How do you describe your collection?
My collection is extensive. I collect Haunted Mansion items, both new and old, dating from the attraction’s opening in 1969 right through to today. It’s pretty large, and it makes me happy. It’s spooky and the perfect place for me to sit, enjoy and get into the Halloween spirit whenever I need to.
I can’t stop buying things, which is definitely my problem. I have a whole Haunted Mansion room, and every week there’s usually one or two pieces that are arriving—there’s always something new being added.
I would say that I have roughly 300 to 325 pieces in the collection, including theme park-used props, such as the actual full maid and butler full uniforms. I found those on eBay. I was used to seeing them sell for four or five grand a piece, but I think I paid about $1,000 each for them a couple of years ago.
When and why did you start your collection?
I am one of those people who loves maximalist things. I can’t just casually like something, I have to go all in. And if I really love something, I want to be surrounded by that thing as much and as often as possible.
My love for the Haunted Mansion dates back to my childhood, because I’ve always liked spooky and scary, and I love Disney. The Haunted Mansion combines those things.
I remember seeing a special on the Disney Channel around 1991 or ’92. We were very poor and couldn’t afford the Disney Channel, but during Christmas, they would offer a free trial. They were doing a Disney World special, and showed a behind-the-scenes look at the Haunted Mansion. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by the Haunted Mansion. It’s so special because not only can you watch the movies, listen to the music, and read the books, you can also experience it in a fully immersive way, which is something unique about the attraction.
How do you display and store your collection?
I have gotten more serious about that in recent years.
I invested in some really nice IKEA display cabinets with glass doors, so all of my more valuable items are protected. I also made sure to use LED lighting that wouldn’t fade the pieces over time. The more expensive items are displayed behind glass, and the shelving is mounted to the walls so everything remains secure. I have an entire room dedicated to my Haunted Mansion collection, and it stays on display year-round so I can enjoy it whenever I want.
There are aspects that I do pack away. For Halloween, I do a Haunted Mansion yard. I make wooden cutouts and add to it every year, so those have to get stored in my attic. And then I do a Haunted Mansion Christmas tree in the Haunted Mansion room, so I don’t leave that out year-round, so that gets taken down and put up every year. But I love doing it.
To track the collection, it’s a little archaic—but I keep Apple Notes in my iPhone that include what I pay for an item and the approximate value.
What do you consider to be the Holy Grail of your collection?
There’s always going to be something; the next thing—the next holy grail.
In the early 2000s, Disney created a line called Big Figs. They’re exactly what the name suggests: large display figures. They don’t make them anymore, but they did release an entire line of Haunted Mansion Big Figs. I’ve slowly collected all of them over the years. But there are three Big Figs that are pretty much every Haunted Mansion fan’s holy grail. It’s the three Hitchhiking Ghost Big Figs. They stand about five, four, and three feet tall, depending on the character. They light up. They’re just gorgeous. They can get very, very expensive. I vacationed at Disney World a few summers ago; we drove down. I checked Facebook Marketplace and saw someone had them for sale. We drove to the seller’s house and bought them. They were in my car for the rest of the vacation because we went to the beach for a week after that—they were in my car for like 12 days. I was so scared, because if somebody wrecked my car, it would have destroyed them.
In terms of a holy grail that I’ve been looking for, this is something I may never have, but always wanted. There are artists known as Kevin & Jody who are very well known in the Disney community. They work closely with Disney, have been involved with a variety of Imagineering projects, and also create their own products. One year, they produced a Hatbox Ghost figure under a cloche. Only a handful were made, maybe 10 or 15, and I’d love to add one to my collection. That would be a dream come true, but so far it’s eluded me.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a Haunted Mansion collection?
Getting started can feel a bit like drinking from a fire hose. There’s just so much to take in.
My best advice is to buy what you love. Pay attention to market price—look at sold listings on eBay to see how much things are selling for—and don’t overpay. And just remember that your Ghost Host, Justin, says if you’re meant to have something, it will find its way to you. So don’t overpay and hang tight for a good deal.
Prices for collectables fluctuate with things like the economy. Right now, it’s a buyer’s market. Things are going really cheap. But, in 2019 it was a seller’s market, and everything was outrageously expensive. Also, if there’s a new release coming out, such as a line of large dolls, for example, the older dolls that get discontinued will rise in value. There are trends.
See more of Justin’s collection on Instagram and connect with fellow Haunted Mansion enthusiasts on Facebook.
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