Disney has confirmed that a beloved character from one of its classic movies has disappeared from the park’s meet-and-greet lineup.
I’m talking about none other than Tinker Bell, the iconic fairy from Disney’s 1953 hit, “Peter Pan.”
For those who may not know, Tinker Bell was a staple at Disney World’s Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom, where she enchanted fans with her presence. However, since the park reopened post-Covid, Tinker Bell hasn’t made a return to her usual spot, and her signage has even been removed. Now, banners at the theater only highlight the opportunity to meet “Master Magician Mickey Mouse.” It seems like the only chance to catch a glimpse of Tinker Bell now is during the Festival of Fantasy Parade or watching her soar over Magic Kingdom Park after the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show.
Disney: ‘Tinkerbell portrays an unrealistic body image’
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So, why the sudden change? Well, it turns out that Disney made this decision following internal discussions about the character. According to a plan Disney representative, character lineups at Disney Parks do change, and they suggested keeping an eye on the Walt Disney World Resort website for updates. However, there’s a bit more to the story.
Behind the scenes, Disney’s Stories Matter team, which was formed to address and correct negative depictions of people and cultures in Disney’s products, has reportedly scrutinized Tinker Bell. Ahead of the launch of Disney+, the team flagged her as “potentially problematic.” The concerns were about her being portrayed as “body conscious” and “jealous of Peter Pan’s attention,” as per a 2022 report from The New York Times.
This move is part of Disney’s broader initiative to refine its portrayal of characters that may be seen as “problematic.”
“We are reviewing our offerings beyond the screen, which include products, books, music, and experiences,” reads the Stories Matter homepage on Disney’s website. “While advisories for negative depictions of people and cultures may be added to some offerings, others will be reimagined. We are also investing in new ways to better reflect the rich diversity of stories in our world. This work is ongoing and will evolve as we strive toward a more inclusive tomorrow.”
