The Grand Hat Theory!



Ah, the it's a small world hat. Something I often see on ebay and unfortunately do not own, however I do have a theory about this hat. And some of you are probably like, “Miss World Chorus Archivist, how the hell can you make a theory based on a HAT?! That’s delusional!” and to that I say…tsk tsk tsk I have been researching a children’s post-ride walkthrough for four years of my life, I’m already delusional so hear me out and SILENCE.


Embark on the happiest cruise that ever sailed each time you don this colorful baseball cap inspired by Disney it's a small world attraction. There's just one moon and one golden sun - but this hat will shade almost anyone!

Magic in the details

Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

  • Classic canvas baseball cap

  • Embroidered ''it's a small world'' Boat Tours logo appliqué

  • Screen art travel stamps

  • Curved bill with print inspired by attraction facade designs

  • Embroidered Disney Parks logo on back

  • Adjustable backstrap with golden buckle

  • Button topper

  • Walt Disney's ''it's a small world'' opened at The New York World's Fair in 1964, then moved to Disneyland in 1966 and opened at Walt Disney World in 1971

The bare necessities

  • One size fits most adults

  • 100% cotton, exclusive of decoration

  • Imported

First, let’s take a look at what is written on the actual site. The hat was made for both US Disney parks, and has several travel patches. These hint toward other aspects of it’s a small world not present in the ‘boat tour’ aspect. And these are where my hat theory comes in. As we can see on the provided images, there are two patches on the left side of the hat. One of these is a patch which says “Small Boat, Big Hearts”, which honestly I believe could refer to the guests who board the attraction, no matter where they’re from or who they are. It could also potentially be some sort of reference to Hong Kong or Tokyo, but it’s largely unimportant, just symbolising the love we share. We are also given a quick history lesson on the US versions of the attraction, (“Walt Disney's ''it's a small world'' opened at The New York World's Fair in 1964, then moved to Disneyland in 1966 and opened at Walt Disney World in 1971”), and then we have another especially important patch. This patch represents Disneyland Paris’s version of the attraction, stating “Day and Night Boat Tours”, obviously referring to their version of the facade depicting the sun and moon instead of the typical smiling clock face (Glockenspiel). So, we have a potential representation of WDW/California with the boat tour applique, a representation of the guests with the hearts, or the 2 other locations if you prefer, and the Paris version of the attraction.


Now let’s flip the cap around…



2 more patches, one once again representing California, stating “Sailing Together since 1966”, and as said by the little historical tidbit in the cap description, the ride opened in Disneyland Park in 1966, with the iconic original facade we all know and love. But this is where things get interesting! The second patch is a small triangle with an Eiffel Tower in the centre, with the phrase “Tour the world in minutes”.


Now what does that sound like? Just add a conductor! XD


In all seriousness, well as serious as this stupid hat theory can be, this is quite possibly an incredibly well-hidden reference to the former post show from 2019, which may mean someone at Disney still remembers it! While the model of the tower isn’t identical to the one in World Chorus (That had an extra split for mechanics, lighting, the doll, and also accuracy), it is pretty close and the use of the phrase “Tour the world in minutes” also reminds me of that walkthrough. It doesn’t say “sail around the world in minutes”, like the other boat-related phrases on the hat, but rather focuses on the idea of a tour, potentially a walking tour!



For comparison, the hat omits the middle section for a more simplified design.


Overall, it would make me so happy if this was a reference to the post show, because 5 years is quite recent for them to still be talking about it, considering it’s been around 14 years since the post show closed. It would be great if they eventually went into more detail about the closure and what became of the place, considering many of the concept arts were sold on Heritage Auctions, but for now, we have unanswered questions and my dumb hat theory!


Update 4th April: Photos got corrupted so attempted to restore post :)))

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