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Even though Halloween is over, it’s not too late to write about Muppets Haunted Mansion, is it? I mean, technically Halloween is over. But for some of us, it lives on in our hearts all year. If we can find a way to enjoy it anytime, we do!
That’s why Muppets Haunted Mansion is a Halloween classic. It embraces the spookiest day of the year, October 31, and centers a story around the spookiest ride in any Disney park, the Haunted Mansion.
Well, pretty much. Some think the little dolls in It’s a Small World are adorable, but they freak me out! For me, that’s the scariest ride.
But I feel perfectly at home in Disney’s Haunted Mansion. You could say it’s my dream home. Well, the two I’ve so far visited. This first Muppets Halloween movie incorporates all five Haunted Mansion rides, including Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Yet, even though Disney knows a thing or two about making good movies, I didn’t have high hopes for Muppest Haunted Mansion. But as I watched, two things quickly became clear: One, anytime I need a Haunted Mansion ride fix between Disney visits, I can just watch Muppets Haunted Mansion. Two, anytime I’m craving a Halloween fix, it can also satisfy that want.
Before I tell you why it stole my heart and zoomed to the top of my Halloween movie must-watch list every year from here on out, let’s revisit what it’s all about.
Muppets Haunted Mansion Storyline
While the rest of the Muppets get together for a Halloween costume party, the Great Gonzo has been challenged to spend one night in the Haunted Mansion. One hundred years ago Gonzo’s favorite magician, the Great MacGuffin, disappeared in the mansion. Thinking it’s a celebrity event, Pepe the Prawn (not shrimp!) is Gonzo’s “plus one” to the fear challenge.
If they can’t survive until dawn, they’ll be trapped there forever. Nothing scares the fearless Gonzo. He’s up for the challenge. Pepe is so clueless, he doesn’t know to be afraid. Until he encounters some of the mansion’s scarier residents, among them John Stamos.
Pepe pleads with Gonzo to leave, but Gonzo is determined to solve the mystery of the Great MacGuffin’s disappearance. When Contance Hatchaway beguiles Pepe, he forgets his fears, not realizing the danger he’s really in. It’s up to Gonzo to perform his most death-defying feat yet to save his friend and see they both escape the mansion.
Tricks, Treats, Chills and Thrills…plus music!
The best Halloween parties set the atmosphere with a spooktacular settling, music, food, costumes, and characters. That’s what Muppets Haunted Mansion does.
While all the Muppets appear throughout the movie, I liked that Kermit and Miss Piggy didn’t have starring roles this time. (Sorry, Piggy.)
It was actually perfect how they wove Gonzo into the storyline, and his great daring feat at the end gave him a chance to let his inner daredevil shine. (No spoilers here!)
There was a rendition of “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” but also three new original songs, including “Rest In Peace”, “Life Hereafter”, and “Tie The Knot Tango.”
Easter Eggs
Haunted Mansion fans will be thrilled to see how every single aspect of the ride is weaved into the movie. From a stop at the graveyard to meet some of the residents and get to know the story behind the pithy epitaphs on their headstones, to a walk through the gates that are similar to the ones at the original ride.
It had everything, from a Ghost Host (played by Will Arnett who nails the voice that greets you on the ride) to the stretching room, Doombuggies, the Waltzing Dead in the ballroom, and even the Hitchhiking Ghosts. There are Easter eggs galore just waiting to be found!
Rating
Muppets Haunted Mansion was charming, funny, heartwarming, and toe-tapping. And thanks to that darn goat, jarring. But for me it was a no-brainer five out of five skulls. Bravo! Well done, Disney!
Rainbow Connection
Muppets Haunted Mansion Trailer
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Visit Disney+ Originals: Disney Haunted Mansion.
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Do you have a favorite Muppets character? What about a movie you watch every Halloween?
Just a little skeleton with a lust for life. Stowaway master. Smallest (and most stylish) member of the Haunt Jaunts Skeleton Crew.
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This movie sounds adorable! The hubrster like Gonzo, but I’m a Kermit fan. Kermit is so levelheaded, and I admire how he doesn’t allow Miss Piggy to ruffle his feathers. (Or turn his green skin red, or whatever, because he’s a frog.)
You strike me as a Kermit! You always come across so levelheaded and thoughtful and easy-going.
Hi Ms. Priscilla! The movie is SO adorable! And if your hub likes Gonzo, he might get a kick out of him in this movie. Also, Kermit and Piggy are funny in this. They have some fun cameos, including in the very beginning when they’re at a Halloween party…dressed as each other! Which is a tiny spoiler I guess, but it was too cute not to mention to you based on your comment. Love, Smalls
P.S. This is my first post and your my first comment so I’m not sure if I’m doing all this right but I was so excited to see your comment! Thank you!
Smalls, your comment is much appreciated, thank you.:-)