You know them. You love them. But…do you know their names?
The Hitchhiking Ghosts are the ghostly trio you see at the end of the Haunted Mansion ride. They try to sneak into your Doom Buggy and hitch a ride home with you!
If you go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year, you’ll notice that they have managed to sneak out of the Haunted Mansion and are haunting the Party, as well!
While they were designed primarily as comedic visual gags to wrap up the Haunted Mansion ride, the Disney Imagineers gave them distinct names, personalities and backstories that have become part of Haunted Mansion lore.
Meet the Travelers
Officially known as The Travelers, each ghost has a distinct look and personality. Ezra Beane is the tall, thin ghost, attired in a top hat and tail coat. He carries a carpetbag. Let’s just hope he didn’t make it all the way to your home!
Gus was a prisoner in his lifetime. He is short and wears a ball and chain. He has a gruff and mischievous personality (he escaped prison, after all). But I don’t think Gus will find escaping from the Haunted Mansion as easy as that!
Phineas Pock, aka “The Traveler” is a portly specter and traveling salesman who wears a bowler hat and who also carries a carpetbag, as well as an umbrella (because, you know, Florida weather!)
Their Role in the Haunted Mansion
According to Mansion lore, Ezra, Gus and Phineas aren’t original resident ghosts of Gracey Manor. They are wandering spirits who heard about the “999 Happy Haunts” living freely inside the mansion and came looking for a permanent home.
But by the time you reach the end of the ride, the ghosts realize the mansion is full—so they stand by the roadside with their thumbs out, trying to hitch a ride in your Doom Buggy into the mortal world!
The Ghost Host specifically warns you as you approach them: “Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts! They have selected you to fill our quota of 1,000! They’ll haunt you until you return!”
Low Key Disney Tip: Photo Pass Photographers working near Haunted Mansion and Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square can take a “Magic Shot” photo of you with the Hitchhiking Ghosts! Try it!
Fun Production Facts
Animator Marc Davis created them to end the ride on a lighthearted, comedic note so guests would leave smiling rather than frightened.
In early sound recordings, Ezra’s distinct voice was provided by Thurl Ravenscroft (who also sang lead for the graveyard busts and was also teh voice of Tony the Tiger and one of the Tiki Room Birds, Fritz).
Over the decades, the trio has become so popular that they have achieved a kind of cult status. They appear in Haunted Mansion merchandise and parades and were even featured on their own collectible popcorn buckets!
What do you think of this ghostly trio?
