Trip Report Cosmos Rewind (now with completed sweaty summer solo trip!)

Hello, friends! After hiding in shame for a year after failing to complete my first trip report, I’m back to try again, this time with a nice baby sized trip to ease my way (in hindsight, trying to document a 10-day land/sea/Christmas extravaganza was perhaps a bit ambitious on my part lol).

The details:
Who: My mom and me
Where: All Star Music
When: March 20-23, 2025
Why: My mom and I did a mother/daughter trip for Flower & Garden in 2018 and wanted an encore! We’re both big flower people so springtime is our jam.

Here's a picture of us from our 2018 trip:

Time to pack some snacks and make some tracks!

 

[radiorae]

Kristoff expanded his ice business.

If you need dental work done, Hollywood Studios has you covered!

 

[radiorae]

It’s a little hot for a picnic, but sure, I’m game.

Hidden Mickey!

What could possibly go wrong with this guy in charge?

 

[radiorae]

Keeping with the cartoons, I popped into Vacation Fun for a quick nap show. I love the Mickey shorts chairs

And of course, no trip to Hollywood Studios is complete without visiting….

 

[littleroo]

You are getting so much done even the heat!! I am sure that is an advantage to doing a solo trip. I am loving all the pics!

 

[radiorae]

You are getting so much done even the heat!! I am sure that is an advantage to doing a solo trip. I am loving all the pics!

Being solo definitely allows for a lot more mobility. Downside is you don’t have anyone to share stuff in the moment with

I did mean to go back to the resort this afternoon but my energy levels have been steady and all the shows have helped to get out of the heat and give my feet a break. Epcot would be brutal today

 

[radiorae]

Next on my loop was Star Tours. I can always rely on it to have a short wait, but I feel bad it doesn’t get more attention. It’s a good ride! This time it was a walk on.

Today’s flight was to Kashyyyk (Wookie World) and uhhhhh…. wherever space whales are from?

I swung by Kat Saka’s again, as I didn’t get any popcorn Wednesday night and Outpost Mix is one of my favorite Disney snacks.

It was also time for real food, so I stopped in Docking Bay 7 for the Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs: “Pork Ribs brushed with Tangy BBQ Sauce and served with Blueberry Corn Muffin and Red Cabbage Slaw”

It’s a really well done dish. You get the spice and tang from the ribs, which fall off the bone. Then you have the sweet muffin and acid from the slaw to balance it out. Altogether it’s a very good bite.

After dinner I took another shift with Hondo. I got to pilot!

My crew did Chewy proud. I also found this cute droid door!

I migrated over to Toy Story Land next for my TSMM LL but was warned by the cast member that they have “limited capacity” and that the wait would be HALF AN HOUR. FOR LIGHTNING LANE. AT LEAST.

The regular line was somewhere around 90 min. I gave it a try, but after nearly 10 minutes without movement I bailed. There would be no Midway redemption for me this trip.

 

[radiorae]

I had an awkward amount of time left before my last fast pass, so I decided to wander a bit. I went into Walt Disney Presents and looked briefly at the different exhibits— it hasn’t changed in a very long time minus the rotating movie exhibit at the very end, so I didn’t take pictures. But if you haven’t been before and you’re interested in cool Disney artifacts, it’s worth the short stop!

Popping out into Animation Courtyard I realized how awkwardly shaped it is. I think I thought it was square? But it’s not, it’s more like three straight lines and one slant. I’m curious how the renovations will transform it; I’m guessing the planter will be just off to the side of the direct path to the animation (currently Launch Bay) entrance?

Out in front of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad, a mom duck was teaching her teenager ducks how to aggressively go for popcorn heedless of human feet.

I went into nearly every shop and came out with nothing I have a hard time finding merch I really like.

As I made my way, I noticed horticulture’s touches around Sunset Boulevard. Most of the planters were full of hardy greenery/stuff that can take the heat and sun. Even without flowers, they’re still pretty!

I believe this is Caladium (pink) and Lamb’s Ear. Lamb’s Ear gets its name because it’s so soft and fuzzy to touch

The Rockin’ Rollercoaster line was pretty bad and we got stopped a few times, but thankfully with LL it wasn’t too long before we scored our backstage passes and were zooming off to the show!

After, I did something I haven’t done in probably 10 years: Fantasmic. I’ve never been a huge fan of the show, but as I did every other show in the park it seemed fitting to end here. Plus, I hadn’t seen the new (ish? How long ago was it that they added the new content?) segments yet.

I forgot how much of a cluster it is But no worries! Fantasmic was quick to remind me. That being said, I’m glad I saw it and can go forth, confident in my choice to skip it until the next update

I was able to beat most of the crowd to the buses and soon it was back to French Quarter to pack I was a little hungry, so I stopped in Float Works for a snack but there were a hundred people in there trying to check out, and only one poor woman on register. So I pivoted to the gift shop.

I present to you my last Disney meal of the trip: Children’s Charcuterie Spread: artisan American cheese, salted ham disks, and buttery crackers served with a side of chocolate and crème sandwich cookies

 

[Tuvalu]

Updated Fantasmic! premiered in November 2022. While I was never a big fan of the original, I thought the refresh was very good.

But, like you, I don’t feel the need to see it until the next update.

 

[Piglet_the_brave]

Loving your commentary, lots of likes at once from me because I’ve only just realised you were doing a live report this time. I’ve just caught up while eating beignets at French Quarter.

You were lucky you could walk to Riverside on Thursday. We tried on Friday and the walkway was closed because of some work that was being done on the bridge over the river. The boats weren’t going to Riverside either

And I’m also not a big fan of Fantasmic, always wondered why so many rave about it, even though I love most nighttime shows (absolutely loved the Starlight parade)

 

[radiorae]

Loving your commentary, lots of likes at once from me because I’ve only just realised you were doing a live report this time. I’ve just caught up while eating beignets at French Quarter.

You were lucky you could walk to Riverside on Thursday. We tried on Friday and the walkway was closed because of some work that was being done on the bridge over the river. The boats weren’t going to Riverside either

And I’m also not a big fan of Fantasmic, always wondered why so many rave about it, even though I love most nighttime shows (absolutely loved the Starlight parade)

I heard about the bridge! Someone said a truck crashed into it? (A big truck, not a regular driving truck)

And I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks Fantasmic! is overhyped. Some Disney things have so many diehard fans that I feel awkward when I don’t like them as much.

 

[Piglet_the_brave]

I heard about the bridge! Someone said a truck crashed into it? (A big truck, not a regular driving truck)

And I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks Fantasmic! is overhyped. Some Disney things have so many diehard fans that I feel awkward when I don’t like them as much.

Wow, I didn’t realise that about the bridge. I thought it was just general repair work. The path is open again today when I don’t need to use it.

 

[radiorae]

Here’s that belated Starlight parade post— for those trying to avoid spoilers, look away!!!

Spoiler: Starlight Parade

I found a good spot for the 11PM show in front of the popcorn cart at the Liberty Square bend the road. I think this helped because then you got to see more of the sides of floats as they came around instead of straight-on.

I preface this whole post with— I really enjoyed Starlight! The music was my favorite part (it’s still stuck in my head days later) and some of the floats are simply breathtaking. Unlike Fantasmic, I would definitely stay late to see Starlight again on future trips

There are a couple things I didn’t enjoy as much as I was hoping to, but they’re minor. For the most part I’m not putting them in here because this is a picture post first, not a treatise on nighttime entertainment at Disney

But oh my gosh the floats are massive!!! Some just very barely clear the turn They’re also very wide; there were multiple points where the edge of a float was within arms distance of me, but maybe that’s just because of where I was standing/the tight turn corridor.

Hello Blue Fairy! The cast member stationed nearby said that she is 35 ft tall!

Pinocchio and Gepetto were locked in the trunk of her float and dancing around behind glass, which was a little strange. It gave me big “in the belly of Monstro” vibes lol

Asha from Wish:

Mirabel and Isabela (Give WDW Luisa, you Disney exec cowards!!!)

Next was Elsa in her Show Yourself era.

Elsa’s float came with scuba stick dancers. So did Encanto (with butterflies instead of diamonds). I wish the performers were more colorful and energetic; they were far and few between and their routine seemed to mainly be “take 5 steps, walk in circle, repeat”. Maybe more dancers can be added later?

The princess float was HUGE. That was one of the ones that almost got stuck.

The princess unit did come with dancers without wet suits, but they were still hard to make out in the dark costumes. I understand what they were going for in the look, but I’m not sure it’s translating fully. The dots of starlight do make for fun pictures though!

 

[radiorae]

And here’s Part 2! If you’re still trying to avoid Starlight spoilers, keep averting thine eyes. Here is a parade gif for you to enjoy instead:

Spoiler: Starlight Spoilers Part Two

After the princesses came Coco, which was my favorite of the floats.

Followed by everyone’s favorite water bender, Moana!

And then Peter and Wendy.

And finally, the train!

And finally, to bring it home:

 

[radiorae]

Last night after my snack I packed up and set my alarm for 4:00 AM Mears insisted on picking me up three and a half hours before my 8 AM flight. At least I had time for breakfast at the airport?

Goodbye, French Quarter! It’s been a real party

I made it home without any issues and took a nap. And with that, my vacation is over

Final thoughts:

Thanks for letting me share with you all and for following along! I think I was much more successful reporting in the moment versus slowly recounting after the fact. I admit I had the advantage of being solo to help me; I don’t think I could’ve done it if I were traveling with another. As it was, I had to set rules for myself so I’d enjoy the moment and keep looking up and around instead of down at my phone to post. Basically, post only when waiting on something (in line, for a show, for a bus, etc).

It was a great trip. I was worried about the heat, but I think I did a good job of being mindful of my needs and handling it as best I could. Annoyingly, it’s just as hot and humid at home, and there there’s not even a Disney park to make it worth it After the first day I gave up on wearing anything but full moisture-wicking workout clothes, which were much cooler than a traditional tshirt and shorts. I also had a cooling towel, neck fan, hat, and travel packs of liquid iv to help replenish electrolytes midday.

I wouldn’t write off another summer trip, though I would likely try for different dates; the parks were BUSY. Lightning Lane was a lifesaver. I don't have an AP, so my trips are not very frequent. I have to maximize my time when I can. Luckily the price is slightly easier to stomach when you’re solo Plus, there is something to be said for not having to stand in a hour long line with a bunch of sweaty, smelly bodies in the sizzling sun while you yourself are also sweating buckets.

I loved all the new things I set out to see— Test Track 3.0, Mermaid, Villains, and Starlight. I think one of the best things about Disney is that there’s always something new happening or new details to discover. You just need to know where to look!

I don’t have any upcoming trips planned right now, but I’m sure there will be another eventually. There is always another lol

Until next time, friends!

 

[HauntedHitchhiker]

Thank you for the fun report! Felt like I was there. You're giving me more confidence to do a solo trip. I registered for WDWMagic so I could follow your trip reports!

 

[cassidy]

I absolutely loved your trip report. I am getting ready to watch your 2 starlight videos. I hope you have another trip soon, so I can read about it!!! Thank you!!!

 

[mpaulam]

Thanks for sharing! Loved the new parade videos!

 

[rshell68]

Thank you for taking us on your trip with you!!

 

[cgersic]

Let me preface that I do mostly solo trips, just because I like the flexibility to do what I want, but do agree that sometimes you want someone there to share in the fun. The first time I went on Flying Carpets, I had the camel spit in my face right away, and I immediately started laughing and couldn't stop. It seemed that they had it out for me, as I got blasted multiple times, laughing heartily the whole time. I know this is basically just a boring spinner ride, but that spitting makes me want to ride it every time.

 

[erstwo]

Thank you again for doing this live trip report!
Even though I had a lot going on - I was checking in all weekend as I enjoyed your perspective so much. You notice so many details - that ice cream cart named ‘Kirstoff?’ Who knew????
So glad you had a great time.