Peter Pan’s Flight Reopens With New Scene, Reflects Cultural Sensitivity
Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom reopened on August 16, 2024, weeks ahead of schedule after undergoing a refurbishment since July 8.
Initially expected to reopen on August 21, the ride’s early return allows guests to enjoy this classic dark ride again. The refurbishment included significant updates, notably the removal of a culturally insensitive scene associated with the depiction of Native Americans.
Reopening of Peter Pan’s Flight at #WDW. Fresh coat of paint and the following scene changes. #peterpan #DisneyWorld #WaltDisneyWorld
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Related: Fans Demand Return of “Offensive” Content to Disney Parks
New Never Land Tribe Scene Details
The freshly minted scene showcases Tiger Lily engaged with her grandmother in a celebration, emphasizing a more respectful representation of the Never Land Tribe.
The new visuals incorporate vibrant colors and intricate designs inspired by nature, replacing the previously criticized image where characters sat sternly around a campfire. This update aligns with Disney’s ongoing commitment to reframe their storytelling to better reflect cultural sensibilities.
Related: Peter Pan’s Flight Faces “Woke” Reimagining at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Approach to Cultural Sensitivity
In recent years, The Walt Disney Company has focused on addressing outdated portrayals present in its attractions. Previous depictions of Native Americans in both the original animated film and the ride faced substantial criticism for their stereotypical elements.
Disney’s initiative includes reviewing its portrayals across various rides and attractions, with similar updates seen in other Magic Kingdom attractions such as the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Related: Disney Confirms Pirates of the Caribbean Changes in Magic Kingdom
Future of Peter Pan’s Flight at Disney Parks
Disney plans to implement comparable updates in its other parks worldwide, ensuring that the storytelling evolves for future generations. By aligning with cultural awareness, the enhancements made to Peter Pan’s Flight serve not only to rectify past misconceptions but also to enrich the overall visitor experience.
These efforts aim to move toward a more inclusive and understanding representation of diverse cultures within the enchanting realms of the Magic Kingdom and beyond.
Related: Ignoring Walt’s Vision: The Fatal Flaw With Disney’s Magic Kingdom Expansion
Do you agree with these updates to the classic Magic Kingdom attraction? Tell Disney Dining about it in the comments below!
Do I agree? NO! It’s part of the movie that my children and I enjoyed and we didn’t let little things like that bother us. Aunt Jeminma and Uncle Remus!!!!! My dad used to sing Zip bi de do dah to me all the time! It is part of our history . Everyone has things in their history that aren’t the best! Get over yourselves!
I agree. Stop with this woke nonsense
I personally think that these changes are utter nonsense!! This is Disney and it is part of our history. Please get over this. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to come, but don’t make Disney change things that have been there for 50 years.
Changing “South of the South”, “Splash Mountain” was ridiculous, now “Peter Pan”, what next?!! I hate to imagine!!
I guess Disney will now recall all the Peter Pan animated movies and delete that scene. I know I will sleep better knowing that Native Americans once didn’t dress like that and sit around camp fires.
I think it’s ridiculous to change the History of these rides, it happened, Zip a Dee doo dah, offensive? It’s saying “ plenty of sunshine, what a beautiful day” how is this offensive. These “ so called” do grocers are ridiculous, Don’t go to Disney” Everyone doesn’t feel the same way
If people don’t like things they can avoid it. Nobody is forcing them to ride rides or even come to Disney. Leave things alone
Leave to Disney in California to change something that been around for 50 years at Disney World and longer at Disney land all of sudden it become Cultural Sensitivity. What next change the name of the parks all around the world because it not Sensitive for the Disney executives in California.
This is all part of history…enough already.
Sounds like you all need to just stop going to Disney parks and participating in the joy! So called WOKE IS NOT A BAD THING! It is totally acceptable for anyone besides white people to be honored, respected, and not depicted in a stereotypical manner!
You all need to get over yourselves with this “oh it’s woke nonsense”!
I assume you are one of the woke crew. Sadly you think it’s ok to change history and memories that we all grew up with. Not one person of American Indian heritage that I grew up thought it was offensive. What is offensive is people in the minority thinking its ok to call people racist over every little thing and be offended for people who aren’t even offended because it makes them get over some none existent guilt.