Disney Parks: 10 Haunted Mansion Character Backstories

It's not an easy job filling your manor with 999 Happy Haunts, nor is it coming up with engaging history and lore for one of the most popular theme park rides in history. But that doesn't mean Disney won't give it their all. Because if it's one thing the magical empire knows how to do, it's tell a story.

Though there are hundreds of ghosts in the Haunted Mansion, only a certain few of them get such interesting backstories. Well, we're here to creep into the crypts and discover them. From black widow brides to eerie organists, these are ten Haunted Mansion characters with the best backstories.

10 The Dread Family

Because nothing gets you more in the mood to ride through a haunted house than solving a murder mystery before you enter. Uncle Jacob has been murdered for his fortune, and it's up to the guests to figure out who killed who. Props to Disney for telling such a gruesome tale in such a unique way.

Was it Bertie, Aunt Florence, Cousin Maude, or Wellington and Forsythia? Truth be told, no one's hands are clean in this dreary Disney who-dunnit. Subtle hints and clues are displayed on the tombstones that tell the ghastly story of the deadly Dreads.

9 Captain Gore

Though he was replaced by the kid-friendly Captain Clyne, Captain Gore is one of the many different ghosts that never made it into the manor, but that doesn't mean we won't count him on our list. Despite not being featured in the attraction, he's still popular amongst the right group of fans.

Captain Gore was originally meant to be the attraction's big villain. A bloodthirsty pirate masquerading as a lonely sea captain, the grizzly Gore murdered all of his wives a la Bluebeard in the original draft of the manor's storyline. Obviously too dark for Disney, he was scrapped, but reanimated for the comic series.

8 Lord Henry Mystic

This is more of an honorable mention rather than a dearly departed resident of a famous haunted house. Lord Henry Mystic is the master of Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor. Accompanied by his faithful monkey, Albert, he stocked his mansion not with ghosts, but with magical artifacts.

Since ghosts and spirits have a different meaning in some Asian cultures, Disney had to give the Shanghai manor a different spin. One omnimover ride and Danny Elfman soundtrack later, we have Mystic Manor, home to a menagerie of magical items, including some seen in the Haunted Mansion. His mystical and mysterious museum is definitely rich in stories to tell.

7 Victor Geist

Known to most fans of the Haunted Mansion as Ravenscroft, the Composer, or simply the Organist, Victor Geist is the macabre musician that plays the Phantom Waltz as the Doom Buggies float over the Haunted Mansion's ballroom. Not only is the musical manifestation gifted on the creepy keys, but he has a series of backstories behind him.

Geist has been everything from an insane and sadistic musician to a circus organist in love with a tight-rope walker, he's nothing if not flexible. We're actually surprised at the lack of a Phantom of the Opera motif. Play on, Mr. Geist.

6 Melanie Ravenswood

If there was ever a ghost that didn't fit the description of a Happy Haunt, it's Melanie Ravenswood. The ghost bride of Disneyland Paris's Phantom Manor, Melanie has been haunted by tragedy since she first arrived in Big Thunder Mesa. Forever waiting for her lost lover, she haunts the halls of Ravenswood Manor, beautiful and sorrowful as ever.

In life, Melanie was followed by tragedy every time she met a new suitor, but unlike another ghostly bride on our list, she is not responsible. She is "cursed" by the mysterious Phantom, now she forever waits for her beloved's return.

5 The Phantom

Because why wouldn't we talk about a Haunted Mansion character voiced by the master of horror, Vincent Price? The Phantom of Phantom Manor is easily one of the more malicious entities in Haunted Mansion lore, but one that bears discussion. Forever tormenting the spirit of Melanie Ravenswood, he creeps and cackles at guests as they glide through the attraction.

The Phantom is somewhat steeped in mystery to his origins. Is he the wrathful ghost of Melanie's spiteful father, a manifestation of the Ravenswood curse, or something all the more sinister? Wreaking havoc and misfortune for Big Thunder Mesa, he puts the phantom in Phantom Manor.

4 Madame Leota

Dear sweet Leota, beloved by all. In regions beyond now, but having a ball. Now we're getting into some iconic territory with this floating fortune-teller. Leota has been a Haunted Mansion staple since opening day but has two different stories to her name depending on the park you visit.

In the Magic Kingdom, she was a witch from Salem who relocated to Liberty Square and ran the famous Memento Mori shop. In Disneyland, she was the fortune-teller in a gypsy caravan that set up camp in New Orleans square. Now her spirit can be found tuning in to the sympathetic vibrations of Disney Park guests.

3 The Ghost Host

When it comes to backstories, the Ghost Host of the Haunted Mansion's is multiple choice. Part of his character is his mysterious ways, so it makes sense for there not to be a straight explanation as to what he is. Either way, we love having him as our ghostly guide into the realm of the supernatural.

He might be the ghost of a hanged man, a spectral raven seen throughout the manor, or the spirit of Master Gracey himself, no one is entirely sure. But whatever the Ghost Host might be, the manor wouldn't be the same without him.

2 Constance Hatchaway

The award for most grizzly ghoul in the Haunted Mansion definitely has to go to the infamous Constance Hatchaway. Known as the Black Widow Bride, she gives a gory new meaning to the term golddigger and is easily one of the most chilling creations made by Disney.

There's no shortage of ax-wielding maniacs in the realms of horror, and Disney just had to have their own. Constance is responsible for the deaths of her seven husbands, all murdered for their inheritance. Though she may be lovely on the outside, hearing her eerie voice and seeing her weapon of choice revealed in the attic definitely gives us the heebie-jeebies.

1 The Hatbox Ghost

No Haunted Mansion character has been more speculated, discussed, and admired than the mysterious Hatbox Ghost. Despite his disappearance shortly after the ride opened, his reputation has been steeped in legend. Is he an unlucky victim of Constance, possibly her accomplice, or simply just one of the many Happy Haunts?

Whatever he may be, the fan-theories are easily more interesting than canon. According to most Disney-based theories, he's a neutral force with an evil leering smile and possible connection to Constance. Whether he's a ghostly groom or simply a ghastly guest of Gracey Manor, he's certainly one of our favorite phantasms in the mansion.

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