We’re headed back to Disneyland! And I will admit, with all the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will have to offer, this is high on our list of “must get back to…”.
Loud music, funky outfits, colorful refreshments, arcade games; a typical teen paradise, yes? But embed this utopia in a Disney theme park, and you have created a literal wonderland for guests of any age. (In fact, it sure did resemble the ’70’s to me!) The Mad T Party, playing nightly in Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Land., is a psychedelic trip down the Rabbit Hole- really!
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| My boys, leaving Hollywood behind. |
From the moment you step into the neon enshrined mist, you are fully immersed in an edgy version of Alice’s world. This is absolutely Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland (did you know that he was consulted on the costume choices?), and “tame” it is not. Neon is everywhere; it’s eerie glow sets the tone for the entertainment that envelops you.
To your left, the main stage offers up a live band. Popular tunes are served up, loudly (just what their audience begs for), by Alice (my boys thought she was a touch of Gaga) and the Mad Hatter (Jagger-esque in style, but according to my sons, with far weaker vocals).
Off to your far right is the House of Cards side stage, where street dancers perform to DJ White Rabbit’s beat.
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| Your hosts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum |
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| “Hottest Deck in Town” |
My teen and 21 appreciated the choice of songs, and even I felt they had a mainstream appeal; after all, there were plenty of parents in attendance too! Speaking of oldsters, there are several seating areas designed for the non-dancing set.
For adults (guess that includes my of-age son), alcoholic concoctions further set the “chasing rabbits” mood. Nothing says party better than a Croque-tini, complete with a glowing ice cube.
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| Curiouser and curiouser~ |
Never fear, my teen had a non-alcoholic Cheshire Twist! The party supplies many other teen and pre-teen distractions as well: face painting, air hockey and a FULL, Alice in Wonderland themed arcade.
And for the young and old alike, there are a few surprises to be found…
It’s not Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and it’s not Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. For teens and young adults, the pure beauty of the Mad T Party is that they think it’s all for them. I actually may have enjoyed the party more than my sons (see above), but the fact that Disney planned the entertainment with this particular age group in mind goes far. If you have pre-teens, teens or young adults, or are one of Walt’s Neverland crowd, the Mad T Party is a dream you must have. Personally, I’m planning on a Mad 10K Party!!
Top PT Tip: If you are traveling with an adult or child with a sensory disorder, this entire area of Hollywood Land may be overstimulating; neon colors, loud electro beats and multiple focus points (and stages) that come to life in the evening may be too intense for those that have difficulty processing these kind of stimuli. Instead, stroll through this wonderland in the morning or afternoon hours on your way to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! or Muppet*Vision 3D. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on the obsessive nature of arcade games), the Mad Arcade is only open during party hours. (Check performance times daily here.) Grab your peek down the Rabbit Hole without going mad!!
So cool! I want to go and check this out sometime!!
Wow! Fun! Great Post!!!
That looks like fun!
It was Heather, it was!!
Thanks Kellie. I could have stayed all night, but my kids pulled me away! 😀
Be sure to put it on your Upon a Star list!
We actually just walked back into the room after dancing the night away at the Mad T Party! So great to see you in my part of the world!
I am really looking forward to this! We need to plan a T party meet up. 🙂
This is just what WDW needs! Peter loved your video and pics! What a Mad blast that must be!! Thanks so much for sharing!
That makes me smile Deb! The Mad T Party is a fabulous Disneyland "plus"; here's hoping that Walt Disney World gets a party of their own one day!
I totally want to go now! Thanks for inspiring me!
And will I spot you there next month Patty?? (Alas they don't serve Margaritas; will a "Mad Hat-Ito" do??!)
I can sooo see you there!
Losing my head again Mary, no doubt!! 😀
Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I'm a FLgrl living in Atlanta, so I seem to be out of the Disneyland & California Adventure loop. I'm dying for a trip back to both of those parks!!!
Jill, Disneyland is so wonderfully unique and yet very, very familiar; all at the same time. I hope you get there someday soon!
Gayle, us East Coasters gravitate to all that is unique-to-Disneyland! Wish we could have been partying with you!!
Melissa- I think you're on to something… What a MAD idea!
That looks like a blast! Next trip out to Disneyland grandma needs to watch the little one while mom and dad go have fun and enjoy a glowing beverage. Thanks for sharing this.
You should Julie; it's a bit too intense for little ones (unless you go in between show times). And yes, a glowing drink always tastes better!!
Wow! I didn't realize they had so much to do at the Mad T Party. Looks like it would be pretty cool to go to. I love that picture of you with the pink flamingo!
Thanks- "he" snuck up behind me and almost scared me to death!
Looks like a great time. I haven't made it to the party yet. Hope to this fall. Thanks for sharing!
Be sure to check your Disneyland Theme Park Guide for show times this fall Sean. Have a ball!
Great pictures! It was definitely more fun than I expected it to be and we'll be back when we're there next week. Love the flamingo pic at the end 🙂
Thanks for sharing this week!
Isn't it so Holly? I don't think this Mad T Party gets the play it deserves!!
OMG this is SO cool!! I can.not.wait to see this in just a few short weeks! It can't get here fast enough! Thanks for sharing Didi!
Dueling countdowns Tricia!! 😉
This is so cool. This girl would love to join that party, my husband would be the party pooper though! I hope someday to make it DCL!
April- When you do go to Disneyland, take him to the early party; he won't have time to poop!
Wow, what a party Didi! It looks like you had an aMazing time 🙂
Suz
Fun, fun, fun Suz!
Wow, I loved this – you put a lot into this post, and I feel just a little bit hip-per now that I know what the Mad Tea Party is all about! Had heard of it, but this made me feel like I spent some time there with you. Looks like attending with teenaged boys helped you truly embrace the experience even more?! FUN 🙂
Thank you! Yes, the teenagers came in handy. ( I MAY have enjoyed it more than them!!)
I've only heard great things about the Mad T Party. We still haven't gone and we live an hour away with annual passes 🙁 I've been a little hesitant since my kids are younger but they may actually like this. Thanks for the virtual tour!
How envious am I Mary?! If they are very young, you can do a walk through earlier in the day (sans music and lighting) to feel it out. Enjoy!
Not sure I'll ever get to see this for myself…but VERY cool idea for a show. Looks and sounds fantastic!
Who knows Lucinda? It might make a return appearance to WDW in some form. We can't wait to have a Mr. Toad family movie night!
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