Down Under Disneyana Australian Disney Forum

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201306/3524/

The rumours might be true!

Lots of rumours around at the moment about potential expansion announcements - I think the D23 Expo this year is going to be awesome! I really hope that some of these rumours get announced there - it seems like the logical place. Roll on August!

I didn't want to start a new thread, so thought I'd continue this one.

Some interest comments in this article about the changes being rumored at DHS. Thoughts?

http://www.doctordisney.com/2014/10/13/ ... d-studios/

Nice pick up! I can't imagine it is a printing error - the graphics with the Hat on it would have been in place for years, so this is a deliberate removal and change to the map. Maybe it was done prematurely but I'd say it is a sign that it will be removed.

There has been rumours for some time about the removal of the hat. Will wait and see what happens with the whole backlot area.

It is official - a Disney spokesperson spoke today on Orlando radio and announced that the Disney Hollywood Studios Sorcerer's Hat is being removed and the centre plaza will be re-imagined.

There is no timeframe yet announced and I think it will come down as part of a major DHS revamp - similar to the DCA rebuild. With them recently closing American Idol and the entire backlot tram tour, they are freeing up some major space at DHS for a massive project. Can't wait to see what they have planned, although I think it will definitely feature A Galaxy Far Far Away!

Because I haven't visited WDW the revamps don't really upset me - except for the removal of the big Mickey hat... I'm devo about that because my first opportunity to see it was going to be in 2016 on Sandie's next girls trip. I really wanted to take photos of it I'm still hoping they just move it somewhere else rather than get rid of it all together - but then that's how I felt about the California letters at DCA as well, and I still think it was better with them there.

I hope with the revamp they don't lose the hidden Mickey which is formed by the plaza and the surrounding buildings/landmarks. If you haven't seen it, get on Google earth (or maps) and squint, it's very cleverly done.

except for the removal of the big Mickey hat

Sorry you are going to miss the hat. It is a big piece of architecture so I wouldn't be surprised if it was placed somewhere else like outside the entrance to the park which at the moment is very bare and hot. The hat is the symbol of the park now and is featured on pins and logos so they might keep it.

I do think its removal will make the park look a lot better inside - with the Chinese Theatre becoming the main building centre-piece. I do wonder how they'll refresh that centre hub though where the hat is - it is a massive open area, and as Anthony says - it is an awesome hidden Mickey!

Theres been a lot come and gone from WDW that I wish I'd seen, so the hat will just become another one I hope you're right in them moving it, I really would love to see it one day.
Either way, I'd be happy to be in WDW at any time ( hat or no hat) -/