Why did the mermaids change in Walt Disney World’s Peter Pan’s Flight, and how is their scandalous past connected to a classic Disneyland attraction?

On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we deep-dive into the details of what made this beautiful Disney ride, including a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.

Along the way, we identify art and meet a demonic doll in the Darling nursery, go for a ride in some classic Ford Model Ts on the streets of London, and discover the real height of Big Ben. Through behind-the-scenes vintage photos, we discover some cavalier painting, an incorrectly placed hook, and a noose that has disappeared over time.

Kirk reveals some truths about the Tick Tock Croc, Kate names some pirates, and we end this detailed exploration of the 1971 version of Peter Pan’s flight with a lost pirate song and scene from the original 1953 animated film.

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Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!

Listen to the Living Seas edition of the Future World Soundtrack Series featuring "Suited for the Sea"

Kate’s Books

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Kate’s Substack

Peter Pan's Flight wasn't planned to be in Walt Disney World at all... in fact, Disney's Imagineers had an entirely different Fantasyland mapped out for their new Magic Kingdom. So, what changed?

On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Before we can step aboard our pirate galleon for the second iteration of this classic Disney ride, we have to first explore the unique development and construction of Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland through historical photos, video, and maps.

Along the way, we walk through a rare Imagineering show guide and pre-opening Cast Member manual that gives us some special insight into the design of this attraction. Kirk walks us through the changes to the marquee out front, Kate reveals the hidden history of the area’s benches and a connection to Disneyland’s Fantasyland, and we discuss some brutal Medieval battle practices that will make you see the castle walls in a whole new light.

After pondering a rooster lantern and reading a vintage sign, we head into the load area to find a nod to the 1955 Disneyland version of Peter Pan and an upgrade to the loading process… that didn’t really make much of a difference in the end.

Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at ⁠E82 | The Epcot Legacy⁠ for contributing resources for this episode!

Listen to the Countdown to Extinction Original Exhibition score:

Listen to A Musical History of the Magic Kingdom

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Kate’s Books

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Kate’s Substack

How was the ending of Peter Pan’s Flight more terrifying (and disappointing) in 1955? And what object did guests tend to tear off the attraction to keep as a souvenir?

On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the 1955 version of Disneyland’s Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we explore the concepts, creation, and construction of this beautiful Disney ride, culminating in a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.

Along the way, we find some bizarre old character costumes, a few alternate names for the attraction, a dangerous accident witnessed by a Disney animator, and some slapdash ride construction as Disney raced to open the park on time. Kate shares some rare historical photos, Kirk makes some sound effects, and we end this episode with a virtual stop at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship to dine with Disneyland’s resident peg-leg pirate.

Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disneycicerone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Kate’s Books

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Kate’s Substack