That.Hat.

[Otter49]

never mind

 

[SpacePlace]

If Hasbro can save the Monopoly hat, so Disney can save this. Otherwise, I vote that it is replaced with the robot.

 

[DCTooTall]

Again I'll bring up the MGM logo issue. Disney licensed it for use within the park (archway above animation courtyard), on park maps, on t-shirts and other merchandise...but they were prohibited from displaying the MGM logo in certain marketing materials. The annual VHS / DVD mail-away promo videos always had the logo digitally removed and the park was referred to as "Disney Studios."

Not an exact parallel by any means but it does illustrate that these agreements contain restrictions which often seem nonsensical.

The MGM logo issue actually has a pretty easy explaination that came from several lawsuits that were filed.


Basically, Disney signed contracts with MGM/UA which gave them the theme park rights to the MGM name and logo.... as well as specific rights to MGM films used within the Great Movie Ride itself.

Everything was fine and dandy for years, Until the Disney-MGM Studios (and theme park) opened. Originally, The park was actually a working studio (the reason for it's horrible layout... It was designed with studio usage and traffic patterns in mind, and not theme park pedestrian traffic. Over the years the theme Park side expanded into the Studio space.). Television shows and Movies produced at the Studio during this time were usually tagged with the "Filmed at the Disney-MGM Studios" logo.

MGM didn't like this, and saw it as a breach of contract...so they sued. Their case was that they only Licensed to Disney the Theme Park rights, and that by operating a working studio and putting the MGM name/Logo on productions filmed there, they were in violation of the contract.

Disney counter-sued saying that MGM was in violation due to their plans to put a Theme Park in the MGM Grand complex in Vegas.


Ultimately, The settlement resulted in the Park still being Disney/MGM, but did further limit Disney's ability to use the name/Logo outside of the park itself.




Now back to the hat/Theater discussion.... i too hate the way the hat has ruined the feel and look of the park when you first enter it. It just seems cheap and doesn't add anything worthwhile to the parks. From my understanding/opinion, The reasons it's still there are pretty much going to be due to Disney's hatred of admitting to a bad idea after adding it for the 100 years celebration, "It's a Pin Shop!", and the fact that sadly there are enough people who don't know or remember the park pre-hat who think it's a Classic or Icon who honestly don't know any better who Disney can point to as reasons for it to stay.

I'd also be willing to bet that there are some people who because it's so tall think it's worth keeping in place because of the confusing layout of the park and it makes it easier for people to spot a centrally located landmark where ever they are in the park to help orientate themselves.

 

[bigdisz]

i really wanted this rumor to be true. I HATE THAT HAT! if the hat gets to stay, than they should put the wand back on SE

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

i really wanted this rumor to be true. I HATE THAT HAT! if the hat gets to stay, than they should put the wand back on SE

... and decorate Cinderella Castle to be a giant, pink cake again.

 

[monorailrabbit]

Ok, no one laugh at me, this is probably a seriously dumb question, but what does BAH stand for? Big A** Hat?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Ok, no one laugh at me, this is probably a seriously dumb question, but what does BAH stand for? Big A** Hat?

Yes!