Hellllllllllllo!
After a week off, I am SO HAPPY TO BE BACK!!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our Spring Break, but you know…there’s something nice about getting back into that routine again. That being said, as predicted, Spring Break has once again…left me ruined. After a week in the sun, I came home with all of this energy to be outside, plant my veggie garden, can jam, swim and yet…they’re calling for 60s and rain this week, so that’s not going to happen. Summer fever has already hit me and it’s not even Spring. Hahahaha! I need to get it together. STAT!
Today, I’m sharing PART ONE of our super special Disney Cruise with THE GRANDPARENTS!!
As always, let me break down the numbers for you…
There were four kids and four grandparents.
Those are really the only numbers that matter this trip, right?! IT WAS PERFECT!!!
Last spring, when the Shull six sat down to chat about what we wanted to do for Spring Break 2019, I threw out the idea of asking both sets of grandparents to come with us on a Disney Cruise and everyone LOVED it! When we called the grandparents, they all quickly said YES!! We booked and have counted down the days ever since.
Before we begin, a few tidbits and some housekeeping to get out of the way…
1: I always want to preface posts like this with the fact that this trip was in no way sponsored or paid for by anyone. I have personally never been on a free/or even slightly paid for vacation (not that I’m opposed, hey someone, send me somewhere FREE! Ha!). When we book trips, we’re booking them based on where we as a family want to go, and we’re putting our money where our mouths are. We value these trips so much that we continue to pay out of pocket for them ourselves.
2: This time, we selected a Marvel themed Disney Cruise 🙂 . Disney has select sailings throughout the year with different themes and this one was one of their Marvel Sailings. Smith was pumped. After two other Disney Cruises where he met the Princess and Frozen characters…he was ready for a little Captain America in his life. All four of the kids actually loved the Marvel themed sailing!
3: While we were on vacation, we were also busy bees at Mix and Match Travel Agency because Disney Cruise Line released their next batch of itineraries ready to be booked. At this time, you can book a Disney Cruise all the way through September 2020. When it comes to cruise sailings, the earlier you book, the better! I personally always book our family’s cruises between 11 and 18 months before we actually sail (no matter which cruise line we use), but of course, you can book much closer to the sail date if you like (you just might not have as many cabin choices available to pick from, as many dining time choices to chose from and some excursions/special on board activities could already be booked up).
4: I LOVE Disney Cruise Line! It is my very favorite line for so many reasons…BUT, in my professional opinion, it’s not always the right choice for every destination and itinerary…so, I’m certainly not saying that it’s the only cruise line we sell. In fact, I actually sell more of other lines. Disney is my FAVORITE (I really think their service, food, entertainment, cabin accommodations, port adventures and on board fun rank higher than other lines), but it’s not the right line for every family and every trip…I like to get to know people before we pick which cruise line they should sail on. It’s not “one line fits all” over here. Is it my favorite? YES! Is it always the right choice? NO. We would love to get to know you before we decide what’s best for YOU!
5: If you have any questions about DCL or trips in general, please email us!! We are more than happy to chat with you about your family’s next vacation (be that a cruise or land vacation). Just as a reminder, we are currently booking for all destinations outside of the Continental US with the exception of Walt Disney World (we love sending people there!!). Land vacations, cruises, tours…we have you covered! From Disney World to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia and more…we do it all! mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com
6: If we’re wearing something/using something you might like and I can link to it, I will!
Whew! Okay, let’s get started!
Here’s a little look at the first part of our trip…
At the airport and ready to GO!
We left straight from school on Thursday, March 7th and met my parents at the airport for an evening flight. It worked out so well because Andrew’s parents had to connect at DFW, so just about the time we arrived there, they landed and we all met up for the flight to Miami. (Yes, this cruise embarked from Miami and not Port Canaveral.)
These kiddos were so excited!! Because the 7th is actually my dad’s birthday, we all ate dinner together at an airport restaurant to celebrate before we took off.
Look at me in my very favorite “airplane outfit” that I have legit talked about (and worn) approximately 5 billion times, and it’s all still in stock years later…
BLACK MAXI//DENIM JACKET//WOODEN EARRINGS//CHOKER//NECKLACE
Four happy kids with four happy grandparents. Look at those faces!! We boarded our flight and headed east!
After we landed, we took the shuttle to our hotel for the night. We were tired and yet super excited about the next day. We all slept in late (woohoo!) and met for brunch at 10:30 in the hotel lobby the next day…
…the little girls are all “who invited the movie star?”. Hahaha! K’s accessory game was strong on this trip! (Glasses here and hat here!)
After we ate, we took the quick shuttle right on over to the port and boarded…
…The Disney Magic!
This was our second sailing on the Magic. In 2016, we sailed on it with the Slaughters as well…
…look how little they all look!!! And we’re missing our sweet fourth babies on this trip 🙂 .
We boarded this Disney Cruise in our swimsuits so that we could head…
…straight to the pool!!
We had a snack, we watched the kids swim, we swam…it was a great way to board our ship!
My favorite picture from the whole trip 🙂 . I love these people so much!!
Still in port and already swimming! Those sweet sisters 🙂 .
Those Shull men are so much alike!
A little wind and a lot of happy travelers! Madeley…scoot over a little bit 😉 .
Before we knew it, it was time for the sail away party! Load music, lots of dancing and characters as we pull out of port? Yes, please!
I wish they were fun. Hahaha!
We partied HARD! Ha!
After the party, we had the mandatory life boat drill and then showered and cleaned up for dinner.
Because we have six people in our family, we typically have to get two cabins, but since all of the grandparents came, we only got one (and then assigned a kiddo to a grandparent cabin). We had three cabins with verandas in a row on deck 8. The grandparents were so sweet and every night, they rotated and took a kiddo, so they could spend a little one on on time with each grandkid.
LITTLE GIRLS’ DRESSES//K’S JUMPSUIT
All cleaned up and ready for our first dinner on board!
Ah! I love this guy so much!!
Family pic from dinner #1!
My happy place is on a ship out in the water. I know it’s super weird (considering how motion sick I get), but I just looooove being on the ocean in a big cruise liner.
On a Disney Cruise, you rotate restaurants each night instead of your typical “one big main dining room” most cruises have. On night one we ate at…
…Rapunzel’s Royal Table!! It was GORGEOUS! The whole restaurant felt like you were inside the movie!
Hahaha! Excited faces! Tangled is my very favorite Disney movie!!
Eugene (as Madeley insists we call him) has such swagger!
After dinner, the kids wanted to check out the kids club while the adults…
…headed to the pub for some trivia!! This became our nightly routine before the show began, and it was SO MUCH FUN!!
On this night, it was 50s/60s music trivia and…
…WE WON!! Hahahaha! Look at us!! We are now all the proud owners of Disney Cruise Line key chains. That was our big prize 🙂 .
So, that wraps up PART ONE of our Disney Cruise! I’ll be back later this week for PART TWO! I hope you all have a fantastic Monday!! See you tomorrow!! xoxo
Erika Slaughter says
WAHOO!!!! LOVING this recap! I’m already looking forward to part two! Kensington happens to look SO TALL and SO GROWN UP in that jumpsuit! WHY do they have to get big? #STAYLITTLEFOREVER
Laura says
You guys are a beautiful family! How old do you recommend the kids to be to go on this cruise? Mine is currently 2 months…but we we’re thinking age 3, maybe?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ahhhh! Enjoy that baby!!! DCL is great because of the kids club and childcare areas. If you went after your kiddo was three, she could go for free to their kids club and have a wonderful time. If you go before she’s three, you can make reservations at their It’s A Small World nursery for her as well (and pay the fee). Either way, it’s a great line for families!
Susan Jeffries says
Disney Cruises are our favorites!! We started taking our daughter when she was five. She is 18 now and they just keep getting more fun! She recently auditioned in NYC for DCL as a dancer, and made it through to the last round with 3 other girls. Just waiting for that call now(: How much fun would it be, after cruising with Disney for so many years, to watch her dance on that stage?? Enjoy with your kiddos!! You can never beat Disney!
Momof4 says
I love your vacation posts. Your family truly knows how to travel. Quick question– are Disney cruises “all-inclusive?”
Mix and Match Mama says
All of your food is included in the price of your voyage!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I didn’t even know Disney did cruises! What an amazing trip! On my bucket list now, too! 😛
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Narci says
What a fun trip!!! Disney really does it so well. I am loving all of these pics!
Kristi says
My family and I took the Marvel Day at Sea cruise a little over a year ago and everyone loved it! My favorite restaurant is Animator’s Palate. I agree with you regarding cruise lines – we love Disney but Disney is extremely expensive, especially the European sailings. So we go on different cruise lines for those and other itineraries. But Disney cruises are without a doubt my favorite!
Chelsey Boren says
Where is Madeley’s little floral romper from the sail away party. I *think* my 4 yr old needs it for our December cruise
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s Lily Pulitzer from Nordstrom!
Liz says
Hi Shay! The black maxi dress you wear to fly…do you think it’d be something a nursing Mom could nurse in? Trying to look stylish and feed my baby.
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmmmmm…I actually do think it would be easy to pull down and up for nursing.
Angie says
I have this dress in two colors and I breastfed in it all the time- you have just have to loosen the straps but it’s definitely doable!
Nadine says
Have you ever considered sailing out of Galveston? You wouldn’t even need a plane ride. We have sailed out of Galveston on a DCL twice, and it was great both times. Different itineraries, different ships, and we even got to go to Castaway Cay. It seems like living in Texas you would at least try the Galveston port. So much easier!
Mix and Match Mama says
Actually, I don’t like the itineraries out of Galveston because you have too many days at sea. It’s also about a 7 hour drive for us…so that’s not super convenient.
Beth Godfrey says
Loved meeting you at DFW on yalls way! You all are the sweetest! So glad you guys had fun and looking forward to reading all about it!
Mix and Match Mama says
You too, Beth!!!
Jen says
This trip looks amazing. We LOVE Disney too! What stroller do you like to travel with?? Thanks 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Always a light umbrella stroller!
Jeralee says
This looks amazing! Is there anything you do to manage sea sickness on cruises for you and the kids?
Mix and Match Mama says
You know out of all the cruises I’ve been on, I’ve only been sick on one. We don’t take anything and haven’t gotten sick.
Christy says
Where did your husband get the pineapple swim trunks? I think mine would like them.
Mix and Match Mama says
chubbies.com 🙂
Bonnie says
Our family frequently vacations with my parents and my in-laws. This summer will be our 7th one like this. It’s so fun!
Lisa says
What do you to deal with motion sickness on cruises?
Mix and Match Mama says
I actually do not get sick on big boats!
Leah says
Did you guys get breakfast at the buffet or go to one of the restaurants. I heard you can actually get breakfast at some of the restaurants. Just wondering what you guys did:)
Mix and Match Mama says
We enjoyed the buffet every morning!
Pinkie says
Precious memories! Beautiful pictures!
What do you do for seasickness?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t get sick on big ships like this!
Lauren says
Looks so much fun! We are planning on going in 2021 so we will have to get in touch later! I know you have answered this before but in general how far out do you book plane tickets? We are traveling in the states this fall and I feel like prices change daily!
Mix and Match Mama says
It varies…but typically about four months out!
Elspeth Mizner says
Love this! I enjoy reading all of your vacation posts! It looks like a blast! Can’t wait to read part 2!!
Kathryn says
Do you take anything for your motion sickness?
Mix and Match Mama says
Big ships do not make me sick!! Woohoo!!
Melissa says
Kathryn, I got seasick when we cruised but once I got some dramamine I was fine. Just make sure to get the non-drowsy version.
Lily says
Do you need at passport to go on a Disney Cruise? We were thinking of taking one from New York to the Bahamas and I was wondering if kids need passports. Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
Whether you need a passport depends on where you’re going. At our agency, we always recommend all passengers have a valid passport when going on a cruise.
Christi says
Yes they’ll need passports or passport cards.
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends on the itinerary…there are other acceptable forms of ID for some, but we ALWAYS highly recommend a passport.
Jess says
Sorry if this is too personal…I was thinking about asking my in laws to come with us on a big trip next year, but I’m not sure how it works with the cost part. I’d love for them to join us for the memories (and an extra set of hands for my small kids!), but I’m not in a position to be paying for their trip on top of ours. Is it rude to ask them to join us but then to also ask them to pay?
Mix and Match Mama says
Maybe I’m super wrong here…but I totally don’t assume people are paying my way when they ask me to go with them on a trip. We just told our families, hey, we’re going on a Disney Cruise on these dates and would love for you to join us if you can work it out.
Jenna Lathrop says
What a perfect way to spend Spring Break! I love that both sets of grandparents went as well. What a fun and special memory for your kiddos.
Janie says
Can’t wait to read part 2 ! So cool to include grandparents on your trip !!
Susan says
Disney Cruises are also our favorite. My kids are a little older now and we have changed it up by trying a couple of other cruise lines. Disney still the favorite though. Wonderful memories made there! I am not sure if you have tried the adult only Palo restaurant there, but it is a must. We loved the brunch!
Donna Dulworth says
I know Cheryl was so excited to go on this trip! We were in Orlando at our daughters, when she texted me to say she was in Miami and getting ready to board! Loving these pictures!
Jan says
Do you recommend the dress for international plane travel also or do you prefer pants on really long flights?
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically wear the dress when I’m going places that are warmer. So, for me, it’s the destination/time of year. I love black jeans for long flights too!!
Jenn Farrell says
We leave Thursday to head to our first Disney Cruise!!! (Booked with you guys of course ?) I just saw where you wrote about getting motion sick. My husband and I both get very motion sick- we have the prescription patches you wear behind your ears, but it causes such awful dry mouth. Do you find yourself still getting motion sickness even with such a large ship? Any tips or tricks you recommend? Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not! I’ve been on many, many sailings and only have gotten sick on one. I really don’t feel the motion at all when I’m on board.
Tammy says
I really like the black maxi dress you are wearing for your airplane outfit. I see that it has very thin straps though. What bra do you wear with it? I have not yet found a super comfortable supportive strapless bra. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, my favorite strapless one!! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2019/02/what-i-wore-wednesday-5/
Megan says
Love this post!! We are wanting to plan a cruise next year. Do you like certain floors of the ship better than others? We have never been on one and I don’t even know where to start
Mix and Match Mama says
I do! You start with contacting us!! 🙂
Laura Farmer says
Can’t wait to read more about your Spring break cruise. We LOVE Disney Cruise Line….we have been on 10 with our boys (our boys are 20 and 18 )and we just took our 1st without them.
Taylor says
So glad your back!! The summer fever is real for me too!!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Kensington looks like Hollywood royalty in her glasses and hat! haha! I hope you can use some of that trivia knowledge next week! 😉 Can’t wait to hear more about this trip!!
That Inspired Chick
Leslie S says
I’ve been wanting to take my kids on a Disney cruise!! I have horrible motion sickness and 1 of the kiddos has mild — so I’ve been too nervous to book one! It looks so fun tho!! I think we may have to take the leap! Question for Shay — I’m thinking Bahamas for our first trip bc it’s shorter, do you recommend the 4 day? What excursions have been the best with kids?
Mix and Match Mama says
I love the four day! Now, we just did the five night Disney and loved it too. The extra day in Key West was the perfect amount of chill and go. In Nassau, we love the Atlantis excursion!! It’s always my kids’ fave!
Beverly Byerly says
Love your posts! My daughter booked a trip to Disney using your services. They leave next week. She said your agency was just wonderful to work with.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ahhhh! This makes me so happy!!!
Diana says
Love the recap! I was looking forward to see what all you had to say – we are doing our first Disney Cruise this summer and can’t wait! It can be overwhelming with all the information that is out there about what to bring, what to do, etc. Do you have any MUST HAVES that you pack for the trip? Some of the more random items I’ve seen suggested are battery powered night-lights, collapsible laundry bag, hanging organizer, etc. Looking forward to your Part 2!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve done a “what to pack when you’re going on a cruise” post that you need to read! You guys will have the best time!
Shevonne Latter says
What FUN!
I cannot wait for part 2
All your kiddos are getting to be so big – wish they’d stay small forever!
I am desperate to do a DCL after working on Seabourne Cruise Line & Crystal cruises for over 6 years it’s definitely something I miss – so I can so relate to that feeling of loving being at sea !
Are DCL all inclusive are they good about catering to allergies as our little girl has several and that’s always put me off as it is obviously a lot of mass production line food?
Look forward to part 2 ❤️?❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, they are! In fact, we’ve sent several clients with allergies on their ships and haven’t had any problems whatsoever. Have a great day!
Lindsay says
So fun! What pink are you wearing on your toes? I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! I don’t know!! I got a pedicure before I left and picked one of their colors. I like it though! It’s fun!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
This makes me so excited to take my future kids on a Disney cruise! It looks like so much fun, can’t wait for the rest of the recap!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Heather says
Thank you for posting this! I can’t wait fore part 2. We are going on our first Disney cruise in May and we can not wait!!!!
Gabrielle Ginther says
So fun! Can you link Madeley’s Minnie Mouse shoes?!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re from Jane.com!!
Peggy K. says
Love seeing your family have a blast together! You are such an inspiration to so many! I have a question, what is the supervision like in the kids club for children 12-14? Do they have it set up for parents to sign them in and out? Or are they on their own?
Kacy Mah says
I love seeing the family all together – I grew up with my grandparents and that relationship is so special!
Megan says
How did the packing cubes work for the cruise? Did you pack one set per person rather than packing a suitcase mixed with everyones things for each day? I’m planning to use ebags packing cubes for spring break and thinking I’ll just pack one set per person so the kids can be in charge of their own things.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhh…I have a lot to say about that!! I’m obsessed!! I’m going to get my thoughts (and pics!) together and share!
Megan says
Perfect – can’t wait!
Bianca says
We leave Saturday for Disney cruise and I am having trouble finding cute sundresses for dinners. Can you do dressy/colored or white shorts with a cute cami/top? Not cut-offs. Curious for your thoughts! Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
Absolutely!!
Mother of 3 says
That sounds so fun! My husband and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon and loved it but we have yet to attempt to take our brood out on the seas. (Though we are huge Disney fans and I’ve often though about a Disney cruise!)
JMM says
This looks wonderful! I’m wondering which hotel you stayed in that had a shuttle to the port? I haven’t been able to find one …
Mix and Match Mama says
The Marriott at the Miami Airport! It was fantastic!!
Mary Tran says
how fun! The DIY checkmark boxes on your trivia game! ON POINT!!! LOVE IT!
Christy says
Where did your husband get the pineapple swim? I think my husband would like those. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
chubbies. com 🙂
Christy says
Thanks!
Gary says
Crazy small world, this post popped up as a Google suggested “article for you” and we were on the same exact cruise – not just this one but last spring break as well! Even saw your kids in the airport lounge (we were the Asian family holed up in the kids room) and were on the same flight back to dfw. Glad you had a great time, my kids had a blast. We’re already booked on another Disney cruise for this summer, who knows maybe we’ll see you all there.
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! What a small world! I’m glad you stopped by to say hi!