Celebrate Mad Hatter Day at Walt Disney World
You should not need a reason to act silly no matter what your age. If you have to have one though, here it is! Today, Saturday, October 6, is Mad Hatter Day! It celebrates the whimsical, wonky character who first appeared in author Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. That was way back in 1865. So go ahead — now you have an excuse to release your silly!
Time…
If you haven’t had the pleasure of being introduced to the Mad Hatter just yet, let us do the honors. In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter tells Alice the story that he was once sentenced to death for murdering “time” when he tried to sing for the queen. Luckily for him, he escaped but “time” decides to retaliate and keeps him and the Hare stuck at 6 p.m. every day — forever.
You can’t think about The Mad Hatter without thinking about his colorful clothing and oversized hat that he pulls surprises out of. He’s also known for nonsensical statements and silly, unsolvable riddles. The most famous of which is the one he asks Alice, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?”, but when pushed for the answer, he tells Alice he has no idea!
He Said What?
Some of The Mad Hatter’s funniest quotes are: “What a regrettably large head you have. I would very much like to hat it.” Upon seeing Alice so tiny, the Mad Hatter said, “You used to be much more…”muchier.” You’ve lost your muchness.” And, the best line of them all when Alice says “This is impossible,” the Mad Hatter responds,” Only if you believe it is.” Brilliant.
Captain Jack Sparrow?
There have been many, many, many (keep going) portrayals of the Mad Hatter in movies, cartoon and television shows. In the 2010 version of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, which was appropriately directed by Tim Burton, the Mad Hatter is portrayed by the also whimsical Johnny Depp.
Wanna Go for a Spin?
If you want to feel even wackier or maybe a little ‘spinny’ on this Mad Hatter Day — or any day for that matter — make sure you ride the Magic Mad Tea Party on your trip to Disney. The Magic Mad Tea Party ride is for all ages! It’s inspired by the Mad Hatter’s tea party in the book and movie.
The Magic Mad Tea Party attraction is located in Magic Kingdom Park’s Fantasyland. It is called the Mad Tea Party at Disneyland, Alice’s Tea Party at Tokyo Disneyland, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups at Disneyland Paris, and Mad Hatter Tea Cups at Hong Kong Disneyland. Here’s a tip if you’ve never been on this goofy ride before: don’t worry about spinning too fast. That wheel in the middle of the cup controls your spins. Go as slow or as fast as you want!
Say Hello!
There are also meet-and-greet opportunities with Alice and The Mad Hatter near the tea cup ride, so don’t miss them!
If your children would prefer more of a sit down tea party on Mad Hatter Day — or again, on any other day — make reservations for them to have a seat at the table for the Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare. This is a party for children ages 4 to 12. They can enjoy an hour long ‘unbirthday’ party with ‘tea’– it’s really apple juice — and cupcakes. Guests will make a craft and have a photo taken with Alice, the Mad Hatter and other special guests.
1900 Park Fare is located at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Wonderland Tea Party takes place from Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The fee is $49 per child.
The Mad Hatter, recognizing his eccentricities, once asked Alice “Have I gone mad?” to which she replied: “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
Happy Mad Hatter Day!