Disneyland is set to make significant updates to one of its oldest attractions, Peter Pan’s Flight, to correct long-standing racist portrayals of Indigenous people. Since opening in 1955, the ride has included a depiction of Tiger Lily and her tribe that has garnered criticism for its stereotypical and offensive portrayal of Native American characters.
Recently, a reimagined version of the Never Land Tribe scene was unveiled at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Disney promises these changes will soon be reflected at all its parks globally. Although no timeline has been provided, the company emphasized that Disney Imagineers have a tradition of updating and enhancing attractions to ensure they stay fresh and relevant.
The original Peter Pan narrative, created by James Matthew Barrie in the early 20th century, contained problematic language and imagery concerning Native American tribes, with terms like “redskins” and “savages.” These elements made their way into Disney’s 1953 animated adaptation, contributing to the ride’s controversial elements. The animated film also included the problematic musical number “What Makes the Red Man Red?”, and Disney has issued advisories acknowledging these issues.
In the updated scenes, characters like Tiger Lily and her grandmother are seen dancing around a fire with men playing drums in the background, replacing the previous portrayal of tribesmen with exaggerated features. While some fans have expressed disappointment with these changes, many others have welcomed the effort to create more authentic and sensitive portrayals.
Disney’s commitment to continuous learning and making attractions more relatable was highlighted in their statement. However, it remains unclear if Indigenous tribes were consulted during this process. The company’s focus on improving authenticity aims to deepen connections with guests through thoughtful storytelling.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Do you welcome the updates, or do you have a different perspective? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
Source: Jireh Deng
