Peter Pan Reopens at Walt Disney World, With A Twist

Peter Pan Reopens at Walt Disney World, With A Twist

Highlights

  • Peter Pan’s Flight reopened with a major change to the controversial Native American scene.
  • Disney parks are making efforts to include better representation of various cultures amid ongoing theme park updates.

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who has witnessed countless park updates and transformations over the years, I must say that I am genuinely impressed with the recent changes made to Peter Pan’s Flight at Walt Disney World. Growing up, I remember the controversy surrounding the Native American scene, and it’s heartening to see Disney taking steps towards inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.


It seems that during the summer, one of the beloved attractions at Walt Disney World, Peter Pan’s Flight, underwent a brief refurbishment and has since been opened once more for visitors. Known as a cornerstone in the Fantasyland districts of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, this ride has recently seen a significant alteration to one of its scenes that has sparked debate among guests – the scene involving Native Americans.

1971 marked the concurrent opening of Peter Pan’s Flight at Walt Disney World, alongside the debut of the Florida park. Riders can join Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, and their companions on a captivating journey through London and Neverland via this enchanting flight. However, it should be noted that Peter Pan’s Flight is among several attractions undergoing significant renovations as Walt Disney World implements numerous changes. Critics have raised concerns in recent years about the stereotypical representations of Native Americans in both the film and the ride, such as the song “What Made the Red Man Red?”. To address these issues, viewers watching the movie on Disney+ are now presented with an acknowledgment of the “problematic depictions” of various peoples and cultures.

Peter Pan’s Flight recently resumed operations, and eagle-eyed visitors have pointed out changes in the Native American tableau. Previously, Princess Tiger Lily, the Chief, and several other Native Americans were depicted sitting solemnly around a fire with crossed arms. However, the revised version of the scene now shows Tiger Lily dancing with an elderly woman and three others joyfully assembled near a drum. Earlier this week, BlogMickey shared a complete ride-through video on their blog.

Disney Parks Introduce Sensitivity Changes Amid Significant Updates

In the original context, some found it contentious; however, the recent transformation has sparked a blend of admiration and disapproval. Many applaud Disney for their strides towards more authentic cultural representation, as demonstrated by the shutdown of Splash Mountain and the introduction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – an effort to rectify past stereotypes. Regrettably, Disney continues to receive backlash from devotees of the original park attractions and films, even amidst their endeavors for inclusivity and sensitivity.

So far, the Disneyland version of the attraction remains the same, but it’s possible that an update could happen during the next closure for maintenance. Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are always evolving to keep up with popular films and series. Just last month, Space Mountain at Disneyland underwent a short period of refurbishment, and recent announcements from the D23 event have fans speculating about what other changes might be coming to these cherished parks.

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2024-08-18 21:24