Have you ever dreamed of flying to Neverland with Peter Pan? The classic Disney animated film has inspired a beloved dark ride at multiple Disney Parks around the globe, but which one is the best? We’ve flown through each version of Peter Pan’s Flight and are ready to share our findings.
Similarities and Differences
While each iteration of Peter Pan’s Flight offers a unique experience, there are some common elements. All attractions feature a suspended dark ride that takes riders through a fantastical journey inspired by the 1953 Disney film. Each ride includes a moving platform loading area in Florida and Tokyo, while Paris and Shanghai boast two rows per vehicle, increasing capacity. Interestingly, all versions opened on the same day as their respective parks and are located in the Fantasyland area.
Our Rankings: From Least to Favorite
We’re going to be honest: all versions of Peter Pan’s Flight are fun! However, some versions stand out above the rest.
5. Tokyo Disneyland: A Bit Dated
While not a bad ride, Tokyo’s version of Peter Pan’s Flight doesn’t quite reach the same level of excitement as its counterparts. The scenes are mostly the same as those found in California and Paris, just in a different order. The exterior is rather plain, and the queue feels simple and unexciting. The ride’s abrupt ending, reminiscent of Disneyland’s Snow White dark ride, leaves you wanting more. The special effects, or lack thereof, are noticeable. Tokyo is known for keeping attractions relatively “original,” and while there have been some minor updates, this version feels a bit outdated.
4. Magic Kingdom: A Unique but Flawed Experience
The Magic Kingdom’s Peter Pan’s Flight offers a unique experience, especially after the New Fantasyland overhaul in 2012. The queue is incredible, and riders board pirate ships that sail over the most realistic London in any version. The immersive journey through Neverland is truly engaging, but the lack of “flying through the stars” above the island feels like a missed opportunity. The voices, particularly Captain Hook’s, are so incredibly off-key that they detract from the experience. While trying something new is admirable, the changes made in the Florida version are mostly for the worse, resulting in a fourth-place ranking.
3. Disneyland: A Timeless Classic
Disneyland’s Peter Pan’s Flight, the original version, opened just two years after the film’s release. Built for a smaller theme park crowd, it may have been lower on the list in its earlier days. However, over time, it has undergone various upgrades and enhancements. The exterior blends beautifully with the rest of Disneyland’s Fantasyland, showcasing the park’s incredible 1983 overhaul. The ride features fantastic special effects, blending projection mapping and fiber optics with static props and animatronics. It’s shorter than its counterparts and the queue can be frustratingly slow, but it still delivers the classic Peter Pan experience, making it the most popular dark ride in Disneyland.
2. Disneyland Paris: A Step Above the Original
The Disneyland Paris version of Peter Pan’s Flight is almost identical to the Disneyland original, but with some notable improvements. The exterior is stunning, complementing the park’s already beautiful design. More importantly, the ride vehicles feature a second row of seats, increasing capacity and allowing larger groups to ride together. This is a feature desperately needed in other versions. The ride includes many of the same enhancements found in Disneyland, but in a larger space, resulting in a better overall experience.
1. Shanghai Disneyland: The Ultimate Peter Pan Experience
Shanghai Disneyland’s Peter Pan’s Flight takes the top spot, exceeding all other versions. With a fresh start, Imagineers incorporated the best elements of the classic versions and added new technology to elevate the experience. The queue and loading station, inspired by a London park at night, create a magical atmosphere. The ships themselves swoop and dive with remarkable choreography, almost as if they have personalities of their own. Projection screens are strategically incorporated, enhancing the physical props. The new final scenes are fantastic, providing a truly memorable finale. With two rows of seating to handle the high demand, Shanghai Disneyland boasts the best version of Peter Pan’s Flight, perfecting the attraction 61 years after its debut.
Do you agree with our rankings? Have you flown through any of these attractions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
