Mickey Mouse's iconic sorcerer's hat has returned to Walt Disney World following an overnight installation as the park prepares to open its newly reimagined Animation Courtyard, now renamed The Walt Disney Studios.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will unveil its new animation-inspired experience on 26 May. Its centrepiece attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation, will be crowned by Mickey’s iconic pointed hat, which will stand above the entrance to the exhibit.
On Instagram, Disney shared a first look video of the hat as it was being installed, as well as an image of the iconic feature once it was in place.
The caption reads: "How about a little magic. Mickey Mouse's sorcerer hat has arrived at Hollywood Studios."
Fans of the park will remember that from 2001 to 2015, a giant Sorcerer Mickey hat stood in front of the Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Originally inspired by Mickey’s role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the 1940 film Fantasia, the structure was intended to be temporary but remained at the park for 14 years.
Housed in a building inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, The Magic of Disney Animation is a family-friendly space where guests can explore and draw.
Previously home to Star Wars Launch Bay, the reimagined building now features a new Olaf audio-animatronic as part of the Olaf Draws! experience, which lets guests learn to draw Disney characters with guidance from Olaf and pre-recorded Disney artists.
Beyond the walls of The Magic of Disney Animation, the surrounding courtyard is set to become The Walt Disney Studios, which will include the Drawn to Wonderland playground, green spaces, and F&B outlets.
Images courtesy of Disney
