May 5, 2025

How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530)

How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530)

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Holiday never came to Florida, and why Tim Burton’s working relationship with Disney ended with Dumbo.

  • Scrapped plans for a Burton-inspired Mad Tea Party overlay

  • How Walt Disney World hoped to tap into the Nightmare Before Christmas merch model

  • Why Haunted Mansion Holiday won’t come to Magic Kingdom

  • Fantasyland expansion budget and leadership changes

  • Tim Burton’s final Disney film and his “Dumbo” disillusionment

Plus, listener questions about endangered Disney World attractions and ideas for a Muppets-themed rock bar.

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