From Lost Boys to Lost Kids, ‘Peter Pan’ Gets an Update

Things are always changing with The Walt Disney Company. Disney has often found itself trapped in controversy for decisions in film, attractions, and characters. The most recent was the closure of Splash Mountain, an iconic ride that originated in Disneyland. While the ride may have been a classic to Guests, it could never escape its racist origins, and it was time for Disney to face the music. Based on the 1946 film Song of the South, Splash Mountain was torn down.

Guests look forward to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will replace the attraction, featuring Tiana from The Princess and the Frog (2009) and her adventure through the bayou with her pals. As only one example, this attraction change showed Disney’s efforts to listen to fans and make a statement through the controversy. Now, many fans feel other parts of Disney need to be reimagined. Whether it be an attraction or a film, some things that were created years ago no longer fit the profile of what is accepted in today’s society.

Peter Pan (1953) is one of those films and attractions facing backlash. Although this has not been a new conversation amongst Disney fans, it seems Disney is beginning to take a step in the right direction with the iconic film.

‘Peter Pan’ Attractions

Peter Pan’s Flight is an attraction that began in Disneyland and now has a replica in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. It is one of the few rides to exist, which Walt Disney himself had a helping hand in. With that said, the attraction tells the story of Peter Pan and all of the classic tale’s adventures. Disney has placed a warning ahead of Peter Pan while streaming it on Disney Plus, stating, “These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it, and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.”

Although the message that is unable to be clicked through before watching the film is recognition, fans are still insisting on a change to the attractions. Tokyo Disney Resort just released its upcoming area, Fantasy Springs, and one of the lands is Peter Pan-themed. Naturally, with the theme comes all the classic characters and some of the debatable stereotypes. But it seems this time, Disney is trying to get ahead of itself.

‘Peter Pan’ Changes at Tokyo Disney

Peter Pan’s Never Land offers two attractions and dining options with the theme of never growing up. The change comes when describing Peter Pan‘s Never Land Adventure attraction. “Experience Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, join the Lost Kids as they explore Never Land with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell as well as help rescue John from Captain Hook,” Disney writes. When describing their dining options, Disney adds, “Dine like the Lost Kids at Lookout Cookout, which is also their hideout.”

Although it may not be the reimagination Guests hope for in Peter Pan‘s Flight, it is a step in the right direction. The verbiage from “lost boys” to “lost kids” shows inclusivity, just like the more recent film Peter Pan & Wendy (2023). “However, it is unclear if the use of the term “Lost Kids” will involve changes to the identities of Peter Pan’s beloved gang (as it did in the Disney+ original live-action adaptation of the animated classic), the creation of new characters for the ride, or if the term will simply be used to make guests of all gender identities feel included while experiencing the upcoming attraction,” Inside the Magic writes.

While it may be one small step, it’s in the right direction rather than stagnating. It will be interesting to see what changes Disney brings to the other Parks attractions and how they can continue to move forward in a positive direction.

What are your thoughts on the lost kids?