Sorcerers Hat at DHS

[chrisb26]

When I was at DHS the other day they had just put up a big wall half way around the hat. The pin store was still there but the entire front part was blocked off and they had signs up saying they are preparing for a future production or something like that. Does anybody know what they are doing back there? It looked like they had some construction equimpment set up back there but I have no idea what they would be doing.

[Figment!]

The Sorcerer Hat is undergoing a cosmetic refurbishment.

Current work appears to be just re-painting.

[2Epcot]

The Sorcerer Hat is undergoing a cosmetic refurbishment.

Current work appears to be just re-painting.

No chance Disney is using invisible paint?

[Marker]

No chance Disney is using invisible paint?

I hope not!!

[Stu29573]

Kill....the...hat....Kill....the...hat...Kill...th e...hat....

[JPL]

In order ot remove the hat they would have to change the Facade of the GMR since the reason the Hat was put into place was to block it since they no longer have rights to use the image for promotioanl purposes.

[Stu29573]

In order ot remove the hat they would have to change the Facade of the GMR since the reason the Hat was put into place was to block it since they no longer have rights to use the image for promotioanl purposes.

Fine don't use it for promotional purposes. Just move the hat elsewhere and give us a well themed street again!

Actually, as Werner Weiss over at Yesterland points out, this probably isn't the case:

"The Internet legend doesn’t make much sense when you think about it. Guests can still see and photograph the Disney version of the Chinese Theatre—just not from as many angles as previously. To believe the legend, you would have to accept that Disney is stuck with a contract that allowed them to build a replica of the façade of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 1989, but, if the theater were sold, would only allow guests to see it if they were looking from an angle or standing very close in front of it. "

His take is that the suits simply decided the hat was a better icon than the tower (which it is...in a different place).

[GrumpyFan]

Actually, as Werner Weiss over at Yesterland points out, this probably isn't the case:

"The Internet legend doesn’t make much sense when you think about it. Guests can still see and photograph the Disney version of the Chinese Theatre—just not from as many angles as previously. To believe the legend, you would have to accept that Disney is stuck with a contract that allowed them to build a replica of the façade of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 1989, but, if the theater were sold, would only allow guests to see it if they were looking from an angle or standing very close in front of it. "

His take is that the suits simply decided the hat was a better icon than the tower (which it is...in a different place).

I have to agree with this. I like the hat as an icon, just not where they decided to put it.

Also, I'm no lawyer, but even if they weren't legally allowed to use Mann's Chinese Theatre for "promotional purposes", that wouldn't necessarily mean they have to cover it up. In all likelihood, it would just mean Disney themselves couldn't use it in their print, internet, TV and other advertising media.

[Ian]

That legal baloney makes no sense. MGM doesn't even own Mann's Chinese Theater?? Why would the dissolution of that contract with MGM affect Disney's useage of the theater image??

I honestly have no idea what prompted them to build that hat monstrosity, but the only thing that would satisfy me is if they were using those construction walls to hide the rigging of the dynamite.

I HATE that stupid thing!

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

Also, the concept of the Chinese Theater dates back to before Coney Island. It was an exhibit at early World's Fair and Disney could just call it the Chinese Theater. Just because it looks like the Mann's Chinese Theater, doesn't mean it is.

[cindchan]

No chance Disney is using invisible paint?

Hear hear!!

I was hoping that they were tearing it down. I can't stand that thing! I can get one decent shot of the theatre! And it takes away from the "hollywood set" image they're trying to have there.

[Little Round Bale]

I personally like the hat. But I would not be oppossed to them relocating it but not too far.

Yes I agree it is not the right theme but I like it...

[KevMcNJ]

last January was my first visit in 15 years.

I saw that stooopid hat and thoguht what the **** is that?

Just ruins the whole scene

[chrisb26]

The Sorcerer Hat is undergoing a cosmetic refurbishment.

Current work appears to be just re-painting.

Thanks, I wasn't sure what it was considering it was only covering half the hat. I was there Sunday and it was normal then walked in Monday to see a giant blue wall around half of the hat with stuff back there but I believe it was just lifts and such that they would use to repaint.

Thanks for the fast response!

[cgriff]

I'm sure they are installing a huge Sorcerer Mickey beneath (and at the same scale as) the hat, and every 15/20 minutes Mickey will rise up and strike a pose from "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" scene of Fantasia... And then retract back down into the ground, leaving just the hat... Right?

[cindchan]

I'm sure they are installing a huge Sorcerer Mickey beneath (and at the same scale as) the hat, and every 15/20 minutes Mickey will rise up and strike a pose from "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" scene of Fantasia... And then retract back down into the ground, leaving just the hat... Right?

Oh, I'd pay extra to see that!

[JPL]

Just because it looks like the Mann's Chinese Theater, doesn't mean it is.

It's was built using the original plans almost an exact replica. It's an Icon

That legal baloney makes no sense. MGM doesn't even own Mann's Chinese Theater?? Why would the dissolution of that contract with MGM affect Disney's useage of the theater image??

It has nothing to do with MGM it's the new company that purchased the theater and they wanted too much money to renew the agreement for Disney to use it in promotional material and they wanted Money whenever Disney showed it in a TV special. It is even absent from the artwork they sell in the parks. The one artist that draws all the park scenes is not allowed to add it in I personally asked him and the reason he gave was legal reason with the licensing agreement.

[Marceline]

I honestly have no idea what prompted them to build that hat monstrosity, but the only thing that would satisfy me is if they were using those construction walls to hide the rigging of the dynamite.

I HATE that stupid thing!

I am just glad I am not alone in my disdain for that weenie Hat. I love Sorcerer's Apprentice as much as the next Disneyphile but I miss the way it used to look without it.

We were watchin' old home movies of our 93' trip and MGM looked so much cleaner, tighter, well themed...it made so much more sense without that thing.

Here's to hoping that the next company that owns Mann's won't try to twist Disney's arm about it.

[Tinkerbell19]

Another hat hater here!!

My favorite thing about DHS is feeling like you are in old hollywood or on a hollywood set and seeing the theater when you first walk in made you feel that way. Now you have a dumb, gigantic hat in the way ! I almost would bet Walt would've been against that idea!

Don't get me started on losing residental street either!!

[luvDaMouse]

The first time I was at MGM was in 2004 and the hat was there.I had no idea it was put there later, I cant imagine it without it? Does anyone have any pictures pre hat??