The structure's removal began on January 7, 2015, and was completed on February 25, 2015. Once the hat was fully taken down, a stage was placed in front of the Chinese Theatre to host incoming Star Wars fireworks and other short shows from 2016 to 2020.

The iconic Sorcerer’s Hat, which served as the central icon of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for 13 years, was officially removed in early 2015. The deconstruction of the massive 122-foot structure began on January 7, 2015, and was fully completed by February 25, 2015. The hat was originally installed in 2001 as part of the "100 Years of Magic" celebration, but its removal was widely cheered by fans who wanted to restore the original 1989 view of the park's Chinese Theater. Since its removal, the center of the park has regained its classic "Old Hollywood" aesthetic, now serving as the focal point for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, allowing for a more open and historically consistent sightline down Hollywood Boulevard toward the theater.