Disney is making a major upgrade to one of its theme park attractions following a series of backlashes against racist depictions in Disney attractions and films. One of Disney World’s most popular attractions at the Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Flight, a theme park classic, recently returned after a renovation with a notable change. While the original version of the attraction at Disneyland did not feature Peter Pan or Native Americans, they were added to the version at the Magic Kingdom in 1971. That version has been found in Fantasyland ever since – until now.

According to Deadline, the Disney World version of the attraction has already made the necessary changes to eliminate the outdated stereotypes. The new facelift of the attraction features updated versions of Native Americans in a more authentic setting. The headdress-wearing chief has been completely removed and the classic character Tiger Lily is now portrayed more gently, celebrating with her grandmother and other members of the Neverland tribe. Disney announced the revamp, describing it as follows:

“A tranquil lagoon gives way to a mountaintop community where colorful teepees set the scene for the Neverland Tribe’s harvest festival. Here, Tiger Lily and her grandmother gracefully perform the traditional Fancy Shawl Butterfly Dance around the fire, capturing the vibrant spirit of the occasion.”

Disney has updated several theme park rides over the years

Disney’s decision to revamp Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom and 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 Several other rides at Disney parks have been embroiled in controversy over outdated depictions that were racist and offensive, leading to changes.

Jungle Cruise is an attraction that takes visitors on a dangerous journey around the world with animatronic animals. However, one of the attraction’s scenes featured several depictions of native people being chased up a tree. Additionally, a scene in Adventureland where women were auctioned off was removed.

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 attraction was based on Song of the Southa film from the 1940s that is so racist that it is not even available on Disney+. The Kiss the frog A remake of the attraction opened earlier this summer and features several original songs from Tiana, Mama Odie and their swamp animal friends.

Peter Pan

Release date

February 5, 1953

slogan

It will live on in your heart forever!

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While Disney World’s new Peter Pan’s Flight attraction has already been unveiled, Disneyland will be making the same changes when the attraction reopens soon. The Disneyland version of the attraction has been a staple of the park since it opened in 1955, and while it’s true that the original version did not include the Neverland Tribe, the updated version in the 1980s added the stereotypical racist depictions.