Castaway Cay Private Cabanas

[pearlieq]

Staying in a cabana on Saturday, and wondering what we should tip the cabana host for the day. There will be 4 of us. Any info is appreciated.

I know this is already past, but I'm curious what your experience was.

We had one last weekend (#8 on the family beach and about as perfect as possible) and we wound up not tipping, mostly because there was no opportunity!

The driver took us to our cabana, a host showed us around for a couple of minutes, and then we didn't use any service until we called to be driven back. We didn't order bar drinks, didn't need anything restocked, and walked ourselves to lunch and the restrooms.

We were still intending to throw the guy $20 at the end of the day just in case they were counting on tip income, but after he called for the golf cart at the end of the day he scampered off before we could do anything but holler "bye!" at his retreating back.

This is not a complaint, mind you. We didn't want to be hovered over. It just struck me that maybe tipping isn't a big thing for the cabana hosts. He certainly wasn't lingering or doing anything to indicate he expected one and you aren't given an envelope or anything.

 

[dclwonderprincess]

I had the same experience, actually we had a different host in the morning than in the afternoon.

 

[missmissy317]

Subscribing as well!

 

[Keira1387]

i know this is already past, but i'm curious what your experience was.

We tipped $45 for 4 people. Our host was AMAZING! We are very low maintence, but we did need him a couple of times. He drove us to and from lunch. He also took us to get bikes. Any time we pushed the button he was there less than 2 minutes. The icing on the cake was when he drove us back to the ship. He said we were the last ones left in the cabanas, and that was why he could take us all the way.

We were in cabana 20. Hope that helps!

 

[wdwfan30]

hi all i have a question. i was able to book cabana #9 for our cruise in july. its listed in my activities and everything, however if i look in the add activities page it still comes up as an available cabana. its not taken away like the other rented ones. is that because i am looking at it or should i be concerned?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

hi all i have a question. i was able to book cabana #9 for our cruise in july. its listed in my activities and everything, however if i look in the add activities page it still comes up as an available cabana. its not taken away like the other rented ones. is that because i am looking at it or should i be concerned?

It will always show available TO YOU. But not to anyone else.

 

[3mmm]

I know this is already past, but I'm curious what your experience was.

We had one last weekend (#8 on the family beach and about as perfect as possible) and we wound up not tipping, mostly because there was no opportunity!

The driver took us to our cabana, a host showed us around for a couple of minutes, and then we didn't use any service until we called to be driven back. We didn't order bar drinks, didn't need anything restocked, and walked ourselves to lunch and the restrooms.

We were still intending to throw the guy $20 at the end of the day just in case they were counting on tip income, but after he called for the golf cart at the end of the day he scampered off before we could do anything but holler "bye!" at his retreating back.

This is not a complaint, mind you. We didn't want to be hovered over. It just struck me that maybe tipping isn't a big thing for the cabana hosts. He certainly wasn't lingering or doing anything to indicate he expected one and you aren't given an envelope or anything.

My understanding is that the hosts are the concierge from the ship and most of the cabana guests are concierge so i think many people just add it to their end of trip tip.

That is what we planned to do, but for the second time we had weather issues. This time we did get to dock for a couple of hours, but they did not open the cabanas. The good news is we ended up with a credit at the end of the trip!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

hi all i have a question. i was able to book cabana #9 for our cruise in july. its listed in my activities and everything, however if i look in the add activities page it still comes up as an available cabana. its not taken away like the other rented ones. is that because i am looking at it or should i be concerned?

It will show as available, but ONLY to the one who has it reserved. Don't panic - I know this from experience. I'd booked #5 and was all upset because it still showed as available when I looked. Found out that is the case, again, ONLY for the person who booked it.

Enjoy!

 

[vcunning]

It will show as available, but ONLY to the one who has it reserved. Don't panic - I know this from experience. I'd booked #5 and was all upset because it still showed as available when I looked. Found out that is the case, again, ONLY for the person who booked it.

Enjoy!

My profile shows a little different. It says I've reserved a Family Cabana, but doesn't show it available.

The odd thing I have is that I could only put 2 names out of our party of 8 (2 rooms, linked reservations) on it. I called Disney, the confirmed the reservation and said I can fix that once you get on board. I understand there is an upcharge after 6 guests.

 

[meg8182000]

Got one!!!! :

Hi guys - new to this thread but have been reading as today was my 120 day mark until my cruise and I was able to book a cabana. I'll be traveling with my mom and as this is her birthday cruise we totally splurged and went for concierge for the first time. The shoreside concierge service actually booked our 3 ressies for us but most importantly a cabana.

We got cabana #3 - is this a good one?

It is amazing to see how fast they pretty much went. This is the DVC members only cruise with 2 stops at CC and the first day only has one FB cabana left and the 2nd day has 1 FB and 1 SB cabana left.

Thanks,

meg8182000

 

[pudinhd]

My husband & I will be going to Castaway Cay for the first time in March and are hoping to get a Cabana. We even upgraded to concierge to increase our chances. We are hoping for Serenity Beach, but I am wondering if people would have a problem with 2 adults in a Cabana on the family beach. If that was where we ended up, would that be okay? Thank you!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My husband & I will be going to Castaway Cay for the first time in March and are hoping to get a Cabana. We even upgraded to concierge to increase our chances. We are hoping for Serenity Beach, but I am wondering if people would have a problem with 2 adults in a Cabana on the family beach. If that was where we ended up, would that be okay? Thank you!!

I'm not sure why you think there might be a problem? I'd say you have a better chance of getting the cabana on Serenity Bay. Those times when there have been one or two left over after the 120 window, it seems they've been ones on the adult beach, not the family beach.

Just a note, the family beach ones are $499 and the Serenity Bay ones are $399.

 

[AlexandNessa]

My husband & I will be going to Castaway Cay for the first time in March and are hoping to get a Cabana. We even upgraded to concierge to increase our chances. We are hoping for Serenity Beach, but I am wondering if people would have a problem with 2 adults in a Cabana on the family beach. If that was where we ended up, would that be okay? Thank you!!

Yep, totally ok! These two adults love the FB cabanas because they have a private beach. Just decide which cabana number range you'd be happy with and let the shoreside concierge team know. They'll book your cabana for you. We were away on a cruise when our booking window opened, and I chatted with the shoreside concierge before we left. I let them know I wanted cabana cabana #4 or as close to it as possible. When we got back from our cruise, I had an email confirmation from them for #4. I checked out of curiosity 3 days later, and only the ones on SB are left. The FB ones are sold out at the moment.

 

[jenf22]

The cabanas are sold out for my cruise, so I've been obsessively checking the DCL multiple times a day. Does anyone know if the cabanas are always listed at the bottom of the page or are they just down there because they're sold out? If one opens up will it show up alphabetically with the rest of them? Thanks much!

Ok - not to get flamed here - but as someone with a child who is desperate to find a Family Cabana, I do find it a little disappointing to know there are "adults only" parties who book the Family Cabanas. Isn't that kind of like booking an "accessible" room because you like the extra space when you don't actually have any kind of handicap? I understand if all the Serenity Bay ones are booked and that's all you can get, but my understanding is those are easier to come by. Again, I don't want to get flamed... I didn't know people did this and am a little disappointed by it... makes me very sad about any hope I might have to get a cabana

 

[BooToYou7]

The cabanas are sold out for my cruise, so I've been obsessively checking the DCL multiple times a day. Does anyone know if the cabanas are always listed at the bottom of the page or are they just down there because they're sold out? If one opens up will it show up alphabetically with the rest of them? Thanks much!

Ok - not to get flamed here - but as someone with a child who is desperate to find a Family Cabana, I do find it a little disappointing to know there are "adults only" parties who book the Family Cabanas. Isn't that kind of like booking an "accessible" room because you like the extra space when you don't actually have any kind of handicap? I understand if all the Serenity Bay ones are booked and that's all you can get, but my understanding is those are easier to come by. Again, I don't want to get flamed... I didn't know people did this and am a little disappointed by it... makes me very sad about any hope I might have to get a cabana

I don't think it's quite the same. A handicapped accessibility room is a medical necessity. A cabana, in most cases, is a luxury. Two adults who want to be on the family beach do have to pay more to do so, so I guess I don't see the issue. Having seen the cabanas at both beaches, they really aren't at the same level (no private beach at SB which I think is part of the luxury of the cabana) and I don't see why a childless couple should be relegated to the lesser cabanas just because they don't have kids.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I don't think it's quite the same. A handicapped accessibility room is a medical necessity. A cabana, in most cases, is a luxury. Two adults who want to be on the family beach do have to pay more to do so, so I guess I don't see the issue. Having seen the cabanas at both beaches, they really aren't at the same level (no private beach at SB which I think is part of the luxury of the cabana) and I don't see why a childless couple should be relegated to the lesser cabanas just because they don't have kids.

Thanks. I agree ... it's not the moral equivalent of parking in a handicapped spot or booking an accessible room. The cabanas on FB are nicer (private beach perk) and therefore more expensive. The reason we book them was at the suggestion of one of the Disney concierges. Disney allows it and (in our case at least) encourages it. If anyone has an issue with me booking a FB Cabana, the beef is with Disney and not with me or other adults who do this.

 

[pudinhd]

I'm not sure why you think there might be a problem?

Ok - not to get flamed here - but as someone with a child who is desperate to find a Family Cabana, I do find it a little disappointing to know there are "adults only" parties who book the Family Cabanas. Isn't that kind of like booking an "accessible" room because you like the extra space when you don't actually have any kind of handicap? I understand if all the Serenity Bay ones are booked and that's all you can get, but my understanding is those are easier to come by. Again, I don't want to get flamed... I didn't know people did this and am a little disappointed by it... makes me very sad about any hope I might have to get a cabana

This was my concern... We have never been to Castaway Cay and I didn't know if there were rules (or guidelines ).

I really appreciate everyone's comments. Thank you!!

 

[jenf22]

I don't think it's quite the same. A handicapped accessibility room is a medical necessity. A cabana, in most cases, is a luxury. Two adults who want to be on the family beach do have to pay more to do so, so I guess I don't see the issue. Having seen the cabanas at both beaches, they really aren't at the same level (no private beach at SB which I think is part of the luxury of the cabana) and I don't see why a childless couple should be relegated to the lesser cabanas just because they don't have kids.

I know you're right. I'm just having a "down" day. It never occurred to me I was competing with everyone on the ship to get a cabana. I've been fighting the urge to crawl under my desk at work and cry since I saw this. I guess I figured the "adult only" crowd wanted the "adults only" beach. I didn't know there wasn't a private beach at SB. Why get a cabana there at all? It's just upsetting that because I have a child, I have less of a chance at getting a cabana than those without kids on a Disney cruise. Those without kids have all 20 to pick from, where I only have the Family ones (how many is that?? 17??).

Thanks. I agree ... it's not the moral equivalent of parking in a handicapped spot or booking an accessible room. The cabanas on FB are nicer (private beach perk) and therefore more expensive. The reason we book them was at the suggestion of one of the Disney concierges. Disney allows it and (in our case at least) encourages it. If anyone has an issue with me booking a FB Cabana, the beef is with Disney and not with me or other adults who do this.

I'm really not mad at anyone. I just wish Disney did it differently... maybe hold back 5 cabanas and do a lottery when the sail date gets closer. There are some folks from our cruise who just booked concierge and can't get a cabana because they didn't do it advance enough. They're paying through the nose (my opinion) for a room and don't get one of the perks because of timing.

I know whether or not I have a cabana really shouldn't matter, but I can't seem to let it go. I know I'll spend the next 80 days checking multiple times per day. I know we'll probably end up spending half the day on the ship to get out of the sun. I'm a little different than most people on this board - I cruise for the destinations, not just to be on a "Mickey Boat". So I'm bummed that one of my stops isn't the way I planned. I imagine I'll eventually get over it!

 

[BooToYou7]

I know you're right. I'm just having a "down" day. It never occurred to me I was competing with everyone on the ship to get a cabana. I've been fighting the urge to crawl under my desk at work and cry since I saw this. I guess I figured the "adult only" crowd wanted the "adults only" beach. I didn't know there wasn't a private beach at SB. Why get a cabana there at all? It's just upsetting that because I have a child, I have less of a chance at getting a cabana than those without kids on a Disney cruise. Those without kids have all 20 to pick from, where I only have the Family ones (how many is that?? 17??).

I'm really not mad at anyone. I just wish Disney did it differently... maybe hold back 5 cabanas and do a lottery when the sail date gets closer. There are some folks from our cruise who just booked concierge and can't get a cabana because they didn't do it advance enough. They're paying through the nose (my opinion) for a room and don't get one of the perks because of timing.

I know whether or not I have a cabana really shouldn't matter, but I can't seem to let it go. I know I'll spend the next 80 days checking multiple times per day. I know we'll probably end up spending half the day on the ship to get out of the sun. I'm a little different than most people on this board - I cruise for the destinations, not just to be on a "Mickey Boat". So I'm bummed that one of my stops isn't the way I planned. I imagine I'll eventually get over it!

No, I agree, it sucks. I'd be happy with a cabana at SB if it had a private beach, but unfortunately Disney didn't plan it that way. My husband and I were on a sold out sailing for our 5 year wedding anniversary and I desperately wanted a cabana but the greedy people on our sailing never did let one go. But you know what, we got to Castaway, set up under an umbrella, ordered some pina coladas as soon as the server walked by and still had an excellent time! And got to meet Jack Sparrow who just randomly walked by!

 

[AlexandNessa]

I know you're right. I'm just having a "down" day. It never occurred to me I was competing with everyone on the ship to get a cabana. I've been fighting the urge to crawl under my desk at work and cry since I saw this. I guess I figured the "adult only" crowd wanted the "adults only" beach. I didn't know there wasn't a private beach at SB. Why get a cabana there at all? It's just upsetting that because I have a child, I have less of a chance at getting a cabana than those without kids on a Disney cruise. Those without kids have all 20 to pick from, where I only have the Family ones (how many is that?? 17??).



I'm really not mad at anyone. I just wish Disney did it differently... maybe hold back 5 cabanas and do a lottery when the sail date gets closer. There are some folks from our cruise who just booked concierge and can't get a cabana because they didn't do it advance enough. They're paying through the nose (my opinion) for a room and don't get one of the perks because of timing.

I know whether or not I have a cabana really shouldn't matter, but I can't seem to let it go. I know I'll spend the next 80 days checking multiple times per day. I know we'll probably end up spending half the day on the ship to get out of the sun. I'm a little different than most people on this board - I cruise for the destinations, not just to be on a "Mickey Boat". So I'm bummed that one of my stops isn't the way I planned. I imagine I'll eventually get over it!

I understand. There are only, what, 19 cabanas and how many hundreds of staterooms? I either see Disney building more cabanas, or, more likely, given the high demand, raising the prices commensurate with the demand.

Having been on SB, and in the cabana on FB, we actually found the private beach with the FB Cabana more serene.

The key to booking concierge is to do it prior to the 120 day booking window if you want a popular excursion or reservation, unfortunately. The concierge team is great, but contrary to popular belief, they can't often get sold out excursions.

Hang in there. Someone may cancel, or some family on your meet thread(s) may open up an opportunity to share their cabana for cost savings. . Good luck!