Is the clock ticking on the Sorcerer Mickey Hat icon at the Studios? YES!

[Gabe1]

The theater roof is so tiny.

In comparison to the fat hat they threw in front of it?

 

[DisneyGentleman]

In comparison to the fat hat they threw in front of it?

In comparison to where they threw the hat relative to the forced perspective of the street.

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

I'm starting to build up some anticipation looking at the roof of the theater peeking out!
Pretty well had resigned myself long ago that view was gone forever.

christinacnc14

Did you photo shop that? It doesn't seem real.

 

[bingie]

I'm starting to build up some anticipation looking at the roof of the theater peeking out!
Pretty well had resigned myself long ago that view was gone forever.

christinacnc14

They should turn the theater into a giant cake to celebrate the view being restored!

 

[Brian]

They should turn the theater into a giant cake to celebrate the view being restored!

Don't be ridiculous! I doubt WDI would ever consider turning a park icon into a cake.

 

[JohnD]

The theater roof is so tiny.

Part of the problem with the BAH. It was meant to be a majestic view of the theatre looking down Hollywood Blvd. Right now the view is skewed because the BAH isn't all the way down.

 

[articos]

According to other sources, it was built to be temporary but could stand for 15 years. So theoretically even if all of you weren't complaining about it they would eventually have to take it down this year or next year.

Kind of, but not necessarily. Let me explain, since I stated the 15 year lifespan initially. When we build attractions, the general timeline we look at is building for a 15-20 year lifespan before it will be replaced with something else. Some rides are removed well before that, others last long after, but we never know. So most all structures that are going to be in place permanently, i.e., anchored in or built like a building would be, which needs to withstand weather or other harsh conditions, would generally be built to a 15 year standard. As designers/ride engineers/architects/show producers, we know plans change all the time, and we know something that is only a 15 month project may be there much longer, so it's best to simply build in a way that will last. That's not the case for something like a temporary tent or a kiosk like the Food and Wine kiosks, but a structure like the Hat requires engineering and was looked at as a more permanent structure, even though it was planned only for the 12-15 month timeframe.

Now, regarding needing to take it out after the 15 years, here's why that's not accurate: after the engineered life expectancy is up, there would need to be a solid inspection of the structure. Chances are it would be fine and would last a number of years longer if properly maintained. There may be some parts that need replacing, or rust that needs removal, but that doesn't mean it needs to be removed. Most steel structures or buildings would last much longer than 15 years, of course. The decision to remove is not because there's any danger of it failing, it was just time to remove it as part of the planning for the future of DHS.

 

[George]

The removal of a large chunk of the hat is starting to give me hope that the hat may actually be removed.

 

[DinoInstitute]

The removal of a large chunk of the hat is starting to give me hope that the hat may actually be removed.

That's how they get you

 

[danlb_2000]

The removal of a large chunk of the hat is starting to give me hope that the hat may actually be removed.

Now let's not get ahead of ourselves here, they could just be taking off pieces to clean them.

 

[articos]

The removal of a large chunk of the hat is starting to give me hope that the hat may actually be removed.

Quite the optimist, aren't you?

 

[articos]

Now let's not get ahead of ourselves here, they could just be taking off pieces to clean them.

Snort.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Something I still don't get...Why is the tip of the hat still there? Are they going to reporpose it for a smaller version of the hat for the planter in the front entrance plaza for the BAH Lovers they've "Oh-So" Wanted? Frankly I'd Know what I'd do with it....

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I'd also like to point out that on DisneyStore.com that the merchandise they are selling from the park is showing more and more of Earffile Tower being the icon for the park..Also Notice that Epcot is being called Epcot Center......Hmmm?

 

[The Rocketeer]

I'd also like to point out that on DisneyStore.com that the merchandise they are selling from the park is showing more and more of Earffile Tower being the icon for the park..Also Notice that Epcot is being called Epcot Center......Hmmm?

I feel like a name change would be welcomed by many.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I would be okay with a tiny version of the hat (the tip) being placed elsewhere in the park.

 

[polynesiangirl]

The removal of a large chunk of the hat is starting to give me hope that the hat may actually be removed.

I seriously wouldn't believe it if I couldn't see the pictures. This happy day may have finally arrived.

Hang on, I need a moment, there's something in my eye...

 

[Gabe1]

Did you photo shop that? It doesn't seem real.

Ha! No.

 

[heath.sneyd]

I seriously wouldn't believe it if I couldn't see the pictures. This happy day may have finally arrived.

Hang on, I need a moment, there's something in my eye...

That's probably a piece of fiberglass... Grab the eye wash and use cold water, you'll be fine.

 

[Gabe1]

I'd also like to point out that on DisneyStore.com that the merchandise they are selling from the park is showing more and more of Earffile Tower being the icon for the park..Also Notice that Epcot is being called Epcot Center......Hmmm?

Well Disney has been on a nostalgic kick the last five years. Would be on Par with the Poly returning to the nostalgic retro name The Polynesian Village Resort.

Now if Disney would just go retro and return the parks to their quality state....