We have only been home for two days and I already want to go back. Don’t get me wrong, it is GREAT to be back home and in my own bed…but GOODNESS what a vacation that was. I was in Florida shooting a destination wedding last Friday and from there my family (whom traveled with me for the first time) and I headed to a weekend of Disney Park jumping. That Monday, we left on our 4 day Disney cruise in the Caribbean. So, technically, this time last week, we were boarding our ship and SCREAMING “Bon Voyage” from the cruise deck. Man time flies!
The wedding was a dream and I can’t wait to share more of that beauty soon…but this trip is all about a family vacation 5 years in the making! Getting 4 peoples schedules to match up is difficult, especially with my job monopolizes the weekends and my husbands job being so sporadic and strict. We sounds the ONE perfect week where we looked up at each other from across the table and simultaneously said “DONE!”.
Full steam ahead we began to plan our vacation and out of nowhere it spiraled into a week in the happiest place on Earth: Disney. Some of our friends from England have booked Disney cruises from southampton in the past so they gave us lots of tips and advice about what to expect! There are only so many years ( and my are they short and boy do they go fast) where the Magic of Disney is well and alive in the hearts of our children. Now, as they both understand who the characters are, we knew it would be a PERFECT time to bring them. We planned two days in the parks before our cruise on Disney’s Dream began and we had the MOST amazing time seeing DISNEY through their eyes.
I could go on for forever about how amazing this trip was….how good it was to unplug, fuel the soul, fill our families love tank, etc, etc….but they say an image is worth a thousand words…and I have about a thousand images to share!
So, enjoy a sneak peek into our FIRST Family Vacation in Disney, Part 1. This blog will feature some details of our suite, our PORT stops from our cruise…Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Key which is Disney’s Private Island, and some on ship fun. Stay tuned for PART 2 of this Disney Series…it will feature our travels, time in the parks, LOTS of canids, etc…its a CAN’T MISS FILLLLLED with REAL LIFE behind the scenes! )
I surprised my husband by having certain treats waiting in our stateroom. I even had it decorated so the boys would feel extra special.
They wasted ZERO time before they were in that Donald Duck deck top pool!
Our first port the day after we left, Nassau Bahamas. We spent the day at Atlantis and even swam with the Dolphins. It was all of our first time doing so and it was magical. I was absolutely in love and I even got to see my husband KISS a dolphin. Add that to things I never thought Id witness in this lifetime! : )
The boys loved the bus to Atlantis. There were minimal seat belts, they got to sit in the 2 vip up front seats next to the driver and they were BAFFLED as to why he was on the wrong side of the car. Just look at those perplexed faces! HYSTERICAL!
After a long walk on the property of Atlantis, we arrived at our first port ADVENTURE! SWIMMINGGGG WITH DOLPHINS!
I will give my left arm to shoot a wedding here…just saying! A PINK building in the background surrounded by green waters, blue skies…I mean come on!!!
THEY LOOOOVED THE INDOOR AQUARIAM! The walls were LITERALLY windows to the bottom of a whole sea world!
Watching the groups before us meet the dolphins.
Boy, those wet suits were fun to put on in 85 degree humid weather….NOT! Plus…NOOO ONE needs to see this lady in SKIN LIKE SPANDEX! I reffered to them as outside body spanx!
YES! A family picture. I handed my Mark iii and 24-70 to the ONE person in a uniform assuming they were the most trustworthy and able…frightening moment!
I mean come on?! Postcard worthy right!?
Mom, here is your smile…NOW LETS GO TO THE BEACH! We arrived in Castaway Key the next day and BOY were they pumped for some beach toys, sand and FUN!
This island is Disney’s Private island and it was just BURSTING with nooks and crannies to photograph. When researching this island, I didnt really see any pictures that really showed off its beauty and vastness, I hope these images do!
EVERYONE got off the boat this day. It was the nicest of weather and best spot for all ages. We loved it!
We took a tram to the islands ‘Serenity Bay’ after dropping the little ones off at Scuttles Cove ( an on island kids club where you can drop off the kiddos and go do some mommy and daddy things) and we both wanted to cry. THATSSSSS WHERE THEY KEPT THE QUIET. THE PRETTY. THE AMAZING! If you ever make it to this island parents, GO TO SERENITY BAY…ITS THE BEST!
Serenity Bay, will you marry me?
Leaving at the end of our last port day was so sad. The next day will be spent at sea and then we would be headed home. A 4 day cruise is JUST NOT LONG ENOUGH! Next time, we are going for a week! Stay tuned for MORE pictures on the boat, in the parks, and way, way more behind the scenes in part 2 this week!
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