Alice in Fantasyland September 1964

This September 1964 image shows The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, and Alice in Wonderland interacting with a few guests in Fantasyland. The oval netting in the band of the Mad Hatter’s hat is so that the cast member inside the costume can see out.



While we’re in Fantasyland, how about a 1956 shot of the Mad Tea Party? Fantasyland looks so different with its original façades meant to resemble medieval traveling tournament tents.



See more Disneyland Fantasyland photos at my main website.

Cast of Characters

As I was (finally) doing some updates to my site, I noticed that there were a few vintage Disneyland Character shots that I hadn't posted. From December 1967, these three lucky girls saw Mickey Mouse as soon as they entered the Park. AND they got their photos taken with him. How often does that happen?

The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland is out in Town Square, also circa December 1967.



Snow White seems to have lost four of her Dwarfs.



Today, the tradition of Characters strolling through the Park continues; I happened to catch Bert & Mary from Mary Poppins outside of the Plaza Inn:



Over in New Orleans Square during the Holidays, you can get a glimpse of Jack Skellington:



More Disneyland Characters at my main website.

Alice is Wonder-full, Pt. 3

Today marks the last installment of my revamped Alice in Wonderland attraction coverage, beginning with a very angry Queen of Hearts.



Hold onto your heads; this could get ugly.





Time to exit for a quick interlude outdoors.



Then back inside again for a little Mad Tea Party.



Perfectly integrated video.





Alice has been added to the proceedings.



A comparison shot from the previous version:



I really like the stylization of Alice used here in the attraction.



The birthday cake at the end for the Merry Unbirthday is pretty much the same:



which is fine, as it's still the perfectly explosive finish to this very fresh attraction:



Be sure to check it out on your next trip to Disneyland; it's worth the line!

See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland Alice in Wonderland attraction photos at my main website.

Alice is Wonder-full, Pt. 1

When it comes to Dark Rides, the Alice in Wonderland attraction at Disneyland has typically gotten the shaft. Both in 1955 and 1983, Alice's opening date was delayed in comparison to its sister dark rides. Maybe Alice needs more primping time. Besides doing safety upgrades to the exterior, the attraction also received some upgrades to the interior attraction itself. How'd it fare? Pretty damn well! In fact, I would say that it's close to being the best Dark Ride attraction in Fantasyland. Peter Pan's ship flying over London is always a thrill for me, but this one runs a close second.



The exterior upgrades look nice and fit into the theme well.



Easier to see during the daylight:





One more safety caution sign, and awaaaaaaay we go...



This is the first time I have felt that the use of video on a Disneyland attraction works.



The other attractions that have tried to integrate video have failed for me due to technology deficiencies (especially the Finding Nemo subs).



Alice provides a practically seamless experience.





All the familiar elements from before appear to still be here, just plussed a bit thanks to the recent freshening up and the addition of the new video effects.





The video of the rabbit is amazing; it makes you feel like you are in the middle of the movie, which was Walt's original intent with the Dark Rides.









Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee still fan out for your enjoyment.





You'll have to wait until tomorrow for more new photos from this attraction!

See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland Alice in Wonderland attraction photos at my main website.

Disneyland, October 1966 Pt. 3

Our square Skyway bucket is taking us into Fantasyland now, as can be witnessed from this view of Small World from above, with the top of Monstro and Casey Junior visible as well. While we’re at Small World, let’s zoom in for a few other views (mercifully without the song playing in the background):



The classic clock in action:



Looks like the boats are floating just fine...have Turkey Legs & Churros invaded the park yet? The Autopia Eagle is visible at top left.



Here’s a lovely shot of...grass and dirt. You don’t see barren real estate like this at Disneyland anymore!



From the other side of our bucket, we can see the Alice Dark ride:





And here is Alice herself, greeting a few guests at the Front Entrance with the assistance of the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter:



Tomorrow, we’ll see even more Fantasyland, October 1966. See more vintage and current Fantasyland photos at my website.