Castaway Cay

[Helios]

Re: Disney Cruise

Does anybody recommend the Cabanas?

 

[pedro47]

Re: Disney Cruise

Does anybody recommend the Cabanas?

Yes, they were very nice for the family to lay under in 2010. That was our last visit to the Cay. However, they are two (2) sides to the Disney Island one is for strictly for adults and the other side was more for the family and younger kids activities.

May I suggest you ask this same question on cruise critics web site (under the Disney Community Forum) and the Disney web site.

The Disney Island was an awesome experience for our family of eleven (11). The whole Disney Cruise was outstanding.

 

[Helios]

Yes, they were very nice for the family to lay under in 2010. That was our last visit to the Cay. However, they are two (2) sides to the Disney Island one is for strictly for adults and the other side was more for the family and younger kids activities.

May I suggest you ask this same question on cruise critics web site (under the Disney Community Forum) and the Disney web site.

The Disney Island was an awesome experience for our family of eleven (11). The whole Disney Cruise was outstanding.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll ask in those sites. I am impressed that about 75% of the cabanas were gone when the reservation window for concierge level rooms opened. So, I better get moving quickly.

 

[mdurette]

Here is my 2 cents:
Personally, I would NEVER pay that kind of money for one. I think they are close to $600 for the one day.

They are nice, they have resting places, fridge full of soft drinks and beer. Wet towels, sunscreen, fruit that are all awaiting your use when you arrive. We really didn't spend any time IN the cabana, most of our time was out on the beach. That is the part I did like: It is like you have your own private beach on CC. This huge section is reserved for cabana guests only and there is nobody around you.

I have all done CC a few times without a Cabana.
Dream and Fantasy: Ok, the beach was crowded and if you didn't get there early enough it may be hard to find chairs under and umbrella.

Magic and Wonder: Smaller ships, less guests. Plenty of room on the beach.

After experiencing both, I still would not spend the money on a cabana. Our experience on CC was still perfect without. We have also experienced CC on someone chilly overcast days that were a bit too cool for the beach. That would kill me to spend that kind of cash and not use it.

Any other DCL questions, feel free to ask!

 

[elaine]

I see no need for them, IMHO. There are tons of chaises and umbrellas, if you go to the 2nd tram stop (by the buffet). We have been 2X at Easter and also on a packed cruise in the summer--all on the Dream/Fantasy (larger ships) and never had an issue getting chairs/shade in the area by the snorkeling entrance. It's close to the tram stop, bathrooms, and buffet/bar. We usually get 2 umbrellas with 6 chairs all together for our group (for free) 2nd row backform the beach between some palm trees. Those were available even at 10:30am, when the ship docked at 8am. If we get out a bit earlier, we could get front row, but 2nd row suits us just fine and feels a bit more spacious. The 1st beach stop is much more crowded. Don't know why more people don't come to our area, plus it's right where you go in for snorkeling, as well, and around the corner from Pelican Plunge.

 

[presley]

I haven't had one, but would book one in the future. I've only been to Castaway Cay once and it was crazy crowded. I spent the day at the adults only area, but would love to do the activities in the family area next time. I think a Cabana would be great at the family beach. I'm not sure it would be needed at Serenity beach (the adult beach), but I have read some trip reports from people who had them and enjoyed them at Serenity.

 

[elaine]

agree--1st beach, "Family beach" ridiculously crowded in and out of the water. Next beach down, also a family beach, had (guessing) 70% less people all 3 visits.

 

[Helios]

Thank you all.

Any thoughts on the spa. My wife is a spa lover and will probably want to try it. So far, we got the day passes so we can use the spa deck.

She has been to many high end spas and she is thinking the spa treatments/facilities may not be worth the money. She sets the bar at Spa Grande (Grand Wailea).

 

[Helios]

Also, any thoughts on Remi or Palo?

 

[alwysonvac]

The Cabanas are very popular.

We did our first Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream this past November and loved it. It was an extended family cruise (10 adults and 2 kids). I was planning to book a Cabana for some of us but they were all gone by the time my booking window arrived
Since I wasn't able to rent the Cabanas, we book the Stingray Adventure (5 adults / 2 kids) on Castway Cay. The kids really enjoyed it.

Sorry we didn't try the SPA. We did Palo for brunch which was nice. I would recommend it. We weren't able to book enough for everyone online but once we boarded we were able to secure a single table for 8 adults.

Have a wonderful trip

Here are some of my planning notes. You might find them helpful

Recent Personal Navigators (aka Disney Cruise Line Daily Planner) - http://disneycruiselineblog.com/personal-navigators/

Palo Brunch Video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qBfYHEJvbzI

Stingray Adventure Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoULvV1Z3y0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlehErcdMwg

Castaway Cay Map - http://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp-...away-Cay-Map-March-2015-Summertime-Freeze.jpg

Cabana Videos
Cabana overview - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7cjhrUDZw9A
Cabanas along the beach - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=exYoCS9u0tc
Private beach area for the cabanas - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pDNuTNLmFqA
Cabana #1 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nd_WjiEo8tY (handicap w/ ramp access to beach)
Cabana #7 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxq4UlNBpUM
Cabana #3 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zcmQdUXqK5E
Cabana #6 - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_hRu1gbwb2s
Cabana #17- https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=13&v=AZW8W8g-Uz8

Cabana Threads
Grand Cabana #21 - http://www.disboards.com/threads/pictures-of-grand-cabana-21.3390381/
Grand Cabana booking - http://www.passporterboards.com/for...-grand-cabanas-castaway-cay-family-beach.html
Rain, Cancellation and Refunds - http://www.disboards.com/threads/cabanas-and-a-rainy-day.3163490/
10 Reasons why it's worth it - http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/12/18/10-reasons-cabana-castaway-cay-worth-trying-get/

 

[mdurette]

Since you are asking about Palo or Remy I'm going to assume that you are either on the Dream or the Fantasy.

I have done Palo Bruch and Remy dinner. Both are absolutely fantastic. If food and service are things you enjoy, do not hesitate to book. (note dress code at both).

As far as the spa. I found it ok. A bit overpriced (but to be expected) What I don't care for is the product sell after each treatment. It is a bit much. On embarkation day, there is a spa tour and they will go over all the treatments offered. I would suggest she do it. (also enter the raffle, need to be present to win and not a lot of people show up) we once won $250 towards services!!!

Another popular activity that can be hard to get into, but should not be an issue if you are concierge. Alcohol classes: Mixology, martini, wine, etc. I have enjoyed all the ones I have done. (can't book these ahead of time)

If you are traveling with kids/adults who want to dress up for pirate night...make your reservation now at the Boutique during concierge booking window. Best time is on Pirate night.....about an hour or two before dinner.

 

[presley]

Any thoughts on the spa. My wife is a spa lover and will probably want to try it. So far, we got the day passes so we can use the spa deck.

She has been to many high end spas and she is thinking the spa treatments/facilities may not be worth the money. She sets the bar at Spa Grande (Grand Wailea).

Also, any thoughts on Remi or Palo?

The spa is overpriced and they try to sell you products after each treatment. I did a 3 spa package once when we had 3 sea days in a row. It was worth doing because it was raining outside and it helped pass the time. There was some price break to do 3 treatments, but the better deals are found by visiting reading the navigator every day. There is usually one special treatment offered each day and the first day of the cruise, they have a drawing for a gift certificate.

You can also get a massage on Castaway Cay. We got a couples massage in a cabana on Serenity Bay.

I haven't been to Remy, but Palo recently changed the menu to more tomato based sauces. A lot of people are very disappointed with the change. My husband loved the old Palo, I didn't have any like or dislike of it. I'd be interested in trying their brunch sometime.

 

[AnnaS]

The Cabanas are very popular. We have never booked one because most of our cruises have been with a large group. One cruise was just DH and I and that was in October. I did not even go in the water. Did not feel the need like we would for a July/August cruise.

If we were going on a cruise with a small child/grandchild and not a large group - I wold definitely try booking one.

We have done Palo lunch and dinner a few times. Definitely worth doing/trying once lunch and dinner (maybe not on the same cruise).

My kids and daughter-in-laws went to Remy. They are not as frugal as me . I will definitely try it some day.