It's hard to not think of Mickey and his Sorcerer Hat when you think of Disney's Hollywood Studios. From the Sorcerer Mickey meet and greet and the famous Fantasmic nighttime show to the park's icon once being his famous Sorcerer Hat, this special version of Mickey is rooted deep within Disney's movie-themed park's history. Before Star Wars: Launch Bay opened, you could even find a Sorcerer Mickey outside of the Magic of Animation attraction!
Animation Courtyard Reimagined
Image: Disney Parks BlogYesterday, Disney announced that not only will Mickey's Sorcerer Hat be returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios, but a new animation-inspired experience will be too. In case you missed it, Animation Courtyard will once again be celebrating Disney Animation -- and we can't wait! This very special building was a part of the original Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour and even served as an animation studio -- Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. Guests could tour the studio and watch Disney Animators sketch, bringing some of our favorite Disney Renaissance characters to life.
There were even three Disney Animated movies primarily produced at this special animation studio in Disney-MGM Studios: Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear! If you want to know more about the Florida division of Disney Animation, you can check out my blog about it here.
According to Disney Parks Blog, the Animation Courtyard area (currently home to Star Wars: Launch Bay) will be reimagined to look a lot like real Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California! Inside there will be a NEW experience, "The Magic of Disney Animation." The building will have its own Sorcerer Hat, just like Burbank! Inside guests will explore interactive experience around every corner. The announcement hints at animation sketching, an indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair's original "Alice in Wonderland" concept art, and even a look through the different studio departments that have been taken over by characters. For those who are ready to celebrate, you can find the inspiration for this new adventure on Disney+ now -- "Once Upon A Studio."
Image: Disney Parks BlogThis new experience is set to open in 2026, but we couldn't have asked for better timing for this announcement since we just launched our Magical Apprentice Band last week!
Magical Apprentice Band
Some Imagination, Huh? This special band is inspired by a courageous Magical Apprentice and a special vintage piece we couldn't get off of our minds. We offer this design in both gold and silver with sizing available in 5-12! Like all of our jewelry, this band is made from hypoallergenic stainless steel that won't tarnish so you can wear it in and out of the parks.
Ready to grab yours? Head over to our Magical Apprentice Band page and be sure to use code "SPINNING10" to save at checkout. We have another piece in the works for our Magical Apprentice collection, so keep an eye out for another product announcement in the near future!
Magical Apprentice Band
$44.00
Some Imagination, huh? Our Magical Apprentice Band is a vintage-inspired ring perfect to add a touch of magic to any OOTD inside, or outside of the parks. Available in gold and silver metal colors, these rings are adorned with beloved… read more
Other Animated Offerings
Image: Disney Parks BlogSince the goal is to bring The Walt Disney Studios Lot to Disney's Hollywood Studios, this area will look much different than its original form. The giant arch entrance will be gone and some lush trees will be added to match what can be seen in Burbank, California. The NEW Little Mermaid stage show will remain in the courtyard in the Studio Theater. Across the courtyard we can expect a fresh new Disney Jr. show! We're curious to see which characters will be featured.
Sorcerer Mickey at Disney's Hollywood Studios Through The Years
Image: WDW MagazineWhile most only think of Mickey's Sorcerer Hat or Fantasmic at this park's connection to Sorcerer Mickey, he's actually had a presence there almost as long as the park as been in existence! When the Animation Studio in Florida opened at Disney-MGM Studios, there as a presence of Mickey right out front. This entrance would eventaually feature a Sorcerer Mickey above the "Magic of Disney Animation" sign until the area was reimagined into "Star Wars: Launch Bay."
Image: Disney WikiFrom 1990 to 1998, Sorcery in the Sky featured a giant inflatable Sorcerer Mickey who shot fireworks out of his pointer finger! You can find a video of it here. This nighttime spectacular would eventually be replaced with Fantasmic, which has been a part of the park's nighttime entertainment for almost three decades.
Image: Disney WikiIn 2001, as a part of Disney's 100 Years of Magic celebration, we would see Disney-MGM Studios' park icon become Mickey's Sorcerer Hat! This hat would remain in front of the Chinese Theater for over a decade, eventually being demolished in 2015.
Image: Disney That same year, Red Carpet Dreams opened which gave guests the opportunity to meet Sorcerer Mickey in Disney's Hollywood Studios! You can still find him there daily.
With this new take on Animation Courtyard's original roots, it's fun to see that Sorcerer Mickey's Hat is finding a new way to be displayed in the park. If you want to read all about this special Florida Animation Studio, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Disney Animation Renaissance: Behind the Glass at the Florida Studio.
With so much excitement on the horizon, there's never been a better time to snag your very on Magical Apprentice Band on our site!
