Best Castaway Cay plans for older folks?

[leannak]

Anyone have suggestions for senior citizens on Castaway Cay? Ages 70s-80s, walk well but not super long distances and not biking for example. They may swim a little but probably not snorkel. We may get them floats. I know there's the trolley to get to the main area. They do like adult beverages and music. Is there a good place to try and stake out chairs? Anything interesting for them to see or do besides rest in a beach chair and people-watch?

 

[Clarkson U]

I would say observation tower but that is a bit of a walk and depending on the temperature may be too much for them. It is close to the Serenity Bay stop so maybe that is an option. Otherwise, get some chairs on the beach, let them dip in the water whenever they want and there are plenty of places to get drinks/snacks while on the island. Also there is some shopping at both the first and second tram stop so they can browse those shops as well.

They can also look at the options on the ship, maybe there is a movie they want to see or something happening on the ship that they would prefer to do instead. The beauty of Castaway Cay is that it is easy for them to get back on the ship whenever they want.

 

[cvjw]

In the fall, they had some of the singers from the ship singing on the island. Easy to grab a drink and enjoy.

 

[happycamper47]

When we were there in November they had a guitarist at the Serenity Bay Bar. You just need to ask and see what is planned the day you are there. There is a trolley to get there too.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

If you’re able to get a cabana, cabana 1 supports limited mobility.

 

[auntlynne]

Serenity Bay (adults only) requires one additional tram ride after the drop off for Family Beach / shopping / Cookie’s BBQ. No additional walking between trams.

They will need to walk from the ship to the first tram station. It will take 3-5 minutes, depending on walking speed.

[And you have to step up into the tram (think WDW parking lot tram. It’s no effort for most, but for some with weak muscles, it’s a high step. Strangers always gave me that needed boost.). They can accommodate wheelchairs.]

The drop off is right at the beach. It requires walking through sand to get to the loungers and water.

All loungers and beach chairs are low height. There are a few hammocks. Umbrellas. All free.

The bathrooms are right T drop-off and in the building with the bar (requested adult drinks). This has seating that is normal height.

Serenity Bay has its own lunch area. It has similar food as Cookies, but is also limited to 18+. They also have a grill with sirloin, ribs? and fish. Soft serve ice cream and fountain sodas are right there. Seating is at picnic tables on the sand. Under trees and umbrellas. (Cookies’ seating is in a pavilion with a solid flooring - but also picnic tables.

Lunch is served for ~ 2 hours. The bar will be closed by ~ 3, 3:30, as most guests have left before all aboard at 4:30.

Serenity Bay water is shallow for a long way out. Some rocks on the seabed; not a lot and avoidable. Very little wave action and very clear water. Typically warm water.

Think of it as a day at the beach; very relaxing.

 

[auntlynne]

I have never staked out chairs. There are some cruises that have a greater adult:child ratio where seating at Serenity Bay gets more limited.

The tram drop-off for the Family Beach is rather close to the loungers on the beach, too.

The only “long walking” is optional.

 

[bakerworld]

We're in our mid-60's and not aquatic. I always want to go to the observation tower but have yet to make it there. The tram travels very frequently so getting from place to place is not an issue. My SIL doesn't walk well so we caught the tram from the family beach area to the water toy rental area so we didn't have to walk from one shopping area to the other. Basically, I like to arrive early, grab loungers on the family beach area behind the first large bar because it provides more shade in the afternoon. Then we take our sand chairs and sit in the surf for a few hours watching the little kids play and the beautiful water. Next cruise is March - can't wait!