It’s Thursday!
And for us, it’s basically Friday because, since the kids didn’t have any snow days this year (boo), they get tomorrow off. What’s better than a random Friday off?
A snow day.
But…that didn’t happen, so we’re taking this! #takewhatyoucanget
It’s the FOURTH and final installment of our Spring Break Disney Cruise!
(And everyone said AMEN!)
Last week, I recapped PART ONE (where we boarded our ship and kicked off the fun!) along with PART TWO (where we docked in Key West and had the best day walking around that beautiful town!). And then earlier this week, PART THREE where we hit up Atlantis in the Bahamas!
Today, we’re wrapping up the trip with our Marvel Day at Sea and our day at Castaway Cay. Take a look…
Sleeping kiddos on our day at sea :).
We let everyone sleep in a bit on this morning and then we met up with the grandparents at the character meet and greets.
Breakfast with my little 🙂 .
Everyone met up at 9:30 because we had tickets to see…
…THE MARVEL CHARACTERS!
Now, on our past sailings, the meet and greets have been for the Frozen characters and Princesses, but since this was a Marvel sailing, EVERYTHING was Marvel on our day at sea! From the minute we woke up, to the minute we went to sleep, it was Marvel everything. They were playing Marvel music around the ship, the captain kept coming over the loudspeaker and paging Marvel characters (it was really funny!), the crew all had on something Marvel, they were playing Marvel movies all day by the pool and in the theater…I’m telling you…it was MARVEL MANIA! And my kids were PUMPED!
The character meet and greets are free, but you have to make reservations for them in advance. My kids loved this because they were all so personable!
Iron Man was my favorite because he was FUNNY! Each character took a second to talk and joke around with the kids. It was really sweet.
So, after we met all of the characters, we hit the deck for a day by the pool. Guess what? I took three pictures the whole entire day. Three.
This selfie. My swimsuit top is HERE. And then this one…
…an awkward random picture. Ha! We swam, we rode the slides, we played, and played and played…
…and then this one too 🙂 . At 3:30, I took M inside and we cleaned up quickly for her appointment at…
…Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!
Third Disney sailing, third daughter to get a makeover in Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Looky here…
…our first sailing when Kensington had her makeover. Ahhhh! Look how little she was!!! And then last year…
…when Ashby had her makeover!!!
This year, it was Madeley’s turn…
Because you don’t want glitter in your eyes! 🙂
Spider Girl looked so beautiful!! She had on a little makeup, her nails were polished, she had sticker earrings on and her hair was oh so fancy!
Big sister’s face says it all!
You also need to make Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservations in advance before you board. You can buy a costume there or bring one from home (which is what we always do).
She was so proud!
#alltheglitter
For Marvel night, we brought all of the kiddos Marvel costumes to wear…
They were ready for FUN!
We opted out of costumes, but let me tell you, so many adults had them on ALL DAY LONG!! My dress was from Amazon and it’s only $19!!!!
Dinner this night was at Animator’s Palate and Kensington wouldn’t lose her character. No smiles. All attitude. Instead of their normal show at Animator’s Palate during dinner, it was a special Marvel show.
We all were having the BEST day!
My earrings are HERE.
After dinner, the kids went to Marvel trivia night and the adults went to another pub trivia. There was a big Marvel celebration on the top deck at 10:15…and we reallllly wanted to stay awake for it, but my kids were wiped out. Andrew even offered to wake Smith up at 10:00 for it, and Smith declined. I’m pretty sure we were all fast asleep by 9:00. Being outside and having fun all day can wear you out!
The next morning, we awoke in…
…Castaway Cay. This is Disney’s private island and it’s INSANELY gorgeous!
We all had breakfast and were ready to disembark right at 8:30. We wanted to grab great spots on the beach!
See all of those people on the left? They were getting off to run the 5K that morning. If you’re a runner, you can run the 5K at every Castaway Cay port of call.
A beach day with my babe.
We found a great spot right near the kids’ area with all the slides and stuff (see it back there?), and then settled in for the day.
You can buy sand supplies there, but I always bring it from home.
Toes in the sand with my littlest love.
I love her so much!
All of the grandparents loved the island too! You can pick excursions on this day if you want more stuff to do…but we enjoy just sitting on the beach and playing in the water.
Too bad you can’t move to Castaway Cay. Ha! My hat is HERE and swimsuit is HERE.
Castaway Cay offers a really nice place for lunch too (that is free of charge!). It’s a big BBQ buffet in the center of “town”. The food is always delicious!
All my peeps at the beach!
See Ashby and Madeley on their float? They just giggled and floated around all afternoon!
The end of a great day 🙂 .
We went back on board the ship and cleaned up for dinner (reluctantly, I might add!).
Here we are…ready for our final dinner on board!
I just love traveling with this guy here. (My romper is HERE.)
That Ashby Shull sure is sweet!
Think she loves her Papa Jay?
We had dinner again at Animator’s Palate on this night…
…and it was their traditional show where MICKEY shows up!!
After dinner, look who we ran into…
…Sofia 🙂 .
We wrapped up the night…
…with a FANTASTIC show!! The whole family loved the Dreams show that evening.
We went to sleep and then…
…woke up and it was time to disembark. It was also mine and Andrew’s 15th wedding anniversary. Ah! FIFTEEN YEARS! We had breakfast onboard and then headed back to the airport to fly home. Speaking of our anniversary, did you watch this…
…we did a little video where we discuss everything from our marriage to our families, adoption, friends, food and so much more 🙂 .
Whew! Annnnnnnnd…we’re done!
This trip with all four grandparents was such a blessing to all of us. My kids haven’t stopped talking about it since we got home. I’m so thankful for all four of them and what they mean to our little family.
If you have any questions about how my travel agency can help you plan your family’s next vacation, please reach out to us at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com. We would love to help you!
Erika Slaughter says
What a TRIP!!! You guys managed to pack in ALL THE FUN on those five nights! And I’m asking for a friend but did you spot Thor?? 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The girls and their makeovers are the cutest thing! They look so happy, haha! 😀
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Laurie says
What a memorable vacation for everyone! Everyday there’s something special. We’ve done. Several Disney cruises too, and I have to add that we upgraded to Concierge level and that was a game changer. I mention it because I feel like yall would benefit from the extra room and bathroom. It also offers the opportunity to book a cabana on Castaway Cay which is just one more step closer to heaven! You share so many tips and I’ve benefitted do much from you so I had to share a tip for you.
Thanks for all you do for your readers.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! Our clients that select concierge cabins always have the best time!!
Nadine says
Ever gone to Palo? The dinner is good but the brunch is amazing! For a cookbook author, I would think that you would want to eat there.
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t because I haven’t felt like we’ve had time. If we were to do a longer sailing with multiple days at sea, I would. But since we’re on shorter itineraries, I don’t want to spend time on certain things that I would most certainly do on a longer sailing (like visiting the spa too!).
Kylee says
Hi there! Love your trip recaps! Looks like such a fun time! I was just wondering what size you ordered that $19 dress and how the fit was? I’m going to Florida in a couple weeks and would love to take something like that!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought it in a small and was over the moon thrilled by it!
Tammy says
What size do you typically wear? I’m a size 2 and I’m afraid the Small will be too big. The sizing on Amazon says a Small is for size 4-6.
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically always wear a 2 and the small fit me great!
Laura Farmer says
Love the last 2 days of your cruise. Thank you for sharing.
Elspeth Mizner says
Looks like the absolute best time! So glad you all went and had so much fun! Do you prefer land or sea vacations?
http://www.elspthsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Eeeeeks! That’s such a hard one. Okay, I love big land vacations (like the Scotland/Ireland trip we took last summer), so I would probably say that…but every.single.time. I board a ship, I get excited and feel like it’s my “happy place”.
Rory says
This is random, but do you do anything special to keep your clothes wrinkle-free when you travel? Special folding techniques or something? I hate ironing on a holiday and you and your husband always look so crisp 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Have you tried Tom & Sheri’s iron in a bottle??? We bring that!! I do think using the packing cubes helps too because things don’t get tossed around.
Narci says
What fun!! I am loving all the pics of Castaway and Marvel night! This looks like an absolute blast! My whole family can’t wait to take another Disney Cruise!
Sheaffer Sims says
THAT $19 dress!!!!! Sooooooooooooo good! And Miss Madeley was precious all made up…but so was K seeing M all made up! SO SWEET.
Alexis deZayas says
The picture of Madeley in Castaway Cay is the sweetest!! Looks like y’all had the best time!
Allison says
We were on the Fantasy at the same time of your cruise. Love DCL! I’m thinking our next will include a Marvel day! Looks so fun! Thanks for sharing these sweet memories!
Jess at Just Jess says
M’s makeover was so sweet! It looks like an amazing trip! Jess at Just Jess
Laura Farmer says
Love the last 2 days of your cruise. Thank you for sharing.
Angela Ellingson says
What an incredible vacation!! So between your trips to Disney World, Disney Land and Sea and just the Disney cruises, how do you rank them price wise? And which is your favorite?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh! I have to say Land & Sea because you get the best of everything!!!
Kelly Buffington says
We were on a Disney cruise in 2009 and my twin sons were thrilled to see our sweet restaurant servers from the ship at the BBQ on Castaway Cay. I think they thought that they lived on the ship and never left it:).
Alice says
There’s only one ‘d’ in Bibbidi and Bobbidi. It’s clear from Madeley’s sash. And it’s Sofia, not Sophia. Just wanted to make sure you knew. If I was touting my Disney travel agent super skills, I would want to be sure I had the spelling right.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ugh…here’s the thing…I need an editor. That is for SURE! Going to correct that stuff now. I probably also need more coffee and sleep too 😉 .
Emily says
Wow Alice. Just because she’s a travel agent doesn’t mean she has to be a spelling bee champ too.
Alice says
It’s not that hard to check before you hit publish, Emily. The blog is a part of her job. I thought it might be beneficial to know. If I were traveling somewhere and the travel agent I wanted to use didn’t spell things correctly, it would make me question their attention to detail to the rest of my planning. Thanks, Shay, for taking my advice. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
To be fair to Emily, Sophia doesn’t get underlined in red as being spelled incorrectly and no matter which way you spell Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, you get the red…so, yes, I should edit more carefully, but yes, I do write a ton and am human therefore, I make mistakes.
Karyl says
That was a bit unkind. We have used the services of the Mix and Match Travel Agency and their strengths are creative ideas, responsiveness, and friendly customer service. Perfect spelling of obscure proper nouns is not on our list of requirements.
Erica Werner says
I have been reading your blog for years. I absolutely love it! You are so encouraging and positive. I could say so many great things about you! Thank you for sharing your life with us. I LOVED this video with Andrew. It was just FUN! I was laughing so hard during the rapid fire questions because it totally reminded me of my husband!!! And you’re right, I did know most of the answers just from reading your blog! LOL! I am so thankful for you and your family, even though I have never met you! ? Have a great weekend Shay!
WhittyWife says
Oh my word, such fun days!! Okay, so I have to tell you that I LOVE your hair straight – beautiful! Also, how did K grow up and become a teenager overnight?! Oh, and you should come to New England, where our kiddos all have to go to school later in June, because we used up MORE than our allotted snow days. 😉 Haha! (But I agree, snow days are still the best.)
Sara Robinson says
I wish my kids were little – so regret not doing a Disney cruise with them when they were younger! Need to plan a trip to the Bahamas!
Laci says
My favorite memory is the Disney Cruise we took our kids on! We need to book another one!
Margaret says
Enjoyed you and Adrew talking about life! Have you thought about doing a talk show together or app.
Amy says
Great idea!!! I am ALL for you two doing more talks Together. Loved it!!
Amanda Wilson says
We just got off our first Disney cruise…..and you were so right!!!! AMAZING!! Love all the recaps! Love your travel posts!! Have you heard of the Bucket List Family?? I think you and your kids would love to watch them!!
Emily says
Do Disney cruises have rules about being potty trained for the pools like other cruises? Also do all sailings include a stop at castaway cay?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! They have a kids splash area for those younger kiddos. Almost all Bahamanian and Caribbean sailings do…but not all. Some even make TWO stops there!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
What a memorable trip!! You and Andrew were too cute in your anniversary video. Glad Smith got to visit with his beloved Marvel characters instead of the Frozen princesses lol. I can’t wait to take a Disney Cruise with my family one day!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Amy Azza says
I just love your blog and all the pictures of your sweet family. I traveled all the time with my grandparents as a child and it’s so special that your kiddos got all 4 grandparents on this trip. Also.. you always look gorgeous but that $19 dress from Amazon is my favorite look on you !!
Kara says
This was my favorite post of the trip. Taking it easy….playing in the ocean and pool…my kind of vacation.
K’s face when Madeley got her “makeover” – Love!!!! The character photos on the stairs are great!
Kim says
You and Andrew need to quit playin’ and start your modeling careers ASAP! I mean talk about two gorgeous people!! ?
Erica says
Loved the video of you and Andrew! Happy 15th Anniversary! I also loved the $19 Amazon dress and just ordered it for our Disney Cruise in May!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Have so much fun!!!!
Chrys says
Wow…some people can be brutal with the comments. Sheesh! Anyway, I LOVE all your cruise posts, every time! But that is also because I am a cruise lover. Quick, random question…Do you whiten your teeth? If so, what do you use? I have sensitive teeth and I am always afraid of trying something, but your teeth always look so pearly white. ? Thanks Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ughhhhhhh…I can use a Crest White Strip about once every two weeks. Any more than that and I’m cursing myself all day long. My teeth are super sensitive!!
Annalisa says
I’m thinking of planning a beach vacation this summer but I have little kids (7 months, 3, and 8) They would definitely need lift jackets and I noticed Madeley wearing one on your trip. Did you pack that for her or were you able to rent it? I’m nervous about how much I would need to pack for them for a beach trip! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I packed it for her!
Michele says
Loved, loved the video! I think Andrew is my favorite person in the World!:)
Mix and Match Mama says
He sure is mine!!
Jan says
I love all of your vacation posts! Your family looks so happy in your photos. 🙂 I would really like to hear some of your mom’ s diet and fitness tips. She does not look like a Grandma one bit!
Mix and Match Mama says
Um, she doesn’t ever work out and doesn’t eat well at all. It’s the weirdest thing. She doesn’t eat very much (like, I could not survive on what she eats), so that’s probably part of it. She’s never been one of those “healthy” people who likes a good run and a salad…so, I think it’s all genetics.
Paige says
Do you have a link or the name/store where you got the brown/tan sandals you have on in the pictures with the Amazon dress and the day you got off the ship? They look like shoes you could wear with anything!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish! They’re several years old from Nordstrom. They’re really comfy.
Carrie says
Do you know, if you have a little boy who wants a princess makeover at the boutique, will they do it? Do you think they’d handle it respectfully?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! There was a boy in there this time!! They have boy costumes for purchase as well!!
Shelly says
Shay, can you share where those brown wedges are from? From the photo with the amazon dress? thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re old. Boo! I’m sorry!!
Raeanne says
Do you ever feel motion sickness on cruises? I get motion sickness flying and if I am sitting in the backseat on a road trip. I REALLY want to go on a cruise, but I am scared I will be sick the whole time!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not…but I do get very sick on planes and in cars. I really don’t feel the motion on a big cruise ship.
Lori says
I started following your blog when my sweet granddaughter became a part of our family through adoption. I know I’m older than most of your readers – but I still want to be fashionable which can sometimes be a challenge to look age appropriate. Your mother always looks like she has the perfect balance of fashion and age appropriate. Have you ever thought about featuring her in some of your fashion posts?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have asked and she has politely declined! I will ask again though! I do know that she shops mostly at Nordstrom and Anthro.
Kelly Lane Nation says
That pic of your kiddos posing in costumes is too cute! You should definitely frame that!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Oh man. I need a vacation. And I’m loving that Amazon dress!
That Inspired Chick
Susan says
It has been fun to see your in-laws! Your MIL is gorgeous. What a blessing your kids have all 4 grandparents strong and healthy. Your mom is stunning too! I love her style. 🙂
Lauren says
Can you share a link to those nude sandals you’re wearing in the last picture (if they’re still available?) Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
The wedges? They’re old. Boo.
Brittany says
Ok Marvel day looks like the best time!! So glad y’all had such a great vacay!!
Renee says
Popping in to say how much I enjoyed your video. You guys are adorable and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was nervous for Andrew during the rapid fire question part. I was glad he redeemed himself toward the end of the questions. My husband would have been terrible!
Kayla Sokoloff says
Where did you get the dress that you are wearing on the last day? It is so cute!!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s an oldie but goodie too from Nordstrom!
Chelsea says
Ashby is serving the up fierce in that Spidergirl costume! I love it! Also, I really like your hair straight. Very pretty ❤️
Cyndi Berger says
Just have to say it, GO MARINERS, being a Seattle gal.
Sarah says
Why is no one commenting on Ashbys pose in her marvel outfit? She is beautiful, Shay! Happiness and confidence can be seen so easily. Good job, mama.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you 🙂 .
Jordyn Kolar says
When watching your video with Andrew I was yelling GERMAN FOOD during rapid fire.. phahhaha.
Chiffon says
What type of room do you prefer on a cruise ship and what deck?
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends on the ship, but I like a nice high deck with a veranda. I also like mid-ship to aft the most.
Liz Thorson says
Loved the picture story of your vacation with all of your childrens’ grandparents! You’ve shared many pictures of your parents through the years I’ve read your blogs, and a few of your in-laws. Your in-laws are a stunning couple! I think Kensington looks a lot like a combo of her darling mother and Andrew’s pretty mother!❤️ Loved Kensington’s reaction to Madeley’s reveal! Precious!❤️ Shay, I admire you so much! You always take the high road when someone says something petty or critical regarding something you have shared with us. As my precious, long passed away mother used to tell us, a true Christian does not flaunt or label or talk about being a Christian, they share it by their words and behaviors. You are a true Christian to me, Shay.❤️
Kristi says
I’m about to leave for spring break!! I’m a work out every day kind of person, and I’m really wanting to use this week to relax and just enjoy my family. Do you sleep in while on vacation? What’s your mantra for while on vacation? Do you let loose? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not work out on vacation. I really try and get more sleep and let my body rest while traveling 🙂 .
Beth K says
Hey Shay! Which Louis purse did you take with you on the ship?
Mix and Match Mama says
That little crossbody…but I don’t know the name.
Char says
Why do the little girls so often wear the same outfits?
I
Mix and Match Mama says
Because they think it’s so much fun!
Andrea says
I have been wondering if I should look for something different than the standard Polo shirt for my husband, but I feel validated now after seeing Andrew wearing them in several of your vacation pics! Does he wear the classic or slim fit?
Mix and Match Mama says
Slim Fit from J. Crew!
Katie Protzeller says
Where did Lovie get her swimsuits?
Karen says
Wow, Andrew’s mom looks really tall!
Mix and Match Mama says
She is! All of those Shulls are tall! My 12 year old nephew is 6’2″. YES!
Laurel M says
I love your cruise posts so much! I’d love it if you did a “must pack for Disney cruise” post!
Janie says
Priceless picture of your Super-Hero children ! Thanks for sharing your amazing trip !!
Jessica says
I have a question about your Nantucket trip ☺️ My husband and I are planning an Anniversary trip to Nantucket & Martha’s Vinyard and are using your blog for tips. What did you do with your rental car while you were on the island? Also, have you ever been to Martha’s Vineyard?
Mix and Match Mama says
We only rented a car for a few hours one day. You really do not need a car on Nantucket if you’re staying near Main Street. We like to rent a car for a few hours one day to drive around the island, but the rest of the time, we stay within walking distance of everything (or uber).