Castaway Cay for toddlers? - The DIS Discussion Forums

Emsabems · 07-27-2010, 01:31 AM

I am sailing on the Wonder in September, with DS 3 and DS 5. Both like the water but are not swimmers yet - they are comfortable in their life jackets to some extent. We've been taking a mask and snorkel to the pool, the bath, anywhere we can think of with water, as I'm really hoping they will get to 'snorkel' or at least put their masks in the water and see some fish!

So here's the question - is there a place to see fish that is close enough in that we might be able to paddle/raft out to and see some fish? Anyone with pictures and a good description of the water at Castaway would be much appreciated!

Emsamom

princessnpirate · 07-27-2010, 06:36 AM

Hi- I cannot say I can help much with the fish part. Our first time to Castaway Cay DS was 4. I can tell you the water is so blue he could see in it. He was a little freaked out by being that close to fish (we tried to take him on a Dolphin encounter and he would not touch them for awhile).

My guess would be yes - there should be a chance for them but someone else will no better.

What I can tell you is that we entended on making it a family day and being together and then he spotted the Oceaneer's Club on the beach and he ditched us!! They were digging for dinosaur bones and that seemed more fun for him!

ldalvarado · 07-27-2010, 09:01 AM

You can definitely see some fish in the water on the family beach, even in the shallows, especially if you are a bit away from all the splashers and such.

You can get a float like this one and put your head over the edge with your (masked) face in the water and see fish.

You can even see fish from above like on the play platform in the water.

s4sammy · 07-27-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldalvarado

You can get a float like this one and put your head over the edge with your (masked) face in the water and see fish.

This is my 1st time on a Disney Cruise as well.

Just wondering if you brought your own floats or does Disney provide them as rentals?

ldalvarado · 07-27-2010, 01:29 PM

Those are rental floats. They have tubes also. If you rent one, you can change it out for the other at any time throughout the day. You can see the tubes in the background:

mattmommy · 07-27-2010, 05:14 PM

The water is very calm. You can pull a chair into the water and have them play right at your side.

We started ds snorkeling at 4 and he loves it.

s4sammy · 07-27-2010, 05:27 PM

Is Pelican Plunge @ CC toddler friendly (I have two DD (4) & (2)).

P.Leilani · 09-16-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emsabems

I am sailing on the Wonder in September, with DS 3 and DS 5. Both like the water but are not swimmers yet - they are comfortable in their life jackets to some extent. We've been taking a mask and snorkel to the pool, the bath, anywhere we can think of with water, as I'm really hoping they will get to 'snorkel' or at least put their masks in the water and see some fish!

So here's the question - is there a place to see fish that is close enough in that we might be able to paddle/raft out to and see some fish? Anyone with pictures and a good description of the water at Castaway would be much appreciated!

Emsamom

BUMPING

mickey7879 · 09-16-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s4sammy

Is Pelican Plunge @ CC toddler friendly (I have two DD (4) & (2)).

I'd like to know this too. What are the rules for this?

stefsko · 09-16-2010, 04:10 PM

Castaway is a great place for new swimmers to snorkel. The water is warm and calm and you will see some interesting things that aren't too "scary"

peachygreen · 09-16-2010, 04:18 PM

Do they have life vests available on Castaway Cay for children, or will I need to bring my own from home?

nenner1 · 09-16-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s4sammy

Is Pelican Plunge @ CC toddler friendly (I have two DD (4) & (2)).

I haven't been there yet but I don't think so. The slides are intense (I have read adults report back how fast the enclosed one especially is- how it forces water up your nose) and how the slides empty into deep water (8 feet or deeper supposedly). I would assume lifejackets are not permitted on those slides, although I don't know for sure. I would also assume that no double sliding is allowed (meaning each child has to slide alone). While you might be able to "catch" your child at the end, that is hard to do when you are treading and can't touch bottom. So my guess is based onthe feedback reported here is no, it is for older kids.

Now the spring-a -leak is more up the young ones' alley, I know my DD 2 is going to love it!!

stefsko · 09-16-2010, 05:52 PM

i think we have rented or borrowed inflatable life vests at CC for snorkeling. THat would be alot of bulk to have to pack yourself

RN_Mom · 09-16-2010, 06:49 PM

My daughter went down both slides at age 3 this summer. They have life vests for the "nonswimmers" Only rule is they must go down by themselves! No doubles

I freaked a bit before the 1st time but she LOVED it. She is a strong swimmer though but I did put a vest on her and its 15 ft deep the guard told me

disneylove69 · 09-16-2010, 09:41 PM

You are required to wear vests in the snorkel area and are provided for free. While walking along the beach line I did see some small white fish, a mommy and her lil one. Also saw smal crabs and a baby stingray. You could also hold them as they float to see fish a little farther. The snorkel area you can not have a raft.

07-27-2010, 01:31 AM	#1
Emsabems Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 65	Castaway Cay for toddlers? I am sailing on the Wonder in September, with DS 3 and DS 5. Both like the water but are not swimmers yet - they are comfortable in their life jackets to some extent. We've been taking a mask and snorkel to the pool, the bath, anywhere we can think of with water, as I'm really hoping they will get to 'snorkel' or at least put their masks in the water and see some fish! So here's the question - is there a place to see fish that is close enough in that we might be able to paddle/raft out to and see some fish? Anyone with pictures and a good description of the water at Castaway would be much appreciated! Emsamom

07-27-2010, 09:01 AM	#3
ldalvarado Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 378	You can definitely see some fish in the water on the family beach, even in the shallows, especially if you are a bit away from all the splashers and such. You can get a float like this one and put your head over the edge with your (masked) face in the water and see fish. You can even see fish from above like on the play platform in the water. __________________ Lisa, Kyra (11), and Alanna (8)

07-27-2010, 01:29 PM	#5
ldalvarado Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 378	Those are rental floats. They have tubes also. If you rent one, you can change it out for the other at any time throughout the day. You can see the tubes in the background: __________________ Lisa, Kyra (11), and Alanna (8)

09-16-2010, 04:18 PM	#11
peachygreen DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,878	Do they have life vests available on Castaway Cay for children, or will I need to bring my own from home? __________________ Family - Me Kristie-37, DH James-37, DD1 Megan-7, DD2 Alice-3 Family Trips to see the Mouse: WDW - October 2008, Nov 2012; DLR - May 2009, Oct 2012; DCL Magic - February 2011; DCL Magic - July 2012; DCL Fantasy - March 2013 Upcoming DCL - Wonder June 2014

09-16-2010, 06:49 PM	#14
RN_Mom Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tampa Bay, Florida Posts: 276	Pelican.. My daughter went down both slides at age 3 this summer. They have life vests for the "nonswimmers" Only rule is they must go down by themselves! No doubles I freaked a bit before the 1st time but she LOVED it. She is a strong swimmer though but I did put a vest on her and its 15 ft deep the guard told me

Sponsored Links
The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

07-27-2010, 06:36 AM	#2
princessnpirate Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 148	Hi- I cannot say I can help much with the fish part. Our first time to Castaway Cay DS was 4. I can tell you the water is so blue he could see in it. He was a little freaked out by being that close to fish (we tried to take him on a Dolphin encounter and he would not touch them for awhile). My guess would be yes - there should be a chance for them but someone else will no better. What I can tell you is that we entended on making it a family day and being together and then he spotted the Oceaneer's Club on the beach and he ditched us!! They were digging for dinosaur bones and that seemed more fun for him!

07-27-2010, 05:14 PM	#6
mattmommy Mouseketeer My DS loves rice. I call him my "international child". Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 2,460	The water is very calm. You can pull a chair into the water and have them play right at your side. We started ds snorkeling at 4 and he loves it.

07-27-2010, 05:27 PM	#7
s4sammy Earning My Ears Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 18	Is Pelican Plunge @ CC toddler friendly (I have two DD (4) & (2)).

09-16-2010, 04:10 PM	#10
stefsko Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 167	Castaway is a great place for new swimmers to snorkel. The water is warm and calm and you will see some interesting things that aren't too "scary"

09-16-2010, 05:52 PM	#13
stefsko Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 167	i think we have rented or borrowed inflatable life vests at CC for snorkeling. THat would be alot of bulk to have to pack yourself

09-16-2010, 09:41 PM	#15
disneylove69 DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wheatland, CA Posts: 1,937	You are required to wear vests in the snorkel area and are provided for free. While walking along the beach line I did see some small white fish, a mommy and her lil one. Also saw smal crabs and a baby stingray. You could also hold them as they float to see fish a little farther. The snorkel area you can not have a raft. __________________

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: