Happy happy Monday, friends!
Well, we were supposed to have headed up to Nantucket this weekend/early this week for a family trip since the kids had a four day weekend…but the weather did not cooperate.
Boo.
We gutted our two bathrooms on the island which is why we haven’t been up in a bit, and man, we’ve missed it BIG. Hopefully, we’ll get up there soon. In the meantime, it’s cold here in Dallas and the kids are home from school, so I’m going to enjoy this cozy Monday with my peeps here instead of there.
Alrighty, while I enjoy my Monday, I have about 4 million pictures from our trip to Walt Disney World last week for you. You guys, I am fortunate to get to visit Walt Disney World often, and I always have a magical time…but this trip here was extra extra extra magical. Between the weather, the friends, our girls…it was just all so super sweet.
Here we go…
Here they go! After over a year of planning and then qualifying, our amazing (and adorable!) cheerleaders left school and headed to Orlando. Erika and I headed up this endeavor with the amazing support of our committee, coaches, booster club, and cheer families. After over a year of planning, we were so excited to finally be taking off. While the girls left at 3:00 PM that day and headed to Orlando…
…Erika and I left much earlier so that we could get a jump start on things. We stayed with some of the other cheer moms at the Boardwalk resort. This was Erika’s second time to stay there but my first time, and I LOVED it! I loved the location, I thought the resort was gorgeous…it was all so so good.
We checked in…
…unpacked and settled in for our five night stay. Perfect for us besties 😉 .
We were hungry, so as soon as we got settled, we walked over to the Beach Club resort for lunch and then came back to work until it was time to head to the girls’ hotel…
…our team stayed at Coronado Springs. Why didn’t we stay together? Well the teams don’t get their hotel assignments until mid-November, so the families all booked their resort stays in advance before things started to sell out. We were so so happy when our team was able to get Coronado Springs. It was the perfect spot for our squad.
I don’t have any pics, but we worked hard on this arrival night. With the help of some amazing parents and the fabulous bellman at this resort, we were able to get all of our groceries for the girls for the week inside (I brought an entire suitcase filled with them and then we had other items delivered from Walmart!), and we set up their “welcome” dinner in the lobby (pizza!). It was so much fun to see them all pull up at 8:30 that night. We were all excited to see each other.
After we cleaned up, we headed back to our resort and got to sleep. The next morning…
…we slept in, worked and were ready to meet up with our cheer mom friends. On this day, the team and the parents did not have a park pass. Since this was a competition day, the girls needed to sleep and rest, so the parents played before and after they performed.
Good morning from the gorgeous Boardwalk!
Our friends hadn’t been to Disney either ever or in a lonnnng time, so we took this day and “resort hopped”…
First stop, The Grand Floridian for brunch…
How gorgeous is this hotel? This is where Erika and I stayed last January.
Up next…
…we took the monorail to the Contemporary followed by the Polynesian…
…we were having the best time 🙂 .
After that, it was time to head over…
…to the ESPN Wide World of Sports for…
…our girls’ performance!
We were all SO PROUD! They did amazing…
…and advanced to the next round the following day.
While the girls went back to their hotel to eat, shower and change, we continued the resort hopping…
…oh hey there Riviera!
You are gorgeous too!
Wilderness Lodge?!
Yup, we love you too!
After this, we headed to Disney Springs for the team dinner…
…our gorgeous sophomore cheerleaders heading into dinner 🙂 .
You guys, this was the last big thing Erika and I specifically needed to do for this trip…and I’m telling you, WE LAUGHED SO HARD at how poorly we do math. Figuring out the correct orders of 50 people (with modifications!) was not for the faint of heart. The team didn’t seem to notice how stressed we were, but the moms were laughing so hard at how sweaty and frazzled Erika and I were. The best news? They loved their dinner, and our final big “thing” for this trip was checked off.
We were so happy to head to bed that night because the next day…
…we were able to relax and enjoy!
We stopped with our friends and had brunch at The Yacht Club…
…we took a selfie for Dr. Riegel who had texted me about something travel-wise. I texted him back this pic. I think Erika and I would both like to think we are his favorite patients, ha!
After brunch, the girls competed earlier on this day…
…so we headed back over to ESPN.
Once again, we were so proud!
There’s my girl! 🙂
They didn’t advance past this day, but our goal had been to see them perform twice, so mission accomplished 🙂 .
Once they were done, everyone was finally able to…
…visit the parks! First stop, Magic Kingdom!
The whole squad! How cute are they?!
Now that the competition was behind us, these next days were all about FUN!
While the girls all ran off and did their own things, us moms had passes to try the newest Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We were so excited!
Here is our cute “before” pic…
…and here we are “during”. Bahahaha! Look at us ducking! We were trying so hard not to get completely soaked on this “log ride”.
We had the best afternoon in Magic Kingdom…
…we rode several other rides (including Tron and the Seven Dwarfs) before…
…taking the monorail over to Epcot just to stroll through on our way to dinner on the boardwalk…
…all so lovely.
We had a delicious Italian dinner and headed to bed.
The next morning…
…we were up early at Animal Kingdom!
Good morning! We headed inside, had lunch and checked it out before…
…heading to Hollywood Studios to see the girls!
Hollywood Studios is always so much fun…
…we enjoyed a few rides…
…and then made our way back to…
…Epcot for the rest of the night.
My very favorite ride (Cosmic Rewind!) plus a delicious dinner (in the UK!) plus fireworks is the perfect ending to an already great day.
The next morning, most of the parents headed home (it was a Monday), but the team had one last day in Disney, so Erika and I stayed to make sure it all went smoothly…
…we left our resort that morning and the two of us headed to…
…the Grand Floridian for a yummy brunch before setting out on our day.
Since it was just the two of us, we decided to purchase the new Lightening Lane Premier Pass for the day for Epcot. We have many clients that buy the VIP tours at Walt Disney World and then many more who don’t have that in their budget but wanted to know more about our thoughts on this pass. We were excited to check it out and report back.
Spoiler: we really loved it! The price of the pass varies by day and park, but for whichever park you select, you can ride every ride there one time without waiting in any lines or making any reservations. We selected Epoct because that was one of the more affordable options but still gave us 11 rides. It was really and truly so much fun to just walk up and ride at our leisure…
Off we went! Having the pass allowed us to ride things we would normally not ride or see shows we wouldn’t normally see.
Hey wait, look who I bumped into at Epcot on this day…
…awwwww! My girl! She had just gotten off the Ratatouille ride as we were about to get on.
I was thrilled to get to ride Remy and the Frozen ride and ESPECIALLY…
…ride Cosmic Rewind for the second time that trip (my fave!!). Thanks to my pass, I even rode Mission Space which was a first…and LAST for me. Geez Louise, that was the first ride in my 43 years that I’ve ever gotten on and been HANDED A BARF BAG. Thankfully, I didn’t need it, but it was the longest 90 seconds of my life.
After a very full day…
…Erika and I ended with dinner in Germany before heading back to our resort.
You guys, it was just the BEST trip! I’m telling you, whether I go with my family or my bestie or a group of cheer moms or an entire squad, Walt Disney World just makes me HAPPY! If it makes you happy too, make sure you sign up for our DISNEY ONLY NEWSLETTER that comes out any time something new drops at WDW. We will have a special edition drop this week with more details on fun things happening at the parks right now.
You can sign up HERE for the newsletter or if you would like a free quote or more details, simply fill out this quick INQUIRY HERE for more info on our Mix and Magical Disney vacations. We would love to help you have a magical trip too!
That wraps up my Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I will see you here tomorrow, friends! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
What a fun trip! I was in Boston this weekend and can attest the weather wasn’t great. Glad you are making the best of it at home!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jami Romano says
Sounds perfect ◡̈ being a booster. Mom is a lot of stress for sure lol, but totally worth it. I definitely will have to look into the premier pass for our family because it sounds amazing. So glad you all had a wonderful time.!
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
So happy to hear yall loved the LLPP! Now I just need to start working on my hubby convincing him it’s worth it 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
It was really and truly so amazing!
Jessica says
Oh this post makes me so excited. MMT is planning our Christmas Disney Trip and I am ready to go now!
Mix and Match Mama says
Can I go with you?! I LOVE Disney at Christmas!! Thank YOU so so much for allowing us to be a part of your very special vacation. We are so grateful! xx
Jessica says
We’d love to have you! You’d make it all the more fun!!
Amanda says
K is taller than you now! What is yalls height difference? Erika’s daughter is tall too. They’ve shot up.
Mix and Match Mama says
I know! They’re all getting so big. I’m 5’3″…I think K is just almost 5’7″-ish.
Paula Hobbs says
How FUN!!! I bet you all were just plum exhausted by the time you got home. So many precious memories. Have a great week!!
Hallie says
Looks like such a fun trip! Just curious do you take dramamine or anything before you plan for a day to ride rides? I used to be able to ride rides like that without any issue, but I think now my motion sickness is too bad haha!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t, but after that one ride, I should. I typically don’t have issues on most rides, but there is one in Hollywood Studios that made me throw up after I rode it when I went with Kensington on her 14th birthday (and Space Mountain did it to me once as well). So, I’m typically fine but not always.
Becky Shull says
My family and I were there the same time as you, also staying at the Boardwalk! I kept hoping I would run into you and Erika at some point!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh boo, I hate that we didn’t see you!
SS says
Fun!!! We used to watch the competitions on TV. We grew up with babysitters that cheered!! A couple of them even toured in college to help with big cheer camps!!! Lol. Now one is my chiropractor!!! 😂
Cassidy says
It was so fun to finally get to meet you and Erika!! (I’m the coach from Birdville!) Glad the team met their goal! Looks like everyone had a great time.
Mix and Match Mama says
It was so nice to meet YOU!!! The Birdville squad was the sweetest to get to travel with to Orlando 🙂 .
Kay says
Mission Space! LOL! I used to be a Disney travel planner (miss those days) and I took my younger kids often. For my 40th birthday trip, we had a special Fall trip planned (Halloween party, etc) and I knew about Mission Space! I refused to go on, but my husband took my3 kids and I made sure he knew to choose the milder option. Well, he didn’t! And out come my kids looking pale and shaky and horrified. It took my oldest like :30 min to recover, poor kid! And my daughter said it was stressful. She said people were “barking orders at her” and she was just trying to “keep up with her job!” LOL. Years later, we still joke about it.
So glad you had fun. I LOVE DW and need to get back soon!
Amy Keller says
Cosmic Rewind = Best. Ride. Ever.
And I dream about the orange butter and biscuits at the Grand Floridian brunch!
Rahel says
What amazing memories!
Allison says
So fun! I love this post! Great pics!! Reminds me of when I went to nationals in Orlando for cheerleading with my team from high school wayyyyyyyy back in 2000 lol! But the memories are amazing, this post had me reminiscing. What a great post!
Arika says
We were there in November and stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, which was amazing. What was so special is that the tree went up while we were there. We got back from the parks late, walked through the (normal) lobby to our rooms. And when we got up the next morning that huge, magnificent tree was up. Talk about Disney magic. It was spectacular. A trip at Christmas is worth it just to see that tree! It was really beautiful. Your Disney posts are always my favorite, thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, you’re torturing me right now. When we went in 2022, we specifically stayed at the Wilderness Lodge to see the tree and guess what?! That was the year they decorated the Wilderness Lodge last. I was so bummed! I wanted to see it in all its glory. You are so lucky!
Katie Compton says
What a fun trip with your girl and friends! We took our daughter to Disney when she was 5 for Christmas and it was my first time too! It was unbelievably magical.
Big news in our house over the weekend… that same itty bitty 5 year old found out she got into her dream college!!! Over 57k applicants and she made it. She worked the day decisions were released so we patiently waited until she got home. She pulled up and my husband shouted “She’s home!” She walked in, we raced upstairs, opened her laptop and got the good news! Lots of happy tears. I’ll remember that moment forever. ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, THAT IS AMAZING!!!! Wow! What wonderful news! Good job to her and to YOU, mama! That is a HUGE weekend!
Katie Compton says
Thank you!!! It’s my husband’s alma mater which is even more exciting! She had the choice of my school too but… I met my husband while visiting a friend at his college and we’ve been taking her to games since she was little. So as a family it’s a very special place for all of us. We’re so excited to create even more memories with our new Hokie!
Marianne says
Hi Shay! Can you tell me the brand of your belt bag? Looks like a great size for travel. Thanks for always sharing you fun adventures with us!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s lululemon! I bought that one last year (or maybe even the year before?), so it’s not current.
Gail says
I was actually thinking about your Nantucket bathrooms and wondered if you have ever considered a Washlet (Bidet)? You will save a fortune in toilet paper! And it is a wonderful thing if anyone ever has a broken arm!
Mix and Match Mama says
We actually have them!
Dana Glasscock says
Oh my! Mission Space!!! I have said that I will know my husband wants me dead if he ever suggests we ride that again!🤣🤣🤣
Mix and Match Mama says
Never ever again 😉 .
Beth Knecht says
Oh man, so sorry you couldn’t enjoy Nantucket for the holiday weekend! The northeast has been temperamental this weekend – from rain to ice to snow and now freezing cold temperatures!
Marisa Patel says
Looks like so much fun! We have never been and my family doesn’t do rides (except for me) so I do not know if I will ever be able to talk them into going!
Maggie says
Oh yay, glad the pictures made it over from IG. What a fun adventure with your friends and daughters. I used to watch those cheer competitions when I was younger, I cannot believe the talent and dedication those teams have.
Stacey Oneill says
where is your black tank from in the first pic?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Athleta! https://shopstyle.it/l/cmDuG
Courtney says
My daughter was an all star competitive cheerleader, we competed in Disney 3 times during her career and we WON UCA International competition. There are no better memories than the days we spent in Disney, for sure a core memory. Cherish those moments, my girl is 18 and about to become a college cheerleader! Thankfully many more cheer memories in our future, I’m not ready to give it up just yet
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow!!! That is so much fun!!!
Kit says
Can you give me details on your tennis shoes? So cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! They’re my tried and true favorites from Nike: https://shopstyle.it/l/cmDuB
Kacey says
Awww what a fun trip!!! So so special! My family has been DVC members since ’98 so I feel like it runs in my blood at this point. Every trip is still filled with magic and love. Now seeing it through my nieces (oldest is 4) eyes takes it to another level. Truly a special place!
Penny says
Disney World gets better year after year. I have been once, but my niece worked on Disney cruises for about a year and I was privileged to get more of an “inside” look at the Magic that is Disney.
Mix and Match Mama says
I would love that inside look!!
Emma says
What a special trip. Would love the details on Kensington’s sunglasses please! Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was a very very special trip! Those are from Louis Vuitton.
Jen Kosten says
What a great trip! Would love to know the details of your last outfit…blue top and white skirt?
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! The tank is here: https://shopstyle.it/l/cmEsO The tennis skirt is Vuori from last year. It’s not in stock any longer.
Keisha Dawson says
I love this so much! What a special trip for all of you!
Sheaffer says
WOW! What a wonderful trip! Such cute girls and moms! 🙂
~B~ says
Often in our trips to Disney I will see these large groups of kids and I will wonder what all goes into making their reservations, the planning! I so very much enjoyed this post, Shay, and hearing about it from your side of things as the planner/TA! And of course, I always enjoy any side of Disney I get to see so seeing where you stayed, ate = so much fun. As a mom of 3 grown kids, it makes my heart so very happy to see you enjoying these moments, making memories with Kensington and her friends. These are some of my most favorite memories in our life! Thanks, as always Shay, for sharing.
Jess says
We’re going to Disney for the first time in a month! On the other park days did you have the multi-rode lightning lane pass? Deciding between that or the premier.
Mix and Match Mama says
We did!! Have so much fun!