Disney Imagineer inducted into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

The famous Hatbox Ghost the Enchanted Castle at Disneyland It’s been around since 1969 – and it’s about to happen Walt Disney Worldversion of the trip, at Magic kingdom.

Now, nearly 55 years later, the Disney Imagineer whoever invented the Hatbox Ghost is included in the The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame.

Disney visionary Daniel Joseph has been inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph, known for creating the iconic Hatbox Ghost animatronic, will be inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, Walt Disney Imagineering announced on social media.

“Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Announces Fellow Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph as 2023 Inductee!” they wrote Instagram. “Daniel has been an inventor throughout his life and holds more than 30 Disney patents. As Principal Illusion Integrator, he helps imagine, design and install all kinds of special effects and illusions for Disney experiences around the world, including the beloved Hatbox Ghost at Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion…and soon Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion. World.”

“For someone who worked alongside Daniel, this shouldn’t come as a surprise,” they continued. “Congratulations to Daniel on this prestigious award. We can’t wait to see what’s next!”

Joseph also took to social media to express his gratitude, writing “I still can’t believe the news I received today that I will be one of 10 people inducted into the 2023 Florida Inventors Hall of Fame! Wow, I’m still in shock and I never saw this coming. This organization is part of the University of South Florida and has invited some incredible inventors over the years including nuclear physicists, NASA engineers and even Thomas Edison, crazy!!!”

The Hatbox Ghost debuted in the original Disneyland Haunted Mansion on opening day, but will soon appear in the Disney World version. While an exact date has not been announced, we do know that it will make its Magic Kingdom debut sometime this year.

Learn more about the Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is an iconic ride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. There are versions at other Disney Parks around the world.

Filled with grimly grinning ghosts, singing busts, wall-to-wall creepers, hot and cold chills, and of course the Ghost Host, the Haunted Castle attracts guests as they visit 999 happy ghosts aboard a doom buggy. .

Here’s how Disney World describes their version of the ride:

The disembodied voice of the Ghost Host is your private guide through the sprawling realm of a haunted estate, home to ghosts, apparitions, and supernatural surprises.

Drift past a conservatory full of coffins, Madame Leota’s cool séance room and a spooky graveyard of singing ghosts as you try to find your way out. Beware of hitchhikers – these phantom pranksters may escort you home.

Happy Spooky!

The Hatbox Ghost is currently on display at Disneyland’s version of the Haunted Mansion and will soon make its East Coast debut at Walt Disney World. While he doesn’t have a specific debut date, Guests can expect to see him sometime this year.