW's at the time. For a long time, I felt that HM didn't live up to its haunting potential. My first ride in DL's HM was more coherent in terms of the story line, included the Black Widow, and had the great Little Leota effect at the end. Because I'd never seen those effects at WDW, and because it's well known that many of the rides at WDW (such as POTC and Pan) are lesser imitations of DL's versions (due to budgetary issues in the 70s and the proximity of Anaheim to Glendale), I assumed that the same was true of HM.

Thanks for correcting me, Mansion Butler. I truly love the current version of WDW's HM, and I hope it stays that good for a long time to come.

Btw, anyone know when the Hitchhiking Ghost effect will be unveiled publicly?

[NaCler]

momeja - You may be one of the first to report on it to us as I am hearing the rumors that the final scene will be open sometime in April. If CM's are already previewing it then it must be close.

[Amy]

momeja - You may be one of the first to report on it to us as I am hearing the rumors that the final scene will be open sometime in April. If CM's are already previewing it then it must be close.

What did you think of the projections when you were there? Were the new hitchhiking ghosts in place before the final scene when you were there?

[NaCler]

Yes Amy... We got the new fresh looking HHG and they look great. The old ones were really fading and kind of getting hard to see. These guys are a bright blue color and move their heads making it look a little more realistic. The projections over the mirrors were pretty cool as well, although I know that's not how they will be when finished. The ghosts floated along with you waving with a sinister grin on their faces. Nice change...

[momeja]

momeja - You may be one of the first to report on it to us as I am hearing the rumors that the final scene will be open sometime in April. If CM's are already previewing it then it must be close.

What did you think of the projections when you were there? Were the new hitchhiking ghosts in place before the final scene when you were there?

Still my beating heart! That is exciting news. (although, truly, Mad Eye will be there before me.)

[mindflipper]

Still my beating heart! That is exciting news. (although, truly, Mad Eye will be there before me.)

Sounds like a race to me! Who gets there first - report it!

[Wizzard419]

And 2nd place gets sent to the bottom of bay lake?

[momeja]

Still my beating heart! That is exciting news. (although, truly, Mad Eye will be there before me.)

Sounds like a race to me! Who gets there first - report it!

Okay, given that MadEye lives in Florida, and I only visit there occasionally, it's really not much of contest.

Can't wait to see it, though... and find out which ghost will be haunting Adi's room next.

[mindflipper]

Can't wait to see it, though... and find out which ghost will be haunting Adi's room next.

But remember: the ghost you have now has got to return back to HM. Luckily, you only have to count the living bodies that will be in the room for the room reservation. Any spirited guests get to stay free.

[momeja]

Can't wait to see it, though... and find out which ghost will be haunting Adi's room next.

But remember: the ghost you have now has got to return back to HM. Luckily, you only have to count the living bodies that will be in the room for the room reservation. Any spirited guests get to stay free.

Adi tells me the thin ghost "really likes me and always chooses me, Mom." Should I be worried about their special relationship? I might end up with 2 happy haunts instead of one!

[MadEye]

But remember: the ghost you have now has got to return back to HM. Luckily, you only have to count the living bodies that will be in the room for the room reservation. Any spirited guests get to stay free.

Adi tells me the thin ghost "really likes me and always chooses me, Mom." Should I be worried about their special relationship? I might end up with 2 happy haunts instead of one!

I wouldn't worry too much. Since the ghost has to return to HM, he could end up choosing her again. Of course, the worst that could happen is he tells the other two and one of them takes his spot... :lol

[jmenjes]

Just saw a video of the new ghosts...wow.

A-ma-zing.

Looking forward to seeing this in person tomorrow.

[NaCler]

As jmenjes posted, the new effects are "live" (get excited momeja!)

SPOILER ALERT!!! Here's video of the new effect: http://www.insidethemagic.net/2011/04/f ... on-guests/

[Amy]

As jmenjes posted, the new effects are "live" (get excited momeja!)

SPOILER ALERT!!! Here's video of the new effect: http://www.insidethemagic.net/2011/04/f ... on-guests/

Those are awesome effects! Much better than I had imagined!!