Disney’s Peter Pan: Fun Facts and Pixie Dust

February 6, 2021

Second star to the right and straight on til morning! Disney’s Peter Pan celebrated 67 years yesterday, February 5. The story of a magical boy that never grows up taking 3 children on adventures in Never Land is a Disney fan favorite. Grab your pixie dust and fly to Never Land with me as we discover fun facts about this Disney classic!

Origins

The movie is based on the play written by J.M. Barrie in 1904. Barrie famously left the rights to Peter Pan to the Great Ormond Street Hospital when he died. In 1939 Disney made a deal with the hospital and gained exclusive animation rights. Roy and Walt Disney argued about the cost of Peter Pan. Luckily, the movie grossed more than $40 million upon its original release.

Actors

Bobby Driscoll (the voice of Peter) and Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Wendy) heavily inspired the animators’ design of their respective characters. Beaumont also voiced Alice in Alice and Wonderland. Captain Hook and George Darling are played by the same voice actor, Hans Conried, to keep with the traditions of the stage production of Peter Pan.

Actress Margaret Kerry modeled acted out Tinker Bell’s scenes for the animators. The other actors also shot a live-action version of the film to help animators.

Music

The melody for “Second Star to the Right” was originally written for Alice in Wonderland. At the time, it was called “Beyond the Laughing Sky”.

Theme Park Attraction

There is now a Peter Pan themed attraction in 5 Disney theme parks around the world. The original version opened with Disneyland in 1955. There is also one in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, one in Disneyland Paris, one in Tokyo Disneyland, and one in Shanghai Disneyland. The ride is so popular, the wait times end up being over 40 minutes almost first thing in the morning.

Other fun facts!

Walt Disney got to play Peter in a school play when he was a boy.
The Darling’s dog, Nana, was originally supposed to go to Never Land with them.
Disney’s Peter Pan is the second film production to actually give Tinker Bell a form. Previously she was represented by a spot of light and jingling bells.
Pieces of aluminum were used to create Tinker Bell’s signature sound.
Peter Pan was supposed to be the second Disney animated film. It was delayed due to not getting the rights and then WWII.

You can rewatch this Disney Classic on Disney+! Is Peter Pan on your list of favorite Disney movies?

Photo Credit: D23

Disney's Peter Pan: Fun Facts and Pixie Dust 4

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Sara

Sara is a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency. She lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids. Due to her extreme dislike of winter, she travels often to warmer destinations during the colder months. She visits the Disney parks and resorts frequently with her family and loves helping other families plan magical vacations. Contact her here for help with your vacation!