Just outside of the entrance to the Haunted Mansion stands a fountain, in an area surrounded by benches and trees. I’m sure there is an official name for this area, but honestly I have no idea what it is (if any of you readers know, please tell me in the comments at the end of this post). Unofficially, it’s called “Transitions Plaza”, and the fountain called “Transitions Fountain”.
The reason for this somewhat unusual name is actually quite simple. As Disneyland existed at the time—and as it continued to be for several years—this area marked a significant transition. Everything on one side of it (up to and including Pirates of the Caribbean) was completed or largely completed while Walt Disney was still alive. Everything on the other side—the Haunted Mansion and Bear Country/Critter Country—had most or all of the work done and opened after Walt Disney died. Pirates opened in early 1967, just a few months after Walt passed (in December of 1966), and the Mansion opened almost 3 years after, in August of 1969.
You may have noticed something of a split personality in the Haunted Mansion. The first part is pretty eerie. A hanging man, a murderous bride, dead people trying to escape coffins. Even the dancers in the ballroom are dancing to a fairly macabre-sounding song. But then we get to the graveyard and suddenly it’s a party for the 999 happy haunts! The music is upbeat and fun (and catchy!), dead people are enjoying picnics. Only the caretaker and his dog seem to be afraid. The lack of Walt’s unifying direction was a large part of the cause.
Of course, this clean division has changed over the years. There have been changes and additions to all of the lands, and one new one after Bear Country. But for many years this spot marked the changing of an era. You may see the light in Walt Disney’s apartment and think of him. Now you can do the same thing here in this beautiful, comfortable place to sit and enjoy the ambiance of the Happiest Place on Earth.
You can read more from Randy on his blog, Faith and the Magic Kingdom and listen to his unofficial Disney podcast, Stories of the Magic. Find him on Twitter (@Belgarion42) and on Facebook.
