Mad Tea Party
Opened: October 1, 1971
Location: Fantasyland
Extra Magic Hours: Although it isn’t listed, it’s usually open in the evening
FASTPASS: No
Type: Spinning tea cup
Similar To: Unique
Requirements: None
Scary Factor: Low. This ride isn’t scary, but it’s liable to make people prone to motion sickness extremely uncomfortable. Even people that don’t normally have problems with motion may be slightly uncomfortable, especially if you choose to spin your individual tea cup. My recommendation would be to skip the Tea Party if you have serious motion sickness issues and make sure everyone riding in the same cup is on the same page as far as spinning the individual cup. If you don’t want to spin fast then don’t get in the same cup as a child who wants to spin as fast as they can. Neither of you will have any fun.
What to Expect: The queue for Mad Tea Party is covered, but it’s still extremely hot in the spring and summer months because it doesn’t block the sun out from the sides. Once you make it to the front of the line you will be placed in an oversized tea cup that seats 2-4 people, depending on the size of the individuals. The cups spin mildly no matter what, but there is a turntable in the middle of the ride that can be turned to spin the individual tea cup even faster. There isn’t much more to it than that.
When To Go: Avoid this in the afternoon when it’s hot and crowded. Try after 6pm when Fantasyland is generally less busy or during the first hour of Extra Magic Hours when it should be open as well.
Expect to Wait: This is one of the slowest loading rides at Disney World, so even relatively short looking lines can mean long waits. Expect to wait 30 minutes soon after Park opening and 45 minutes plus in the afternoon. Waits in the late evening should be shorter – in the 20 minute or less range.
Length: 90 seconds
Rating: 5/10
Commentary: This is another midway-style carnival ride with a Disney theme. It’s mildly fun, but certainly won’t make or break most vacations. If you can ride with a short wait and don’t mind a little spinning then it’s a go. If the line is long or you don’t enjoy spinning then you’re probably better off skipping. The late evening and Extra Magic Hours are your best bets.