Thursday, April 22, 2010

POSTERAMA 15

It's time for another edition of POSTERAMA! I'm down to just a few more examples, so enjoy 'em while they last.

The "Alice in Wonderland" attraction did not debut until 1958, but it was a fine addition to Fantasyland. This poster is not super rare, I am assuming that it was produced through several printings. There is a scarce variant with the word "Fantasyland" at the bottom, I sure wish I had one of those! I've heard the theory that the versions without the "Fantasyland" were intended to be placed on top of the mushroom, which you can see here. I guess that sort of makes sense, since the bottom would be blocked - but why not make one version even if you can't see the word?


Anyway, I've been told that the poster was designed by the legendary Claude Coates (can anybody confirm this?), and it manages to capture some of the manic charm of the ride; in the upper left, the White Rabbit peers down the rabbit hole while Alice, looking alarmed, is surrounded by swirling images of characters from Wonderland.

16 comments:

TokyoMagic! said...

This has always been one of my favorite attraction posters and Alice was always my favorite Fantasyland dark ride...but I miss the original version of this attraction!

Chiana_Chat said...

I've been enjoying each and every one, Maj. :)

No exception here. The rabbit hole - with rabbit - to the marvelously 50s 'Visit the Wonderful World of' right on down, superb layout.

It's interesting for me to think of Alice In Wonderland at that time, the ride came only was it 7 years since the film's premiere? Seems it's always been there yet still seems new... in its own little capsule. Love Ed Wynn's voice as Hatter. But I'm a strange cookie that way. Eat Me!

(that was an attempt at a pinch of Alice-y surrealness)

Rich T. said...

This and the Matterhorn are my two favorite posters. I love how that little image of the White Rabbit in the corner conveys so much with so few lines and shapes.

I'm surprised they've never tweakeded this poster after the '84 remodel: I bet some younger folks have looked at it and wondered where the Upside Down Room was.

I miss the Upside Down Room! It was a heck of a lot more fun than a carrot-shaped sign and Dee and Dum's plain ol' forest. I do think the new version is a more satisfying ride, but the original felt more like an actual dream. A very, very weird dream. I also miss the screaming doors and the giant carnivorous Cheshire Cat with his you-can't-escape-me pop-down stunt. Oh, yeah, this ride made an impact on me as a kid!

Hey, my security word is "under." How appropriate!

Connie Moreno said...

I love this photo! I just spent 5 whole minutes looking at the guests and what do I see? (correct me if I'm wrong) but the castmember is dressed like Alice? how cool is that?

Thufer said...

Love me the posters. This is near the top of almost any list.
Good stuff as always is had here.

Matt said...

Couldn't let this post go by without commenting. It is, of course, my favorite poster ;) I do have the Fanatasyland variant, thanks to Jed over at Vintage Disneyland Goodies.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the "post"er, Major. I think my favorite is the Pirates, but sure like the Alice Ride, and the movie is one of my favorites.

I still think there were drugs involved somewhere...

JG

dedumas

Major Pepperidge said...

Matt - - lucky!

JG, stay tuned for a Pirates poster!

Katella Gate said...

So, what's not to love about this Vortex of Insanity?

This poster is still impressive, I think it has everything going for it. Unexpected color combination, dynamic eye-leading, beautiful fonts, expressive reactions, and most important: all the kid's favorite characters.

Anonymous said...

Pirate Poster! Woot!

JG

colers

Nancy said...

yay for POSTERAMA!!

look at those colors...what a beauty

TokyoMagic! said...

They have updated this poster. Well, at least this version hasn't been on top of the mushroom since 1984. Maybe the new poster is more of a sign than an attraction poster since I haven't seen it used anywhere else in the park. I wish they would put THIS version back up on the mushroom!

jedblau said...

This was always a "common" poster with a premium price tag, even back in the day. A classic!

Matt said...

I think, but don't quote me, that this poster is still on display under Main Street Station, in the underpass. I haven't been to the park since Aug '09, but it was up then...

SundayNight said...

A classic poster and ride. Very nice. Always loved the bit where the ride vehicle goes outside at the end.

Major Pepperidge said...

I'm glad that so many of you like this poster!