Ride Review #2 Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland)

History of The Mad Tea Party - The Mad Tea Party, themed after Lewis Carroll's classic book, Alice in Wonderland, started out as an opening day attraction at Disneyland on July 17,1955. Alice in Wonderland's connection to Disney did not start with the park, though. In fact it goes all the way back to the early 1930's. Walt Disney wanted to create a live action version of Alice as one of his first films in 1933 but things didn't work out at the time. Still the story stuck with Walt and resulted in a later animated movie and The Mad Tea Party ride at his new park, Disneyland. This ride became very popular in the 60's and was recreated in the Magic Kingdom for opening day there. Opening on October 1, 1971 the ride featured numerous spinning teacups which have been thrilling (and in some cases nauseating) guests for nearly 40 years.

Mad Tea Party Review -

1. Visual Themeing - Although this ride is relatively small, it still has many interesting design elements such as the ride vechicles painted to look like teacups and the teapot in the middle which hides the dormouse. Though this ride was an opening day attraction it still looks fresh and up to date Score: 8 out of 10
2. Audio Themeing - The Mad Tea Party has a great Alice in Wonderland themed soundtrack. It's upbeat songs play well with the chaotic yet fun atmosphere of the ride. Score 9 out of 10
3. Story-Telling - This ride does a good job of telling the story of the Tea Party scene of the movie Alice in Wonderland. It features some of the characters such as the Mad Hatter and the dormouse which depthens the connection to the story Score 8 out of 10
4. Popularity - Mad Tea Party isn't a headline attraction at the Magic Kingdom but still manages to draw decent crowds. It regulary boasts wait times of about 15-25 minutes Score 7 out of 10
5. Age Range - Although it may not be considered a thrill ride when compared to the Magic Kingdom's "mountain attractions", Mad Tea Party's spinning cars can still be too much for people to handle; especially those with weak stomachs Score 8 out of 10
6. Lasting Appeal - The fact that this opening day attraction is still pulling in good crowds even though it doesn't provide top level thrills is a testament to its timelessness Score 9 out 10
7. Intangiables - This ride is very fun and can even be considered a Disney "classic" but there are more memorable experiences throughout fantasyland and the Magic Kingdom as a whole Score 7.5 out of 10

Overall Score: 8 out of 10 - The Mad Tea Party is a ride which has managed to hold its own since opening day of the Magic Kingdom by providing a good story as well as a thrilling experience which can't be found at other Fantasyland attractions. It is certainly good enough to be labeled a Disney "classic"