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

[RAXIP]

 

[cheezbat]

Okay maybe 'small' isn't the right word. I'm still not convinced though; using a real life recreation as a symbol for a Disney park dosent sit right with me. I do miss the view of the theatre down the boulevard, but I'm in the minority of people who don't mind the hat. I understand its reason for being there and it's a nice representation of classic Disney. Plus, I think the Florida park icons have this purpose of orientation; a structure that stands out in the park's skyline that's different from the rest of the architecture. The theatre for me (whilst impressive) is more of a part of theming for Hollywood boulevard rather than representing the other areas of the park, especially if CarsLand or LucasLand are going to join the studios. They have no connection to the golden age of Hollywood theme that the boulevards are based around.



I think the tower is the perfect icon. If they're willing to move it to the front of the park so it's more prominent then that would be fantastic. The Walt Disney Studios in Paris have their 'Earffel Tower' as their icon which sits at the park entrance. I think it makes sense.

The Earful tower would have to be 'glamorized for it to really be the park icon. It's just a water tower with big Mickey ears. It could work as an icon, but then they'd have to do quite a bit to the hub area to make it work better. The hat was always supposed to be temporary....and it could be so much more. Had they made it the entrance to a major attraction, or even built stylized Ferris wheels like originally envisioned, it could work better. As a pin station...it's an abomination.

When I think Hollywood I think two icons: The Hollywood sign and the Chinese theater. I personally like the recreation...though maybe if they Disney-fied it more itd be fine as an icon. Heck, Carthay works for DCA and that's nothing more than a recreated building, so what's so bad about the Chinese theater?

 

[Tom]

That might actually work. It would be offset enough that you may not see it when looking down Hollywood Blvd. You definitely wouldn't want it seen as part of that classic view.

The reason it's where it is, is because that's where studio water towers went back in the day....in the heart of the studio backlots. It doesn't really fit with anything in the front of the park, since those areas are themed to specific areas or eras of Hollywood.

 

[englanddg]

That might actually work. It would be offset enough that you may not see it when looking down Hollywood Blvd. You definitely wouldn't want it seen as part of that classic view.

The reason it's where it is, is because that's where studio water towers went back in the day....in the heart of the studio backlots. It doesn't really fit with anything in the front of the park, since those areas are themed to specific areas or eras of Hollywood.

It also makes some sort of sense, being placed where it is, when the park opened.

There was no ToT looming for kids to see and get excited about as parents drove up World Drive. It's positioning made it very visible as Guests drove in, so kids would ask to go visit the "mickey water tower park".

<shrug> Doubt that was the only reasoning, but I'm sure it factored into the discussion at some point.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

I like that pic!

What Disney could also do, is prune the trees on World Drive so the Earffel Tower is prominently vivsible for all traffic again. In 1986 - 1988 (Yes, before you were born. Yes, I'm that old. Cobwebs for armpit hair, etc) the Tower would build up such anticipation!

Imagine, every time you go to the MK or EPCOT you see this reminder of the Disney Studios, of how it all began! Here's a pic from 1988, it reads 'opening Spring '89':

The Tower represents the Studios, Hollywood, Walt, Mickey, how it all began. Perfect.

 

[Tom]

I like that pic!

What Disney could also do, is prune the trees on World Drive so the Earffel Tower is prominently vivsible for all traffic again. In 1986 - 1988 (yes, before you were born. I'm that old. Cobwebs for armpit hair, etc) the Tower would build up such anticipation!

Imagine, every time yo go to the MK or EPCOT you see this reminder of the Disney Studios, of how it all began!

Here's a pic from 1988:

The Tower represents the Studios, Hollywood, Walt, Mickey, how it all began. Perfect.

Yes!

 

[imagineer boy]

But how is the Chinese theater considered Disney? I like the look of it but DO NOT like it to be the focal point walking into HS and that as the icon. Just my 2 cents

How is SSE considered Disney? How is the Tree of Life considered Disney?

 

[cheezbat]

You forgot...how is the Carthay Circle Theater Disney? Or Mount Prometheus?

One is resembling a giant volcano, the other is just an old theater(sure Snow White debuted there, but other theaters have debuted Disney films too)....

Idk. I think it's all just everyone thinking their own opinions....and it's pretty sad that we can't all decide on one specific icon for this park. It just goes to show just how much of a mess it currently is.

 

[unkadug]

I like that pic!

What Disney could also do, is prune the trees on World Drive so the Earffel Tower is prominently vivsible for all traffic again. In 1986 - 1988 (Yes, before you were born. I'm that old. Cobwebs for armpit hair, etc) the Tower would build up such anticipation!

Imagine, every time you go to the MK or EPCOT you see this reminder of the Disney Studios, of how it all began! Here's a pic from 1988, it reads 'opening Spring '89':

​

And an artist rendering of how it would look today.

 

[dcibrando]

How is SSE considered Disney? How is the Tree of Life considered Disney?

Because they are originals made by Disney as icons.

The earful tower I like as an icon, but I think Disney springs will be using the water tower as their icon now

 

[dcibrando]

What if they build a giant steamboat as an icon

 

[The Empress Lilly]

What if they build a giant steamboat as an icon

And then put said giant paddle wheel steamboat in Lake Buena Vista?

 

[dcibrando]

I really hope they add a working wheel and smokestacks to Fultons during the redo

 

[The Empress Lilly]

While we're at it...

Here's what the oldtimers are talking about when we decry slipping standards. Just look at that view! Just look at that parade! Awesome!

Cars and hat. Blegh.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

While we're at it...

Here's what the oldtimers are talking about when we decry slipping standards. Just look at that view! Just look at that parade! Awesome!

Cars and hat. Blegh.

If there ever was a post to visually demonstrate how Disney (broadly speaking) has fallen from glory, it's this.

We've gone from quality movies and parks like Aladdin and Disney-MGM Studios, to weak offerings like Cars and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

 

[JWG]

The best part about this thread is it's 3 weeks away from celebrating its 4th birthday. It's now officially as "temporary" as the temporary structures built at Disney.

 

[surfsupdon]

Man, the Theater view is really excellent. The hat can be moved, sure, but I always liked the water tower as the silhouetted icon on Disney media....it represented a "studio."

 

[dcibrando]

More kids (including my own) recognize and link the hat to DHS. Most wont know what they are looking at if it were just the Chinese theater again

I just think Disney could spend the money better than removing the hat. That's all

 

[unkadug]

Man, the Theater view is really excellent. The hat can be moved, sure, but I always liked the water tower as the silhouetted icon on Disney media....it represented a "studio."

But the park is no longer a studio...not that it ever really was...

 

[unkadug]

More kids (including my own) recognize and link the hat to DHS. Most wont know what they are looking at if it were just the Chinese theater again

Why is that a bad thing?