BACKSTORY (June 14, 1958—Present): Based on the animated Disney film, the attraction resides next to the Mad Tea Party; 2 rides based on the same film is unusual since audience reception to it was generally negative, and even Walt said he regretted making it because it “lacked heart.” This attraction is the only Fantasyland dark ride built between the park’s opening and the redesign of Fantasyland in 1983. Due to the slippery surface of a short stretch of outdoor track, Alice is one of the few Disneyland rides to close when it rains. Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Alice in the 1951 film, returned to provide the soundtrack for this ride. The attraction opened on June 14, 1958, but the Grand Opening wasn't until two months later, with Mouseketeer Karen Pendleton appearing as Alice.
The riders (as Alice) follow the White Rabbit down the Rabbit Hole into Wonderland. They spin through scenes in a madcap fashion, facing the wrath of angry flowers on a golden afternoon and dodging absurd creatures in the forest, with some questionable guidance from the Cheshire Cat. When the Queen loses to Alice at croquet, she threatens to chop off Alice’s head as she (and the ride vehicles) push their way through brigades of playing cards. The vehicles then leave the ride building’s second floor and pass by people waiting in the line queu before heading to the climactic scene at the Mad Tea Party. The White Rabbit ducks as a giant birthday cake with a dynamite candle explodes and the ride vehicles escape back to the start.
According to Mike Cozart from the Tomorrowlounge67 blog: "I understand that the Alice figure, March Hare and Mad Hatter from the 1984 Alice In Wonderland were forgotton backup figures in storge at WED intended as back-ups for WDW's Mickey Mouse Revue!"
In 2014, this attraction went under a refurbishment to address some perceived safety issues on the outdoor track and also enhanced the experience with new Alice figures, video effects, and more, making it the gold standard in Disneyland Dark Rides.
