Hitchhiking Ghost Gate Plaque Mirror

Thanks for all the well wishes for Sam. He’s sore from all the injections, but we are feeling hopeful that the procedure he had yesterday will offer Sam a reprieve from back pain for a good long time. While you didn’t know it, all your comments kept me in good spirits while sitting at the hospital, and for that, I’m sincerely grateful.

I was really impressed with all the guesses and more excited that so many of you participated! In the end, Ste3ve guessed correctly! It is indeed the Hitchhiking Ghost Gate Plaque Mirror sold at the Disneyland Resort back in 2003 (I think.)

The Haunted Mansion Gate Plaque is legendary among fans and collectors in part because Disney has only released 4 replicated versions. If I’m wrong, someone please correct me. There are bootleg versions available on eekbay, of course. This plaque stands out from the others because of the special effect included. You think its just a mirror, but then suddenly the Hitchhiking Ghosts appear in ghostly green form. It seems that they did indeed follow you home. The demon’s eyes turn blood red and you hear the familiar and always bone-chilling voice of the Ghost Host with his welcoming spiel.

The sensor located in the skull at the base of the plaque is very sensitive, so we leave ours turned off most of the time.

I don’t know what it is about horned beasts. I’m frightened, and yet strangely attracted to them, this guy in particular. He looks like a cross between Amadeus and Chernabog, another favorite villain of mine.

The mirror has The Haunted Mansion etched in the glass, which I discovered is challenging to photograph. Don’t stare at the following picture too long. You might get disoriented.

Perhaps the most beautiful detail in the plaque is the wreath of oak leaves and acorns. In Celtic mythology, the mighty oak tree, often represented as oak leaves and acorns, is called the tree of doors, believed to be a gateway between worlds. You will sometimes see depictions of oak leaves and acorns on tombstones, as well, signifying strength, honor, longevity and steadfastness.

And finally, weird glows gleam where spirits dwell….

So here is a last minute video I put together, so you could see all the components working together.

Be sure to stop back this friday for another Fanmade Friday and give-away!!