Update on Disney’s Removal of Controversial ‘Peter Pan’ IP From Theme Park Experience

Disney has officially reversed its removal of Peter Pan (1953) from one theme park experience.

Peter Pan is one of Disney’s most beloved classics, but in recent years, it’s faced growing controversy over its outdated depictions of Native Americans.

‘Peter Pan’ Sparks Controversy at Disney Parks

The 1953 film, while iconic, features stereotypical portrayals that have led to content warnings on Disney+ and discussions about its place in modern media. The New York Times also reported that Disney has flagged characters like Captain Hook and Tinker Bell for their potential to reinforce negative stereotypes, though it has yet to enact any formal changes.

As Disney continues reassessing older films through a contemporary lens, Peter Pan remains a nostalgic favorite that also sparks conversations about how animated classics should evolve. That evolution has extended to the Disney parks, where Peter Pan’s Flight—one of Disneyland and Disney World’s most popular attractions—has undergone updates to remove outdated portrayals of Native Americans.

These changes (which have so far only been introduced at Disney World but are also set to hit Anaheim at some point) updated the scene featuring the Never Land Tribe, with Tiger Lily now shown as dancing in a circle with an older member of the tribe. Previously, the scene showed Tiger Lily and her tribe sitting around the campfire while the chief crosses his arms and other members play drums around them.

The update follows similar modifications made to other classic attractions, ensuring that the parks remain immersive and enchanting for today’s audiences without reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Disneyland Paris Briefly Removes References to ‘Peter Pan’

Months after the ride was updated at Magic Kingdom, another massive change hit Disneyland Paris: the Peter Pan section of the park’s daily parade was abruptly axed.

Disney Stars on Parade lost its “Discover Imagination” inspired by the film. As per reports at the time, its corresponding musical score was also lifted from the parade’s soundtrack.

Considering the context of Peter Pan changes afoot at other Disney parks, some were concerned that this part of the parade had been scrapped for good.

Fortunately, that proved not to be the case as Peter Pan was restored to the parade a week later – but only partially. The Skull Rock float made its grand return to Disneyland Paris, but its moon-shaped companion float upon which Peter Pan usually stands remained MIA.

Instead, Peter Pan was left to walk the parade route, joined by Wendy Darling.

🔧 Today we finally welcome back the full Peter Pan unit to Disney Stars on Parade, including the moon!

🔧 Today we finally welcome back the full Peter Pan unit to Disney Stars on Parade, including the moon! pic.twitter.com/433LecrGSf

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) March 1, 2025

But as of this week, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up once again has a home. According to DLP Report, the entire Peter Pan unit is back in action after nearly two months, with Peter Pan once again swinging upon a miniature recreation of the Jolly Roger while Captain Hook sits atop Skull Rock.

Other Issues Impacting Disney Stars on Parade

Disney Stars on Parade has notably suffered a string of issues in recent years. When Peter Pan was initially restored to the parade earlier this year, the Frozen (2013) section of the parade was also temporarily removed due to apparent technical issues.

The parade’s Finding Nemo (2003) float has also notoriously faced technical obstacles, with its giant recreation of Crush struggling to engage in his full range of movement.

What do you think of Disney’s Peter Pan changes in its theme parks?