Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort has kicked off today, Sept. 6, and we couldn’t be happier. Haunted Mansion has been taken over by Jack Skellington who has transformed the classic attraction once again to bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday for its 19th season. Every year the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery team creates an astounding one of a kind gingerbread house that will be placed in the Grand Hall of the attraction for all doombuggy riders and happy haunts to see. This year's theme is in celebration of the Haunted Mansion’s 50th Anniversary!  

This bone chilling dessert took 13 days to build with a team of six culinary cast members. Three of the six culinary cast members have been working on these extraordinary creations since 2001! 

The genius of this year’s design is none other than, Tim Wollweber, the associate art director for Disney Parks. He spoke about the challenges he faced to create the delectable treat and pay homage to the original building, “We tried to keep it as faithful to the Haunted Mansion itself so guests could immediately get that it’s the mansion, and know that it’s a heartfelt ‘dead-ication’ to it.”.

When talking about the details of the gingerbread house he mentioned, “We have lantern bits in there, doors where they generally would be found, green iron work in there...we’ve never really done that before.” 

He was asked his favorite part about the experience this year and responded, “More than any of the other designs we’ve done, this one is a great labor of love that pays tribute to what’s been around for half a century. This is our congratulations for haunting a place for 50 years and we are happy that people still love it.”

Over 30 pounds of gingerbread, 120 pounds of frosting and icing, 75 pounds of powdered sugar, and 140 pounds of fondant went into creating this 10-feet tall Haunted Mansion replica. I believe all 999 residents of the original dwelling would be more than happy to take up residence here. You may even see some gingerbread spirits materialize, 15 in fact, ranging from 24 to 30 inches tall. 

Not only can guests enjoy seeing this grand centerpiece during Halloween, they can also enjoy it throughout the holiday season! Halloween Time is happening now at the Disneyland Resort, don’t miss it!

Source: Disney Parks Blog