Ding-Dong the hat is dead. A Disney spokesperson has confirmed that Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat will be removed from the center of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as they embark on a change that will re-imagine the central hub of the park.
Disney spokesperson Bryan Malenius stated, “Work continues on bringing new experiences to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we look forward to sharing more information at a later date.”
The BAH (or big-ass-hat, as detractors liked to call it) was original installed in Sept 2001 as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration at Walt Disney World. It has since been used in merchandise and on park branding as the icon for the park replacing the “Earful Tower.”
There was no confirmation if the hat would be totally removed from the park, or just moved to the Christmas Tree planter outside the main gates of the park.
Also confirmed to be closing is “The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow” experience. Last day for that is November 6th. This does not surprise me as the exhibits in that space have always been temporary. Maybe we’ll get something for “Into the Woods?”
Are you happy to see the hat go? What attraction do you expect to hit the chopping block next?
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bad idea love the hat
It’s an icon, love it or hate it. I think it should be moved to the front entrance. DHS is in need of major overhaul this is a GREAT next step.
I never got the chance to see the hat. Growing up all the disney movies I saw on VHS opened with an ad for the park and this was the main focus of them all. Wish I could have gotten to see it before it closed.
This is very good news. If they decide to move it rather than eliminate it then this will be fantastic news. As for that Jack Sparrow experience, what an embarrassment! I feel bad for anyone who had the misfortune to experience it. Whoever came up with that craptastic piece of garbage should be fired.
The hat never bothered me — but I’m happy to see some re-imagining for the central square of DHS. I have no problem with the hat being relocated (inside or outside the park).
This is a good thing. That hat hid Grauman’s Chinese Theater which is such a beautiful homage to Old Hollywood.
I completely agree! Relocate it, and give the theater it’s chance to shine again!! No reason to destroy the hat either, it’s an Icon, give it it’s respect too!!
Don’t lose the hat, just move it
Not sad.
Really hope they keep the hat somewhere. It is a really cool structure, and looks great from a distance as well. I started going to Disney World about that time, but have never known the park sans big hat. Earful tower was a cool icon back when the theme of the park was a working studio, as water towers are common icons of studios (remember the Animaniacs and the WB water tower? And these: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=studios+water+tower)
But even if they don’t keep it somewhere, I am glad it will be gone from the street. The park will look a lot cooler as you arrive, and will help immerse you in the experience of the park.
Really hope they just move the hat. The structure itself is a great build. Whatever they replace the hat with I hope portrays more what Hollywood studios is. I would like to see it put somewhere that it will resemble Disney animation.
Hate the hat, glad to see it go.
That said? I’m sure they will store it somewhere and, in 20 years time when nostalgia is pining for the hat? They will bring it back. Disney does know their audience.
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a) I’m glad to see it go, this is a long time pet peeve.
b) Anyone else with me in noticing that Once Upon A Time just introduced a magic hat, wondering if they’ll try some tie-in.
I love that hat… I think it is perfect where it is. Each park has its grand iconic centerpiece, ad the hat is definitely one of them. I would really hate to see it moved, or even worse completely destroyed.
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