One of Walt Disney World Resort‘s most iconic attractions, Peter Pan’s Flight, recently experienced an unprecedented dip in popularity. Known for its classic charm and nostalgic appeal, the Fantasyland favorite saw shockingly low wait times during what is typically one of the busiest seasons of the year.
A Classic Attraction With a Complicated Past
Peter Pan’s Flight has been a staple of the Disney parks since its debut at Disneyland Park in 1955. The ride, which transports guests through the Darling children’s journey to Neverland, was a technological marvel in its time and has since been replicated at multiple Disney parks, including Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Opening just two days after the Magic Kingdom in 1971, the attraction has maintained steady popularity for over five decades.
However, in recent years, the ride has faced backlash for its portrayal of Indigenous characters, which mirrors the outdated depictions seen in the original Peter Pan (1953) animated film. The attraction’s portrayal of characters like Tiger Lily and Kaw Chief drew backlash for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Last summer, Disney addressed the controversy with a significant update. Walt Disney Imagineers worked with cultural experts to redesign the animatronics, creating representations that honor the original art style while depicting Indigenous characters with respect. These changes debuted at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, bringing the attraction into the modern era.
A Rare Dip in Popularity for Peter Pan’s Flight
Despite its historic popularity, Peter Pan’s Flight recently saw an unexpected decline in wait times. During the busy holiday season, which typically draws massive crowds to Magic Kingdom, a screenshot shared by Redditor u/themouseinusall showed a shocking five-minute standby wait for the ride. The image, taken from the My Disney Experience app, was timestamped at 11:42 p.m.—just 18 minutes before Magic Kingdom closed for the night.
“Absolutely Insane!!!” the Redditor wrote.
Disney Parks fans were quick to debate the significance of the low wait time. Some pointed out the late hour and post-fireworks timing as likely factors, noting that many guests leave Magic Kingdom Park after the nightly fireworks spectacular.
“I mean, it was 11:42pm . . . what time was park closing?” u/millvalleygirl commented.
Others appreciated the rare opportunity to enjoy a short wait for one of Walt Disney World Resort‘s most consistently busy attractions.
“Beats the wait time of trying to exit the park with everyone else right after fireworks,” u/jay_23 noted.
What’s the longest you’d wait for Peter Pan’s Flight? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments.
As an adult for over 30 years or more, I’ve used the incredible pass. However, Florida seems to be missing out on all the California evaluations. Very disappointed in my incredible pass, which is on the topic, but in my opinion, more needs to be done in Florida in reference to the issues you mentioned as Florida in my opinion should become more of the Hub. We do feel significantly left out, but I respect the historical presence of the California original plan as I believe should remain with the newer parks Florida included getting updates. People can travel to see how it was but people want Up-to-date, more information, more arise, more attractions and the other parks.
I’ve already posted twice, and it’s been deleted. This nonsense really has to stop. It is not offensive and guests are not fleeing. The wait time is 60 minutes and the park is open an hour.
As a reporter you are a piece of trash. Stirring the pot to piss people off Ms Colopy. There is no fleeing but you are trying to create an issue. You are the lowest of low. You should be ashamed of yourself grow up. But I’m sure you think this is cute and funny.
OMG PEOPLE GET A GRIP AND GET IFF YOUR RACIST ATTITUDES NO ONE AND I MEAN NO ONE FORCES YOU TO RIDE ANYTHING MUCH LESS A CLASSIC FANTASY RIDE LIKE PETER PAN’S FLIGHT
STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAGICAL PLACE THAT YOU ARE DEAD SET ON RUINING DISNEY THEN STAY AWAY WE DO NOT WANT YOU HERE PERIOD I WILL RIDE IT AND ANY OTHER THAT I CHOOSE AS FUN AND NOSTALGIC
The character is a kid, dressed up in a costume a typical kid would wear, because that’s what kids do. I’m 60 years old and it will always be one of my favorites in the Magic Kingdom. Grow up!
Crazy people are offended. For the rest of us its just fine.
Well this is a heads up notification, this is the next ride to be chopped.
Just like zippity doo da, boys and girls, splash mountain, shooting arcade, Island of America, Tom Sawyer’s island, the river boat, (drastic changes to) the bipity bopity boutique, the carousel of progress, jungle cruise and pirates, on and on it goes. That’s just at MK. Next up will be the hall of presidents & Peter pan. Do not be surprised if the “princesses” get the axe as well, ALL in the names of wokeness and DEI. One thing we know is working is to fight their sick agenda is speaking through your wallet. WDW is in BAD shape and sooner or later they will either learn the lesson or sell.
Maybe if Peter Pan was black it would be fine
This is misreporting, people for generations had no issues with Peter Pan, the only people who find it offensive are the less than 1% of the population and are offended at everything (ridiculous) & are not representative of the majority, if anything Disney has stripped Native Americans of having hardly any representation. overall attendance in the parks have been on the decline, ALL attractions are experiencing lower wait times as a result. This data is recorded on “Thrill Data.” Having been raised in Tampa & Orlando w family in engineering for Disney also in statistics, 10-5min wait times at the end of the night for all Fantasy Land attractions is normal! Disney is also consistently being called out by vloggers and live streamers for inflating wait times on the app and on the attraction signage by as much as 50%. If Disney isn’t hard up for attendance then why are they putting out discounts and deals during times of the year they never had to in the past?
This is why Disney is in trouble I haven’t been to Disney World in the last 5 years don’t intend to I been going to Universal instead
Oh, the Woke Snowflakes want another remake? Big surprise. Just stay away or better yet make your own Woke Snowflake theme park instead of just trying to change everything that is not broken because you think it should be made in a way you choose. While we are at it we should make sure everyone is a winner, gets a trophy, and is never ever told no.