Disney World attractions are full of so many amazing special effects that are well ahead of their time.

From the visual effects used in Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the groundbreaking OmniCoaster of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT, Disney is constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be. However, there’s one 162-year-old special effect that still could be one of the best in Disney World.
That special effect is Pepper’s Ghost, and we’re going to tell you all about it.
History of Pepper’s Ghost
The Pepper’s Ghost special effect was first used by an English scientist named John Henry Pepper in 1862 after showing off the projection effect at a theatre demonstration. As a result, a new kind of theatrical production became popular, using the effect in many ghost-themed plays.

It turns out Pepper was onto something, because that effect continues to be used in theater, movies, museums, TV shows, concerts, and more.
What IS Pepper’s Ghost
Pepper’s Ghost refers to a projection technique that uses an object, panes of glass, and some perfectly placed light. It usually involves a stage or set arranged in two rooms, one that people can see, and a second that’s hidden. The glass is placed in the main room at an angle that reflects the view of the hidden room.

The glass catches a reflection from an actor or figure that you can’t see and then projects it into the room where you can see it.
How Disney World uses the effect
That sounds confusing, but Pepper’s Ghost is the effect you see inside the Haunted Mansion’s ballroom scene. All those ghosts dancing about that still fool people TODAY? Yep, it’s this REALLY old special effect.
But don’t take our word for it. Here’s how Disney Legend Rolly Crump explained how Imagineers used it in the Haunted Mansion:
The ghostly figures are mannequins in a hidden version of the ballroom, and it’s their reflections that have bounced off the glass that you see in the version of the ballroom you see as your Doom Buggy goes by. The glass is angled in such a way that it makes the Happy Haunts seem to be dancing above the floor.

Even though we KNOW how it works, this 162-year-old “technology” still blows us away with just how good it looks each time. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best effects are the simple and older ones.
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
13 New Things We Learned About The Haunted Mansion Ride When Watching Behind the Attraction on Disney+
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!

What’s your favorite part of the Haunted Mansion ballroom scene? Let us know in the comments!
Trending Now
Here are the park bag mistakes you might make when going to Disney World and...
It all starts on July 8th!
Let's have a chat about an Oura Ring that Disney Adults just can’t seem to...
If you're an introvert, should you head to GEO-82 or find another lounge in Disney...
Going to Disney World alone isn't as scary as you'd think...
Don't let the good deals slip away! We rounded up some of the BEST Prime...
You need to check out these new Stanley Cup colors on Amazon!
The resort's refurbishment lineup continues to grow.
This MagicBand+ hack can make a world of difference during your next Disney World trip!
If you are flying home from Disney World with these souvenirs, be extra kind to...
Let's take a look at Disney World restaurant menu changes that happened this week.
ANOTHER restaurant at Disney's Dolphin Hotel is permanently closing to make way for a new...
There has been a BIG change in Magic Kingdom!
There are TWO new MagicBand+ online right now -- grab them while you can!
We are trying out a NEW DOLE Whip Sampler at Swirls on the Water at...
Grab these discounted Disney gifts online RIGHT NOW!
This is the coolest LEGO set we've ever seen, for many reasons!
Making park pass reservations as an Annual Passholder is changing BIG TIME this month!
Test Track will be available in EPCOT for Early Entry AND Extended Evening Hours when...
"it's a small world" is changing in Magic Kingdom AND Disneyland!