Built in front ofthe Great Movie Ride, the Sorcerer's Hat debuted onMarch 28,2001 as part of the100 Years of Magic celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort. The structure was inspired by theSorcerer's Apprentice segment inWalt Disney's1940 animated filmFantasia.
During the celebration, interactive kiosks were installed underneath the Sorcerer's Hat where guests could learn aboutWalt Disney's life and career. When the celebration ended in early2003, the kiosks were removed.
The hat has been used as a venue for pin trading and sales, as well as the backdrop to many special events and shows. Disney characters made meet and greet appearances around the hat throughout the day. OnMay 20,2011, the Sorcerer's Hat served as the venue for the grand opening ceremony forStar Tours: The Adventures Continue.
For years, the hat was criticized by park fandom as a party favor that long overstayed its welcome, seeing it as a pointless eyesore blocking the Chinese Theater and clashing with its old Hollywood surroundings. OnOctober 24,2014, park management announced that the hat would be removed as part of a makeover for DHS. Deconstruction of the hat began in January 7, 2015 with it disappearing completely from sight on February 25th.
