There is a reason why, (with a special needs child diagnosed with autism), we keep vacationing with Disney. Convenient, stress free vacations where our needs are recognized, anticipated and respected and most importantly we are made to feel like a 'typical' family. On any Disney vacation, we leave our daily life behind and enter the world of fantasy. Our son comes into his own and we see developmental milestones happening right before our eyes.
Convenience on a Disney vacation, brings me to my discussion about the private Cabanas on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, accessed through the majority of itineraries offered by Disney Cruise Line. We are Gold Castaway Club members and are greatly looking forward to our ninth cruise aboard the re-imagined Disney Magic this July 2014 sailing the Mediterranean.
When you book a private Cabana on Castaway Cay, you'll be greeted by a cardboard model of one when you arrive in your stateroom.
The luxury of booking through Disney Cruise Line is that you have the control of booking your own experiences and excursions directly on line, all of the information is on the Disney Cruise Line website for you to ponder. The Cabanas can be booked 90 days prior to sailing and are steep in price, but well worth the splurge of $499.00 ( subject to change) on the Family Beach. They cost $399.00 (subject to change) on Serenity Bay, the adult only beach. The initial price will accommodate six people and you may add up to four more at an extra cost of $50.00 per person. Still, very well worth the splurge. You'll soon realize why.
After being let off by the Tram at the Pelican Point check in area for the Cabanas, you'll be met by a Cast Member who'll ask you what your specific needs are and then, you ride a golf cart to your Cabana, eventhough it's relatively close to the check in area. The pampering does not end there.
The Cast Member will drive you to your Cabana where you'll be met with a big welcome sign displaying your family name.
Cabanas on Castaway Cay are twenty-one in total, spanning from the Family Beach all the way to Serenity Bay (adult beach area). All Cabanas have beachfront views, each boasting their own hammock, fresh water shower, 325 square feet of interior space, equipped with cushioned couch, chairs, tables, fully stocked mini fridge with sodas and water bottles, fresh fruit, granola bars, potato chips, towels and even a safe for your valuables. Inside the cabana there is a curtain type pull which you can use for more privacy for changing as well as a basket of suncreens and lotions and a small fruit basket. Restrooms are close by, the attendant will golf cart you there if you wish.
Andrew's first voyage to Castaway Cay back in August 2005.
Convenience on a Disney vacation, brings me to my discussion about the private Cabanas on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, accessed through the majority of itineraries offered by Disney Cruise Line. We are Gold Castaway Club members and are greatly looking forward to our ninth cruise aboard the re-imagined Disney Magic this July 2014 sailing the Mediterranean.
When you book a private Cabana on Castaway Cay, you'll be greeted by a cardboard model of one when you arrive in your stateroom.
The cardboard model. Cute!
After being let off by the Tram at the Pelican Point check in area for the Cabanas, you'll be met by a Cast Member who'll ask you what your specific needs are and then, you ride a golf cart to your Cabana, eventhough it's relatively close to the check in area. The pampering does not end there.
Welcome!
My Husband.
The Cast Member will drive you to your Cabana where you'll be met with a big welcome sign displaying your family name.
Cabanas on Castaway Cay are twenty-one in total, spanning from the Family Beach all the way to Serenity Bay (adult beach area). All Cabanas have beachfront views, each boasting their own hammock, fresh water shower, 325 square feet of interior space, equipped with cushioned couch, chairs, tables, fully stocked mini fridge with sodas and water bottles, fresh fruit, granola bars, potato chips, towels and even a safe for your valuables. Inside the cabana there is a curtain type pull which you can use for more privacy for changing as well as a basket of suncreens and lotions and a small fruit basket. Restrooms are close by, the attendant will golf cart you there if you wish.
Photograph above courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.
There are also pitchers of juices and they will continually bring you snacks and fruit upon request after your first trays are finished. All you need to do is ring the little buzzer if you need anything, plus they come around often to see if all is well. Alcoholic beverages have a charge and the bartender will even visit your Cabana....can you say Konk Kooler?
The porch of the veranda is covered for added shade and the Cabana is surrounded by shrubbery for privacy, but you still have a great view of the beach which is reserved for Cabana guests only. Outside, near the hammock you will find floats, snorkel equipment and tubes for your use. Bicycles are included in the price and the assistant will help you get some. On the beach they provide a large umbrella, loungers and beach chairs....it's paradise, truly!
When it comes time for lunch you'll be transported to Cookies BBQ or Cookies Too (depending which Cabanas you've booked), in the golf cart, Cast Members even get offended if you neglect to be around for your ride back to your Cabana after lunch....pampering at its best.
At the end of the afternoon, they encourage you to take remaining sunscreens and lotions with you and they'll golf cart you back to the tram, which will then transport you back to the ship.....pampering at its finest!
All photos are mine unless otherwise stated.
Once again Walt Disney's legacy was fulfilled.
We would have loved a cabana, but with a party of 11 it was not in the budget. Sounds absolutely heavenly.
ReplyDeleteI'm so going to try to work this into the budget for our next cruise! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so worth it Heidi, especially for us regarding my son's autism. This give me a lot of extra time to enjoy Castaway Cay while he can have a break in the cabana.
DeleteThank you for reading.
Oh if only this were in the budget for this trip. We may have to work it into the budget of the next one...
ReplyDeleteWe felt like you too and were really hesitant to give that kind of money for the Cabana, but the benefits, especially for my son were so numerous that I was able to enjoy Castaway for practically the entire day. Never had that on previous trips, where he would last for only a couple of hours then I would have to take him back on board.
DeleteThey are blessings in disguise.