The Beloved Hitchhiking Ghosts of Disney's Haunted Mansion Attraction

The Iconic Hitchhiking Ghosts of Disney's Haunted Mansion

For over 50 years, one of the most beloved scenes from Disney's classic Haunted Mansion dark ride has been the three Hitchhiking Ghosts that appear in the attic. These three silly spirits have become iconic symbols of the popular attraction, representing the supernatural hijinks within.

The Origins of the Hitchhiking Ghosts

The Hitchhiking Ghosts first appeared in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion when it opened in 1969. They were created by legendary Disney Imagineer Marc Davis, who designed many of the key scenes in the ride. According to Davis, his inspiration from the ghosts came from hitchhikers he had picked up back in the 1930s during his cross-country travels as a young art student.

These harmless spirits waving from the side of the road seemed to Davis like perfect symbols of the playful spookiness he wanted guests to experience in the Haunted Mansion. Their scene in the ride's attic culminates all the home's ghostly activity in a big, laughs-filled reveal.

Meet the Spirits: Ezra, Phineas, and Gus

The three Hitchhiking Ghosts have nicknames and backstories created by Imagineers to give them distinct personalities that match their appearance and actions in the ride:

• Ezra: The tall, skinny leader of the trio with a long chin beard. He carries a carpet bag and often seen with his thumb stuck out to hitch rides.
• Phineas: The short, round, joyful ghost in a bowler hat who carries a carpetbag. He's usually laughing merrily at Ezra's side.
• Gus: The middle ghost has unruly hair and a goofy expression. He wears a bow tie and often carries food or treats in his hat.

"Thumbs Up" From Beyond the Grave

The Hitchhiking Ghosts earned the nickname of "The Three Caballeros" early on when the ride first opened. This came from their iconic poses at the end of the ride where they appear to guests in limbo, standing together and each sticking one thumb up as if hitching a ride.

This "thumbs up" gesture has become one of the most classic, nostalgic images of Disney's Haunted Mansion that's recognizable even to those not familiar with the ride. For devotees of the attraction, seeing the Ghosts thumbs up just before disembarking is a treasured moment.

The Hitchhiking Ghosts Become Part of Disney Culture

It didn't take long for the ghoulishly fun Hitchhiking Ghosts to make their ghostly presence known throughout Disney Parks beyond their Haunted Mansion home.

Souvenirs and Merchandise

As years passed, Ezra, Phineas, and Gus were emblazoned more and more on all kinds of souvenirs like t-shirts, pins, plush dolls, artwork, and other novelty items. Fans loved bringing home a piece of the ride with its highlights like the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

The three ghosts also became prominent characters at Disney's Haunted Mansion-themed events held each year around Halloween. There they interacted with guests alongside other creatures from the ride like the Graveyard's caretaker dog or the Haunted Mansion's ghost host.

Appearances Around the Parks

Not only did souvenirs bring the Hitchhiking Ghosts out of the Haunted Mansion, but they also started appearing in Disney Parks beyond their dark ride home. As their fame grew, the ghosts could be spotted taking part in parades, stage shows, and even character meet-and-greets.

For example, Ezra, Phineas, and Gus can ride along during Disneyland's seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. And in Florida, the ghosts have interacted with guests in Magic Kingdom's long-running HalloWishes fireworks shows.

Figures and Statues Memorialize the Beloved Ghosts

As ever-more iconic symbols of Disney's Haunted Mansion, famous statue creators like Jim Shore and Robert Olszewski have crafted their own collectible figurines of Ezra, Phineas, and Gus. These detailed miniatures are prized parts of many fans' memorabilia displays.

Hitchhiking Ghosts in Disney California Adventure

When planning began for a Haunted Mansion-themed eatery in Disney's California Adventure Park, there was never any question that the three Hitchhiking Ghosts would make an appearance there. Today, situated atop the scaffolding on the elevated terrace of the popular Blue Bayou restaurant sits a large-scale replica of Ezra, Phineas, and Gus.

This nearly four-foot-high piece perfectly recreates Marc Davis' original ghostly hitchhikers, sticking their thumbs out for rides. The Blue Bayou diners below can look up from their New Orleans cuisine and feel like their meal comes with a side of silly spirits looking to spook them.

Haunted Mansion Tombstones Spotlight the Ghosts

Whenever the Haunted Mansion ride undergoes refurbishment or enhancement, like when Disneyland updated it to match Florida's interactive hitchhiking scene, tributes to the three ghosts can be found inside and out. In particular, their names and past mortal personas are etched onto the outside cemetery's humorous memorial stones.

So now alongside long-dead mansion residents like I. M. Ready and I. C. Deadpeople, riders can find headstones for escaped spirits Ezra the Drifter, Phineas the Traveler, and Gus the Dropout, recalling the Hitchhiking Ghosts' backstories.

For those awaiting entering through the Haunted Mansion's front gates, reading these tributes adds an extra smile before ever getting scared inside by their still-hitchhiking ghosts.

FAQs

Where in the Haunted Mansion ride do the Hitchhiking Ghosts first appear?

The three ghosts first appear in the attic scene near the end of the ride, where they seem to materialize out of thin air next to the guests' ride vehicles.

What are the names of the Hitchhiking Ghosts?

The tall bearded ghost is Ezra, the short laughing ghost is Phineas, and the middle ghost with crazy hair is Gus.

Why do the ghosts have their thumbs sticking up at the end of the ride?

Their "thumbs up" poses are classic hitchhiking gestures, as if they are asking guests for a ride, which reinforces their nicknames as the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

Where besides the Haunted Mansion ride can you see the ghosts in Disney Parks?

The popular ghosts have appeared in parades, stage shows, special events, and even as character meet-and-greets around Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Is there Hitchhiking Ghosts merchandise sold at Disney?

Yes, the ghosts' images are featured on many souvenirs like t-shirts, pins, artwork, figurines, and more at shops in the parks.