If you’re a fan of the Haunted Mansion, then there’s a good chance you’ve wandered into Memento Mori in Magic Kingdom at Disney World.
Memento Mori
If you’ve never been inside the spooky but quaint gift shop that’s nestled right next to the Haunted Mansion ride, you absolutely MUST go if you consider yourself a fan of the Mansion and its lore. The shop is filled to the brim with strictly Haunted Mansion-themed souvenirs — from clothing to paintings. The design of the shop is also a continuation of the ride’s story, and is said to be Madame Leota’s former residence. Throughout the shop, you’ll find all sorts of decor and Easter eggs, which is what we’re here to talk about.
First, we need a bit of backstory. When Walt Disney and the Imagineers were brainstorming ideas for the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland, they originally wanted to make it a walk-through attraction. Imagineers like Marc Davis, Xavier Atencio, and Claude Coats submitted their ideas for this spooky amusement, but Walt really liked the ideas from Rolly Crump.
Rolly Crump via ©LA Times
Crump submitted things for the walk-through attraction that included voodoo artifacts, coffin clocks, talking chairs, man-eating plants, and more. So, Walt decided to create a “Museum of the Weird” that would be inside the Haunted Mansion’s entrance. Of course, this never happened. However, one of the artifacts that was meant to go inside the original attraction now rests in the attic scene of the Disney World attraction. Yep, Candle Man!
He’s creepy
Well, did you know that Candle Man has a COUSIN? Yessiree.
He’s not quite as terrifying, but you can find him in Memento Mori atop a shelf.
Candle Man’s long lost cousin
At first glance, you might miss it, but you can make out the form of a melted-looking creature as he holds up the two candle sticks.
Creepy!
We had never noticed this detail before, but the knowledgeable Cast Member told us all about the long lost cousin, and even confirmed that the Candle Man in the Haunted Mansion ride was recently moved forward into better lighting. This explains why a lot of folks are just now able to see it!
Memento Mori Disney World
The next time you visit Memento Mori, be on the lookout for Candle Man Cousin.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, and more backstage secrets (!!!), so make sure to follow along for more.
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