In the 1980s, Imagineering completely tore apart Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. But how did they decide on what should replace it? And what did they decide NOT to build?

On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to Disneyland’s 1983 opening of New Fantasyland and Disney's Peter Pan’s Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and vintage photos, we deep-dive into the details of how they dismantled and rebuilt Walt’s original Fantasyland, including some concepts that never came to pass.

As we fly along, Kirk takes us on a tour of dormer windows, Kate points out some ideas that didn't pan out for Imagineering, and we both lament the loss of so much art and memories when the bulldozers tore down Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. While waiting for the dispatch of our pirate galleons, we research some common Disney rumors, discover what inspired some of the queue design, and learn from original work documents how Imagineering pivoted away from their first idea of simply copying the 1971 Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan's Flight.

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Kate’s Books

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Kate’s Substack

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

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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View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.

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