Polynesian Getaway

Spending a long weekend between Miss A and Miss K’s birthdays at one of the Disney resorts has become an annual tradition for us (See THIS post, THIS post, THIS post, and THIS post for some memories of the past few years’ trips). We've always managed to get a great deal on a room by jumping on a Florida resident special they run each spring. This year, our getaway accommodations consisted of a castle-view, club level suite with concierge at the Polynesian. We knew we were in for a treat! This was only our second time staying at the Polynesian. Last time, we were celebrating A’s second birthday!

Seems like yesterday. . . But look how much we've changed!

Where did the time go?!?!?! Life just gets better and better!

The Polynesian grounds have a South Pacific theme--lush tropical gardens accented with koi ponds, waterfalls, pathways lit by tiki torches in the evenings, and even bunnies hopping about. Soooooo relaxing! It was easy to forget we were less than an hour away from home!

Having access to the King Kamehameha Club was great--loved not having to think about breakfasts and snacks, and being able to stop by in the evenings for hor d’ourves and a glass of wine as the electrical water parade passed by. There was even a late-night dessert buffet!

We decided to let the girls plan the itinerary, which meant we ended up spending 3 days in the pool and only about 3 hours in the theme parks. Our girls are turning into little fish and couldn’t resist the pool area shaped like a volcano with a water slide and a waterfall.

I’d anticipated that the pool would be a hit and had purchased three matching Minnie Mouse bathing suits (matching serves a dual purpose as it both makes it easier for me to spot my children in a crowd and makes for some presh photos!).

I rarely get in the water these days (or even wear a bathing suit!) and was perfectly content to spend most of the weekend in my cover-up, sunglasses and big floppy hat, dangling my feet in the water and cheering my girls on as they jumped from the edge into daddy’s arms, dove for pennies from the bottom of the pool, attempted somersaults and handstands and got up their courage to come down the water slide.

Since we visit the parks with some frequency, the real fun on this getaway was taking in all that was offered at the resort itself. We roasted marshmallows over a bon fire and watched Toy Story on a big screen set up on the beach (Woody and Buzz are still K’s favorite Disney characters (and Mater)). Each night, we opened the curtains on our sliding glass door so the girls could watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the coziness of their beds. The long days of sunshine and swimming meant that as soon as their little heads hit the pillows, they were out.

This mini-vacation came at the perfect time. We were starting to feel a bit weary and run down. I’m so thankful we had the opportunity get away, refresh our spirits and remind ourselves of what's most important to us. It seems a different kind of bonding and re-connecting happens when we remove ourselves from the interruptions and distractions of daily life. We try to use family getaways as a time to fully focus on letting each other know how special, adored and unconditionally loved they are. It’s a time to dream, daydream, encourage one another and reflect on how blessed we are and how much we have to be grateful for. Lots of laughter, silliness, and fun are also essential components. Seems we always return not with just a bunch of cherished memories, but with a renewed sense of family, togetherness, unity and team spirit. And some cute pictures for the blog, too!