Disney Dreams That Soar Show and Last Day at Universal

Introduction

On one of my last nights in Orlando was packed with excitement and a bit of nostalgia as I wrapped up my trip. After an evening at Universal Studios, where I enjoyed the “Cinesational” show, I quickly headed to Disney Springs to catch the “Disney Dreams That Soar” drone show. Arriving just in time, I managed to grab some food from a nearby food truck and settle into a spot to watch. The show was absolutely magical! Beloved Disney characters like Peter Pan, Dumbo, and Wall-E danced across the sky in a 3D display of lights and music that left me completely in awe.

After the show, I returned to Universal for a final visit as an Annual Passholder, wandering through Diagon Alley and catching my favorite rides. The bittersweet feeling grew as I took one last ride on the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and savored a butterbeer in Hogsmeade. Saying goodbye to Universal was tough, knowing I wouldn’t be back as frequently. Still, I’m grateful for these memories and can’t wait to return someday—perhaps when Epic Universe opens for a new adventure!

Arriving to Disney Springs

Ubering to Disney Springs from an evening in Universal Studios Florida, watching Cinesational, to try to catch the second show of Disney Dream that Soar, was really a stressful time lol.

The show was free to everyone visiting Disney Springs, but the space was limited to appreciate it on the better angles. The Uber ride was worth it since I arrived with plenty of time to my reservation at Jaleo by José Andrés.

I had learned that the view from their patio was great. But when I arrived there, I also learned that there were columns obstructing my view and the menu was just too huge and expensive for what I was looking for. Basically, you were forced to have a full meal for the view of the show, and there was a column in front of you. I decided to leave and find another spot.

Not far from there, I got into the area with the food trucks, and got myself a Cuban Sandwich from Cilantro Food Truck while I was waiting for the show to start.

Disney Dreams that Soar

So I had never seen a drone show and now I had just seen the one in Universal, and was about to see the one in Disney Springs in the same night.

I felt very lucky, so I got my food and my drink and waited for the show. The weather was perfect and they kept telling that the show was going to happen.

And then it just started…

I was in awe. All these 3D creations with the drones, obviously showing the best of Disney like Peter Pan, Dumbo…

Up…(this one was amazing! Like the 3D impression was formidable)…

Wall-E also fantastic. These giant elements on top of the Disney Springs while the music was blasting. I really hope they do this again in 2025.

Yes, by the time I am publishing this post, the show is no longer a thing. But I hope that it will come back. Just look at this amazing Death Star:

From Star Wars to Marvel, all corners of the Disney Empire were represented, and I was of course happy about it, as an MCU fan.

The show ended and as I said, I hope it returns. Just absolutely stunning, and a great way to finish your day at Disney Springs.

More of Disney Springs

And just because the show was over, it did not mean I had to leave. After a long day in Universal, and now having seen the show, it was my chance to explore a little bit more of the what Disney Springs had to offer.

Here I was back again in Gideon’s Bakehouse. The line this late in the night was not too terrible and was able to get in very quickly.

Love, love, love, these cookies, and the cakes and coffees too don’t get me wrong. The peanut butter cold brew is sooo good, I always get it, even this late in the night.

My time in Disney Springs came to an end, but I was glad I did what I wanted to do. Now, it was time to say bye to Orlando, by visiting Universal once again for the last time as an Annual Passholder.

Universal Studios Florida

I had my flight later this day, and it was sad I would not come back as an Annual Passholder anymore. I had planned this whole trip to use it for one last time. I assume I could have renewed it, but it was exhausting having to come back to Orlando so much to make it worth it, especially when I wanted to visit more parks.

Now that Epic Universe is on the horizon, I might get the annual pass once again, but let’s see what will happen.

In the meantime, I went to Universal Studios Florida, to get a glimpse of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

I went into the Single Rider line and it was very fast, not many people surprisingly.

Got to see a couple of shows, including the Beat Builders at New York. Always so nice to see them.

A break from the parks

You know what? Even in the last day you have in Universal, you should take a break in the middle of the day. And that is what I did, back to the hotel.

Bye bye arches, see you soon…

Back to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to take a quick nap. Just look at this view.

After a bit, I went back to the parks via the hotel buses, and I needed to continue enjoying Universal Studios Florida.

Illumination’s Minion Cafe

The new Despicable Me movie was out, and I needed to check their Illumination’s Minion Cafe once again, since I enjoyed the last times I had been there.

First, I tried the PX-41 Punch and it is as good as I can remember. Very sweet but with the right amount to make you crave a little bit more.

And the Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja is wow. I am so surprised that a very Latin dish like this is so good in a park. I would always get this if I could in Universal Studios Florida. I cannot recommend it enough.

Exploring more of Universal Studios Florida

Time to explore more of the Universal Studios Florida park. Passed by Bumblebee in Transformers: The Ride 3D. Always good to seem him.

And walked around the Dreamworks Land, which you can see more here.

By London, outside of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, there is an Easter Egg that you can find…

…and it’s Kreacher looking through the window at Grimmauld Place. Really creepy, but you only have to wait seconds every time.

Hogwarts Express

In my last day as an Annual Pass holder I had to take the Hogwarts Express to the other park, Islands of Adventure, probably my single most favorite park in Orlando.

Also, the ride offers not only transportation to the park but a different show, this time on the way to Hogwarts.

And here I was, in Islands of Adventure.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

I still had some time before my flight, but it was cutting it close. I had to wait for a long line for the Hogwarts Express, and in this Florida heat I knew I had to get a butterbeer from Hog’s Head Pub.

This way is faster than trying to get it from the Butterbeer cart park on the street.

Bye bye Universal

Next up, I was going to Jurassic World Velocicoaster to get a last ride on one of my favorite roller coasters in Orlando.

And just like, I was leaving Universal for a last time as an Annual Pass Holder. But I would be back for Halloween Horror Nights next.

Departing from MCO

After picking up my suitcase at the hotel, I went to the Orlando International Airport, and got to explore with the time I had, the Universal Orlando Resort store…

… and the Disney store. I was happy with this trip, but I still had to tell my experience in SeaWorld Orlando. That would be in the next entry.