And Now It’s Time To Say Goodbye — To The Iconic Sorcerer’s Hat

By now, it’s old news. Three days old, that is. But Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios will be dismantling the iconic Sorcerer’s Hat in early 2015. And three days later members of our family are both mourning and celebrating the loss.

The 122 foot hat appeared in 2001 as a “temporary” fixture to celebrate Walt Disney’s 100th birthday with their “100 Years of Magic” celebration. And there are other rumors to suggest it was installed to block the prominent view of the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard when the real Chinese Theater in California changed ownership. Apparently, the new owners wanted a royalty for every picture taken with Disney’s theater as the backdrop.

For many, my husband and daughter included, the Sorcerer’s Hat is just the welcome site that tells them they have entered the world of movie magic. They are sad to see it go.

For diehard fans, like me, the image was a sore sight that took away from the original intent, celebrating the world of Hollywood filming.

We are a house divided. And Twitter is a-flitter with cries from both sides of the nest.

But whatever your sentiment, family photos and individual shots “posing” the hat on your head will need to be taken before the new year.

There is one thing we can all agree on. Big changes are in store for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, changes that are welcome and necessary.

Gone will be the tired attractions like The Legend of Jack Sparrow, American Idol Experience, Studio Backlot Tour and  Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Their removal will make room for new Imagineering wonders, including a new Star Wars themed expansion.

Change is inevitable, and this is certainly true at Walt Disney World. It’s the greatest marketing ploy ever – something is always in the works to make you want to keep coming back year after year after year!

What do you think? Are you sad or glad to see the hat go?