Hey, hey, hey, today’s a HUGE DAY!!!
Yesterday, Erika and I kicked off SEASON 2 of The Bestie Breakdown podcast by recapping our Spring Break vacation to Hawaii last year and sharing TWO giveaways with you! You can take a listen to our recap and enter both of those giveaways on THIS POST HERE.
Today though?
Today is MEGA BIG!
Today, not only are Erika and I going to start recapping our Spring Break vacation to Hawaii here in actual blog posts (we’re going to sprinkle them in this summer), but we’re kicking off our recaps with a HUGE giveaway!!
Huge.
Gigantic.
We’re so excited!
Beginning today, you can win a Mix and Match Travel Agency vacation!!!!
And this time, we’re giving you OPTIONS!
Woohoo! One lucky winner is going to get a Mix and Match Travel Agency vacation of their choice! They can either head to Mexico, Walt Disney World or take a seven night cruise!!
One winner, three options!
All winners must be US residents. Please note, it is up to the winner to provide the documentation they need in order to travel. This trip includes hotel/cruise accommodations, ground transportation, and for Walt Disney World, park tickets. The winner of this trip can travel anytime between January 1, 2022 and October 1, 2022. This trip is not sponsored by anyone other than Mix and Match Travel Agency and terms and conditions do apply and are subject to change depending on the travel industry. Rafflecopter will randomly select the winner and their name will be announced on Tuesday, June 8th. All entries do require you to like, follow along or comment on social media. Blog comments are not a valid way to enter. The value of each destination is approximately $4000 and all accommodations will reflect that price range. If the winner elects to fly to their vacation destination, air travel is not included in any option and must be obtained by the winner.
We are really excited to travel again and want to bless someone else with a vacation too in 2022!
I AM SO EXCITED!!!
I know things are still up in the air and some of you may elect to wait until much later to begin traveling, but for those of you who are interested in hitting the road in 2022, this contest is for you.
So…in light of our giveaway and the fact that it’s JUNE (how did that happen?!), we thought it was the perfect day to begin our recaps because even though it feels like many years ago, when I was looking back at these pics, we truly had the BEST time on our Hawaiian vacation and really think we’ll do this exact trip again!
So grab yourself some coffee (or a Pina Colada!) and settle in, today’s post includes the first part of our journey…our “land” vacation in beautiful Ko Olina, Hawaii!
Awwwwwww! We booked this vacation 13 months before we actually departed, so it felt GOOD to be at the airport and ready to take off!!
This girl is my bestie, my other half, my partner in crime and one of my FAVORITE people in the world to travel with! We were so excited! (We were also over spray tanned. Ha!)
Annnnnnnnd…many hours later, we were at our hotel in Hawaii.
(I make it look fast in a blog post, but trust me, it took a bit. 😉 ).
We landed in Honolulu around 4:30ish, got our bags and into the shuttle bus to take us to the BEAUTIFUL Ko Olina Beach Club located there in Oahu. I’m sure you’re asking “why there”? Well, the second part of our vacation was a seven night round trip Hawaiian islands cruise out of Honolulu, so we knew we wanted to stay there on that island. When looking at resorts, Erika and I were immediately drawn to Disney’s Aulani (especially after hearing about that resort from so many clients), BUT since more than half of our clients travel without kids (girls trips, couples only trips, and we have so many empty-nesters), we wanted to pick a place that would help us be better travel agents to a larger group…so when we saw that the Beach Club was right next door and within walking distance to Aulani, it seemed like a win-win! We could check out both properties during our three night stay and get the feel for both resorts.
Awwww! This cutie was excited to be in Hawaii! Remember this…
…her first trip to Hawaii 🙂 .
We got checked in and dropped our bags off in the room. I took pics before my family came in and…well…took it over. #momlife
This resort was great because there were so many different types of rooms for different parties/budgets/needs. Each family had a two bedroom suite with a little living area and kitchen included. It was perfect for us!
Each room had its own bathroom and plenty of room for the kids to spread out. The best part though?
THE VIEW!! Look at the view from our room!!
All of you out there that live by the ocean, you’re the smart ones.
After we dropped off the bags (and many hours after we had woken up that morning), we headed down to explore, grab a bite and then call it a night.
Everything about this resort made me happy. I promise you, the Shull family WILL BE BACK! I could have spent the entire week right there!
We look like a bunch of ducks walking to dinner 😉 .
Clearly, these two are the ones who stood still long enough for pics.
Awwww! Love this! We ate dinner right there on the patio at one of the hotel restaurants, watched the sun go down and then went to sleep. #jetlagisreal
The next morning, we were up early and excited for the day ahead! But first…
…I sat out on the patio with a coffee and my book and had the BEST quiet moment by myself.
Take. Me. Back.
These two cuties came out to join me 🙂 .
(That’s my Amazon coverup that I love so much!!)
After that, I got dressed…
…and everyone met downstairs so that we could walk next door to Aulani for their Disney Character Breakfast!!
Love these peeps.
We walked through the beautiful resort to their restaurant and look who greeted us! MICKEY!!
Eeeeeeks! How can it not be a great day when you see Mickey first thing?!
We were seated at our table and all the fun began! Along with our delicious breakfast buffet…
…all of Mickey’s friends came to say hi!
Look at that smile 🙂 !
I could have that meal every single day!
We let them know when we sat down that we had a family member who couldn’t consume gluten or gluten contaminated food, and of course, Disney knocked it out of the ballpark with their service. They even showed us where they kept the gluten-free waffle iron (Mickey shaped, of course!) and pots and pans. Kensington was able to enjoy everything all gluten-free!
It was such a fun morning! Walking back to our resort, Erika and I were even able to go inside one of their hotel rooms for a quick visit and that was really helpful for us too! Service, food and accommodations at Aulani were all Disney quality!
Disney has a cove and then right next door, the Beach Club has a cove too. I loved walking behind them and watching them chat. Such sweet friends.
We found lounge chairs right there in our cove and were ready to park it for the day!
Beach babe.
Ohhhhhh…Andrew and I used to always say we’re not “beach people”. We were wrong. We were so, so wrong.
I have approximately 4500 pics of us on the beach that day, but I will spare you. Between the pool and the beach, the kids had the BEST day! We enjoyed a quick lunch there poolside and were back out right after. We only went in later that evening because we needed to get cleaned up and dressed for dinner…
…loved this Amazon dress last year, still love it this year!
We had reservations that night in Ko Olina at a restaurant called Monkey Pod (highly recommended by our clients). The resort made it so nice because they had a free shuttle bus to take you to Aulani (if you didn’t want to walk) or into town…
…everyone dressed and ready to go to dinner!
Hmmmmm…has approximately 4500 pics of the beach but only one very blurry pic of the restaurant. #picturefail
We had a great table, a great dinner and a great evening to end our very big day.
The next morning…
…my coffee and reading time on the patio included a double rainbow!
We got dressed in our swim stuff again (cover up HERE) and headed back to the beach…
…they weren’t excited about it at all 😉 .
We watched these two cuties compete in the slide race…
…so much fun!
We had lunch poolside again! Look at all of those happy faces!!
It was the perfect day of sand and sea.
Once again, we got cleaned up…
…but this time, they all matched!! Awwwwww! On Amazon, you can find anything. 😉
This time, we took the hotel’s shuttle next door to Aulani for their luau!
Look at these cuties 😉 .
I love this guy so much!!
We knew we wanted to enjoy one luau on this trip, so we thought why not a Disney one?! It was as amazing as you would expect! The food, the drinks, the entertainment, of course, there were some characters…but there was much more…
…they had lei making, “tattoos”, great music, fire displays…it was epic!
I love these kiddos so much!!
My luau buffet was delish!
The show was entertaining, educational (they explained so much about the history of Hawaii) and of course…
…Mickey and friends showed up too.
Whew!
So, that’s PART ONE! You can also listen to us recap the entire trip on our podcast too! Later this month, we’ll share some more, but in the meantime, you need to complete that Rafflecopter below for your chance to win! Good luck to all of you!!!
How excited are you?!
As always, we love making vacation dreams come true. If you would like our help with your next vacation, please email us today at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.
Remember, blog comments are not a valid way to enter the Rafflecopter. Each way to enter is specified in the Rafflecopter below. Following, sharing, commenting and tagging will be for our travel agency on both FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.
Happy June, friends! Best of luck to YOU!! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Wow, what a fantastic prize! ?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Elspeth says
This trip looks fantastic! I can’t wait to read more!!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Brittany says
Wow, what an amazing trip so far!
Maybe I missed it, but do you have a link for your luau dress? TIA!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish I did but it’s older and out of stock.
Erika Slaughter says
GIRL!!! I’m pumped for the winner already!! And I couldn’t have loved the first three days more!
Katie says
Hi! Can you link the matching dresses and shirts!! Adorable! Thanks for posting
Mix and Match Mama says
They were all from Amazon!! We searched Hawaiian outfits for kids and pieced them all together. Aren’t they fun?!
Anna says
It looks like an amazing vacation, Shay! In the picture of you, Andrew, and Mades at the luau, you look like you could be a teenager!! Heading to read your skincare blogs now!!!!
Kristen says
Yay! Finally the Hawaii recap! Love this since I am headed back to Oahu this summer! I love Ko Olina but the next time you go to Oahu please stay a couple nights at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.. It’s my favorite place in Hawaii!!
Brooke says
Thank you so much for this post! We are headed to Ko Okina Beach Club July 3 so I’m so excited to listen to your podcast for further tips and tricks there!! Thanks again!
Melissa says
Hi Shay! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway! What if you don’t have one of the social media platforms? Can you still be entered?
Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
No, you would have to get a platform (if for only this contest) in order to enter to win.
Kathy says
Wow, such an amazing giveaway for those of us who love to travel! 🙂 Your pics and post of your trip to Hawaii are gorgeous, and definitely have me excited to go there one day!
Melissa Terry says
I’m so glad you decided to recap this trip! We had our Hawaiian vacation planned for 18 months for this summer, but pushed it back to summer 2022 and I was so excited to read your tips. Looks like character breakfast and the luau at Aulani are a must!
Cecily Burk says
Can anyone participate in the activities at Aulani even if you aren’t staying there and aren’t a travel agent? I notice a lot of your first few days are eating and activities at the Disney resort. We are going to Hawaii next week, staying in Waikiki, but might consider stopping at Aulani. I assumed before it was just for guests staying on property?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! You can make reservations for both activities regardless of whether or not you’re staying on property!
Kaci says
Hawaii looks so dreamy ?. Looks like you all had the best time.
Beth Valenta says
Wow, just wow! You ladies rock. Loved seeing all of the beautiful pictures.
Paige E says
What a precious family! You all are amazing navigating big trips with both crews. Love it!
Kim Bayt says
We stayed at the Ko Olina Beach Club in January of 2020 right before Covid. The place is amazing! Looking at your photos brought back all the good feels!
Khirsten says
We love Aulani. We used to live on Oahu and during that time our 6 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and went through a year of chemo. (She is 14 now and healthy BTW) We decided to do a staycation at Aulani and booked a standard room, two beds. We showed up with our bald little girl and they told us they would call us when our room was ready but go enjoy the grounds. Aulani upgraded us to one of their suites!!! It was the biggest blessing and so unexpected! They made our stay so special. So shout out to Aulani! Oh and we move Monkey Pod Kitchen!!
Alexis Murrell says
This makes me want to go back to Hawaii asap! So fun!
Sharon says
How fun, Disney World here we come!
Sharon says
How fun! Disney World here we come!
Ginger Penn says
Love all of these pictures! Such a fun vacation! Love the dresses you picked too! ?
Joyce Knottek says
This looks fantastic! Haven’t been on a trip in about 3 years! Would love to win! Have never been to Hawaii!’
Amanda N says
Where did you find the hats for Ashby and Madeley?
Mix and Match Mama says
Aren’t they cute? Those were from Nordstrom!
Keisha Dawson says
It looks like such a wonderful trip, and I loved the podcast episode yesterday! So excited y’all are back!
Jessica says
Wow what a beautiful place to go! How do you relax on vacation with four kids any tips to make thinks easy?
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re older 😉 . We didn’t like beach vacations when they were little because it was so physically demanding. Now that they’re older, it’s SO MUCH EASIER!
Darlene says
Why do you not allow Canadians to enter your contests?
Mix and Match Mama says
I hate that! It, unfortunately, simplifies things on our end when booking the trip. I wish I had more giveaways for my Canadian friends!
Erin says
Will you think of doing a post on travelling with celiac disease. My son has it and I constantly worry about things like poolside eating, etc.
Tasha Fifer says
I just sent stay a night at the Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. It is beautiful and a great place for a family to vacation. My kids had a blast swim in the lagoon and the Pool.
Andrea Salomon says
How great!
Kristen Salomon
Kizzi Neeland
Paula Torrence
Jamie Lynn says
We are at Monkey Pod on our honeymoon in Hawaii! Best strawberry pie ever! If you did not have it, be sure to get it next time 🙂
Dianna says
So fun!! Does Aulani have character meals without the Disney princesses?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ours had Mickey and Friends!
Tonya Emery says
My husband I will celebrate our 30th Anniversary on December 20th. We would love to win a trip to celebrate. We actually went to Disney World for our honeymoon 30 years ago.
Meggan Thompson says
This would be an amazing adventure for our family who has not had a vacation as a family of four in more than ten years.What a way to kick off 2021 Summer!
Emmala Ryan Waduge says
Congrats looks fantastic!
Ginger Penn says
Where did you get the spray tan at? I am always looking for one that is brown (not orange) and doesn’t stink! Lol! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, a friend did mine!
Jen Haines says
Woohoooo!! Glad you are back!!!
This is such a great post and I am soooo ready for a vacation!! How fun! Xoxo
Thank you!
Jessica says
How did GF go for Kensington at the Luau?
Mix and Match Mama says
They brought her out her own meal…it was amazing! God bless the sweet people at Disney!
Joanne says
That sounds like an amazing start to your vacation! What a beautiful view.
Lauren says
LOVING this recap!!! So after listening to the podcast, if you guys loved the Ko Olina so much AND you loved Lahaina, Maui… you have to try the Marriott Maui Ocean Club! It’s my favorite of the Hawaii Marriott Vacation Clubs. It has the stunning views of Lanai off the beach and the same great quality of the Ko Olina resort. We went for 10 days and spent 5 at Ko Olina and 5 in Maui. Just a recommendation since you said you were planning to go back!
Liz Earle says
Awesome trip – Your blog is the best! Where is your moon and stars necklace from? Love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
That is Gorjana from Nordstrom…but from last year.
Vicki Sisson says
Thank you for this chance to win a dream vacation
Carolyn Morhous says
What a fantastic trip!!!
kellie carrara says
ohmygoodness– Hawaii and Alunai are on my LIST! I’d love to go for Christmas and wake up to a stocking full of sunglasses and bikinis — lol!
Looks like an awesome trip — we are big Disney fans and go at least every year, if not every 6 months. Would LOVE to win a trip!
Lilly says
Feels awesome ?
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I loved reading about this trip (and hearing about it yesterday!!)!! Definitely makes me want to stay at the resort y’all stayed at!
Carly says
Is Moana at this resort? All of this is literally so amazing!
Mix and Match Mama says
We did not see her at either events we attended!
Diana says
How fun and exciting!!
Amy says
Hawaii is amazing. Looks like a fun trip!
Gayle Herbst says
Looks like the trip of a lifetime!!! I’m ready to start traveling again- oh how I’ve missed it!
Kelly says
There is so much to love about this post! Beautiful beaches, cutie kiddos, lunch ON the beach and a fun luau!! Fabulous giveaway too, thanks Shay;).
Nicole says
I wish you would post more on your travel budget for a vacation like this.
Mix and Match Mama says
The great thing about our agency is that we really can make just about any budget work. We can adjust your hotels, cabins on board ships, etc to create a trip within specific budgets.
Bethany says
Love reading about your families adventures. What a great opportunity you are giving someone!!!
Christine Finie says
Hawaii is amazing! Would love to take my family to this resort. It looks amazing!
sarah says
It looks so much fun! I’m trying to figure out how I can get back to Hawaii!