Only EPCOT Experts Know Why “Ear Hat Guy” Is a Disney World ICON

This one is for our EPCOT fans. You know who you are: you’re the one who wants to start and end your Disney World vacation in EPCOT.

You know the exact order of the countries walking around World Showcase…both ways. You’ve probably shopped and dined in all 11 countries and you’ve memorized Dame Judi Dench’s entire dialogue for Spaceship Earth. We bet you probably also have been on Soarin‘ a lot, and if you have, you probably know who “ear hat guy” is.

Yes, we’re talking about the guy in the Soarin’ pre-show video. So if you recall the Soarin’ pre-show video, you meet Patrick Warburton who guides you through the safety protocols and rules for the ride. At one point he tells you to store all your carry-on items in the underseat compartment. Then he lists items that need to be stored and then mentions “these little beauties, “ referring to the Mickey Mouse ear hat a man in the front row is wearing.

That man removes his ear hat and stores it away. So that’s ear hat guy, and we all know him. So imagine how thrilled we were to see Disney post a recent video of ear hat guy picking out his choice of headwear for the day, calling them “these little beauties.” If you know, you know, right?

@disneyparks

Replying to @Allie✨? Say hello to Jay the OG Soarin’ Ear Hat Guy ??✈️ #Disney #DisneyParks #Horizons #D23

♬ original sound – Disney Parks

So here’s to ear hat guy, aka Jay, for helping us remember to remove our ears every time we ride Soarin’. He’s an icon and a legend. Nice work, pal.

Last year, Warburton himself showed up to Disneyland’s version of Soarin’ in person to surprise some Soarin’ riders. Needless to say, they were thrilled.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.