Madame Leota: The Mysterious Medium of The Haunted Mansion

For decades, Madame Leota has mesmerized guests of Disney’s Haunted Mansion with her eerie floating head and cryptic incantations. As one of the most iconic figures in the beloved dark ride, her spectral presence has become synonymous with the attraction’s supernatural charm. But who is Madame Leota, and what is her history within the Haunted Mansion lore?

The Origins of Madame Leota

Madame Leota made her first spectral appearance when The Haunted Mansion debuted at Disneyland on August 9, 1969. Her ghostly visage can be found inside the Séance Room, where she conjures spirits to materialize throughout the mansion. With her glowing, disembodied head floating inside a crystal ball, she recites an incantation that beckons the supernatural:

“Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, Call in the spirits, wherever they’re at.”

– Madame leota, haunted mansion

Leota’s voice and likeness were provided by Disney Imagineer Leota Toombs, whose name was immortalized in the character. However, the chilling vocal performance guests hear is that of Eleanor Audley, the same voice actress behind Disney villains Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) and Lady Tremaine (Cinderella).

Madame Leota’s Role in the Haunted Mansion

As the mansion’s resident medium, Madame Leota plays a pivotal role in setting the ghostly events in motion. Her incantations awaken the 999 Happy Haunts, allowing them to fully materialize. Unlike the more mischievous spirits throughout the ride, Leota appears as a neutral force, bridging the gap between the living and the dead.

Beyond the Séance Room, guests can also spot a tribute to Leota in the graveyard scene. A gravestone marked “Madame Leota” features her face carved into the stone, occasionally opening her eyes to give visitors an extra spectral surprise.

The Legend Expands: Little Leota

Near the ride’s exit, guests encounter a diminutive spirit known as Little Leota, who eerily encourages them to “Hurry back… don’t forget your death certificate!” This ethereal figure is also based on Leota Toombs, further cementing her connection to the attraction’s lore.

Madame Leota’s Influence Beyond the Ride

Madame Leota’s legend has grown beyond the Haunted Mansion attraction. She has appeared in various adaptations, including the 2003 Haunted Mansion film starring Eddie Murphy and the 2023 film featuring Jamie Lee Curtis in the role. She has also been incorporated into merchandise, video games, and seasonal overlays such as Haunted Mansion Holiday, where she plays a role in the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed transformation.

A Legacy of Haunting

As one of the most memorable spirits within the Haunted Mansion, Madame Leota continues to intrigue Disney fans with her spectral presence and enigmatic lore. Whether through her cryptic incantations or the many tributes scattered throughout Disney Parks, she remains a hauntingly beloved character. Next time you visit the Haunted Mansion, be sure to listen closely—she may just have a message from beyond waiting for you.

Do you have a favorite Madame Leota moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!