Peter Pan's Flight

[rosiep]

Peter Pan's ride makes me cry everytime. It is the epitome of Disney whimsy in my mind.

Recently I had the opportunity to ride it at Disneyland...there is no FP there, and while I couldn't put my finger on it...there were subtle differences. The flying ships are different for one thing...but mostly what stood out was the scene where you fly over London. Black netting is strewn over it with little twinkling lights....Is that at WDW too??? I couldn't remember????

Someone who knows both well...please comment about the differences..

 

[GoHerbie]

On a day trip last weekend I noticed the moving car lights in London for the first time. Peter Pan was the only ride we did twice.

 

[dragonfly57005]

I haven't been on it for fear of motion sickness. Now you all make m think I should take the risk.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

It is one of the rides that really delivers the magic that we travel so far to experience.

 

[summerskye]

I haven't been on it for fear of motion sickness. Now you all make m think I should take the risk.

I don't think you would have an issue with motion sickness. It is very smooth and glides around the ride. Try a ginger ale before the ride. You should do it at least once.

 

[summerskye]

It is one of the rides that really delivers the magic that we travel so far to experience.

Love the picture. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tonyRmoran]

Peter Pan's Flight, and Pirates are the only two rides that I can remember from my childhood trips! Therefore it is quite the special ride for me and my family now that we are taking regular trips to WDW!

 

[disneydad1]

my middle daughter (now 5, at the time of this story 3 going on 4) wants to marry peter pan - absolutely adores the movie, the characters etc...

on her first trip to wdw, she was so excited to ride Peter Pan - she got so into the story/ride that at the end, as we passed the pirate ship with wendy on the plank she called out "don't worry wendy, peter will save you".

one of my favorite memories ever!

 

[TheDonald]

Love Love Love Peter!

 

[Quin]

I think this is one of the rides that best exemplifies what Walt Disney had in mind when he created his parks. This is a fantastic, family adventure that transports us to a place that few others can, and for that reason, I say again that this ride deserves all the respect that it is given. I look forward to our next Disney vacation so I can once again magically fly over London and Neverland on this classic ride.

What does Peter Pan's Flight mean to you?

To me, as to so many others, it means Disney. It is the definition of the magic in the Magic Kingdom.

It illustrates the fact that not all attractions - and not all stories - need to be "high tech" (and I am by NO means a Luddite!). You don't get the virtual reality illusion of flying above London: you DO fly above London. The story is not about the crazy flying that Peter & Co. do. I am sure you could make a completely realistic high-thrill ride using that bit of the story line. But that is not the story. The gentle fable of Peter and Wendy and the boys is the story, and the ride focuses on that gentleness. And it IS gentle, despite the 'excitement' of Indians and Pirates and Crocs, oh my. It is, in the end, a bedtime story.

Flying away in an enchanted ship has got to be a major daydream for nearly everyone, young and old. Disney magic gives you that. It is truely suitable for all guests. It gives you an honest thrill of pleasure without the fear that so many ride designers feel compelled to include because they seem to know no other way of attracting guests. And maybe that's what makes it great. Joy is stronger - better - than fear. Walt gave us the gift of joy with this ride.

 

[TinkPearl]

It was my favorite ride as a kid so it's still my favorite ride. I love all the coasters at Disney but Peter Pan has a special place in my heart.

 

[juliebug1997]

my middle daughter (now 5, at the time of this story 3 going on 4) wants to marry peter pan - absolutely adores the movie, the characters etc...

on her first trip to wdw, she was so excited to ride Peter Pan - she got so into the story/ride that at the end, as we passed the pirate ship with wendy on the plank she called out "don't worry wendy, peter will save you".

one of my favorite memories ever!

Whenever I pass the part with the Chief and Tiger Lily, I say, "Me no spoof'em" which is what he tells the Lost Boys. I know that's not the right part, but it was funny to hear them talk like that as a kid.

 

[southern_redhead]

Did anyone else think that one of the mermaids looked exactly like Ariel? Check out the one in the middle. Same color bikini top and everything.

This is my favorite ride. I don't know why. I'm 36 and I should be liking things like BMTRR or Space Mountain, but it always come back to this one for me.

Yes! Was that not supposed to BE Ariel? I just sort of assumed that they had "scripted" her in, I don't remember and Ariel-esque mermaid in PP's movie. I did comment on it to DH. This ride is where I caught a glimpse of my grown, far too cool husband "getting" Disney. When we got to the scene after PP saves Wendy, he said , "Ha! He just saved her!" I don't think the man has even SEEN the movie so I was quite impressed that he got that into it. He didn't let the little boy wonder shine through much, and I enjoyed that moment.

It was one of my favorite rides, too. It was also one of the FEW that DH and I got to ride alone together. I have the music set as my ringtone when he calls.

It is, in the end, a bedtime story.

Lovely statement. It would be an awesome way to end a MK day. PP before heading back to bed.

 

[LizEN]

A must ride for my daughter and me whenever we go-first ride on the first day if we possibly can. Like everyone has said, it is magical and I know I'm back at Disney.

Am I the only one who cries on it?

 

[juliebug1997]

Yes! Was that not supposed to BE Ariel? I just sort of assumed that they had "scripted" her in, I don't remember and Ariel-esque mermaid in PP's movie. I did comment on it to DH. This ride is where I caught a glimpse of my grown, far too cool husband "getting" Disney. When we got to the scene after PP saves Wendy, he said , "Ha! He just saved her!" I don't think the man has even SEEN the movie so I was quite impressed that he got that into it. He didn't let the little boy wonder shine through much, and I enjoyed that moment.

I don't know if they meant for it or not. The ride opened with the park (or sometime near that) and the movie wasn't until 1989/1990.

 

[WDWAtLast]

Peter Pan is my favorite ride and also means "Disney" to me. At 44, I ride the thrill rides with my kids for the memories - if I were on a solo trip there would only be 4-5 rides for me that I would "have" to ride, and Peter Pan is number one on the list!

 

[turtlegirl25]

My favorite ride! The only ride I remember on my first trip when I was four. Love it!!!

 

[NLD]

Peter Pan's Flight means...

nostalgia, memory, childhood, happiness

...and also, ultimate low-light photography challenge....


DSC_3773 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


DSC_3784 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


DSC_3794 by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

 

[Quin]

Great pics!

Gawd, how I hate it when someone on a dark ride (especially this one) tries to take photos using a standard flash. You KNOW they're not going to get a good shot, and it detracts from the magic for everyone else within eyeshot.

 

[Tomh]

Very nicely written OP! And, right on the money. I love Peter Pan's Flight, it is timeless.