Good morning!! It’s PART TWO of our Disney Land & Sea vacation recap!
If you missed PART ONE on Monday, click HERE.
The first two days, we hit Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom…and on day three, we did Epcot and then on day four, we boarded the ship! Fun times (and lots of pics!) ahead. Don’t forget to check out Erika’s blog today to see her recap too. It’s funny how we took pics of different things from the very same days. Happy Wednesday, friends!!
We woke up bright and early ready to have breakfast and hit Epcot. I love these peeps right here!!!
Girl pic as we waited for the bus 🙂 .
As soon as we got to Epcot, we had Fast Passes for Mission Space, so we went straight there and did that one before heading to our second Fast Pass of the day…
…to meet and greet with Mickey and his friends! Clearly, we were excited about this one!!
Ahhhhhh! The gang with THE MAN!
Sweet Madeley went back for another hug.
Next up was Goofy!
And then I think everyone loved meeting Minnie the most 🙂 .
Can I touch your nose?
And then give you a hug?
Britt enjoyed meeting the characters from a distance. 😉
So much fun!
After the meet and greets, we played a bit before walking around and touring all of the different countries (my favorite part!!). Look at all of those happy people in one pic!
First stop, Mexico. We enjoyed a snack out on the patio by the water.
The kids all got “passports” to use while in Epcot and while Ebby Lee and Kensington took theirs very seriously (locating the correct sticker that corresponds to each country you enter), Madeley thought this was more fun.
Isn’t this just the sweetest picture?! Bowen and his two girls.
After using a Fast Pass to ride the Frozen ride in Norway, we stopped and looked through the store. Nixon and Smith were cracking me up here.
We made it to China! One big happy framily!
(By the way, my shorts are HERE, jacket is HERE, and my tee is HERE.)
Ashby got a bubble blower and instantly became the most popular kid in the crew.
Britty and Madeley think this is waaaaaay more fun than putting the stickers in the passports.
We stopped in Germany for some live music and fun before…
…having lunch inside Germany! This was one of the best things we did. On our last day, the husbands really wanted us to have two sit down meals that day, so we looked online and the Biergarten in Germany could get us in for lunch (we already had dinner reservations). We LOVED the live music, the atmosphere and the food!
Having fun in Germany!
These girls 🙂 .
We stopped and checked out everything along the way…
…and some of us napped too.
Ashby Shull is just precious. She was having the best time!
Still napping.
For dinner that night, we had reservations at Akershus. The girls were so excited to meet the princesses!!
Madeley wanted to hold Aurora’s hand.
They were all so sweet!!
Britt just wanted Aurora to go away.
Cinderella stopped by!
And Jasmine too!
Ariel is Madeley’s FAVORITE!!!
We enjoyed a FULL day at Epcot! I clearly didn’t take enough pics of everything…but we were tired and happy when we finally left. The kids LOVED Soarin’ and I loved the fish and chips that I split with Erika in England. Did I mention that we basically ate our way around the world? Because we did 🙂 .
The next morning, we got to sleep in a bit before we met downstairs to board a bus to…
…head to Port Canaveral for our cruise!! Woohoo!!! Walt Disney World was fun, but we were all excited about part TWO of this vacation!
The bus ride was a little over an hour, so when we arrived at the terminal, we were ready for FUN!
Look at all of our big kids!!! Remember this pic from two years ago…
They’ve all grown so much…and we’ve added two! Ha!
Erika and I were ready for the ship!! We all wore our swimsuits that day because it takes a few hours for them to get your luggage to your cabin. This way, we could board, eat lunch and head straight to the pool. Pssssst: my hat is HERE and my romper cover up is HERE.
Britt and Madeley hugging. I’m pretty sure they were both so pumped to be on board the ship too 🙂 !
My sandals are HERE.
We swam a bit and then it was time to head to the lifeboat drill. (My sunglasses are HERE.) This was one crew in one area….
…and then Andrew was down in the other area (Ha!) with some of the other kids. We had three veranda cabins in a row. This time, we let Ebby Lee and Kensington share the middle cabin and once again, Andrew and Tab took turns staying in there. Those girls had that cabin looking good! They were so cute keeping it tidy and “organizing” it.
When you fit 12 people in a little elevator.
We hit the top for the sailaway party!
We kicked back and watched the kids dance and have fun with the loud music and…
…characters! Side note, I love you Disney Cruise Line, but the outfits that everyone wears when they’re doing stuff like this reminds me of…
…just sayin’.
Oh so fun!
We got dressed and ready for our first dinner on board the ship. My dress is HERE and heels are HERE.
It’s hard to take pictures with six people.
Dinner on board is always so much fun!
Madeley was tired 🙂 .
We ended the night by seeing the show on board. It was called The Golden Mickeys and it was super cute! We were happy and tired when we went to sleep.
Another day, another Disney post!! Don’t forget, if you missed PART ONE, you can see that HERE. Also, if you want to talk to our travel agency about our services, we are currently accepting new client vacations for Walt Disney World, Mexican all-inclusives and cruises all around the world that depart AFTER June 1, 2018. (We plan trips for existing clients anywhere in the world outside the Continental US.) Coming soon…we are going to be opening up a new area for new clients, so stay tuned for that! You can reach us at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com .
Have the best day!!
Taylor says
Ahh I love reading these vacation posts, especially the ones about the cruises! My grandma took me on a cruise when I graduated high school and then again when I graduated college and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Susan Jeffries says
This post just makes me so happy(:
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
What fun! The kids look so happy – dining on a boat sounds so exciting! 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Elspeth Mizner says
This looks so much fun! Just curious, why did you decide forgo animal kingdom?
Mix and Match Mama says
We had Park Hopper Passes and told ourselves we would go if we had time/wanted to change things up/needed something to do, but we never did. Since we only gave ourselves three days, it was hard to pack everything in.
Elizabeth says
It would be helpful for us to know which ship you were on.
Mix and Match Mama says
The Fantasy 🙂 .
Rebecca says
You were on the Wonder, not the Fantasy.
Mix and Match Mama says
Did I say Fantasy? I was on the Wonder! Seriously…that is where my brain is today. Ha! Yes, the Wonder.
Sunni says
You were in The Wonder. The Fantasy doesn’t sails seven nights and doesn’t have Tiana’s.
Mix and Match Mama says
I know. It was a typo. My brain doesn’t always work as fast as my fingers 😉 .
Dani says
I’m pretty sure it was the Wonder based on the photos.
Colleen says
This looks like the best trip! You have me dreaming of the pretzel rolls at the Biergarten! Can’t wait for part 3!
LastColl Blog
Cynthia Binari says
So fun! Now you have me totally wanting to plan a vacation 🙂 quick questions- what do you do about car seats when you travel? Do you bring your own? Also, advice on shoes to wear walking around Disney? Oh and how are the rooms on the cruise? Any pics? I’ve never been on a cruise and feel like I’d be a bit claustrophobic! Thanks for sharing your vacation recaps with us- love reading them!
Mix and Match Mama says
On this trip, we didn’t ever get into a car. We used the Disney Magical Express bus and that was it (where we used the seat belts on the bus). On other trips, we rent car seats along with our cars or we use car services that provide car seats.
Natashajk says
We went on our first cruise at the end of January. We did a Disney cruise on the Magic. I am also a little claustrophobic and we paid for an “inside stateroom” (read: no windows) and I wasn’t sure how it would go. It was fine. We had four of us (my husband, myself, my almost nine year old and almost seven year old) in one room and, while we didn’t have extra space, I never felt like I couldn’t move. The bathroom was a little small but we didn’t spend much time in there 🙂 And it was big enough that I could help my daughter in the shower.
Nicole says
Gosh, I’m glad y’all had fun. But as a Disney World cast member- boy does your title throw me off! I get what you tried to do with the land and sea. But we get pretty heated with our land and world differences haha
Narci Dreffs says
What fun!! You have me wanting to get back on that cruise shop today!! I’m so glad everyone had such a great time!!! Xoxo
Tina says
I love reading your post. We were in Epcot a few months ago. While reading your post, I kept thinking, oh wow we missed that! We only had a day and our two college kids “must do” was the test track, soarin, and mission space as well as walking around to the countries.
Erika Slaughter says
Wahoo!!! So much fun packed into two days!! And I’m still thinking about those fish and chips. STILL!!!
Sheaffer Sims says
My favorite is the picture of Bowen with his girls! Such an amazing trip for y’all!!!
Kathleen says
Hi Shay! We are considering this cruise with our three little ones next year (ages 1, 3, 5). The pictures from the saleaway party give me anxiety because I can picture losing track of someone with all those people. Does it feel that crowded throughout the duration of the cruise?
Mix and Match Mama says
Not at all! That party and the pirate party are crowded because so many people are there at once. It was not crowded other than that. For instance, on our day at sea, we had no trouble finding 4 chairs in a row right by the kids’ pool. Those two parties are the exception (but they’re so fun!!).
Brittany says
Where is Kensington’s dress from when you guys head to dinner on the ship? It’s to die for!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom! It’s Lily Pulitzer 🙂 !
Kim says
the Biergarten is so fun! Looks like you ha an awesome time. If you had one favorite “snack” from Epcot, what would it be? Heading to WDW in 40 days and I’m always looking to try something new and delicious!!! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
We had so many!! Because everyone in our group got 2 snacks a day…that’s 24 snacks available! We had chips and guacamole, little tacos, these cheese pretzel things, french fries and stuff like that!
sydnee says
How fun! It brought back memories of our cruise on the Fantasy a few years ago!!
Design by Sydnee |life + style ?
KE says
We are going to Disney soon. How did you decide what parks to go to? We are skipping HS since Toy Story Mania will be down while we are there and my daughter isn’t interested in Star Wars. Excited for the cruise recap bc we are debating if a cruise would be for us.
Mix and Match Mama says
Pretty much based on our dining reservations. We knew what restaurants we wanted to try, so we planned a lot around our dining times.
Valerie says
What a fun trip and I love hearing about your adventures. I do have a question…. Shay, what kind of food does Biergarten and Akershus have? We are planning our trip to DW for early June and my youngest has autism. She will only eat hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken nuggets. Are any of those available at Biergarten and/or Akershus?
Melissa P. says
We are headed to Disney in a few weeks, and I’m wondering if this is the last time my 5.5 year old daughter will get excited for the princesses. I’m glad to see your older girls still seemed to be “into” them!
Melissa says
I love seeing all of these pictures because they take me back to our fun cruises. There’s nothing quite like a Disney Cruise…pure magic. I got tickled reading about your first dinner, though, because even with a motion sickness patch and medicine, I was so sick both times the first 24 hours. I don’t even remember being there it was so bad. Fortunately, after 24 hours I had my sea legs and it was better. I know you’ve mentioned getting motion sick before…what do you take for the cruises?
Megan says
Hi Shay, I have so many questions. Did the kids like the food at the German restaurant in Epcot? Do they have standard kid stuff or is it all German? What restaurant did you eat dinner at on the cruise? What time was your dinner? Did you have early or late? What kind of food do they serve – fancy or standard? Do the kids have to eat off the kids menu? Do you have pictures of your cabins? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love your questions, Megan! Okay, my kids like German food because it’s my favorite, so they’re used to eating it. That being said, they had mac & cheese plus I believe they had chicken tenders too. On the cruise, you’re assigned restaurants on the first day, so we ended up eating at all of them. They rotate you through each one. We ate at the “main” dining time instead of the late one. They serve a huge variety of food including kid food. We had everything from fish to pasta to steak, pork and chicken. And I think I forgot to take pics of my cabin but Erika did in today’s post! Our cabins were identical!
Natashajk says
We went on a Disney cruise this past January and my almost nine year old son could eat off the kids menu and the adult menu in the same meal. They would let him order his appetizer from the adult menu and his main from the kids’ menu. My adult friend could even order dessert off the kids’ menu — it’s the only one with the Mickey ice cream bars!
We found they were very accommodating at letting us “mix and match” our dinners as it were 🙂 One night I had two appetizers and a salad and no main course.
Tricia R. says
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. This Disney fan loves the parks and the cruises! You’re making me want to plan our next WDW trip! 😉
Nicole says
This is totally random, and I know you’ve been asked this kind of thing a hundred times, but do you happen to know what lipstick you are wearing in the first picture of you and Erika? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe that’s Stila’s Perla 🙂 .
Susan says
What’s the name of the hair product that you said gives your roots a lift? I am interested in trying it out.
Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Kevin Murphy!!
Kim Winardi says
I love reading these vacation posts!!! Makes me want to go on vacation right now haha. Just wondering how the food was in the Disney Cruise Line? And we’re there more sit down restaurants or buffets or a combination of both?
Ann Marie Tennison says
Shay! Love yalls dresses! The trip looks amazing. Glad yall had a blast!
Sarah says
We’ve tried the Disney Cruise twice and tried to love it, but we just don’t (including the kiddos). We agreed we can easily do a luxury resort at the same price point…and eat good food at the same time! Ha! Disney is a blast though! Glad y’all had a great time ?
skimama says
Do you think teenage boys would have fun on a Disney cruise?
Mix and Match Mama says
I sure think so! The slides and stuff are fun, plus there are just so many port adventures for older kids.
Melissa says
I just noticed Bowen in the picture of Madeley touching Minnie’s nose. His hand on her head? So sweet!
Meredith says
We loved our Disney cruise…..I agree about their outfits, so SBTB, I wish we had done Disney world before or after the cruise for one day at least. Maybe next time.
Meredith says
My husband and I went to Disney World the week before y’all! It was so much fun! We snacked around the world, which was so fun especially during the Flower and Garden Festival with so many fun treats. So glad you had a great time! I think next time I would love to do the land and sea combo!
Kayla Bruce says
I’m loving these recaps!! I think I’ve said this before, but my family of 50+ took a Disney Cruise in 2015, and we had such a great time!! This is bringing back all those fun memories! <3
Kelly says
Disney does it right!! What fun!!
I love the outfits they wear – it’s sll part of the magic! Just too cute!
Laci says
This trip has me wanting to go back! Ughhh…love land and sea vacations!
Alexandra C says
My husband has the same Breitling Navitimer as Andrew but got the croc strap…seeing those pics I’m thinking he needs the steel bracelet too. Haha. Your trip looks like you had a blast!!
Mandee says
I have always loved me some Shay Shull, but that Saved by the Bell throwback really made me want to hug you? #zachmorrisforever
stacy says
We took our girls to Disney when they were 2 and 5. They are now 7 and 10 and I’m surprised that the 10 year old has no memory of it. We really need to go back. The Biergarten restaurant is so fun. It brings back wonderful memories of our first night at Disney.
Love seeing your 2 families traveling together, so sweet!
Denise says
I love Disney but have never really wanted to do the cruise but these posts & pictures has got me thinking!!!! The smiles on all the kids faces looks like they had a great time!!! But Madely was literally in heaven by the pictures!!! So much fun!!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Love all your pictures! Madeley with Ariel is the best! She looks so proud in that one! Can’t wait to hear more about the cruise!! That Inspired Chick
Jen says
Love reading these recaps! A Disney Cruise is on my bucket list. Could you tell us where is Kensington’s pineapple dress from?? Adorable!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Ah each update keeps getting better! The picture from two years ago versus now was so crazy, kids just grow too fast! Loving the girls meeting all the princesses!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Amy says
Ah! Love this so much. So glad I got to meet y’all in Norway! And trust me, I miss the fish and chips when I’m away in college too! 🙂
Jami says
I am eagerly awaiting for Disney to release their Fall 2019 cruise dates so I can book our cruise. Next year they are changing our school calendar and we go back to traditional calendar vs. the balanced we were on. We used to get 2 weeks of fall break and now we will only get one, or I would do the Disney World Land & Sea as well. It’s my happy place.
Mix and Match Mama says
Last year, it was mid-May!! You guys will have so much fun!
Kasey Holloway says
Akershus is seriously my favorite restaurant at Disney! My husband and I went to Disney for our honeymoon and are now wanting to go on a Disney cruise because we’ve heard about how amazing it is!
Hannah says
What would you say is too young to go on a cruise? We are looking into a cruise, but didn’t know how it would suit for a baby.
Mix and Match Mama says
Different cruise lines have different age minimums. Disney’s is now 6 months old. I’ve taken small kiddos and have never had any problems. If anything, cruises kind of force you to relax a bit.
Carly says
These posts are just making me so happy, I kinda wish they will never end…I’m sure you felt that way actually being there! Keep them coming framily!
Liz THORSON says
What a fabulously fun family vacation with a family you love to spend time with! Madely and Ashby’s pure joy was such fun to see! My favorite picture of your kids was the greeting w/Minnie. I loved noticing Kennsington reaching out to try to include Ashby. How dear and thoughtful!❤️
Annalisa says
This is kind of random…but do you need passports to go on the cruise? Or does it depend on the ports? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends!
Ramona says
Oh my goodness! This looks like so much fun! I have two grandsons, 6 and 7, I am going to see my daughter and her family next month. I’m going to ask her about planning a Disney vacation with y’all.
Brittany says
Ok nothing makes me smile more than Madeley seeing those characters and princesses! Nothing like Disney magic 🙂
Jennifer Atmore says
Just wondering… we’re going to WDW in November for 8 days with my whole family, but I’m thinking about taking a Disney Cruise this summer with just myself and my 10 y/o son. I’ve never been on a cruise, would we have as much fun with just the two of us?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think so! There is so much to do on board and then you two could do some fun port excursions too!
Lo says
Soarin is easily my favorite ride at Epcot- maybe even all of Disney. All the fun of flying without the terror ? And of course you ate your way around the countries- is there any better way to do it?!
Diana Yost says
I can’t wait to take my kids on a Disney cruise someday, looks like so much fun! and I love your Saved by the Bell reference haha 🙂
Elisabeth Hogue says
Now l want to go on a Disney Cruise AND watch Saved by the Bell! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahahhahahaha!
Kacy Mah says
Loved Madeley holding the princesses’ hands and touching Minnie’s nose. And Ashby with the lollypop through her missing tooth was too cute!
Cathy says
Shay I love reading your blog and posts. It looks like you guys had an awesome holiday with the Slaughters. We are going to surprise my boys with a trip to Disneyland in May. I am so excited for it after seeing your pictures. Disney world will definitely be a trip to plan for our next trip. A little off topic…can I please ask you what camera you used to take all these beautiful pictures? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Just my iPhone!!
Cathy says
Thanks for replying Shay!! I will need to update my iPhone soon. Hehe
Liz Thorson says
*Sorry to have misspelled Madeley’s name! ❤️
Eliza says
OK, so are you a totally nervous wreck your kids are going to fall overboard? Serious question! I have never been on a cruise but we are thinking Disney Cruise next spring!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m not…but I can see how that thought could pop into one’s head. I think once you’re on board, you’ll feel much more secure than you think.
Natashajk says
We went on our first Disney cruise in January and this was seriously one of my fears. My daughter is six and a half and my son is almost nine. Once on board, it never entered my mind. Most of the railings were up to my son’s shoulders and, honestly, most of the time when you’re on the decks, you’re not near the railings.
Brooke Richardson says
These pics just make me happy and have me totaling reminiscing our time in Germany and China while in epcot. You and Erika look like total celebs at the Golden Mickeys by the way!!! Gorgeous!
Julie Magdic says
what shoes did you wear in these pics at Disney? I go in November and have no idea what kind of shoes to take for comfort. Love your black ones!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nikes 🙂
Erica says
Where are your gold necklaces from in the first day cruise pics? The bar necklace and chain one?
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom. The brand is Gorjana.
Erica says
Thanks!
Karen Ivy says
ha ha… The Saved by the Bell throwback! I love it!!