From my understanding Alice was never really in the table? Like it was always (higher in the list/mostly greenlit) either Brave or MP? Unless I’m remembering incorrectly
Because she's british! It's the lamest excuse ever. Though not nearly as lame as whatever excuse one can make for pooh being in critter country.
Speaking of pooh, if there wasn't already a ride in fantasyland, I actually kinda like the idea of a pooh ride in epcot. It makes just as much sense as alice, but I feel it would fit somewhat better.