Who is Phantom Manor Suitable For?

While I was scrolling through Facebook (when I probably should be working), I came across a post about Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris.

Over the years, I’ve joined several different Disney Paris groups. On occasion I’ll see parents ask how scary Phantom Manor is. Just like I’d see parents ask about Haunted Mansion at WDW or Disneyland. However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone make a blanket warning about Phantom Manor not being appropriate for anyone but teens and above.

I don’t do a lot of reaction content, but I kind of want to give it. So, read on!

What Are the Differences Between the US and French Attraction?

Well, Phantom Manor is the only one of the haunted attractions at any of the parks to have a storyline tied in with Thunder Mesa. That’s pretty cool.

If you’re a horror fan, like myself, you’ll love to know that Vincent Price was the original english speaking voice actor in the stretching room. At some point it was removed, but DLP came to their senses and restored it back in 2018. Honestly, this is one of my favorite things about this park. Getting to listen to the sinister laughter of the father of the horror genre himself.

When you come out of the stretching room, you still have the hallway that goes to the doom buggy and the statue that watches you walk by. There’s the infinite hallway, the skeleton in the casket, the ballroom, Madame Leota and the ghostie village under the manor.

Because Phantom Manor is in Europe, and not the US, and because (the majority) of Europeans are much less fanatical about wrapping kids up in bubble wrap and protecting them from the world, the story & theming is also much darker and more sinister.

Yes, there’s death. There’s murder. There is everything one would expect in a haunted house as far as the props and animatronics go. I personally think the animatronics and props are less “cartoony” than in the US parks which does perhaps make it feel darker and more menacing. However, there isn’t gore or gratuitous violence.

Is Phantom Manor Actually Scary?

I don’t think so. I think it’s a delight. My 10 year old niece who’s scared of the dark ride part of Efteling’s Flying Dutchman and of the entire Fata Morganna ride LOVES Phantom Manor.

When I go to DLP and ride the Phantom Manor, I see all ages in line. I don’t think I’ve ever heard any child cry in the attraction (outside of a baby, who is likely crying for other reasons) or while getting off. In fact, more often than not I see young children want to go on the attraction AGAIN.

Of course, if you’re a parent who wonders if you should take your child onto this attraction, you have to use your best judgement. YOU know your child the best. Obviously, if they’re easily scared by haunted theming, don’t take them. If they’re going to be overwhelmed by the stimuli, don’t take them. If you don’t want them exposed to this type of theming for whatever reason don’t take them.

Just please, don’t subject everyone else to your opinion.

Oh, and if you think Phantom Manor is scary and inappropriate for anyone under teen ages, stay out of Castello dei Medici at Europa-Park. That one will really shock you.

0

0