About this episode

This episode explores the overlooked details of the 1971 version of Peter Pan's Flight at Walt Disney World, including changes to mermaids and rare photos.

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

People in this episode

Hosts: Kate, Kirk

Topics covered

• Disney history
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Imagineering
• Walt Disney World
• attraction details
• vintage photos

Keywords

• Peter Pan's Flight
• Walt Disney World
• mermaids
• Imagineering
• vintage photos
• Tick Tock Croc
• pirate song

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Ford Model Ts

Books & works: Peter Pan, 1953 animated film

Places: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, London, Big Ben

More episodes of Distory with Kate & Kirk

• 186. BONUS EPISODE: The Hardest Part of Being a Disney Creator · April 25, 2026 · 1h 38m
• 185. 6 Springtime Disney History Stories: Rare Moments & Disney Parks Details Hidden in Plain Sight · April 11, 2026 · 1h 19m
• 184. Is Disneyland Paris the Best Version of Peter Pan’s Flight? : Comparing Anaheim vs. Paris - Peter Pan Part 9 · April 4, 2026 · 1h 45m
• 183. What You Miss in the Queue of WDW's Peter Pan’s Flight: Where Imagineering Got It Right (and Wrong) - Peter Pan Part 8 · March 28, 2026 · 1h 42m
• 182. The Lost Scenes of Peter Pan’s Flight: What Imagineering Cut from the 1983 Disneyland Ride - Peter Pan Part 7 · March 21, 2026 · 1h 31m
• 181. Inside the Darling Nursery in Disneyland's Peter Pan's Flight: What Imagineering Included (and what they DIDN'T) - Peter Pan Part 6 · March 14, 2026 · 1h 4m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Distory with Kate & Kirk podcast page.