Castaway Cay or RCCL Cococay?

[insureman]

Castaway Cay was originally designed to emulate an unspoiled (for the most part) tropical island which is what I always loved about it. Just wondering how others thought about this.

 

[insureman]

No votes for CocoCay I see.

 

[imahistorygeek]

Definitely like Cococay over Castaway. Food is much better with a larger variety. I don't want to see Castaway as a waterpark, but I do like the layout better. The only thing missing from Cococay is an adults-only section.

 

[Jkaczano]

Considering this is a Disney cruise board, did you expect anything different? Coco Cay is a lot more than just a “waterpark”. First, the island is built to accommodate 10-12,000 people so they need a lot more areas to spread out the people than Castaway. I, personally, love the Beach Club and Oasis Lagoon - both of which have beautiful swimming pools.

 

[Jkaczano]

Definitely like Cococay over Castaway. Food is much better with a larger variety. I don't want to see Castaway as a waterpark, but I do like the layout better. The only thing missing from Cococay is an adults-only section.

Hideaway Beach at Coco Cay (adults only) is supposed to be opening late 2022/early 2023. Construction has already begun. It’s located to the right of the dock and waterpark.

 

[holula]

I voted to update it - I really hate the food on CC and would love to see some kind of update food wise. I wouldn’t object to a few more slides.

I’m not a beach person so normally I’m done by lunchtime, and would like to see a few more things to do.

 

[nancipants]

Are they still developing Lighthouse Point?

 

[insureman]

Are they still developing Lighthouse Point?

As far as I know.

 

[insureman]

Considering this is a Disney cruise board, did you expect anything different? Coco Cay is a lot more than just a “waterpark”. First, the island is built to accommodate 10-12,000 people so they need a lot more areas to spread out the people than Castaway. I, personally, love the Beach Club and Oasis Lagoon - both of which have beautiful swimming pools.

I didn't really know. Some people on this board have complained that it was boring on Castaway Cay. As far as my family is concerned if we wanted to be at a theme park/water park we would stay at Disney World.

 

[brentm77]

Castaway could use some small improvements, but we love it. We can go to a waterpark or a pool anywhere in the US. If we are in the Caribbean, I want a nice beach with clear water and some good food. I would love to see improved restaurants and a better snorkeling option. But that's about it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would appreciate a pool at CC and some updates.

I enjoyed the one trip I had to Coco Cay, largely because of the pool and the variety of food. The three night cruise on RCCL was not at all as enjoyable as a three night cruise on DCL.

I have LOVED some RCCL cruises, but their short cruises are not for me.

 

[sethschroeder]

Castaway could use some small improvements, but we love it. We can go to a waterpark or a pool anywhere in the US. If we are in the Caribbean, I want a nice beach with clear water and some good food. I would love to see improved restaurants and a better snorkeling option. But that's about it.

So Coco lol

I only kid because it sure looks way nicer on video in general.

I am always shocked at the love of Castaway though. Personally has a ton of room for improvement.

 

[Sykes]

I’d be much happier on Castaway if the food was better—it’s consistently terrible. The beaches and water there are beautiful, but I don’t feel like it really does much to set itself apart from the hundreds of other pristine beaches that one can visit in the Caribbean. I think it would significantly benefit from a bigger variety of activities, but I don’t think it needs to swing all the way in the Coco Cay direction.

 

[Budzooka]

Interesting comments. I haven’t been to the other islands so can’t compare. I really like Castaway, but I wish the ocean was more active. It’s basically a salt water swimming pool with sand. But I also enjoy the food.

 

[brentm77]

So Coco lol

I only kid because it sure looks way nicer on video in general.

I am always shocked at the love of Castaway though. Personally has a ton of room for improvement.

I've never been to Coco, so it may be a matter of not knowing what I'm missing, but I wouldn't want it to feel over developed. One thing I like is the natural beauty and feeling that you are actually on an island in the middle of the Caribbean and not some Florida resort. Large waterside towers or lots of buildings would be a step back from what we are looking for.

If they just improved the quality of the BQ, it would be nearly perfect for a day at the beach.

We are from a dry desert state, with no ocean, and when we do go to the ocean, more often than not it's the Pacific, so it's wonderful to just be on a white sand beach with crystal blue water. We aren't really looking for more. I'd be curious if those wanting a lot more are from states with beaches. Or maybe they are just not the type to slow down and relax on a beach and prefer to be entertained or high adventure?

 

[WannaBeImagineer]

We enjoyed Coco Cay, especially all the swimming options for the kids, the food was good but I didn't care for the beach areas. Also I found the pool on Coco Cay to be super cold and in the pool bar area turned into a club pool party with the DJ blasting music.

I think the Castaway Cay could use some updates, maybe a pool or better splash play area for the kids but I wouldn't change much more than that. It's still my favorite private island.

 

[disneylandlocal]

My kids were bored at castaway. My 10 year old needed more to do, the pelican plunge water slides weren’t thrilling enough and got crowded, the sports area needs a refresh with lots of missing balls and broken equipment. There were not water slides my 3 year old could do. I like castaway but it feels more like an adult island than something for kids. I’d love them to add some water slides, big and small or other activities for older kids. The splash park was also pretty sad looking.

 

[insureman]

So a question for the people that have been to CocoCay, are there many upcharges for experiences when you get to the island?

 

[DLgal]

Castaway is great for families with LITTLE kids. Once the kids are about 10-12 it's boring. I find it boring as an adult. My kids now would be bored with it.

It definitely needs a pool, since DCL has still not gotten the pools right on the new ship. CC gets SO hot and not everyone likes to swim in the ocean with the fish (my 18 year old, for one). He discovered this fear on Castaway as an 8 year old.

The food is also garbage. They need better food for sure.

I don't think it needs to be developed to the level of Coco Cay, but a large pool with maybe 2 waterslides would go a LONG way. Something like Stormalong Bay at the YC/BC.

 

[Kwami]

The food isn't very good (except for the desserts, which are quite tasty, and some of the smoothies), and perhaps some things need repairs and a bit of work, but otherwise, I really have no complaints about Castaway Cay. It's meant to be a relaxing beach day with optional non-relaxing activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and bicycling for people who want to do those things. Why would you want to ruin that with a giant waterpark that has a ridiculous upcharge like Coco Cay? No, thanks.

For those wanting a pool, try swimming in the ship's pools while it's docked at Castaway. There won't be many people there!