The biggest eyesore in WDW

[photomatt]

Also, I'm guessing with your staunch defense of the Big Blue Turd, you never had the opportunity to visit the park in its heyday. Because brother, it was AWESOME.

Agreed. The hat is nothing more than a symbol of Disney's extreme penny-pinching. They should have paid whatever MGM wanted in licensing fees to keep it the way it was, or reworked the facade to make it a generic theater that fit in the time period.

Leave a Legacy isn't a bad idea, but it absolutely does not belong at the entrance to EC.

Not having trees and benches in the plaza is depressing. It makes no sense to remove all the trees just so people have a better view of a 15 minute firework show.

It was hard to pick just one eyesore, but, IMHO, the hat needs to go first.

 

[JohnD]

I am aware of the history of the hat and its use in Fantasia, however when HS first opened as MGM Studios Hollywood Blvd was supposed to be an idealized version of old Hollywood. This is where the Chinese Theater comes into play as when most people think of Hollywood this is one of the first landmarks, besides the Hollywood sign, that people think of. Also the movie Mary Poppins premiered at the Chinese Theater in which many of its proceeds helped fund the building of Walt Disney World. So it does have some significance in Disney history. The hat is fine it just needs to be in a different spot in the studios, perhaps by the animation area.

That's a great idea. There is a big courtyard in there anyway. And it's a better fit since it's Mickey's sorcerer's hat from Fantasia. But... even if the hat were moved there is still that stage. Problem not solved.

 

[JohnD]

My vote went to the hat, but I actually "like" the hat. I think it's interesting to look at, and I like how it gives a theme to the park (I dig the WDW merchandise with the castle, the ball, the tree, the hat). The problem I have, and that most are stuck on, is the placement. I was looking at the layout of the park the other day while daydreaming about what I would change, and I think the hat should move to in front of the gates where the brooms sculpture is. This would restore the "old Hollywood" view on park entry, while keeping the hat around.

Another good idea.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

That's a great idea. There is a big courtyard in there anyway. And it's a better fit since it's Mickey's sorcerer's hat from Fantasia. But... even if the hat were moved there is still that stage. Problem not solved.

Maybe if they move the hat they would move the stage too?

 

[wogwog]

MiSiCi.

 

[FettFan]

Agreed. The hat is nothing more than a symbol of Disney's extreme penny-pinching. They should have paid whatever MGM wanted in licensing fees to keep it the way it was, or reworked the facade to make it a generic theater that fit in the time period.

Not quite...you're referencing an old urban legend about the Chinese Theater and trademark infringement.

Fact is that Disney cut the deal with Mann theaters to use the buildings likeness. In 2001, Mann sold the theater to TCL, which is a joint venture between Paramount and Warner Bros. MGM is not involved.
http://www.yesterland.com/removehat.html


Trademark law doesn't cover buildings and structures built prior to 1975, which is why you can find Eiffel Towers in Epcot Center and Las Vegas, and why a superfan in Georgia built their home as a replica of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion.

Trademark infringement would be if Disney were to actually call it "The Chinese Theater"....which they are careful not to do. All exterior signage refers to the building as "The Great Movie Ride" and all promotional published material specifically refer to it as "A replica of the TCL Chinese Theater".

EDIT - and for what it's worth, if I ever get crazy rich, I shall build a house to be a replica of the WDW' Mansion.

 

[HappilyEverAfter71]

My vote went to the hat, but I actually "like" the hat. I think it's interesting to look at, and I like how it gives a theme to the park (I dig the WDW merchandise with the castle, the ball, the tree, the hat). The problem I have, and that most are stuck on, is the placement. I was looking at the layout of the park the other day while daydreaming about what I would change, and I think the hat should move to in front of the gates where the brooms sculpture is. This would restore the "old Hollywood" view on park entry, while keeping the hat around.

I feel the exact same way. The hat is actually really nice to look at and it is very important to Disney history along with being a good promotional symbol along with the other park symbols. But the placement is just really bad. As is the stage.

 

[MaryJaneP]

I like the hat. I like to drink Beverly too. Oh well.

 

[WondersOfLife]

I happen to think the "leave a legacy" stones are pretty neat.

 

[Csmith041177]

Lot's of good thoughts here. But I also have to go with Dino-Rama. It just seems so out of place, and really dissappoints me each and every time I am in the park.

 

[HollyAD]

The hat! I also like Fantasia but this hat does not belong where it is. It is really not a main attraction. When they built it they just had a little outdoor shop under it. What a waste!

 

[odmichael]

The cirque du soleil tent. I can't stand that thing

 

[AngryEyes]

 

[HappilyEverAfter71]

Lot's of good thoughts here. But I also have to go with Dino-Rama. It just seems so out of place, and really dissappoints me each and every time I am in the park.

I completely forgot about Dino-Rama. Considering the feel of the rest of the park, it is pretty out of place.

 

[Gullywhumper]

I kinda say Leave a Legacy, but since it's a John Hench design I'll give it a pass b/c of all the other things he did for Disney before that...And even though I have a nice picture of me and family members from August '84 in a spot that has the tombstones in it now...But I would say the whole PP and Small World facade area at this time.
View attachment 60054

Rest in peace tombstones

Sorcerers hat... followed by the eyesore of the trash guests haphazardly toss on the ground as they walk along. Its gotten much worse over the years. People are less and less respectful of the Disney property.

Sadly those trashcans every thirty steps don't help

 

[photomatt]

Not quite...you're referencing an old urban legend about the Chinese Theater and trademark infringement.

Thanks for the clarification. I should have checked my facts before posting, but I couldn't imagine anyone intentionally putting that hat in that location unless they had to. The fact that it was done to create more "magic" is pretty conclusive proof that the suits at TDO don't have a clue. Well, the decline of the rest of the park is also a pretty big clue, but that hat is the smoking gun.