You need to ask the cast member at the very front. Do not get into the queue. If they are willing to accommodate you, you will be taken through the exit and escorted directly to the loading area, against the crowds.

Yes, you can skip the stretching room at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland if you have a phobia of enclosed spaces, the dark, or if the "hanging" effect is too intense for you or a child. To do this, you should approach the Cast Member at the entrance of the mansion or the one standing at the doors to the stretching room and politely ask for the "bypass." They will typically lead you through a side door or a service hallway that takes you directly to the loading area where you board your "Doom Buggy." This allows you to enjoy the main part of the ride while avoiding the pre-show entirely. Disney is very accommodating with these requests, as the stretching room can be a significant trigger for anxiety or claustrophobia. It is a common request, so don't feel hesitant to ask; the staff is trained to help guests navigate the attraction in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them.