Disneyland is making significant changes to its iconic Peter Pan’s Flight attraction to address concerns about stereotypes related to indigenous peoples. This update follows a similar change at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, reflecting a broader effort by Disney to reexamine and revise aspects of its attractions and content that are considered outdated or offensive.

The Peter Pan ride, a staple of Disneyland since the park’s opening in 1955, features a scene depicting tribal members around a campfire, including a chief with crossed arms. This portrayal has been criticized by some as a problematic and caricatured representation of native peoples. The backlash has come to the forefront on platforms like Reddit, where users have voiced their concerns about the scene’s portrayal of indigenous cultures.

In response to these critiques, Disney is revamping the scene to provide a more respectful and accurate representation. The updated scene will replace the existing tribal depiction with a new portrayal featuring Tiger Lily, a character from the Peter Pan story, and her great-grandmother. This new scene will showcase them enjoying a harvest celebration on a spinning turntable, aiming to present a more culturally sensitive depiction of the Never Land Tribe.

Disneyland officials have confirmed that they plan to implement similar changes to the Peter Pan’s Flight attraction in California. However, they have not specified a timeline for when these updates will be completed. The updates will be carried out by Disney’s team of “Imagineers,” who are tasked with ensuring that the changes are thoughtful and considerate of cultural sensitivities.

In addition to the ride updates, Disney has also introduced content warnings for some of its films available on Disney+, including the 1953 animated classic “Peter Pan.” These disclaimers highlight the presence of racial stereotypes and acknowledge that such depictions were inappropriate both then and now. The disclaimer precedes scenes in the film that use outdated terms and portray indigenous characters in a stereotypical manner, including the term “redskins” and depictions of Peter and the Lost Boys wearing headdresses.

Disney’s efforts to address cultural insensitivity extend beyond just the Peter Pan ride. The company has already taken steps to update other attractions with similar concerns. For instance, the popular Splash Mountain ride, which was based on the 1946 film “Song of the South,” has been replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. The new ride is inspired by the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog” and features Tiana, Disney’s first black princess, as the central character. This change reflects Disney’s commitment to creating more inclusive and representative experiences for its guests.

The updates to Peter Pan’s Flight are part of a broader initiative by Disney to reexamine and revise content that may perpetuate stereotypes or cultural insensitivity. By addressing these issues, Disney aims to create a more inclusive environment that respects and honors diverse cultures. The company’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to evolving with the times and ensuring that its entertainment offerings reflect contemporary values of respect and inclusivity.

As Disneyland and other Disney parks continue to update their attractions and content, the focus remains on creating experiences that resonate positively with all visitors. The changes to Peter Pan’s Flight are a step in this direction, aiming to balance the rich history of Disney’s attractions with a modern understanding of cultural sensitivity and respect.