Washington DC Family Getaway: Gaylord National Harbor Dreamworks Experience

February 28th, 2012

Gaylord National Harbor, A Great Weekend Trip for Washington DC Families

Other than the obligatory visit to family to show off the new baby, I have not spent a night away from my house since August.

To say that I have been going stir crazy is a gross understatement. More like stir-loony-bin-certifiably nuts.

What I need is a long, lovely getaway to an international locale with my husband, while all three children are watched by a full-time nanny who is practically perfect in every way.

But what I will happily settle for is an affordable overnight trip with my crew that provides a view other than the walls of my home, where someone else washes the linens and cooks the food.

I got that this past weekend at the Gaylord National Harbor’s DreamWorks Experience Family Fun Night With Shrek & Friends.  And not only did I receive a luxurious overnight getaway (I slept in a bed without a trench on my side or dust bunnies beneath!), my family and I had a rocking great time.

Check out our photos below. We were able to stay at this fancy-schmancy resort at a super-reduced price; dance with Shrek and Fiona and Puss N’ Boots; nosh on a huge smorgasbord of yummy snacks; play games and make crafts; make friends with other families as we snuggled down for an awesome group movie slumber party style. We also adored the nightly fountain show set to patriotic music, complete with bevies sold at the on-site bar for mom and dad. More kids activities at the Gaylord National.

Not photographed because of postpartum training still in progress: Two blissful, fun-filled dips in the beautiful heated, Olympic-sized pool with floor-to-ceiling views of the Potomac.

Are you too in need of a vacation, but the bank account and schedule only allow for an overnight? You are in luck:

The DreamWorks Experience Family Fun Night With Shrek & Friends is happening again on Saturday March 10, 2012!

The $125 per adult package (kids stay free!, based on double occupancy) includes:

  • One night accommodations at Gaylord National Resort for a family of up to four (4).
  • Admission to DJ dance party with appearance by Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots
  • DreamWorks Movie on the big screen
  • Puss in Boots Quest For The Magic Beans Scavenger Hunt
  • Swamp Juice & Ogre Treats
  • Family Souvenir Photo
  • DreamWorks Craft Activity
  • Resort Fee
  • Self-Parking

Itinerary:

  • 3:00 p.m. | Guests should check-in by 3pm
  • 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Meet the DreamWorks characters at their homes in the Woodrow Wilson Ballroom
  • 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Dinner on own
  • 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Family Party to include:
    • DJ
    • Appearance by Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots
    • DreamWorks Movie on the big screen
    • Swamp Juice & Ogre Treats
    • Puss in Boots Quest For The Magic Beans Scavenger Hunt
    • Family Souvenir Photo
    • DreamWorks Craft Activity

I highly recommend this driveable, affordable yet super luxe getaway.

You can also enter to win a giveaway of the experience by entering at the Gaylord website. (Note: This giveaway is not being conducted by A Parent in Silver Spring, and is across all Gaylord properties.)

There is also a similar package being offered at the Gaylord National Harbor this spring, Spring Break with Madagascar!

On Saturday March 31 or April 14, 2012, your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar—Alex, King Julien, Gloria and the Penguins!—will all be  at Gaylord National for a tropical DJ dance party and DreamWorks-themed games for the entire family. Play wacky and wild charades, race to complete puzzles, show off your marshmallow-eating skills, and have a roaring good time. This one night package is priced at $189 for a family of up to four (by the way, our baby in the Pack N’ Play did not count towards our headcount).

So if, like us, you are yearning for a vacation but have to stay close to home, head to Gaylord National Harbor for a night away. The experience really recharged my batteries, and my kids had a blast.

Disclosure: My family and I were comped our package in order to report on the experience for you all.  Some additional meals were provided as a courtesy by Gaylord National. All adult beverages were purchased by yours truly. As big fans, veterans and purchasers of the driveable weekend getaway, we were severely, sincerely impressed by the quality of the experience. All opinions expressed are our own.

Note: Per person based on double occupancy plus tax and fees for two occupants; up to two children (age 12 and under) stay free. Limited availability. Extra nights and atrium upgrades may be available at prevailing rates. Not valid or combinable with other offers (including Groupons, etc.) or groups.