Poetry Friday (sort of): Haunted Holiday

This post was cross posted on my Disney blog.

One of my favorite things about visiting Disneyland at Christmas is the decorations. And some of the best decorations are for the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. From October through December the regular Haunted Mansion ride is changed to Nightmare Before Christmas.

So today as my entry for Poetry Friday I'm sharing the ride narration with you. Since it's sort of like poetry....

Okay, so it's a stretch. But I hope you enjoy anyway!

Narrator:
'Twas a long time ago
Longer now than it seems
In a place that perhaps
That you've seen in your dreams.
For the story that you are about to be told
Began with the holiday worlds of old.

I know you're curious
To see what's inside.
It's what happens
When two holidays collide.

Welcome, my friends, to our Christmas Delight.
Come witness a ghoulishly glorious sight.
It's time for our holiday tale to begin
There's no turning back now
Please, come all the way in.

Our holiday tale, is a tale that's quite charming
But during this season, it's sometimes alarming.
So relax and reflect, feel free to take pause
While we tell you the tale about dear Sandy Claws

'Twas the nightmare before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was peaceful, not even a mouse.
The stockings, all hung by the chimney with care,
When opened that morning would cause such a scare!
The children nestled all snug in their beds,
Would have nightmares of monsters and skeleton heads!

Now hurry along
As they say, "Look alive."
This is one holiday you will want to survive.

Jack Skellington came here from Halloween Town,
You'll notice his handiwork scattered around.
This year he's decided to play "Sandy Claws,"
But when Halloween creates Christmas you might see some flaws.

Yes, down through the chimney Jack flew like a bat,
Clutching his magical "Sandy Claws" sack.
He ripped open the sack and, in moments it seems,
Created a Christmas you have in bad dreams.

More rapid than vultures, the Mansion was changed,
All was soon covered, adorned and deranged.
And what to your wondering eyes disappears,
It's Jack's little friend Zero - the Ghost Dog Reindeer!

Nothing here was forgotten, it all looks so pleasant,
A coffin, Jack says, makes a fine Christmas present.
A man-eating plant makes a wonderful wreath
As long as you don't get caught in its teeth.

Madame Leota:
On the Thirteenth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me
13 Rings of Power, Embracing Strength that never ends.
12 Signs of the Zodiac, that Rule the Future and Transcend.
11 Candles Floating, their Scent of Mystery in the Air.
10 Telling Tea Leaves, that Swirled with Secrets yet to Share.

On the Ninth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
9 Magic Crystals, that Sparkled with a force that is Pure.
8 Balls of Knowledge, that answer with a truth that is Sure.
7 Pearls of Wisdom, to keep my Love Bewitched to me.
6 Mystic Mirrors, Reflecting futures yet to be.

On the Fifth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
5 Lucky Charms, to Understand the Right from Wrong.
4 Wheels of Fortune, To Spin their Rich and Golden Song.
3 Life Lines, Extending help to those in need.
2 Passion Potions, That Love and Romance may Succeed.
On the First day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
A Star! a Brilliant Star for my Fortune Card Tree!

Narrator:
With some treats and some games, you can make a scene merry,
Why, even a gingerbread house could be scary.
All at once, happy haunts did materialize,
Like a nightmarish painting by Currier & Ives.

A bag full of toys Jack had slung on his back,
They were strange and bizarre - and on the attack!

"Sandy Claws" worked his magic, both outside and in,
But one final touch made his bony face grin.
"Now what better gift on my friends to bestow,
Than a graveyard that's covered in ghostly white snow!"

Graveyard Ghosts:
Boo! Boo! What's this?

We wish you a scary Christmas,
We wish you a scary Christmas,
We wish you a scary Christmas,
And a haunted New Year!
Boo! Boo!

Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!

Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize!

What's this? What's this? What's this?
Jolly dear old Sandy Claws,
While the graveyard sleeps,
Down the chimney dark and damp,
With your sack of creeps,
Happy haunts materialize,
For a swinging wake,
Glowing pumpkins harmonize,
Joyful screams we'll make!

Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!

Oogie Boogie:
Welcome to Oogie's holiday tricks and treats.
Round and round she goes. What's your gift? Oogie knows! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Are you getting a trick, or a treat?
Isn't this fun? I can't wait to see what you get.
It's gift giving time! You get what you get. Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Have I got a present for you! It's all good here.
Sugar and spice, naughty and nice. Have you been naughty or nice?

Sally:
Hurry Back, Hurry Back...

Oogie Boogie:
Hurry back, hurry back. Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Be sure to bring your gift certificate! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Season's Screamings everyone. Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Sally:
Hurry Back, Hurry Back...

Oogie Boogie:
Don't let the tombstone hit you on the way out!
I've got plenty more tricks and treats in store for your next visit.

Sally:
Hurry Back, Hurry Back...

Thanks to this website for providing the pictures!