It’s PART TWO of our little Walt Disney World vacation with Ashby and Bowen!
If you missed this…
…PART ONE, make sure you click HERE and catch that first.
If you’re all caught up, then let’s get goin’!
Good morning from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
These are the views from our hotel room. It appears from these pics that we’re on the ground floor, but we were actually on the second. Friends, the Polynesian DID NOT disappoint!
From the lobby to the pool, everything was beautiful (and super convenient since it’s on Disney’s Monorail!).
We woke up ready for our breakfast reservations at Kona Cafe. We decided to be those people with matching shirts 🙂 . I bought them off of Etsy HERE.
They look a little happy waking up in Walt Disney World, right?!
Matching shirts for the WIN!! Hahaha!
Mmmmm…I love a good breakfast! There really is nothing better than starting my day with coffee and eggs 🙂 . I had the eggs-any style. For this trip, we selected the deluxe dining plan so that we could enjoy more sit down, reservation meals. I’m super happy we did! One, we got to experience more places to eat and two, after walking around all day, I like to sit down and know I have a reservation.
Her smile melts me.
After breakfast, we were looking at the view out the window (see the castle?!) when we saw…
…Pluto!!! They were being too shy to take a pic without me. How fun is that?!
Psssst: my bag is HERE and shoes are HERE.
Good morning to you, Disney!
A quick selfie before we headed outside to see…
…the pool area! Now, we were out there at probably 7:30 that morning, so no one was swimming, but it was gorgeous!
Can you see the kids’ splash/play area? We brought swimsuits with us, but because our trip was only three days, we didn’t have time to swim. I already told Andrew that next time, we’re staying there and spending a whole day by the pool!
Lots of pretty green space! You’re going to see us back here at the end of the post!
We hopped right on the monorail after this and headed straight to…
…MAGIC KINGDOM!!!
I kept telling Erika how happy I was to be there! Ha!
We had Fast Passes booked and were ready for FUN!!
Rapunzel is my favorite Disney movie!!
I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure we were about to ride Big Thunder Mountain here.
We paused the fun and enjoyed burgers and fries for lunch! Then, it was on to…
…the dance party!
We accidentally got the best seats there! It wasn’t really crowded right before, so we just walked right up to the front and bam, the show started!
Why do I get so excited when they bring out Mickey? Every. Darn. Time.
Look at all the people behind us! I turned around and thought “dang, we walked up at just the right second!!”.
After a little dance partying, we headed off to ride Splash Mountain!
Friends, this is like my favorite “before and after” ever.
Here we are before we rode it…
…lookin’ okay…and then…
…bahahaha! I mean…I’m soaked!!! When our ride was complete, the log pulled up and PARKED under a waterfall thing that sprayed non-stop right on Erika and me. We were howling with laughter!
Ah! We had so much fun though!! This was my favorite ride of the day!!
Ashby was pumped to ride anything and everything! I was so proud of her!
We had dinner reservations that night at Skipper Canteen!
Because we booked 8 weeks out, we didn’t have any character meals, but you know what? I kind of loved it! We ended up eating at places we don’t normally dine at, and the food was ALL SO DELISH! They had the best appetizers here! We had hummus, a cheese board, wontons and more! Plus, I had their Thai noodles for my main course and loved that too!
After dinner, we had Fast Passes for Dumbo! This time, Bowen rode with me 🙂 .
We kept riding rides after that. We even rode the Pirates of the Caribbean ride twice on this day! We rode and rode until it was time for the fireworks show and you know what? These kids of ours wanted to watch from the hotel. So, we quickly hopped back on the monorail and went back to the Polynesian right at 9:00…
…they pipe in the music, so we sat on the lawn and enjoyed from afar.
She was having the best time ever!
Bowen decided it was time for bed 🙂 .
That’s DAY TWO! One more post next week to wrap things up!
Don’t forget, we would love to help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation (or any vacation for that matter!). You can always email us at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com for more information.
Also, did you see this yesterday…
…if you book a trip this month through our agency to travel any time in 2019 or 2020, we’ll put your name in a drawing to win a $500 Visa Gift Card!
Happy Thursday, friends!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
God Disney World is huge! Every time you post about it, I want to visit so much! 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Eileen says
We love the Polynesian. It’s our favorite resort. The pool, volcano waterslide, and kid water area are awesome. We always plan a resort day when we stay there. To be honest, there are often times we’re at the parks and the kids ask to go back to go to the pool. It’s that good!
Erika Slaughter says
I really didn’t think we could top the fun of Day One and then-Day Two rolled around!
Hanna says
Main Street USA gets me every time!! It’s my favorite place!
The Etsy link isn’t working 🙁 those shirts are so cute!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well darn, let me fix that!!
Farryn Bussa says
Love your Disney post ! Makes me so excited because I love Disney so much ! We have gone to Disney several times and booked less than 180 out.. and it has worked out perfect. I have also found that calling closer to the tome of arrival is successful in be able to snag character and more desired dinner plans. Has worked for us every time.
Sheaffer Sims says
The smiles on the kids faces are amazing! So happy y’all had such a great time!
Traci says
Yay! We lived here with Disney in our backyard. My father in law takes my kids every Tuesday to Disney and has for the past 7 years. It started out to give this mama a break and has grown into the sweetest grandpa and grandkids date ever. They’ve had more magical moments happen to them there than I can count!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness!! How amazing is THAT?!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
I never stayed at one of the resorts when I went growing up but I like seeing them now as an option for my future family 🙂 gotta love splash mountain pics, I have an epic one with my aunt and uncle and cousins from Disneyland lol
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Narci says
What a fun time! I love that pic of the 4 of you in matching shirts! How cute! And the resort looks amazing!!
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Watching the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian is so much fun also! We were just there in February/March and that’s what we did!
Dena says
And if you stay at the Polynesian, you can have Dole Whip anytime!
Lindsay says
I can’t get the Etsy link to work. ? We are going back in August and we can’t wait!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I even went back and corrected it! I’ll try again! Her name is Premium Soft Threads!
Jackie says
Such a sweet trip. Have you ever been to Universal Studios and gone to HP World?
Mix and Match Mama says
We have not yet!
Lindsay says
Can you tell me what room category you booked 8 weeks out and what longhouse you stayed in at the Poly?
Mix and Match Mama says
We had a standard view room in Niue!
Megan says
We love the Poly! Which longhouse were you in? Were you able to eat at O’Hana? It’s one of our favorites with the family style dining. The kids must have loved the pool and waterslide!
Mix and Match Mama says
Not this trip, so even more reasons to go back!!
Meghan says
That’s the thing about Disney – there’s always a reason to go back and do/see more! We’ve stayed at all but two of the deluxe resorts at least once and I’m already planning return trips to experience the two we haven’t visited.
Carly says
I don’t want these posts to end! Have you ever done a post on your favorite Disney hotels, the pluses and minuses of each? I’ve read all about them online but from your perspective I would probably be obsessed!
Elspeth Mizner says
I love your Disney posts! So fun and it’s makes me want to go there too! How did you go about rooms? Did you do joint? Separate? Connecting?
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
We shared one! It was super easy!
Carly says
There is nothing like Magic Kingdom! It just makes me so, so happy! While I love all 4 parts of WDW, MK just IS Disney to me! I’ve never even heard of Skipper’s Cantina! So many restaurants!!
Angela Ellingson says
So very much fun! I’m guessing Ashby is less than 48 inches tall. Did that restrict you on many rides? Definitely looks like there were lots of fun rides she could do!
Mix and Match Mama says
Only one! She wasn’t tall enough for one roller coaster, but we knew that going in. Other than that, we rode everything else on our list!
Holly Parks says
Looks amazing!! What brand are your cute sunglasses?
Mix and Match Mama says
RayBan!
Julie says
I love the Polynesian so much! We went on a family trip for my 40th birthday and stayed there. The kids were obsessed with the pool. I think they liked the pool better than the parks? I love that you can easily get to MK and Epcot and that you can see the fireworks, such a bonus. We saw a proposal happen on the beach during the fireworks when we were there! I know O’hana is impossible to get (former Disney planner here) but that was the best food in all of Disney I think! Have you ever stayed at Port Orleans? I’ve never stayed there and have been wanting to try.
Did you get to see the new Frozen ride? Love your trip updates. I would go to Disney every year if I could!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! We did!!
Jami says
Hi Julie. We’ve stayed at both Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside. I love them!! If you are on more of a budget and can’t do deluxe, they are both wonderful options. If you have kids I would suggest French Quarter. It’s much smaller and you can walk anywhere in less than 5 minutes. Riverside is bit more laid out but still just has beautiful. Both have the boat ride to Disney Springs. Last time we walked from FQ to Riverside and rented bikes. With the monorail resorts being so far out of our price range, Port Orleans resorts are our go-to.
Cathy says
The Poly is our favorite resort and the only way to get my husband back to Disney World. What building did you stay in?
Mix and Match Mama says
Niue!
Kaitlyn says
We booked a Disney trip last minute (a month out) a couple of years ago and we had the best time. We had no issues with fast passes and we were able to get dining reservations. I even scored a character breakfast at Animal Kingdom that did no disappoint.
MomofRoses says
How fun! We are going in late June!!! Is the Skipper Canteen in MK or is it outside the park? Wondering how doable it is to have dinner outside the park then come back.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s right there in MK!!
Jennifer Y says
So much fun! The Polynesian is our favorite too! Especially with young kids the monorail is a must. We went in January and booked close to 8 weeks out as well. Checking for dinner reservations frequently I was able to get character dining and even the new Storybook dinner at Fort Wilderness! I’m glad you had a great trip!
Jessica Bradshaw says
Love these posts! Where are Ashby’s ears from? My daughter would love these!
Mix and Match Mama says
Jane.com 🙂
Barbara Parnell says
Love the Polynesian! If you get a room with the view of Bay Lake, you can watch the fireworks from your room! Other little special things are that you can order milk and cookies at bedtime, they also used to have the children’s bedtime stories on the televisions. My kids always loved that! The little cafe/quick bite shop on the main floor is also awesome..I think it is called Captain Cooks. I cannot wait to go go again.
Sarah R says
We were at the Polynesian the day before you! I probably would have given you a big old hug if I had seen you! 🙂
Here’s a quick tip if you have clients that want a character breakfast but are booking less than 8 weeks out. They Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is right across from Disney Springs. You can take a bus from the hotel to Disney Springs and walk there. Every Sunday, they serve a fantastic brunch and Minnie, Pluto, Brer Bear, and Brer Fox from Splash Mountain are there. No reservations are needed and we have always enjoyed our brunch. That’s where we went for Easter this year!
Jami says
As I was reading I kept thinking, why isn’t she talking about the long weekend. Then I remembered Texas probably doesn’t get out of school for the Kentucky Oaks.
We ate at Skipper Canteen on our last visit. I love how they don’t break character. The Jungle Cruise is a favorite of ours. Even if it’s the same dialogue each ride, each cast member gives their own spin making each ride so different.
Nicole says
Where do you get Smith’s Under Armour clothes? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Straight off of their website!
Liz Thorson says
Loved the selfies of you and sweet Ashby! Precious memories of your special adventure forever captured!❤️
Candice says
Loving these recaps! Do you have any birthday gift ideas for a 13 year old going to Disney World this summer? Thanks!
Candice says
13 year old girl*!!
Mix and Match Mama says
What about a cute little drawstring backpack (I feel like those are really popular). Maybe a Disney one she could take? Or fun sunglasses?
Renee says
A Vera Bradley cross body bag. To carry her phone and sunglasses.
Mix and Match Mama says
That would be cute!!
Lori says
Because we live in WA we have only ever done Disneyland (and we have done it many, many times- we are big fans!)- but your recaps are really making me start to feel like we might need to venture to Florida one of these days. There is so much more to do there! Can there ever be too much Disney? I think not! 😉
Hannah says
I actually got engaged at the Polynesian last July! The hotel is amazing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah! Congratulations!!! That’s super magical 🙂 .
A says
Can you please pray for me/ my family?
My husband is sick and needs a miracle of healing. His name is Gary. When I read your posts, I feel so much joy and hope — and as if life is normal, happy and peaceful for a few minutes . I always say thank you to you- but I really mean thank you ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I am stopping and praying for Gary and you and your family right now. Please keep me posted on anything else I can do or if you have other specific prayer requests. I am so sorry. I am really so sorry.
Maggie Pratka says
We booked a mom/daughter trip last December and only planned maybe 6-8 weeks in advance and we were still able to get great fast passes and dining reservations in a small amount of time. We snagged a Be Our Guest QS reservation and Akershus so I definitely agree about still having a magical time in short notice. We are going again at the end of September and I had originally booked Skipper Canteen but canceled when I saw an Ohana open up. I’ve heard great things about Skipper Canteen!
Jaime says
Hi my family is planning a trip to Disney in November. I saw that you guys got the deluxe dinning plan for this trip. Do you think it was worth it? Was it too much food? Did you have credits left over that you did not use? Also if you were choosing between garden grill and Ohana for a character breakfast which one would you choose?
Mix and Match Mama says
We loved it and said we won’t do it another way from here on out. We used every single credit (we finished off our snacks by grabbing things to eat on the bus back to the airport). I loved trying new sit-down restaurants and having standing reservations. I really want to try Ohana’s breakfast next time!
Anna C says
Hi shay! Have you ever booked a vacation for someone staying in one of the tree house villas at disney Saratoga springs? Have you heard anything about it? Do you think it worth it for a family of 5. My husband and myself want to take our three girls ages 5,3,1. My mother in law will also be traveling with us and staying in the same room as us. Do you think us booking a villa at disney Polynesian or Disney beach club would be better? Thanks so much We just need some help!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have more questions for you! Let’s chat! Email me and we can set up a time, Anna!
Kelly says
Where are your cute jean shorts from here? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom!
Lisa says
Just curious re. your Instagram post — how do you survive Disney rides and all those cruises if everything makes you sick? Do you load up on meds? Just curious because I got soooooooo nauseous on my first cruise and have pretty much sworn them off for good. I told my hubby it felt like plane turbulence that wouldn’t end.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have never found a med that helps (even the prescription stuff). I only felt nauseous on one ride this time. For me, I cannot be hungry. If I have food in my stomach, I’m less likely to feel sick. The minute I feel hot and/or hungry, it’s downhill for me. I did ride the Aerosmith roller coaster one time and threw up after though…ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Not this trip, but on a previous one.
Erika says
California girl here. Long time blog reader and bundt cake baker. My daughter and I go to Orlando every May for a big cheer competition. I have yet to figure out how to style my hair in the humidity. I just resort to hat and ponytail. Both your hair and Erika’s looks great. Any specific products you use to beat the humidity frizzies? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
There was freakishly NO HUMIDITY while we were there. I probably said “where is the humidity” like 100 times. I have never been with such gorgeous weather before!
Becky Turean says
Where is your round straw purse from
Mix and Match Mama says
https://mixandmatchmama.com/2019/04/whats-up-wednesday-04-24-19/
jen says
I totally feel you with wanting to go back and staying a whole day at the pool. We are actually going back to the yacht club this summer for 3 nights and we’re not even going to do the park we are just going to stay at the hotel and enjoy the pool area because it’s so amazing and we’re always so busy worrying about what park that we’re going to that we don’t ever just enjoy how amazing that hotel is.