A little over a week after Peter Pan (1953) was removed from the Disney Stars on Parade lineup, the beloved character and his whimsical world of Neverland have officially returned.
However, despite the return, the reintroduced section of the parade isn’t without its challenges, as other floats have faced technical difficulties.
Disney Updates Parade
Parades have long been a staple of the Disney theme park experience, captivating guests with lively processions that blend unforgettable characters, unforgettable music, and cherished tales. From Disneyland Resort to Shanghai Disneyland, Disney parades have become synonymous with magic, offering an experience that is equal parts enchanting and entertaining.
Since 2017, Disney Stars on Parade has been the main event at Disneyland Paris, featuring an array of beloved characters from films such as Frozen (2013), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and Toy Story (1995). Guests regularly gather along Main Street, U.S.A. to watch these processions pass by the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Earlier this month, Disneyland Paris’ parade underwent a significant change. As Disney Stars on Parade returned after the Christmas season, the Discover Imagination section, which prominently showcased Peter Pan and the enchanting world of Neverland, was conspicuously absent.
Along with the float, the accompanying musical score was also removed, leaving fans puzzled and disappointed.
🔧 The “Discover Imagination” Peter Pan unit has been completely removed from Disney Stars on Parade, including its musical score.
There is a plan to bring back the float in its original state but unfortunately, it won’t be today.
🔧 The “Discover Imagination” Peter Pan unit has been completely removed from Disney Stars on Parade, including its musical score.
There is a plan to bring back the float in its original state but unfortunately, it won’t be today. pic.twitter.com/8VtJqf8b8S— DLP Report (@DLPReport) January 7, 2025
A Common Trend for Peter Pan
The absence of Peter Pan followed ongoing discussions surrounding the film’s problematic portrayals, particularly in relation to Native American characters. The portrayal of Native Americans in Peter Pan has long been criticized for its offensive and outdated depiction.
In response to the increasing awareness of these issues, Disney has taken steps to address the criticisms. This includes revising Peter Pan’s Flight attractions in its parks to remove harmful stereotypes, such as eliminating the controversial scenes involving Native Americans. At Disneyland Paris, a promotional video for the park was altered digitally to remove a scene featuring stereotypical representations, signaling the company’s awareness and willingness to address these sensitive concerns.
Despite the prior absence, Peter Pan’s return was confirmed, but with some caveats. The Skull Rock float representing Peter Pan now makes its grand reappearance in the parade, but the moon-shaped float that was once part of the set remains missing, apparently due to technical issues.
This left some characters – including Wendy and Peter Pan himself – to travel the parade route on foot
📕 The Peter Pan unit has returned today on Disney Stars on Parade, but just the skull, as the moon trailer seems to still be having technical issues despite efforts to fix it.
📕 The Peter Pan unit has returned today on Disney Stars on Parade, but just the skull, as the moon trailer seems to still be having technical issues despite efforts to fix it. pic.twitter.com/Ux1lPiptq1
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) January 15, 2025
However, the return of Peter Pan’s section came with another unfortunate twist for Disney Stars on Parade. The Frozen float, which usually includes Elsa and Anna, also seemingly faced technical challenges and was notably absent from the parade lineup.
In place of the Frozen section, Disney princesses like Cinderella and Aurora closed out the parade.
This isn’t the first time Disney Stars on Parade has experienced technical difficulties. In the past, sections of the parade, such as the Finding Nemo (2003) float, have encountered problems. The float featuring Crush was unable to function properly on several occasions, leading to disruptions in the parade’s flow.
What’s your favorite Disney parade?