Alice in Wonderland, the Disney animated version, premiered in 1951. Since then Disney has produced two live-action films with the same characters, however their original animated film is still a favorite among fans of the delightful little girl.
Alice and her story are so admired around the world, that Alice in Wonderland is represented in one way or another in every Disney theme park.
In Disneyland guests are treated to a whirling time at The Mad Tea Party where they spin in colorful teacups. This attraction as been a favorite since 1955, for guests of all ages.
And just next to the tea cups is the popular dark ride Alice in Wonderland where, while riding in colorful caterpillars, guests are taken through the story of Alice, the White Rabbit, and everyone in the classic tale.
The ride opened in 1958 and is still a go-to for guests as they travel through the croquet game and the un-birthday party. It is a fun recreation of the story. Personal note: this ride was the favorite ride my mom and I shared together every time we went to Disneyland.
And Alice has been added to it’s a small world, so guests aboard the happiest cruise get to see her with other kids representing the children of the world.
Alice is also represented in Walt Disney World in Orlando. Guests to The Magic Kingdom experience the fun of the spinning tea cups.
And in Disneyland Paris, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups adds fun next to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth maze where characters from the story are represented. This is an outdoor experience for guests to explore the wonders of Wonderland.
Alice is represented in Tokyo Disneyland in it’s a small world. And, as in the other parks, Alice’s Tea Party provides spinning cups, which, as mentioned earlier, seems to be a favorite attraction among guests to all of the parks. Although the name of the attraction varies a little, the fun of the whirling cups is the same.
The Mad Hatter Tea Cups are also in Hong Kong Disneyland, however Shanghai Disneyland does not have a tea cups attraction. It is the only park that – so far – has not installed the rotating cups. They do, however, have a maze based on the Tim Burton live action movie.
Through topiaries at various times as well as special foods and merchandise, the characters from Alice in Wonderland are represented around the world. Besides sweet little Alice, there is the White Rabbit, The Queen, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, and more. Since the 1951 movie premiered, all of these characters have made their way into pop culture and today’s lexicon.
And fans of Disney’s animated Alice in Wonderland will be delighted with the new 4K restoration on 4K UHD and Blu-ray coming May 5, 2026.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.