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 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.

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Kate’s Books

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Kate’s Substack

What bizarre technique did Disney's artists use to make Tinker Bell glow? And what disturbing story elements did Disney change from the original novel when they created their feature film?

On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we follow the second start to the right as we explore the fascinating art, history, animation, and development of Disney’s Peter Pan animated feature film. Along the way, we discover some bizarre truths about the original novel, find some unique connections between Peter Pan and another iconic Disney attraction, and hear some behind-the-scenes stories of how this film was created. This episode also includes excerpts from a 1953 document from Walt Disney explaining why Peter Pan was so dear to his heart and what it meant to him on a personal level.

Kate gives us some insight into how Tinker Bell was created, Kirk explains the origin of the Lost Boys, and we take a moment to reflect on the similarities between two creative men and what a boy who didn’t want to grow up meant to them.

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Kate’s Books

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Kate’s Substack