Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most iconic dark rides when you think about Disney. It’s present in almost every Disney park, and most versions are carbon copies of each other with just a few changes here and there.
We at Famvia reviewed the Disney World version in the past and gave it a 6, saying that while it’s a fun and charming dark ride, the massive wait times made it not worth visiting most of the time. Does that change with the Disneyland Paris version? Let’s find out.
What we like about Peter Pan’s Flight
As far as dark rides go, I think Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most fun and unique experiences for children, while keeping that classic Disney touch that makes you feel like this attraction was created decades ago. And that’s actually true, since the original ride debuted at Disneyland California way back in 1955 when the park first opened, and it also opened its doors at Parc Disneyland on its opening day in 1992. It’s a ride full of history and a must see for anyone who wants to experience the nostalgic side of theme parks.
The overall story of the ride remains the same across all versions around the world. You board a pirate ship and relive the story of Peter Pan as you fly over London, see the Lost Boys, meet mermaids, say hi to Tinker Bell, and watch Peter Pan and Captain Hook battle on top of a pirate ship.
One of the most interesting aspects of the ride is that your vehicle is suspended in the air, making it stand out compared to other dark rides like Snow White or Pirates of the Caribbean. You’re never too far off the ground, but it allows for some really cool moments, like flying over London with a miniature city below you that even includes Big Ben.
This version is actually a bit better than the one at Walt Disney World and almost identical to the original in California. You get the twinkling stars that make you feel like you’re flying into the night, just like in the California version, which is missing from the one in Florida. Another difference is that the ride vehicles in Disneyland Paris have three rows of seats instead of just two. That helps with ride capacity and allows larger groups to ride together. It’s not like Peter Pan’s Flight suddenly has short wait times, but it’s definitely much better than what you’ll find in Orlando.
What we don’t like about Peter Pan’s Flight
I really like this attraction as a charming dark ride that carries a ton of Disney history, but the main problem here is the same one found all over the world: wait times can be tough for a ride that’s supposed to be simple. Ride capacity has always been an issue for Peter Pan’s Flight, and although the third row of seats helps in the Disneyland Paris version, lines can still get long. It’s rare to come here and not face at least a 40 minute wait, and 70 minute queues can happen during peak times.
Conclusion
Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most iconic dark rides in the world, and you should definitely bring your children here. Our advice is to visit during Early Entry when wait times are lower, or right before the park closes so you don’t end up waiting in line for over an hour.
