Alice in Wonderland at Disney
Lewis Carroll’s books Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass have been adapted numerous times by the Disney company, starting with the live-action/cartoon hybrid Alice Comedies in the 1920s, followed by the animated Alice in Wonderland in 1951, and Tim Burton’s live-action Alice on Wonderland in 2010. You can still find merchandise inspired by the 2010 film in the parks, but all other Alice references are to the 1951 film, and those are the references I’ll focus on today.
Here are five things to do in Walt Disney World if you love Alice in Wonderland.
1. Mad Tea Party Ride
We’ll start off with the attraction that almost everyone—even those who have never been to the Disney Parks—is familiar with, although they may not know its real name. The attraction pictured below is officially called the “Mad Tea Party,” although many simply refer to it as “the teacups.”
The ride itself is quite simple, but Alice lovers will enjoy spotting the Dormouse popping his head out of the large teapot in the middle, as well as these topiaries.
2. Meet-and-Greet in Magic Kingdom
Although they’re not always listed on the Times Guide, you can often find Alice and the Mad Hatter near Mad Tea Party. Sometimes they’ll even ride with you! I’ve read that morning are the best time to spot them. You could always check with Guest Relations to find out your chances of seeing them on that particular day.
3. Meet-and-Greet at Epcot United Kingdom
Alice’s appearances in Epcot are usually listed in the Times Guide. You can find her in the United Kingdom pavilion. She’s not usually there continuously—her appearances tend to alternate with Mary Poppins—but she should be easy to find.
4. Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
If you want more interaction with Alice and the Mad Hatter, make reservations for this character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Although it’s named the “Supercalifragilistic Breakfast” for Mary Poppins, you’ll find the Wonderland characters there too.
5. Wonderland Tea Party (for kids only)
In addition to the breakfast, 1900 Park Fare also hosts a Wonderland-themed tea party, but unfortunately, it’s only for kids aged 4 to 12! (The plus is that parents are allowed to stay and watch.) If your children are the ones obsessed with Alice, they’ll definitely enjoy this. The party lasts an hour, and the kids get to make crafts, hear stories, play games, and of course, drink tea (well, apple juice)!
Final Word
I have to mention one more place where you used to be able to see some Alice references. When the Halloween decorations were up, the pathway from Tomorrowland to the former Mickey’s Toontown Fair featured Alice in Wonderland–themed cutouts. My friend snapped these photos of the cutouts in October 2010. The path was closed during the new Fantasyland construction. This blog post indicates the path is back open, but we’ll have to wait until the fall to see if the cutouts return.