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Welcome Foolish Mortals

My name is Carrie Vines and I'm a little obsessed with Disney's Haunted Mansion. I'm blessed with a husband who supports my obsession and even encourages it. My kids, well...they barely tolerate it. But they're young and resilient. They'll recover. 

My husband, Sam, and I have always celebrated Halloween with a little more enthusiasm than anyone else on the block. When we decided to start an annual haunt, we both looked to the Haunted Mansion for inspiration. It was then we discovered the collector's circuit and our calling. While searching the web for Haunted Mansion decorating ideas, I stumbled across Doombuggies.com and found my refuge on the internet.  I've met some of my closest friends on doombuggies, and spend my time there hearing other collector's stories, seeing their collections and the creative ways in which they displayed their pieces, sharing our defeats and celebrating our victories on ebay when we finally procured that one 'must-have' piece. If you haven't checked out doombuggies, go check it out. NOW. And then come back here and share your favorite Haunted Mansion collectible or tattoo or shrine to Master Gracey. You're among friends here. 

Thanks for stopping by and just as in the ride, I will conclude here with Little Leota's haunting words:

"Hurry back… Hurry back! Be sure to bring your death certificate, if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now. We've been  'dying’ to have you…”

Happy Birthday Mansion…now leave!

Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 2:56pm

Apparently if you’ve made a really good replica of the Haunted Mansion Maid costume and try to innocently have your picture taken on Disney property, you’ll be asked to leave.

peek-a-BOO!

I LOVE Disney and would never do anything to jeopardize my good standing with them. I’ve seen many family photo shoots done in Downtown Disney, so I honestly didn’t believe that today would be a problem. But I suppose if you’re wandering around in what looks to be a cast member costume, you’re going to draw attention, and that we did. Sam and I were shooting a segment for our next Fanmade Friday, and our featured guest happened to be in town to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion today! It seemed serendipitous for us to meet at Downtown Disney in the early morning hours to take some pictures of her incredible creations!! I have to say Disney security was very courteous and pleasant with us, even empathetic to our attempt to honor the Mansion in our own unique way, but our shoot was cut short. Our guest was such a trooper and we laughed about it all the way to the parking lot, only momentarily holding our breath as we were asked the nature of our visit by the parking attendant as we were exiting the parking structure.

me: “We were visiting a friend at the hotel” I stammered.

parking attendant: “Hotel guest’s name, please.”
Uh-oh.. we’re going to Disney Jail!

STEP ON IT!!

Barring that unfortunate and uncomfortable exchange, the morning was a blast and I can’t wait to show you more!
Really, I can’t wait so here’s a sneak peek to next THIS week’s Fanmade Friday.
maid-by-hand
don't get a-head of yourself..come back next friday to see more

Trust me, you won’t want to miss this. Not only will you get to meet the beautiful and very talented Marie, but we’re having another give-away!

Hurry baaack!

I didn’t actually get to visit the Haunted Mansion today, so my birthday wishes will have to be from afar, until next month, when I go to the ‘official’ celebration, that is, if Disney will let me back on property!

Posted in Random Stuff | Tags: ,

by Carrie

7 comments

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August 12, 2009 - 9:45 pm Jessica - Oh gosh Marie! You are gorgeous!!!!! Very beautiful.

August 12, 2009 - 9:35 pm Troy - I thought she was a real cast member. I always look at the pictures before I read. Carrie, you take amazing pictures.

August 11, 2009 - 3:03 pm Marie - You are too sweet Jonathan. I don't want to spoil any of Carrie's ariticle in which she puts contact info so I'd say wait for Friday. :-} I'm glad we lived through the experience! Something that we thought would be fun and truly had no malice intended almost got us into some hot water it seems! I didn't even notice that security was following us out. Yikes!

August 10, 2009 - 3:43 pm Jonathan - Wow, I can't believe the detail on the cast member outfit! It is incredible, the best I have seen yet (sorry Carrie). Marie, you are so beautiful, you look perfect in this outfit. It would be an honor to ride the Mansion with you as the tour guide! And if I worked at Disney, I would have let you take the pictures at the Mansion itself! If possible, I would like to get in contact with you. Is there a way I can reach you?

August 10, 2009 - 12:18 pm Mandy - I didn't know it was the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion!!! Love the pictures by the way, such a fun idea. Wonder why you can't take photos like that?

August 9, 2009 - 9:07 pm Carrie - Marie mentioned she thought it might be her name tag, although she was very conscientious and wore her tag on the opposite side that Disney requires. He mentioned that she looked too much like a CM and guests at the resort could mistake her for one, and that could cause a liability for Disney. He then went on to explain that it was my tripod that Sam was carrying that drew more attention. I never set it up, however. He said they don't allow tripods without prior approval. He was really nice. As we were leaving, 3 other security guards flanked us and were planning on giving us the same spiel, I think, although they didn't look as friendly as the 1st guard. We told them we had been told and were heading out....without stopping, of course!

August 9, 2009 - 4:49 pm giddy girlie - That's odd that they even care! It's a well-documented thing, now that the cast members can actually take their costumes home with them... you can always see people in Matterhorn Liederhosen pumping gas down the block or whatever. I'll bet it was the nametag... that makes it look like someone "on duty" -- otherwise, security probably wouldn't have even recognized it as an HM costume (although it is a spot-on interpretation). They would have just thought your friend was in some sort of "goth" getup. :) Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!

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