In 2001, as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, an enormous Sorcerer's Hat was constructed in Sunset Plaza to serve as a new icon for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Prior to that, the icon chosen to represent the park was most often the Earffel Tower. On occasion, the Chinese Theater was used. Both of these represented what the park was about in the early days: a working production center combined with an homage to the Golden Age of movies. As the Studios grew over the years, the concept expanded to include TV, animation, music, and theater. The Sorcerer's Hat represented all the magic of show business that Hollywood had to offer.
Today, a debate rages over that Sorcerer's Hat. Some love it and couldn't imagine Disney's Hollywood Studios without it. Others have quite a different opinion, lamenting the loss of that long-shot view of the Chinese Theater. (Of course, those who argue that a big, blue hat doesn't belong in old Hollywood have perhaps overlooked the fact that Walt Disney put a fairy tale castle at the end of turn-of-the-century Main Street.)
At the Disney's Hollywood Studios 20th Anniversary Imagineering Panel, veteran Imagineers Bob Weiss and Eric Jacobson added their voices to the anti-Hat campaign. Does this mean the Sorcerer's Hat is on its way out? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, for a view of the Chinese Theater, might I suggest passing under the Hat to the other side. The majesty of the theater facade is still in full view from that angle, and it looks spectacular.
While I don't mind the hat myself, I do think they could have picked a better place for it. Outside the front entrance comes to mind, much like MK, EPCOT and AK all have shops or merchandise carts outside of the entrance.
ReplyDeleteAn early concept for the 100 Years of Magic hat icon was to place it outside the gate, near the lake. In one version, the ears would have even been Ferris Wheels. It was determined, though, that the icon would have a greater impact in the center of the park.
ReplyDeleteIt has had impact all right--It totally disrupts the view!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I kind of like the hat, but really hate that 1) it's just a merchandise kart (is the park icon really about selling chotskies?) and 2) it blocks the long view of the theater from the street.
I agree with zapjones that it needs to move. I think the front entrance is perfect, but could see it more near Animation too.
I had never heard that the original concept was different. I would love to see concept art for that!
Brer Dan