I agree with all of this. It would also explain the pushing back again of Ariel. I think they wanted her earlier but if they really wanted her connected to Neverland they had to wait to establish Hook and for that they had to wait til S2 to get the rights in the first place!
Kinda like how last year they said it might be a few seasons before we find out who Henry’s dad is and then as soon as they’re allowed to mention a land where you don’t age for awhile…NealFire shows up!
It makes total sense that Ariel would somehow connect to Neverland. Hello Mermaid Lagoon and the pirate ship! So excited about finally getting to see how that all plays out. Neverland has been on my dream list of things for them to show for agesss.
Keeper of Hook's Trenchcoat.