Disney World’s Peter Pan’s Flight will reopen earlier than expected

Peter Pan’s Flight at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will reopen to guests on August 16, nearly a week ahead of its previously announced August 21 return.

Renovations began on July 8 and are scheduled to last until August 20. The hotel is scheduled to reopen to guests on August 21, 2024.

Walt Disney Imagineering recently applied for a permit for Peter Pan’s Flight that includes the description “Install Set Elements.” The permit suggests we’ll see some changes when the attraction reopens, although Disney hasn’t shared any details about the updates.

Peter Pan’s Flight has come under scrutiny and criticism for scenes that some consider culturally insensitive. Concerns revolve around the attraction’s portrayal of Native Americans, which reflects outdated and stereotypical representations. In particular, the depiction of the “Indian Village” and the characterization of the Native American characters can be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Disney is gradually addressing such issues in its parks and media properties, redesigning attractions and content to make them more culturally sensitive and inclusive. For example, Jungle Cruise, Country Bear Jamboree and Splash Mountain were recently updated to remove racially insensitive depictions.