The Lakeside Haunted Mansion Game: The Coolest Ever Disney Game
Let me take you back in time to 1976, or maybe it was 1975. I had just received a gift from my parents that I could never have expected in my wildest dreams because – like many of you reading this – I had never even heard of the Lakeside Haunted Mansion board game. I was never much of a Barbie sort of girl – something they probably realized after Barbie number one got decapitated – so this Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion board game was ideal for me with it scary characters and setting.
Spooky!
On the box, a gravestone next to some scary, beckoning ghouls asks “do you dare enter this ghostly retreat h-m-m-m?”. There was no need to ask; I was sold and it soon became my favorite ever game! The game play was fantastic but you cannot beat the artwork! This may have been a Disney game but if you are expecting the usual cute animation then you are in for an even bigger shock. This is the creepy Disney of old from the days of Snow White and the details and colors on the backdrop are sinister and authentic – ideal for any fan of the ride and all things spooky. The backdrop may be purely decorative but it was the coolest feature for me, that and amazing characters.
Where else will you find such detail on character tokens as these individual ghosts and the raven! Perhaps it is the nostalgia taking over here but I think it is probably the best board game artwork I have ever seen. As an adult I can look at this box, appreciate the beautiful designs and take the time to look at the details but my 7 year old self was far more inclined to get the piece together and start playing – or rather have my father build it as fast as possible for me.
As stated on the box, the game is “inspired by the actual haunted mansion at Walt Disney World and Disneyland” and this is clear from the authentic tokens to the features. The colorful “doombuggy” tokens are moved by a roll of the dice but this is far more interesting and intricate than your standard board game because there are features in place to disrupt your journey. A pesky raven tries to halt your progress, spooky ghosts spin around with you on the rotating disks and try to send you to the ghoul’s graveyard – this really is not for the faint hearted. It really is like no other toy and is highly recommended to all parents and Disney geeks.
Unfortunately, the story of my own Haunted Mansion did not have a happy ending. Like many of my toys it was passed on to younger cousins and eventually lost. I have, however, been considering replacing it through an eBay auction. The more I think about it the more appealing it sounds and I urge others to do the same because not only will you get to enjoy an old classic again, you can have a toy for your own children that is highly entertaining and like nothing their friends will own.
I loved this Haunted mansion and I know you and your kids will too because it is so cool. If you don’t mind paying a higher price for a classic toy then it is completely worth it and you will receive a truly collectible item that can last for years – if your kids are careful with it. Whether you want to keep it on the shelf as Disney memorabilia or invite the neighborhood kids round for a spooky afternoon, this is a highly recommended purchase – just be sure to get hold of a complete set for the full effect!
Price wise for a complete game in nice condition be ready to pay at least 250$. The Haunted Mansion board game by Lakeside is extremely collectible. Best chance to find it: eBay but be prepare to fight for it especially if it is complete and in nice shape. Ebay is also the best place to find replacement parts if you already own this game. You’ll find doombuggies, the crow, the ghosts, even backdrops from time to time.
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If you like vintage toys and games, check some of my other posts and reviews: vintage toys and games
I agree I to had this game and loved it. Wish I still had it. Unfortunately I can’t remember what happen to it. Like you it was probably handed down to a cousin or someone when my parents thought I wasn’t playing it anymore. Or worse case scenario I think the plastic gears the ghosts danced on to knock off your game piece. I think the plastic gears got worn down and it wouldn’t spin anymore and most likely my mom threw it away thinking since it was broken no sense in keeping it, which I wouldv’e glad to held onto for nostalgia and the beautiful gothic artwork that decorated the board. I miss that game.
Parents are responsible for the loss of our favorite toys! I am always joking with them about this and they tell me, wait and see you’ll do the same with your own kid’s toys. I’ll try and NOT give their best and coolest toys. I still look at ebay every single week for that game, it is offered from time to time, up till now I have resisted the urge to bid.
I have one in excellent condition