wotimes.com

Ricky Brigante is “dying” to serve as a butler at Disney's Haunted Mansion. He maintains an entire room in his house that he's dedicated to the spooky ride, but he's ready to take on the entire mansion for a day.

The Winter Garden resident is one of 20 national finalists vying for the position at the famous haunted house at Disneyland in California.

Brigante and other Disney Dream Job hopefuls submitted a video clip touting their sinister qualifications for a position as butler or maid. Some built a haunted set as a backdrop; all Brigante had to do was suddenly appear in the velvety seat in his Haunted Mansion room.

With lightning flashing outside a nearby window and a cast of glowing hitchhiking ghosts at his side, 26-year-old Brigante tells of his wish for the job.

Offering support is the floating head of Madame Leota in the crystal ball, who shared a poem encouraging voters to choose Brigante: “Goblins and ghoulies, from last Halloween, give Ricky a Disney job, that is his dream.”

And with a flash of lightning, Brigante was gone again.

His entry also included a note to voters: “For years I have dreamed of what it would be like to work inside the Haunted Mansion. It would be an HONOR to participate in this amazing experience! I have been a fan of the Mansion since I was a small child, and, as you can see in the video, I have dedicated a room in my house to all my Haunted Mansion collectibles and decorations.

“This room is not a set built for this video but, rather, a lasting tribute that only a true Haunted Mansion fan could build. The Haunted Mansion is an incredible experience that brings out the eager child in us all!

“I have ALWAYS wanted to have a chance to help create Disney magic. This contest is finally my chanceŠbut only if you VOTE for me! :)Š”

As part of Disney's Year of a Million Dreams Celebration, Brigante and other Disney fans entered the contest for the chance to live out a Disney dream job for a day. Besides the Haunted Mansion butler/maid, residents could use their creativity to apply to be a Jungle Cruise skipper, pirate, princess-in-waiting or Disney park parade performer.

Of the top 20 finalists in each of the five categories, the five with highest number of views on the Web site will win the grand prize trip to Anaheim, Calif., June 9-12 to tackle their dream job for a day. The Million Dreams package is worth $3,400 and includes airfare for the winner and up to three guests, four-day three-night hotel accommodations, four four-day Park Hopper tickets, a Disney gift card valued at $250 and a “Where Dreams Come True” welcome basket.

Residents can vote through March 30 at www.careerbuilder.com/disneydreamjobs. Brigante's entry photo shows him seated with the hitchhiking ghosts.

His attraction to the attraction started years ago, but he's been seriously collecting Haunted Mansion memorabilia for four or five years. He's made purchases from both Walt Disney World and Disneyland and is hooked on eBay.

“The Haunted Mansion is a very unique attraction,” he said. “I'm obviously a big Disney fan in general, but the Haunted Mansion has a big draw because it's so different from everything that Disney does. Everything else is so happy and bright.”

Despite its darkness, though, “It's still in the Disney style where it's fun and entertaining,” he said. “And they make some really cool collectibles.”

When he's not shopping online or hanging out with the “undead,” Brigante designs Web sites and does other work with computer graphics. He has to keep making money if he wants to add to his collection of all things Haunted Mansion.