Sorcerer's Hat v. Grauman's Chinese Theatre Face-off

[WDWFigment]

I thought this picture pretty well exemplifies the constant debate between fans of one Studios icon versus the other:



Click the image to see a larger version and/or to read my "take" on the debate (via allegory).

What are your thoughts? Which Icon do you prefer?

 

[Robo]

...the constant debate between fans of one Studios icon versus the other...

I don't think that the Theater was covered due to a specific wish for the hat to become the icon of the park and not the theater.

(From the beginning, the icon of the park was always the "Earful Tower.")

As I have read in the past, the Sorcerer's Hat is now there specifically to MASK the Theater facade, due to certain "ownership/copyright" issues.

Maybe. Maybe not.



.

 

[touy_story_man]

I like the hat...

 

[HM]

I don't think that the Theater was covered due to a specific wish for the hat to become the icon of the park and not the theater.

(From the beginning, the icon of the park was always the "Earful Tower.")

As I have read it, the hat is there specifically to MASK the Theater facade, due to certain "ownership/copyright" issues.

The "Hat" IS the icon for the park, as demonstrated by all the merchandise and marketing using the "Hat" (not the Tower).

As to the 'masking' of the Theater, it certainly does that. This is the first I've read of any copyright/ownership problem.

 

[Robo]

The "Hat" IS the icon for the park, as demonstrated by all the merchandise and marketing using the "Hat" (not the Tower).

As to the 'masking' of the Theater, it certainly does that. This is the first I've read of any copyright/ownership problem.

I know that the hat is NOW the icon of the park.

I was commenting that the hat did not take the place of the THEATER being the former icon of the park.

I don't think that the Theater was covered due to a specific wish for the hat to become the icon of the park and not the theater.

The former icon of the park (prior to the Sorcerer's Hat) was the Earful Tower.

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

They were busy solving that problem last night

 

[WDWFigment]

I don't think that the Theater was covered due to a specific wish for the hat to become the icon of the park and not the theater.

(From the beginning, the icon of the park was always the "Earful Tower.")

As I have read in the past, the Sorcerer's Hat is now there specifically to MASK the Theater facade, due to certain "ownership/copyright" issues.

Maybe. Maybe not.



.

I've heard that same theory regarding copyright issues (specifically once PhotoPass came onto the scene), but as far as I know, it's only speculation.

I think the debate in only a few posts here is indicative of the Studios Icon being contested. Disney obviously considers it the Hat given its appearance on merchandise, but many fans certainly do not.

 

[kathymc]

barbosa - thats awesome!

 

[Robo]

I like it!


(Maybe THIS Luxo, Jr. will MOVE better than his little brother did in Pixar Place, near TSM. )

 

[JenM]

I like the hat...

I liked the hat too.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

The hat doesn't bother me at all compared to the theater.

But as far as the "icon" goes, I prefer the Earful tower.

 

[coconutprincess]

I've always viewed the Theater in terms of the main "icon". I used to also consider the Earful towr. Not so much anymore.

At first the hat annoyed me... a lot!!! But its grown on me slowly but surely. I'm guessing its due to Disney instilling it in my brain that it is the new icon. (But it is still MGM to me).

 

[ShaggyDan]

I got to speak with an Imagineer on the topic earlier this year and he said that the hat has nothing to do with any copyright issues with the theater. I think some executives tried to fit more characters in where ever they could and since the theater never really established itself as the icon for the park (having to compete with the Earful Tower and being the smallest primary icon out of the four parks - compared to Cinderella's Castle, Spaceship Earth, and the Tree of Life) they thought it would be a good idea to squeeze more Mickey in. Now that the arm is off of Spaceship Earth, the hat is the worst architecture on Disney controlled property. (The worst in the result is the giant fish and birds looming over the Eiffel Tower in Epcot courtesy of the Swan and Dolphin.) It will be a great day for the park when they get rid of the hat and let you walk down an old Hollywood street with a theater at the end instead of a cartoon's giant accessory.

 

[mom2cinderella]

I like the hat!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I like the Hat.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

I got to speak with an Imagineer on the topic earlier this year and he said that the hat has nothing to do with any copyright issues with the theater. I think some executives tried to fit more characters in where ever they could and since the theater never really established itself as the icon for the park (having to compete with the Earful Tower and being the smallest primary icon out of the four parks - compared to Cinderella's Castle, Spaceship Earth, and the Tree of Life) they thought it would be a good idea to squeeze more Mickey in. Now that the arm is off of Spaceship Earth, the hat is the worst architecture on Disney controlled property. (The worst in the result is the giant fish and birds looming over the Eiffel Tower in Epcot courtesy of the Swan and Dolphin.) It will be a great day for the park when they get rid of the hat and let you walk down an old Hollywood street with a theater at the end instead of a cartoon's giant accessory.

Outside of my fabulous insights, this is the post of the year.

 

[msjprincess]

I prefer the theater

 

[DonaldTDuck]

I hate the hat. The theater was so beautiful and the huge hidden Mickey was amazing.

 

[cglaura]

I like the hat, just wish they'd move somewhere else, like over the ticket area by the entrance or something.

Love the creative image though WDWFigment! I love HDR images, I wish I had the equipment, talent and wherewithall to do them.

 

[Taja]

I like the sorcerer's hat. I just think it could be in a better location!

And I did like the Eartower as the icon--it's very old Hollywood (all of the studios had a water tower or two) with the Disney touch.

Sorry--I guess that's "Earful" tower--although I rather like EarTower! *LOL*