If you spent time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the 2000s, there’s one image you probably can’t shake: Mickey’s massive Sorcerer Hat standing tall at the center of the park.Whether you loved it or couldn’t wait for it to be gone, the towering blue icon shaped like the hat from Fantasia (1940) became a defining part of the park’s identity. It was the backdrop for thousands of photos, pin-trading sessions, and family memories before its removal in 2015.Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicSince then, the park has gone through an identity crisis of sorts. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge brought in a new era, and Toy Story Land made the park more kid-friendly. But there’s always been something missing—especially for longtime fans who associate the Studios with a blend of Hollywood charm and Disney magic.Now, nearly a decade later, Disney is quietly setting the stage for a nostalgic return.A Disney World Permit With a PurposeOn July 29, Disney filed two new permits tied to the Animation Courtyard area—specifically one for the gateway arch and another for a nearby popcorn cart. Neither permit mentions anything groundbreaking on its own, but what’s most interesting is the timing and location.Both permits are associated with Buena Vista Construction Company, Disney’s go-to team for refurbishments and early prep work. This suggests the groundwork is being laid for much bigger things in the area—and based on everything we know, that “bigger thing” includes a familiar blue hat.BREAKING: Walt Disney World shared concept art for “The Magic of Disney Animation” opening in 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The reimagined space replaces Animation Courtyard. pic.twitter.com/Dzkw6uX9fl— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) July 22, 2025Disney previously announced that Animation Courtyard will be reimagined into a new land called “The Walt Disney Studios,” inspired by the original Burbank campus. The Star Wars Launch Bay building will be transformed into a family-friendly attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. Concept art for that experience includes something fans never expected to see again: Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat.Yes, the Sorcerer Hat Is Coming Back—But SmallerSo here’s the big news: the Sorcerer Hat is officially coming back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But before you start planning a dramatic reunion photo shoot, know this—it won’t be the towering 122-foot-tall version we once knew. Instead, the new Sorcerer Hat will be more modest in size, perched atop the new animation attraction as a decorative feature rather than a park centerpiece.Credit: DisneyThis updated version is modeled after the Sorcerer Hat located at the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank. It won’t be a retail space or meet-and-greet location. But it will serve as a symbolic nod to Disney’s animation legacy, anchoring the new attraction and bringing a bit of that old-school charm back to the Studios.What To Expect Inside the New ExperienceThe Magic of Disney Animation attraction is slated to open in 2026 and will take heavy inspiration from Once Upon a Studio (2023), the heartwarming short film that brought together characters from across Disney’s animated history. Inside, guests will explore a whimsical world where classic and modern characters roam freely while the animators are “off duty.”There will be interactive animation stations, character meet-and-greets, a new short film experience, and even an indoor playground called “Drawn to Wonderland,” inspired by Mary Blair’s vibrant Alice in Wonderland (1951) concept art. It’s clear this attraction is designed to celebrate the full spectrum of Disney animation—from the golden age to the digital era.Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicWhy the Hat’s Return MattersLet’s be honest: not everyone loved the Sorcerer Hat. When it was first installed in 2001, it blocked the view of the Chinese Theatre and disrupted the park’s classic Hollywood vibe. But it still became an icon. For younger fans, the hat was Hollywood Studios.Bringing it back, even in a smaller form, signals that Disney understands the emotional connection fans had with it. This isn’t about recreating the past—it’s about honoring it while moving forward.The new Sorcerer Hat won’t dominate the skyline, and it won’t be the centerpiece of the park. But it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, a little nostalgia goes a long way.Bigger Changes Still Ahead at Hollywood StudiosThis restoration is just one part of the broader transformation taking place at Hollywood Studios. A Monsters Inc. land is in development where Muppet*Vision 3-D once stood, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is expected to be reimagined into a Muppets-themed attraction. Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.And with the permits now filed, it’s clear Disney is ready to get things moving. The gateway arch to Animation Courtyard—set to be removed—will soon make way for an open, more immersive experience that blends Disney’s animation legacy with modern park design.Credit: Theme Park Tourist, FlickrFinal ThoughtsThe Sorcerer Hat’s return might seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of park expansions and IP takeovers—but it’s a meaningful gesture. It tells fans: we remember what mattered to you. And while this version of the hat might not tower above the crowds, its reappearance stands tall in Disney nostalgia.If you’re planning a 2026 visit, keep your eyes peeled. The hat may be smaller, but its magic? Still just as real.The post Official: Disney Begins Process To Restore Mickey’s Iconic Sorcerer Hat appeared first on Inside the Magic.