Alice's Curious Labyrinth

One of my favourite things is a maze.  One of my favourite attractions at Disneyland Paris is Alice's Curious Labyrinth.

As a walkthrough attraction, it appeals to me as visitors can take their time moving through and actually look at the details closely.  The problem with dark rides such as Snow White's Scary Adventures and Pinocchio's Daring Journey is that by the time you've grasped the basics of one scene, your ride vehicle is rushing you on to the next.

Walking around Alice's Curious Labyrinth is quite magical.  Based around a traditional hedge maze, guests enter through a hedge tunnel and emerge into the Tulgey Wood with the confusing signs pointing this way and that.  There are multiple routes in this area, small doors and hidden creatures from this scene in the film.

A twisting, turning route lined with red and blue stone walls leads guests to an area presided over by the Caterpillar atop his mushroom, blowing smoke.  From here, guests walk in circles around the Dodo, realising they are part of the Caucus race.  Other birds such as the parrot and toucan race around the top of the hedges.

The Caucus race takes visitors to a huge Cheshire Cat face made out of flowers, with swirling eyes grinning manically at those below.  A confusing, tree-lined area follows which eventually takes guests to an area where the card guards are painting the roses red.  This is a great photo opportunity, with visitors able to become one of the card guards or climb a ladder to paint the roses.  I certainly have some great photos of my two children taken in this area.  The Cheshire Cat points the way to the Queen's castle but it won't be an easy route.  The hedges here are much higher and although the colourful castle is clearly visible, getting to it is harder than it looks.  Card guards emerge from around corners.  At one point, the Queen of Hearts leaps from behind a fence, roaring at visitors as they pass.  Next up is an arch of card guards and others rearing from behind hedges.

Eventually, visitors find themselves at the entrance to the castle.  Card guards line the pathway to the entrance.  Inside the castle is a mirror and two sets of stairs - one for visitors go up to the upper levels of the castle and one for those coming down - they're rather narrow so single file is needed for safety.  Spiral staircases rise up to the balcony which give a lovely view of the maze and Fantasyland beyond.  From this balcony, guests can ascend a small flight of stair to a slightly higher turret.

After descending the stairs and exiting the castle, guests make their way out of the maze but as they leave, they are invited to an Unbirthday Party.  Outside the maze, is a tea party table with chairs for visitors to sit on.  One has an enormous green hat above it, allowing for more photo opportunities.  Right outside is a teapot-shaped piece of topiary.

It's not flashy and it might not be the most exciting attraction but, for me, it's a definite favourite and one I would always make an effort to visit.