Haunted Mansion Changing Portrait - How It Works
by VanOaksProps
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What this video covers
VanOaksProps breaks down how the iconic Haunted Mansion changing portrait illusion works and shows how to replicate it at home. The effect relies on a perforated vinyl scrim technique — credited to Kirk Higgins and CalHaunts — combined with Arduino-controlled LED switching that alternately illuminates two layered images. An Arduino Nano drives the lighting transitions while a DFMini MP3 module adds synchronized sound, and the creator provides a downloadable sketch, images, and audio files to get builders started quickly.
Key takeaways
- ◆The illusion uses a perforated vinyl scrim to overlay two portrait images that appear to swap when the lighting source changes
- ◆An Arduino Nano controls the LED switching sequence; downloadable code is provided
- ◆A DFMini MP3 player module adds spooky synchronized audio to the effect
- ◆Smoked acrylic and LED strip lights are key materials for achieving the polished look
- ◆Off-the-shelf prop controllers are suggested as alternatives to the Arduino for less technical builders
Who this is for
Home haunters and maker-minded Halloween enthusiasts who want to recreate the classic Disney Haunted Mansion changing portrait effect using accessible electronics and downloadable resources.
Materials mentioned
- • Arduino Nano
- • DFMini MP3 player
- • 6000K LED strip lights
- • smoked acrylic
- • 2-inch speakers
- • 12V power supply
- • 30A 60V MOSFET
- • 470uF 25V capacitor
- • Adafruit Perma-Proto breadboard
- • 2-pin terminal block connectors
- • 20k ohm resistors
- • 680 ohm resistors
- • L7805CV 5V linear voltage regulator
- • perforated vinyl scrim
⚠ Safety notes
Project uses a 12V power supply and MOSFET switching; ensure correct polarity and adequate heat dissipation for electronic components.
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