The Hat Has Left The Building

[goofyernmost]

I just find it odd that the park "weenie"/icon/focal point would be something that could also be found at DLR. TOT is not unique to WDW/HS. That's the point I can't get over in thinking this would make for a good park icon. JMO

There is a difference and ToT is a weenie, it is not an icon. With all the confusion lately they have used it as an easy way for people of pre-hat and post-hat experience to quickly know just what park they are talking about. It will all settle down eventually as soon as they make clear what their intentions are. BTW, to the person that couldn't understand why the theater would be an Icon, that's simple... it isn't and never has been! That is a weenie also, but it has been hidden by that horrible hat for so long that many really didn't know what it looked like anymore. Until, Disney unsuccessfully tried to make the BAH an Icon it was always the Earful Tower. To many of us it always remained just that.

 

[FigmentIsTheBest]

If we must have a park icon...

Why not use this little guy out front? He seems to be on top of the world!

 

[lauradis]

The hat was kind of an eye sore.

It was werido to have it in a Hollywood themed park.

The View looks better now.

Wonder if they will put in Frozen theme show on the main stage and give Cinderella her castle back?

 

[lauradis]

So pretty! Reminds me of my childhood at MGM!! Love it

Hahaha I still call it MGM all the time.

 

[Mouse of Mystery]

I liked the hat. Though I didn't think it was good to plop it down in front of the beautiful Chinese theater. Hollywood Boulevard didn't need a big hat.

But I DO think that Sorcerer Mickey's hat is right at home with a park themed after the golden age of Hollywood. After all, Fantasia WAS a very important Disney film and it was released in 1940. It has two honorary Academy Awards. It was selected for preservation in the US Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Heck, even the nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! is inspired by Fantasia. There is a true connection there and it does belong in the park. Just maybe not right there.

 

[amber_cntrygrl]

I've never been to DHS without the hat, but I can't WAIT to walk in this November and have a clear view without that hat in the way!
I think the hat was cute, just not where it was.

 

[Canuck16]

Nice view indeed.

Now they need to add more attractions to DHS

 

[WEDWDW]

Has it been said yet, maybe I missed it, why they finally at long last, tore that hat down?

I think it is just the first step in the huge reimagineering project coming to the central plaza/Echo Lake area.

 

[HopperFan]

I think all of this conversation is exactly why Studios needs major change and re-branding. There is no obvious.
- It's the only park of the four that has changed names.
- It's the only park of the four that has changed functions, from a working studio to a straight theme park.
- It's the only one that has had multiple, sometimes undefined, icons because there is no obvious one.
- It has not had a real plan/purpose in many years, more like buildings with slow deaths.
- It needs a clear direction, plan for the future and hopefully that is the track they are finally on.

Icon:
- The hat is gone, chopped up. Sure a smaller hat could have purpose on the Animation Bldg to support a "land" theme but if Pixar Place, Star Wars Land etc are all coming in - the hat would not be a good icon or representation of the overall park.
- Much of the Disney merchandise has the Earful Tower on it. It was used before so it makes sense other than it's not highly visible from most the park. It could be moved to a site that makes more sense but not until the construction begins. Possible choice - it has been there from the start and interesting it was painted all over the wall around the hat.
- Most the media stuff like website, MDE and maps has the Tower of Terror on it. It makes sense for now because it is the most prominent structure at the park. But it's not unique to DHS and doubt it will be used long term.
- So far the theater is not showing up and while it has a been "saved" for now with it's new deal, who knows what it's long term future is. Being that it's a replica of another, I don't see it as an icon.
- The park is about to go through a huge renovation, expansion and re-branding. I think the park needs and deserves a brand new icon. Something that will be dedicated and unique to DHS.

Whatever is happening now could be temporary, there is just too much to be done and so far everything is speculation.

Walked to EPCOT today from Studios and looked back and surprised to see the tower so well.

 

[BudgieMama]

I'm still sad it's gone, but it doesn't look as bad without it as I thought it might... Phew!

 

[jsebsirois]

Even if I'll miss the hat, it is true that the sight is gorgeous and makes it feel more ''Hollywood''. Can't wait to see it in person!

 

[Planogirl]

I like the little Mickey at the park entrance but he seems a bit small and the Tower of Terror seems too spooky to be a Disney icon. The Earful Tower is nice but I've always liked the theater best.

 

[The Rovang 5]

What will the symbolic icon be now for the park? AK has tree of life, MK- Cinderella's castle, and Epcot- the golf ball. So what's HS's? (If this was asked, sorry. I only read the first page.)

 

[OKW Lover]

What will the symbolic icon be now for the park? AK has tree of life, MK- Cinderella's castle, and Epcot- the golf ball. So what's HS's? (If this was asked, sorry. I only read the first page.)

Lots of folks have asked that question. Mostly they are people who didn't realize that The Hat had not been at the park for the entire time the Studios are open. The long-time visitors quickly report that the Earful Tower was the park icon before the Hat. No reason it can't return.

 

[DizDaD7]

^^^^^This^^^^^ For sure, should remain as the icon... Nice PIC!

 

[john516]

The hat was kind of an eye sore.

It was werido to have it in a Hollywood themed park.

The View looks better now.

Wonder if they will put in Frozen theme show on the main stage and give Cinderella her castle back?

Count me in as someone who liked the hat.

 

[Off Island]

What will the symbolic icon be now for the park? AK has tree of life, MK- Cinderella's castle, and Epcot- the golf ball. So what's HS's? (If this was asked, sorry. I only read the first page.)

I loved the hat and thought it was the perfect icon. I know I'm in the minority but to me park isn't the same without it.

For me, the answer to your question is to make the hat the icon again by building a new one in a location more people would be ok with.

 

[Networth]

Now that is DHS studies. Walk through the gates up to crossroads of the world. Your line of sight is drawn to the theater, as it was always intended.

You can probably guess I was at the studios way before the hat so...

 

[finedice]

Well... To me, the view is better. And now my family photos have another lost Disney "treasure" (if it could be referred to as such) in them (20,000 Leagues, old TT, River Country, Discovery Island, The Adventurer's Club) - not that it will be missed as much of course -

Anyway, the bigger point is that as more and more disappears from an already very sparse park at its peak, it makes me wonder how Disney justifies the price of admission. I suppose if you can get it - you'll take it.

Don't get me wrong - I do still love it, but it was a half day park even with The Back Lot, The Animation Studio Tour and American Idol (even though that was never a favorite). I would bet they won't do much there until AK and DTD are at least near completion

 

[HopperFan]

W
Anyway, the bigger point is that as more and more disappears from an already very sparse park at its peak, it makes me wonder how Disney justifies the price of admission. I suppose if you can get it - you'll take it.

Don't get me wrong - I do still love it, but it was a half day park even with The Back Lot, The Animation Studio Tour and American Idol (even though that was never a favorite). I would bet they won't do much there until AK and DTD are at least near completion

The plus is that your tickets are for four parks so you can skip this one for now or use as a half day on those "$10 a day add ons." I imagine that they will do as much as they can behind the scenes - example: Studio 1 is closed, the tarps cover the windows and walls out front and then a construction wall, but all week long you could hear construction equipment, backup beeps and noise in there working. But when it's time to do the major stuff that will close some things - I'd rather they just jump in a do as much as they can at once even if it means reducing the park capacity than to spread this out over 10 years time. Sounds like the potential for huge plans so I say just do it.