Sorcerer hat going?

[Goopy]

Anyone else heard that they might be replacing the hat at DHS? I dont see it happening but you just never know.

[wishdisney]

If they find something else to symbolize DHS, then its possible, but how the Sorcerer's Hat is on every T-Shirt and on every DHS item, I don't think it would be happening. They just repainted it a few months ago, too.

[kyoung6166]

Agreed, they painted it and it is the Icon of DHS. It also hides The Chinese Mann Theater that the Great Movie Ride is in and saves Disney from giving them Royalty Fees when they sell pictures going down Hollywood Boulevard.

[Goopy]

I personally like the hat, the pin store thats under it is a waste IMHO Im sure they could come up with a better use of it than its current use.

[mitros]

If they find something else to symbolize DHS, then its possible, but how the Sorcerer's Hat is on every T-Shirt and on every DHS item, I don't think it would be happening. They just repainted it a few months ago, too.

That's not actually a problem. Disney can come up with a new building or ride, or whatever, to take the place of the hat, then make hats, posters, and characters to match what ever new thing they build, sell a whole lot of the new stuff, and the suckers, er, I mean guests will consider their Sorcerers hat merchandise collectibles, put them on display in their bedroom, and buy a load of whatever is new at that spot. Disney has it all figured out.......:guilty:
BUT, since Disney does not care to build anything new right now, things will just slog along as usual.

[OKW Lover]

One can only hope that the BAH is finally going.

As far as the icon of the park - they already have one. Long before the hat was there, the icon of the park was the Earful Tower. Its still there - the water tower with mouse ears on it.

[wishdisney]

One can only hope that the BAH is finally going.

As far as the icon of the park - they already have one. Long before the hat was there, the icon of the park was the Earful Tower. Its still there - the water tower with mouse ears on it.

yeah i was always wondering why they decided to change the icon. I guess the hat just brings a little more of a scenery when you walk into the park...kinda like how Cinderella Castle is at MK, SE at EPCOT, and the Tree of Life at DAK.

[Padrepride]

Disney should move the hat onto the top of the Grumman theater. that would be awesome!:laughing:

[mom2rtk]

One can only hope that the BAH is finally going.

As far as the icon of the park - they already have one. Long before the hat was there, the icon of the park was the Earful Tower. Its still there - the water tower with mouse ears on it.

Anyone ever have their picture taken in front of the water tower???????

[mitros]

One can only hope that the BAH is finally going.

As far as the icon of the park - they already have one. Long before the hat was there, the icon of the park was the Earful Tower. Its still there - the water tower with mouse ears on it.

Exactly. That was the icon shown on all the advertising as well as the drink cups, napkins, park maps, etc.
I guess they figured the Earful Tower was to far off the beaten path, unless you went on the back stage tram tour.

[mom2rtk]

I really think a park icon has to be centrally located. I still have only ever seen that tower from the interstate.......... I don't have ANY pictures of it inside the park.... and I take LOTS of pictures.........

[mitros]

I think most people considered the Chinese theatre to be the park Icon.............

[Disn3y]

No way the hat goes, it hasn't even been up for 10 years has it? I think it looks great, and agree that the main icon for the park needs to be in the center of the park.

[ATouchOfDestiny]

I think most people considered the Chinese theatre to be the park Icon.............


I 100% agree! Take out the hat and it is the first thing you see. The Great Movie Ride is what Hollywood Studios is all about!!!

I do Love the Sorcerer's Hat. Mickey as the Sorcerer's Apprentice is my favorite, it's even the theme to my car. But I do think they should keep it, but have it as the entrance to the park, right on top of the ticket booths

[mitros]

No way the hat goes, it hasn't even been up for 10 years has it? I think it looks great, and agree that the main icon for the park needs to be in the center of the park.

Uh, that is where the Chinese theatre is, center of the park, and they covered it with that awful hat. Even though the theatre was not the official icon of the park {Earful Tower is} it is smack in front of you as you come in the front gate.

[I Am What I Am]

I love the hat. It just helps capture the Disney essence at MGM which is sort of lacking there. The theater doesn't scream Disney to me the way the hat does and the Earful Tower can only be seen on the Backlot tour which I heard was closing down.

[mrsR123]

Sigh
The BAH is not infused with the Disney spirit. It's marketing on steroids. It's an eyesore, but it's likely not going anywhere soon.

[ToddS]

I also feel that the hat is an eyesore, at least in its current location. It ruins sightlines all over the park. I have been saying for some time that they should move it to the plaza just outside the turnstiles, out by the lagoon. That way they could keep it as the icon of the park but it would not be so "in the way." Everyone could walk right through it on their way from the boat dock or the busses.

That said, I also wouldn't mind if they just got rid of it. They finally took the hand down at Epcot -- anything can happen!

[mom2rtk]

I also feel that the hat is an eyesore, at least in its current location. It ruins sightlines all over the park. I have been saying for some time that they should move it to the plaza just outside the turnstiles, out by the lagoon. That way they could keep it as the icon of the park but it would not be so "in the way." Everyone could walk right through it on their way from the boat dock or the busses.

That said, I also wouldn't mind if they just got rid of it. They finally took the hand down at Epcot -- anything can happen!


Well, there's no accounting for taste.... MINE!!!!! I missed the hand on SE at Epcot and wish it was still there!!!!

[wajones1903]

Maybe instead of getting rid of the hat they'll figure out a way to add the hand with the wand to the hat. I think then everyone would agree on how ugly it is.

[mitros]

Maybe instead of getting rid of the hat they'll figure out a way to add the hand with the wand to the hat. I think then everyone would agree on how ugly it is.

Hey, ya' know what? The remnants of the wand are still laying around in an open field backstage....................

[craiggers]

Sorry, but what is BAH? I am running thought all the possibilities and just can't figure it out.

[Jessfrogger88]

Big
A**
Hat

yw

[craiggers]

Big
A**
Hat

yw

That's great...lol...that never even crossed my mind. :rotfl:

[dacky041208]

I do believe the hat is the "symbol" of DHS as it does represent the park on postcards and other such merchandise that show the 4 parks of the World.

I don't so much mind the hat, but I agree that it could be used better (the pin trading store idea isn't the best use.

[CanadianGuy]

Two trips ago .. I was at Epcot and shouted rather loudly to no-one in particular to remove the stupid wand/hand thing off Spaceship Earth.

Within 3 weeks of my arrival home - it was coming down.

On my last trip, I did the same thing at MGM with the "hat" ... that was almost 52 weeks ago -- but I'd still be very happy with that thing gone or moved.

Knox

[donaldtutter]

Two trips ago .. I was at Epcot and shouted rather loudly to no-one in particular to remove the stupid wand/hand thing off Spaceship Earth.

Within 3 weeks of my arrival home - it was coming down.

On my last trip, I did the same thing at MGM with the "hat" ... that was almost 52 weeks ago -- but I'd still be very happy with that thing gone or moved.

Knox

Try again on your next trip ;)

[mitros]

Try again on your next trip ;)

Or, take a sledge hammer to the place...........:lmao:

[earthfaries]

If they find something else to symbolize DHS, then its possible, but how the Sorcerer's Hat is on every T-Shirt and on every DHS item, I don't think it would be happening. They just repainted it a few months ago, too.

The water tower symbolizes DHS/MGM...

It's been there since it opened and was the symbol for MGM and can be found on older trading pins, etc. I have a snow globe from 2000 with the four parks ~ guess what MGM's symbol is? The water tower ;)

[skier_pete]

Whether you like it or not - the hat's not going anywhere for two prime reasons.

1) You can find articles out there about how when they built the park - they did intend the "earful" tower to be the symbol of the park...the problem is they didn't follow the "weanie" rule - which is to make something that is visible throughout the park as well as when you enter the park to draw your attention. (Castle, Ball, Tree in the other parks.) That's the primary reason they built the hat. In addition, as PP said, the earful tower was on the outskirts of the park - only visible from the road, or from the backlot tour - as DHS moved from being a "working studio" to being just a theme park - this made more and more sense.

2) I don't remember the details, but I know Disney had problems with the "rights" to the Grauman's Chinese Theater, and I believe they were either "forced" to or "asked" to put something in front of it so that it wouldn't be so prominent.

Quote from Wikipedia (yeah, I know, not a great source): An exact replica of the Chinese Theatre acted as the centerpiece and architectural icon of the Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida from its opening in 1989 until 2001. At that time a giant Sorcerer's Hat was erected in front of the theater, effectively blocking the view of the theater from the street, and replacing it as the park's official icon. This is apparently due to a licensing and copyright disagreement between the theater's current owners and Disney. It is still there, however, and continues to serve as the entrance to the park's centrepiece attraction, The Great Movie Ride. Working from vintage reference material, builders included external decor on this replica that no longer exists on the "real" version in Hollywood.

So, there you go...the hat stays.

SkierPete

[DisneyNicole]

where did you hear that from?
I don't think they would shut it down, because it has two of the most popular
rides there.

I think that your wondering about Pleasure Island that shut down months ago.


http://www.mickeypath.com/id/1250751529.png
('http://www.mickeypath.com/')

[Aw Phooey]

Though I also don't see it happening, it sure would be nice...

Even if it is necessary to cover the theater, I personally still think it's an eyesore and it it looks very out of place. It may be Disney-ish looking but does it have anything to do with the feeling of being in Hollywood or on a movie set or movies in general? Spaceship Earth gets away with looking "un-Disney" (as does the majority of Epcot for that matter) without losing any of its clout as an icon. The Mickey arm, though fine for the year 2000, really took away its majestic grandeur in the years that followed.

And the fact it's home to a souvenir store of all things kinda adds insult to injury. All of the other icons at least house something a liiiittle more dignified like an attraction or a restaurant.

[yitbos96bb]

Agreed, they painted it and it is the Icon of DHS. It also hides The Chinese Mann Theater that the Great Movie Ride is in and saves Disney from giving them Royalty Fees when they sell pictures going down Hollywood Boulevard.

This is just an urban legend.

[PirateFrank]

I think most people considered the Chinese theatre to be the park Icon.............


Not I. I think of the hat when I think of DHS

[FireDancer]

I hate the BAH but it isn't going anywhere. I think the Chinese Theater royalty claim is an urban legend. I have read that the hat, like the wand on Spaceship Earth, was going to be temporary and only stay up for the 100 years of magic celebration. It stayed, like the wand did for a while. The wand was horrid and I'm glad that is gone so there is always hope, even if it is false.

I agree that the earful tower is the park icon. Who cares if it is in the center of the park. Just because the other parks have their icon in the center doesn't mean DHS has to. Doing anything because "that is always how we did it before" is a terrible policy that would get you a stern talking to around my office.

As far as the hat being on t shirts and cups because it is the icon, I think that is backwards. If Disney tears down the hat and starts putting the tower on the merchandise it will be perceived to be the icon.

I don't let it ruin my trip but I would like it gone, and the sorcerer's apprentice is even my favorite version of Mickey.

[mitros]

Not I. I think of the hat when I think of DHS

What did you think the parks icon was BEFORE the hat was put up?

[mitros]

I hate the BAH but it isn't going anywhere. I think the Chinese Theater royalty claim is an urban legend. I have read that the hat, like the wand on Spaceship Earth, was going to be temporary and only stay up for the 100 years of magic celebration. It stayed, like the wand did for a while. The wand was horrid and I'm glad that is gone so there is always hope, even if it is false.

I agree that the earful tower is the park icon. Who cares if it is in the center of the park. Just because the other parks have their icon in the center doesn't mean DHS has to. Doing anything because "that is always how we did it before" is a terrible policy that would get you a stern talking to around my office.

As far as the hat being on t shirts and cups because it is the icon, I think that is backwards. If Disney tears down the hat and starts putting the tower on the merchandise it will be perceived to be the icon.

I don't let it ruin my trip but I would like it gone, and the sorcerer's apprentice is even my favorite version of Mickey.

I agree with everything you just said, PLUS, way back when the park was open, the Earful Tower was indeed the icon, and IT was on the cups, plates advertising materials, etc.

[PirateFrank]

What did you think the parks icon was BEFORE the hat was put up?


Good question, and this might explain why I think of the hat as the park's icon. The very first time I went to DHS was in 2005, after the hat was erected....so to me, I've never known DHS without the hat.

To me, it would seem empty without it...

[yitbos96bb]

Good question, and this might explain why I think of the hat as the park's icon. The very first time I went to DHS was in 2005, after the hat was erected....so to me, I've never known DHS without the hat.

To me, it would seem empty without it...

Its sad you never saw it without that pin trading attrocity. I don't mind the hat itself, its the location and the facts its a Pin Trading Station that really tick me off. You could have found a better location for it... either done a ride OR think what a cool Walt Disney tribute you could have done... a One Man's Dream on steroids.

[MariDisney]

I would love for the hat to go. That could throw it in the same rubbish bin as the hand, etc. over Spaceship Earth.

[Luv2Roam]

I don't think many (such as myself) would be so against the hat if it served a purpose. A nice display of Fantasia history and free interactive games would be more appropriate. (And I am a pin person.)
However the darn thing really belongs at Fantasmic. Of course when the shows are limited now, that's not such a good idea any longer. :rolleyes1
It obviously was meant to block the view, and to become the icon. Just a shame it is what it is. It should have been made into something people cared out, other than an open air gift shop. :sad2: Then to make it more of a specialty gift shop yet. :confused3

[sellsje]

There's an idea... Move the hat to Fantasmic. It's a cool looking peice of art, but not in it's current location.

I never understood why they didnt build a mountain behind the theatre with a replica HOLLYWOOD sign. Especially now with the name change to Hollywood Studios?

The original sign said HOLLYWOODLAND and was lit up with 4000 individual bulbs!!... The sign was built in 1923... eh hem, the year Walt opened his Studios. I think a remake of that would be quite fitting. And you could fit a dark ride/coaster inside the SoCal mountain... Maybe a runaway L.A. Street Car...

Check it out http://www.hollywoodsign.org/history-5.html

[bentleygirl22]

One can only hope that the BAH is finally going.

As far as the icon of the park - they already have one. Long before the hat was there, the icon of the park was the Earful Tower. Its still there - the water tower with mouse ears on it.

I Agree I loved the Earful Tower !! I wish they would get that hat out of there...

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I always liked the Sorcerer hat because it's a Disney original and it's great seeing it as we enter Hollywood Studios.

[yitbos96bb]

I always liked the Sorcerer hat because it's a Disney original and it's great seeing it as we enter Hollywood Studios.

Requesting clarification from our friends from the north... What makes it a Disney original? The fact it doesn't fit the theme or it's a crass attempt at pushing pins?

[btcrane]

There's an idea... Move the hat to Fantasmic. It's a cool looking peice of art, but not in it's current location.

I never understood why they didnt build a mountain behind the theatre with a replica HOLLYWOOD sign. Especially now with the name change to Hollywood Studios?

The original sign said HOLLYWOODLAND and was lit up with 4000 individual bulbs!!... The sign was built in 1923... eh hem, the year Walt opened his Studios. I think a remake of that would be quite fitting. And you could fit a dark ride/coaster inside the SoCal mountain... Maybe a runaway L.A. Street Car...

Check it out http://www.hollywoodsign.org/history-5.html

Best idea yet!

[Dznefreek]

I think a remake of that would be quite fitting. And you could fit a dark ride/coaster inside the SoCal mountain... Maybe a runaway L.A. Street Car...
The original concept for RnRC was just that.
It started out as another rmountain to be built and the cars of the 40's abd 50's were to be used for the train instead of a limousine. The cars would move in and out of the mountain passing through various Hollywood landmarks. As the project progressed changes occurred as they normally do.
At the same time WDW was considering building a drive-in theater in the parking lot at DHS.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Requesting clarification from our friends from the north... What makes it a Disney original? The fact it doesn't fit the theme or it's a crass attempt at pushing pins?Well the way I see it that was the hat Mickey was wearing in Fantasia, so in my opinion that makes it a Disney original. Plus I think looks a lot better then seeing Mann's Chinese Theater right away when walking into the park, because the real one is in Los Angeles and not part of Disney.

[WDWtraveler27]

i hope so cuz I dont like it

[big_thunder_girl]

That's odd. Isn't that suppoused to be "original" or something?
But I wouldn't be TOO upset though, I mean It's not anything like taking down the castle in MK. :snooty:

[samual332]

i dont mind it, but i've always thought of the main icon as the water tower. i've been to disney many years before the hat, so i will always think of the water tower when i think of dhs....

......saying that i keep thinking of it as mgm..! :lmao::goodvibes:cool1:

[D. Crockett]

If they find something else to symbolize DHS, then its possible,
Any takers on a "Celebrate Eisner" mural? :idea:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/Traveling_Idiot/Disney001/CTheater1.jpg
No?

In all seriousness, I don't see the hat leaving park grounds anytime soon. I do miss having the Chinese Theater as the main focal point when entering the park, but the hat will have to do for now.

[Ducky4Disney]

I miss seeing Mann's Chinese Theater when I walk done the street. Now there's a BAH in the way - and it's parked so close to the theater you can't get a good pic of it anymore (perhaps by design). If the hat has to stay; fine. But a pin store? Seriously? It should be an attraction or a restaurant. That park is in serious need of a new restaurant anyway, why not put it in the hat?

Anyone have dimensions on the BAH?

If the BAHand can come down from SE - then there is hope. Why don't you put a hat *on* the Earful Tower?

D4D

[DisneyInsider]

The hat was one of the worst ideas ever.
It totally took away from the Chinese Theater.
What was the point?
I think they have to at least move it. You can tell they were bathing in money when they built that stupid thing just to add a gift shop

[Area 4]

It still pains me to see that monstrosity every time I walk into the park. The main strip just doesn't have the same vibe as you walk in anymore.

I worked in that area while they built it years ago so I had to sit there and watch them ruin a perfectly good view.

[LuluLovesDisney]

Interesting reading, yet no consensus. Personally, I don't hate the BAH (this had me lol) I hate its current location. It is a huge break in theming and I just feel like theming is my favorite thing about WDW and if you're just seeing Mickey or princesses everywhere, it takes away from it. I want to feel like I am in HOLLYWOOD, more specifically the old, clean, beautiful vintage-y looking Hollywood that "never was and always will be".

I like the idea of a Hollywood icon like the mountain and sign, too. Move the hat somewhere, throw it away, I don't care, but I don't think it has anything to do with Hollywood Boulevard!

[Mag7515]

I always thought the Earful Tower was the Icon of DHS. I've always considered the Earful Tower to be the Icon.

[MountNittany]

I actually like the "BAH" so I wouldn't mind them keeping it up

[Capt. Barbosa]

I will give you an imagineers view of the hat. The whole article is at thebottom of the page.
http://imagineerebirth.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_archive.html

The whole blog is a good read, if you have time take a look and read the articles.


But here is a brief cut and paste.

In classic Disney fashion there was a nice architectural draw at the end of the street, a faithful full scale re-creation of Grauman's Chinese Theater. Somehow, someway, the management at the parks saw fit to sign off on a huge blue Mickey's Sorcerer Hat at the end of the Blvd., completely blocking the Chinese Theater. Where once stood an intricate and magical architectural icon now sits a giant blue zit of a thing with weird gold swirlies spraying out of it and what appear to be enormous gold cardboard stars superglued on its side. All that's missing is four hundred children bouncing around on plastic pellots inside.

[LuluLovesDisney]

Great blog, Capt Barbosa. I totally agree with how it adds a "carny" look instead of real architectural detail. I had to laugh abt the giant pin part lol.