OK, usually the word bombarded has negative connotations, but this time it’s completely positive….
I feel like I have been bombarded with the most amazing opportunities lately. My family and I have had the opportunity to do so many things that we normally would not have been able to do. The latest incredible adventure (another one that I was able to share with my whole family) was a weekend stay at the unbelievable Gaylord National Resort for a Dreamworks Family Fun Night with Shrek and Friends.
Our DC staycation with Shrek
From the atrium view hotel rooms to the dance party with Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots, to the craft activity that every one of my kids (from 6 to 15) happily and without pressure completed….It was a winning weekend!
I don’t even know where to begin.
We arrived at the Gaylord on Saturday afternoon (I got some good cleaning hours from the kids before we left!). The National Harbor area is about 40 minutes from our home, without traffic. Saturday was a cold, windy day, but as soon as we stepped inside the resort, we could have been in sunny California. It’s easy to forget that you’re so close to home in an amazing resort like the Gaylord. Even though we were only there for one night, we got the complete VACATION experience.
Our rooms were beautiful, complete with balcony views of the indoor atrium and the lighted fountain show below. We enjoyed the indoor pool with views of the Potomac River and then got dried off for an knock your socks off buffet dinner (this was a blogger event, and not included in the ticket price).
Following dinner, we took our stuffed bellies across the hall to a family-friendly Dance Party with Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots. AJ spent much of his time chasing the characters around, and I believe he was proud of the fact that Shrek accidentally hit him while they were dancing.
During the party, each of the kids ended up migrating over to the arts and crafts activity. They each got to decorate a pillow case (who would have known that a white pillow case and fabric markers could lead to so much fun?).
Finally, we laid out pillows and blankets and watched Shrek Forever After on the big screen. We snacked on tons of Shrek treats and Ogre Juice. By the end of the night, there were tons of tired kids (in fact, Reese and Twizzler and I were the only ones in our group who made it through the end of the movie).
We all slept beautifully, and Sunday morning came way too early. We finished our visit with a delicious breakfast and then headed straight to church (so nice to end a vacation and not have to travel too far to get back home!).
Learn more about Family Fun Night With Shrek & Friends
Enjoy character-themed events, including dancing with Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots, DreamWorks-themed games and craft activities, Shrek-inspired treats, plus a full feature DreamWorks Animation movie! Price: From $125 per person based on double occupancy. Kids stay FREE!
Please note: the Gaylord National Resort let us stay at the hotel for one night and let us hang out at all of the Shrek and Friends family fun night events. As many of you know, it’s impossible to fake kids’ enthusiasm. The opinions and smiles captured are 100% our own.
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Oh, how lucky you are to be making so many amazing memories!!
Looks like so much fun!
I totally need to go on vacation- soon! We just got piles of snow, which my kids love but I am not so fond of.
That is so awesome! Never mind the kids, I’m so jealous! I love Shrek but my kids would love that too. I should look into that for my youngest daughter’s birthday this summer. We have a Gaylord Hotel in Orlando and they run deals all the time. That’s a lot more affordable than the Nick Hotel.
Your photos are fantastic too!
That’s so cool..a staycation and meet up with Shrek.. It must have been a real magical vacation for the kids.
What a great time…and I love their art!