Halloween Universe

Video Theme

Haunted Mansion

Videos built around the haunted mansion theme — pulled together so you can study how others bring this atmosphere to life.

104 videos

Haunted Dollhouse Makeover 👻 DIY Halloween Props
13:37
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50 depending on thrift finds and materials on hand

Haunted Dollhouse Makeover 👻 DIY Halloween Props

Wicked Makers' Jaimie and Jay walk through converting a thrifted plastic dollhouse into a Victorian-style miniature haunted mansion inspired by the Addams Family. The build covers painting, weathering, and dressing the structure with spooky details including glowing jack-o-lanterns, demon cats, and an animated ghost on the balcony. The tutorial relies entirely on accessible craft-store materials and basic tools, making it approachable for Halloween decorators of any skill level. The finished piece works as a striking indoor Halloween display.

Wicked Makers· 1,047,603 views
Haunted Moving Painting
4:10
Prop Reviews

Haunted Moving Painting

FrightProps showcases their premium Haunted Moving Painting prop, a fully assembled unit that displays animated portrait videos on an HD panel housed in a handmade frame. The prop pairs an HD triggerable video player with a PicoBoo JR controller and a choice of trigger, making it ready to deploy out of the box. Sample footage is drawn from the Unliving Portraits DVD series, which is sold separately due to licensing restrictions. The video gives haunters a clear look at the illusion effect and the hardware that drives it.

FrightProps· 617,129 views
DIY Pepper's Ghost in a Jar
6:18
Projection EffectsBeginnerlow (primarily cardboard and basic materials)

DIY Pepper's Ghost in a Jar

VanOaksProps demonstrates how to recreate the classic Pepper's Ghost optical illusion at miniature scale, housing the effect inside a bell jar for a self-contained Halloween display piece. Inspired by the iconic ballroom scene in Disney's Haunted Mansion, the build uses an angled reflective surface to make a hidden 'ghost' image appear to float inside the jar. A decorative fake book, constructed from cardboard, is also built to conceal the hidden projection source and give the display a polished, themed look. The result is a compact, eye-catching prop that punches well above its apparent complexity.

VanOaksProps· 181,762 views
SPIRIT HALLOWEEN 2022 HAUL! 🎃 DIY Halloween Project Ideas
9:35
Product Reviews

SPIRIT HALLOWEEN 2022 HAUL! 🎃 DIY Halloween Project Ideas

Wicked Makers hosts Jay and Jaimie visit Spirit Halloween for their 2022 haul, showcasing a range of animatronics, licensed décor, and seasonal props they picked up in-store. The video highlights notable animatronic figures including a caged zombie, a clown, and a skeleton, along with licensed collections from popular horror and fantasy franchises. Rather than a straight review, the duo frames their finds as inspiration for upcoming DIY Halloween builds and projects. It serves as both a shopping guide and a teaser for future prop-making content.

Wicked Makers· 167,210 views
Halloween Decor Haul 2019
47:17
Halloween Decorating

Halloween Decor Haul 2019

A wide-ranging 2019 Halloween décor haul spanning more than a dozen retailers — including Target, Michaels, Dollar Tree, Walmart, HomeGoods, Joann, and Pier 1 — showcasing figurines, faux florals, rugs, mugs, lighting, and more. The creator walks viewers through each item she picked up while Halloween-décor shopping, offering a real-world look at what was available that season. A broad mix of price points is represented, from Dollar Tree finds to specialty pieces from Grandin Road and Bath & Body Works.

Jade The Libra· 158,026 views
SPIRIT HALLOWEEN 2022! 💀 Hunting for Animatronics, Props & Decor!
8:03
Prop Reviews

SPIRIT HALLOWEEN 2022! 💀 Hunting for Animatronics, Props & Decor!

Wicked Makers' Jay and Jaimie take a tour of their local Spirit Halloween store for the 2022 season, scoping out animatronics, props, and licensed decorations in person before buying. Highlights include close-up looks at standout animatronic figures and a range of licensed pop-culture Halloween décor. Though they typically build their own props, the duo ended up making several purchases and hint at unboxing videos to come.

Wicked Makers· 149,418 views
I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 4
9:04
DIY PropsAdvanced

I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 4

In Part 4 of this ambitious series, VanOaksProps completes a life-size 3D printed Haunted Mansion door frame built as a companion piece to a genuine Disneyland park-used door owned by Neil Patrick Harris. Described as the creator's largest and most complex build to date, the project showcases the capabilities of large-format FDM printing for screen-accurate prop recreation. The build is sponsored by Elegoo and Polymaker, and a downloadable 3D model is available via the creator's Etsy shop.

VanOaksProps· 112,084 views
How to Make a Haunted Moving Painting
11:42
DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Make a Haunted Moving Painting

FrightProps demonstrates how to build a haunted moving painting prop using a triggered HD video player paired with pre-made portrait video content. The build centers on a BrightSign-based video player and an optional PicoBoo JR controller, which adds the ability to also fire lights or pneumatic effects in sync. The PicoBoo JR is presented as an optional enhancement rather than a strict requirement, making the project accessible at different complexity levels.

FrightProps· 106,685 views
Haunted Mansion DIY Projects Marathon
47:08
DIY PropsIntermediate

Haunted Mansion DIY Projects Marathon

This marathon compilation from VanOaksProps brings together seven Disney Haunted Mansion-inspired DIY projects in a single 47-minute video, ranging from a gate sign repaint and hand-painted queue statue to a working blast-up ghost and a full-size 3D printed door built for Neil Patrick Harris. The video also breaks down how the iconic changing portrait illusion works, making it both a practical build guide and an educational deep-dive into classic dark-ride effects. Projects span a range of complexity, offering something useful for casual decorators and serious prop builders alike. The Haunted Mansion Home Office series segments add context for creators looking to theme an entire room.

VanOaksProps· 105,736 views
Creepy Halloween Candles with a Twist!
6:13
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (materials primarily PVC pipe and hot glue)

Creepy Halloween Candles with a Twist!

VanOaksProps puts a fresh spin on the classic DIY Halloween candle build, using PVC pipe instead of the commonly used pool noodle approach. Hot glue is applied to simulate realistic dripping wax, while moving-flame LED candles add a convincing flickering glow. The result is a durable, creepy candelabra-style prop that can elevate any Halloween display. The tutorial is concise and beginner-friendly at under 10 minutes.

VanOaksProps· 66,664 views
The ULTIMATE DIY Halloween Tombstone Marathon!
1:19:27
DIY PropsIntermediate

The ULTIMATE DIY Halloween Tombstone Marathon!

This feature-length compilation from VanOaksProps collects multiple tombstone tutorials into a single marathon session, covering everything from basic foam carving to ultra-realistic aged gravestones. Projects range in complexity, including a replica Haunted Mansion tombstone, a projector-housing tombstone, broken and distressed styles, and techniques for adding memorial portraits and lichen. It's designed both as a complete learning resource and as companionable background viewing while you work on your own props. The chapter-based structure makes it easy to jump to the specific technique you need.

VanOaksProps· 65,004 views
SPOOKYTIME VLOG!!! Hunting + Haul + Animatronics!!!
45:29
Halloween Decorating

SPOOKYTIME VLOG!!! Hunting + Haul + Animatronics!!!

In this summer Halloween vlog, the creator goes on a hunt for spooky decor and returns with an exciting haul of Halloween finds. A centerpiece of the video is the assembly and showcase of her very first animatronics, including a Headless Zombie and a Headless Knight. She also highlights several other animatronic props available at Lowe's this season, from a Haunted Mansion Caretaker to a Gargoyle and Witch. The relaxed, enthusiastic format makes it a fun watch for fellow year-round Halloween fans.

Jade The Libra· 63,151 views
FIRST HALLOWEEN DECOR HAUL OF 2024!!
19:52
Halloween Decorating

FIRST HALLOWEEN DECOR HAUL OF 2024!!

A 2024 early-season Halloween decor haul showcasing spooky finds from several major retailers including Joann, Lowe's, At Home, Cracker Barrel, and HomeGoods. The host walks viewers through a variety of indoor and outdoor Halloween pieces ranging from ceramic tabletop accents and kitchen towels to yard stakes, animatronics, and Haunted Mansion-themed props. The video serves as both a shopping inspiration guide and a first look at what's hitting store shelves for the season.

Jade The Libra· 60,107 views
Making a Bust That Follows You - Halloween Prop Tutorial
10:22
DIY PropsIntermediate$20–$60

Making a Bust That Follows You - Halloween Prop Tutorial

VanOaksProps walks through the first part of a two-part series on building a cemetery bust monument that uses an optical illusion to appear to follow viewers as they move. The build relies on accessible materials — XPS foam in two thicknesses, a cardboard tube armature, pipe insulation, and common adhesives — shaped with hot wire and routing tools. Sponsored by ChickenProps, the tutorial bridges the gap between a basic graveyard prop and a showstopping interactive centerpiece. The finished piece is designed to evoke the iconic "following bust" effect popularized by haunted mansion attractions.

VanOaksProps· 57,843 views
HALLOWEEN DECOR HUNTING!! Target, Hallmark, Ross & HomeGoods!!!
43:55
Halloween Decorating

HALLOWEEN DECOR HUNTING!! Target, Hallmark, Ross & HomeGoods!!!

A shop-with-me haul video visiting multiple major retailers — Target, Hallmark, Ross, and HomeGoods — in search of Halloween décor for 2024. The host scouts seasonal aisles and highlights noteworthy finds across a range of price points and styles. A ColourPop x Haunted Mansion limited-edition cosmetics collection, available at Target, is also featured as a sponsored segment.

Jade The Libra· 51,294 views
Haunted Mansion Changing Portrait - How It Works
3:35
Arduino & ControllersIntermediate

Haunted Mansion Changing Portrait - How It Works

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.

VanOaksProps· 47,492 views
Antique a Mirror in 5 Minutes! No Chemicals
6:22
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $10

Antique a Mirror in 5 Minutes! No Chemicals

VanOaksProps demonstrates a fast, beginner-friendly method for aging a mirror to create an antique or mercury-glass look using minimal materials likely already on hand. The technique avoids sanding, scraping, and harsh chemicals, making it accessible and low-risk. At roughly six minutes, this is one of the quickest set-dressing upgrades a haunter can add to a room or corridor. The finished effect lends an atmosphere of neglect and age that works equally well in home haunts and professional attractions.

VanOaksProps· 44,089 views
LAST HALLOWEEN DECOR HAUL 2024!!! Target, Big Lots, Michael's, Walmart & MORE!!!
34:06
Halloween Decorating

LAST HALLOWEEN DECOR HAUL 2024!!! Target, Big Lots, Michael's, Walmart & MORE!!!

A seasonal Halloween decor haul covering finds from multiple major retailers including Target, Big Lots, Michaels, Kirklands, and Williams Sonoma for 2024. The video highlights a wide range of spooky items spanning home décor, kitchenware, blow molds, and miniature village pieces. A limited-edition ColourPop x Haunted Mansion cosmetics collection available at Target is also featured as a sponsored highlight. The creator frames this as their final haul of the season before clearance sales begin.

Jade The Libra· 38,510 views
Making a Haunted Mansion Tombstone
10:12
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Haunted Mansion Tombstone

VanOaksProps walks viewers through building a foam replica of the iconic Master Gracey tombstone from Disneyland and Disney World's Haunted Mansion attraction. The build covers shaping and carving foam, creating a custom stencil with a vinyl cutter for the epitaph lettering, and finishing with a convincing faux-granite paint effect using airbrush and sea sponge techniques. The result is a screen-accurate-style prop suitable for yard haunts or indoor displays. Sponsored foam paints from Plaid are featured throughout the finishing stages.

VanOaksProps· 37,629 views
Spooky DIY: Floating Candelabra Halloween Prop Tutorial
10:12
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Spooky DIY: Floating Candelabra Halloween Prop Tutorial

VanOaksProps walks through the complete build of a motorized floating candelabra Halloween prop using a wiper motor, PVC, aluminum tubing, and a thrifted candelabra. The motor drive creates a convincing hovering illusion, while a PWM speed controller lets builders fine-tune the motion. LED flicker bulbs finish the effect with realistic candlelight. The project is well-suited for cemetery scenes, home haunts, or professional displays.

VanOaksProps· 37,363 views
DIY Madame Leota Effect with INVISIBLE PROJECTOR
7:35
Projection EffectsIntermediate$100–$250 (projector cost varies significantly)

DIY Madame Leota Effect with INVISIBLE PROJECTOR

VanOaksProps walks through a DIY build of the iconic Madame Leota floating-head crystal ball effect, inspired by the Haunted Mansion attraction. The key innovation is routing the projection through a small angled mirror inside the globe so the projector is hidden rather than sitting visibly in front of the crystal ball. The build combines a 3D-printed stand, a translucent face form, a clear acrylic globe, and a compact short-throw projector. The result closely mirrors the in-park presentation of the effect.

VanOaksProps· 35,737 views
Hot Glue Candelabra Prop
8:12
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50

Hot Glue Candelabra Prop

VanOaksProps walks through the construction of a gothic candelabra prop built primarily from PVC pipe fittings, with hot glue serving as both a structural adhesive and a creative texturing agent to disguise the underlying framework. The real challenge — and the heart of the build — was finding an elegant way to conceal the pipe joints and make the piece read as a convincing ornate candelabra. Silicone molds, a Leviton lamp holder for functional candle sockets, and a multi-step paint finish using rubberized undercoat, Rub n Buff, and acrylic patina bring the prop to a polished, aged-metal look. The video is sponsored by Surebonder, whose tools are featured throughout the build.

VanOaksProps· 26,703 views
Haunted Painting #shorts
0:28
Projection Effects

Haunted Painting #shorts

This short-form video showcases an AtmosFX Unliving Portraits digital Halloween decoration, presenting an animated haunted painting effect. The portrait appears to move or come alive, creating a creepy haunted-mansion atmosphere. The clip invites viewers to consider whether they would display this kind of eerie digital decor in their own home.

SpookYouLaterz· 24,665 views
$3 Halloween Sconce
11:54
DIY PropsBeginnerUnder $5

$3 Halloween Sconce

Stiltbeast Studios demonstrates how to build an atmospheric stone-look wall sconce for roughly three dollars using just a few items sourced from a discount store. The build centers on a simple mask transformation paired with a convincing stone-effect paint technique that can be applied to a wide range of prop projects. The finished piece carries a Medusa-esque, gothic aesthetic suitable for haunted attractions or home haunts alike.

StiltbeastStudios· 24,001 views