Alice in Wonderland, June 1958
You might already know that the Alice In Wonderland dark ride was not one of the original 1955 attractions. It didn't open until June 14, 1958, and this photo was taken that very month. I can almost imagine the intoxicating "new ride smell"!
The Alice in Wonderland attraction has one of the most playful and whimsical exteriors of any Disneyland ride. It amazes me that this classic dark ride is unique to Disneyland, for some reason it was never duplicated at any other park. Which is pretty cool! Try to imagine the feeling of winding your way down that twisty ramp (squinting in the bright sunlight after emerging from the relative darkness). I especially loved the way they made it seem as if you might head straight off the edge each time you reached a curve...a simple effect that keeps you feeling a bit off-balance. Just like the whole crazy ride!
5 comments:
Oohhhh! Bright and shiny new ride vehicles. Niiiiice! Very fun shot of my 2nd favorite dark ride. :) So much color and whimsy!
Wow- the caterpillar cars look like toys...so nice! This ride was also late in re-opening after the 1983 Fantasyland rehab. I guess the white rabbit could not help it as he is always late!
One indicator that Disney didn't feel that the Alice in Wonderland dark ride wasn't worthy of being included in other parks may be the fact that, prior to the "admission includes all rides (except shooting galleries)" policy, Alice was a "B" ticket attraction while Snow White's Adventures, Peter Pan's Flight, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride required "C" tickets.
Plus, the film is also represented by Mad Tea Party (aka "Teacups"), an iconic crowd-pleaser that no doubt sells more postcards.
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That's an excellent view of "the backside of Fantasyland."
I wish I had rode it when I was there!
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