Why do some people hate the Sorcerer's Hat at Hollywood Studios?

[Queen2PrincessG]

i like the hat but I wish it was located somewhere else.

 

[umichigan10]

It was part of the show though. DHS was themed to be a working Hollywood studio, and the icons of the various studios (as quoted in your post) were the giant, decorated water towers. Earful went a step beyond by adding the mouse ears to the traditional tower. It was part of the theme and in-step with popular studio icons of the past and present.

Where it sits now, it breaks the idealized Hollywood theme that exists in that portion of the park. It's akin to placing a large space craft (that sells pins) in the grassy area of the central hub in Magic Kingdom (Or a giant wand on the side of Spaceship Earth...erm, wait...) It's something that may fit with the park, but not in that spot and certainly not in that spot and for what it's being used for.

But in a way, you've sort of explained why the wand is there, to take over as icon since DHS isn't a working studio anymore.

 

[mrsR123]

Please educate us on what exactly this means. I get the "Santa" hat on Earful tower is a decoration, it's temporary. BUT I don't get what your saying about POP or the All Stars??? Having been to Grand Floridian, Contemporary etc etc...they are just hotels to me...like the Paris or Mirage in Vegas..just a hotel with a small touch of Disney. The All Stars and POP are MORE "Disney In your face"..true, but to me, or I should say US, they are MORE Disney than the others..please explain so I can better unbderstand your POV, TIA.

Well, I started to explain my rationale. There are two different ideas about what makes Disney, well "Disney". What sets Disney apart from everyone else in the industry-- except maybe the HP section of IoA from what I've heard-- is that they design thorough, detailed immersive environments. Attractions have story behind them. Areas of the parks are cohesive and meant to evoke a different place or time. The Poly is meant to feel as though you really are staying far away and adventurous. Even the Grand Floridian has strong suggestions of long ago refinement.

Contrast these ideas with the All-Stars or Pop. Sure some of the icons are cute, but it doesn't make me feel like I'm anywhere. I get that some folks LOVE that, but my reservation is that if it's all Disney does going forward, because it's good enough to placate enough people, then we'll never again get anything as good as what they should be doing.

 

[momtobrynncess]

Does anyone know what year they put up the hat? I tried googling it, but I did not find anything.

Personally, I like the hat. Whether or not DHS "should" have an icon, I think the hat is just that.

I don't remember a time when the hat was not there. I feel like I have a vague memory of it being under construction, but I'm not sure, which is why I asked if anyone knows when it went up. I definitely do not have a memory of looking down the street and seeing something else.

 

[momtobrynncess]

Wikipedia has it as 2001. So I guess I do have a recollection of the construction. Yeah! I'm not imagining things!! Not this time anyway! lol

 

[tony609]

Well, I started to explain my rationale. There are two different ideas about what makes Disney, well "Disney". What sets Disney apart from everyone else in the industry-- except maybe the HP section of IoA from what I've heard-- is that they design thorough, detailed immersive environments. Attractions have story behind them. Areas of the parks are cohesive and meant to evoke a different place or time. The Poly is meant to feel as though you really are staying far away and adventurous. Even the Grand Floridian has strong suggestions of long ago refinement.

Contrast these ideas with the All-Stars or Pop. Sure some of the icons are cute, but it doesn't make me feel like I'm anywhere. I get that some folks LOVE that, but my reservation is that if it's all Disney does going forward, because it's good enough to placate enough people, then we'll never again get anything as good as what they should be doing.

I get it more now, thanks. Although When I have been at POP or at All Star Movies, I haven't stayed at the other all stars. I get MORE of a Disney feel, as you say not a story BUT a Disney feel...like a comic book, very child like. But you are right there is no "story". I (personally)get more Disney there then at the GF,Poly or even the Contemporary. BUT I guess this is what makes Disney great...to each their own. Some people probably like the escape of the other resorts...where I really enjoy the "In Your face" your at Disney, it's ok to be a kid whatever your age feeling. Ok back on topic.

I like the hat. Just don't lke that it's a pin store. i think it should have old Hollywood type merchandise......perhaps a place where you can dress up in 40's ,50's clothing and have one of those vintage photos taken (I wouldn't do it, but others might)...with cool props like cars..building fronts...I don't know just brainstorming..ANYHTING but a pin store.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

Well, I started to explain my rationale. There are two different ideas about what makes Disney, well "Disney". What sets Disney apart from everyone else in the industry-- except maybe the HP section of IoA from what I've heard-- is that they design thorough, detailed immersive environments. Attractions have story behind them. Areas of the parks are cohesive and meant to evoke a different place or time. The Poly is meant to feel as though you really are staying far away and adventurous. Even the Grand Floridian has strong suggestions of long ago refinement.

Contrast these ideas with the All-Stars or Pop. Sure some of the icons are cute, but it doesn't make me feel like I'm anywhere. I get that some folks LOVE that, but my reservation is that if it's all Disney does going forward, because it's good enough to placate enough people, then we'll never again get anything as good as what they should be doing.

Completely agree with everything you have said! It's why some of the dining at Disney is lack luster. Some people will accept anything and not look at quality. Which is how you end up with tough steak and burgers and fries served everywhere.
I will never go POP for that reason, It's just a hotel with a good paint job. I want to be immersed.
Universal IS doing it the right way FYI. WWOHP- to say it's detailed is an understatement. While some of the park can use an update I strongly believe that if US keeps the creators it had for HP it will do just fine. Oh and dining there: Options, can we just talk about the options! So many and I'm not speaking of Citywalk alone.

I like the hat but feel like it would be better served in the area near Fantasmic. You are right though.

 

[TerrytownGrl]

[ Also, I was under the impression that it was temporary, and I was relieved at the thought that it would eventually come down. Here I am--many years later--and the hat lives on.[/QUOTE]

I'm with you.....I think the hat itself is pretty cool. I wish it was more than a pin kiosk, though. And I REALLY wish they'd find another place to put it.

Are you listening, Disney??

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Let's not forget the Hat is more then just a pin station. The stage area in front of it was recently used for the opening ceremony of Star Tours after it's renovation, ESPN has broadcasted live from there during ESPN The Weekend and I think a lot of the current shows for Hollywood Studios take place at the stage over there.

 

[Cafeen]

But in a way, you've sort of explained why the wand is there, to take over as icon since DHS isn't a working studio anymore.

In a sense, yes. The tower WAS no longer quite the icon that it was when it was a working studio. The idea of the park is still studios though, whether or not it's an active working studio, so it still fits. However, from what I remember hearing, part of the issue was that the Earful Tower wasn't recognizable enough, which is why a new icon was developed. The hat certainly fits that bill and I don't disagree with it. I merely disagree with the placement and use of the current hat (yes, the "blowing it up" is a bit of hyperbole).

For starters, it's a piece of cartoon plucked down in the middle of a "real" area. The exterior style of the hat does not mesh with the other styles in that section. It would fit better over in the Animation area (my favorite idea) both thematically and decoratively.

Second, it's a pin kiosk. The "major" icon of the park is where they sell $0.50 pins marked up to $10 or more. That's all it is. Tree of Life is an attraction by itself, it takes time to actually tour around the ToL, plus the surrounding paths and then ITTAB inside. Cindy's Castle is much the same, and it's the centerpiece for the land behind it, a walk through attraction, and houses one of the most unique restaurants in Disney World inside. Spaceship Earth is Spaceship Earth. The Hat is a pin kiosk. There's nothing special about walking around it, there's nothing special inside. If there was something extra special about it, I'd be willing to let the placement go, but the fact that it's basically nothing makes it worse.

So, while the previous icon may not have been functional, it fit in the theme. If the current icon was more functional, I might be ok with it. However, since it neither fits with the theme of that location nor is anything other than a glorified pin kiosk, it just grates on me.

Of course, I don't really care that much. I'm not a big fan of DHS anyway.

 

[wcpamotm]

Although I also hate the hat and would like to see it removed or relocated, I would caution against too much emphasis on icon functionality, such as containing a ride or major shop/restaurant.

After all, over at Disneyland they have a Sleeping Beauty Castle which contains nothing but a simple walk-through display. Which has not even been open throughout the park's history.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Let's not forget the Hat is more then just a pin station. The stage area in front of it was recently used for the opening ceremony of Star Tours after it's renovation, ESPN has broadcasted live from there during ESPN The Weekend and I think a lot of the current shows for Hollywood Studios take place at the stage over there.

...all of which could have still happened on a stage there if there were no hat.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

...all of which could have still happened on a stage there if there were no hat.

Well prior to the hat being built I don't remember a stage area being there. In fact I am willing to bet if they built a stage there without the hat some people might complain about it being there, so at least the hat is better to look at when no acts are happening.

Also as a WDW pin collector I am happy for the pin store under the hat because that's the main location at Hollywood Studios which sells the Annual Pass pins, limited edition pins, holiday pins and etc.

 

[umichigan10]

In a sense, yes. The tower WAS no longer quite the icon that it was when it was a working studio. The idea of the park is still studios though, whether or not it's an active working studio, so it still fits. However, from what I remember hearing, part of the issue was that the Earful Tower wasn't recognizable enough, which is why a new icon was developed. The hat certainly fits that bill and I don't disagree with it. I merely disagree with the placement and use of the current hat (yes, the "blowing it up" is a bit of hyperbole).

For starters, it's a piece of cartoon plucked down in the middle of a "real" area. The exterior style of the hat does not mesh with the other styles in that section. It would fit better over in the Animation area (my favorite idea) both thematically and decoratively.

Second, it's a pin kiosk. The "major" icon of the park is where they sell $0.50 pins marked up to $10 or more. That's all it is. Tree of Life is an attraction by itself, it takes time to actually tour around the ToL, plus the surrounding paths and then ITTAB inside. Cindy's Castle is much the same, and it's the centerpiece for the land behind it, a walk through attraction, and houses one of the most unique restaurants in Disney World inside. Spaceship Earth is Spaceship Earth. The Hat is a pin kiosk. There's nothing special about walking around it, there's nothing special inside. If there was something extra special about it, I'd be willing to let the placement go, but the fact that it's basically nothing makes it worse.

So, while the previous icon may not have been functional, it fit in the theme. If the current icon was more functional, I might be ok with it. However, since it neither fits with the theme of that location nor is anything other than a glorified pin kiosk, it just grates on me.

Of course, I don't really care that much. I'm not a big fan of DHS anyway.

I definately agree with you, especially when you think about the location and where it could be better suited. As I said in I think my first post, I was stirring the pot a bit.

 

[mjallemand]

Beautiful.

 

[TDC Nala]

Because Hollywood Boulevard looked a heckuva lot better before it was there. That is all.

As for the stage for special events, the hat isn't part of the stage. They could have put the stage there whether the hat was there or not. The hat functions as a pin store and a landmark, and that's all.

 

[Mary T in PA]

For most people, it's not that they don't like the hat. They just don't like it in that spot.

And it's not specifically that it blocks the view of the theater, it's that it disrupts the visual of a classic Hollywood street.

THIS.

And the previous poster who put the pics up of the view before the Hat was put in place, THANK YOU for the reminder of that beautiful view!

 

[iheartdisney]

It is called freedom of speech: a great right that Americans enjoy. No one forced you to open this thread. I always enjoy the OP's thread and by seeing how many posts they have, they have great knowledge of everything disney

The problem with rebuttal threads is that some of us find it annoying to copy and paste our opinions in two threads started on the same day. I rather like the "discussion" portion of a discussion board. And as a previous poster pointed out, you have completely misconstrued the intentions of our Founding Fathers when they outlined the rights that my husband is fighting for.

Back to the topic at hand, as you may be able to tell from my signature, the BAH has become the symbol of Disney Mediocrity. Where the suits behind the scenes decided that "if it is good enough for Six Flags, it should be good enough for Disney". And those Disney fans that are appeased with mediocrity eat it right up.
For those of us who expect more from Disney, we aren't satisfied with a giant blue eyesore, especially when it doesn't fit. To borrow from a recent thread, a giant blue hat in the middle of Old Hollywood is like throwing a carnival Tilt-A-Whirl into the middle of the World Showcase. It doesn't fit the THEME. Disney is a THEME PARK, not an AMUSEMENT park.
Poor DHS. It really should have been rethemed when it was rebranded. Instead, it stands resembling a landscaping project that was completed in phases with whatever supplied were on hand at the time. It is part old hollywood, part cartoon, part thrill park, part pop culture. The studios have been gutted so they stand only as a bad joke.
I can't go into the Animation attraction without crying, because I remember when the desks were filled with working animators. One trip, an animator had a rat running around on his desk.
I don't have a problem with the parks changing when they are "plussed". The BAH is not, by anyone's definition or any stretch of the imagination, a "plus"!

 

[Rustysmom]

I remember what it looked like without the hat and I liked it better that way. The hat where it is now looks ridiculous, like they just dropped it out of the sky and it landed there.

 

[Joanna71985]

I hate the hat. I wish it would go away