Disney Disneyland is making a major update to one of its theme parks following ongoing calls for action against racist depictions in Disney attractions and movies. One of Disneyland’s most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Flight, a staple of the theme park, recently returned from renovation with a noteworthy change. While the original incarnation of the ride at Disneyland didn’t feature Peter Pan or Native Americans, they were added to the Magic Kingdom version in 1971. That version has remained in Fantasyland ever since—until now.
According to Deadline, Disney World’s version of the ride has already made the necessary changes to remove old stereotypes. The new ride’s facelift features updated versions of Native Americans in a more authentic setting. The headdress-wearing chief has been removed entirely, and the classic character, Tiger Lily, is now depicted in a more gentle light, celebrating with her grandmother and other members of the Never Land tribe. Disney announced the revamp, describing it as follows:
“A tranquil lake transforms into a mountaintop community where brightly colored tents surround the Neverland tribe’s harvest celebration. Here, Tiger Lily and her grandmother gracefully perform an ornate traditional butterfly dance beside a fire, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the occasion.”
Disney has updated many of its theme park rides over the years.
Disney’s decision to overhaul the Peter Pan Flight ride at the Magic Kingdom, and its upcoming plans to do the same at Disneyland, aren’t the only examples of recent changes. Several other rides at Disney parks have been embroiled in controversy over their past depictions of racism and abuse, leading to modifications.
Jungle Cruise is a theme park ride that takes passengers on a dangerous journey across the world, featuring robotic animals. However, one scene in the game included several images of indigenous people being chased up a tree. Also in the adventure world, Pirates of the Caribbean removed a scene from the game that showed women being auctioned off.
However, the most recent and prominent example of this type of change is the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The original ride was based on Song of the Southa 1940s movie so racist it's not even available on Disney+. The Princess and the Frog The new version of the ride opened earlier this summer and includes many original songs by Tiana, Mama Odie, and their swamp animal friends.
While the new Peter Pan ride has already been launched at Disney World, Disneyland will be adopting the same modifications when the ride opens soon. The Disneyland version of the ride has been a mainstay at the park since it opened in 1955, and while it’s true that the original didn’t have the Neverland tribe, the updated version in the 1980s added racist stereotypes.
Peter Pan
Available to stream on Disney+
