Castaway Cay Private Cabanas

[ppiew]

HappY Peach - u r doing it right!!! sounds like the relaxing vacation it is supposed to be. I agree with excursions (we had parasailing and stingray) and Pelican Plunge there really wasn't much time spent in the cabana. We only rented it because I have a wounded leg and didn't want to get sand in the cast therefor I stayed on the porch of the verandah all day. Believe me, with our large group (12 we had 2 cabanas) we didn't see much of each other. It really wasn't worth the $$$$ despite the fact it was very comfortable. And boy do I agree with u about the terminal!! Definitely will go later - it is a breeze to walk on in no time at all. The 10AM bit is history as far as I am concerned, 1PM or so is fantastic!

 

[maryisme]

I had #5 in February and #16 in April. No punch, no rum punch either time. Sodas, fruit bowl, bottled evian and coppertone sunscreen were included.

We will have number 5 for our upcoming cruise. How did you like the location? Was it close enough to the bathrooms and food?

Thanks!
Mary

 

[Princess Bette]

I had #5 in February and #16 in April. No punch, no rum punch either time. Sodas, fruit bowl, bottled evian and coppertone sunscreen were included.

To phototech11 doing the stingray tour: If you're doing just the one tour and are planning to be among the first off the ship and the last to return, I think it would still be worth getting the cabana. If you're going to do the tour, ride bikes, take multiple trips on pelican plunge (and wait in line each time) then you might not have much time to spend in the cabana. Is it just your family?

I think it's nice to have but it certainly won't spoil a trip for me if we just do the family beach. In fact, we just booked the double-CC Dream trip for January and concierge was sold out already. So, we have no chance to prebook a cabana. DH and I have decided that we are not going to rush to the ship just to get on a waiting list. (I dislike a crushed, stressful boarding and I know the Dream is much bigger than the Wonder and Magic. We'll just board later and miss the initial boarding frenzy.) Since it will be January and cooler than our previous trips to CC, we're going to rent bikes and explore the island. We'll probably still put our name on a waiting list if the weather is forecast to be warm; but we won't hold our breath about getting one.

We are sailing this July on the Dream, but not concierge. I have been checking daily for available cabana's online and one became available today! I was so excited and booked it immediately! So don't give up yet...one may be available for your cruise as well...when you can begin online bookings, check daily for availability - you may be surprised like we were! Good luck! Now, if those ressies for brunch and high tea would open up, I would be set!!!

 

[Princess Bette]

I just booked cabana #17 for our upcoming cruise. I am looking for a review from anyone who has rented this one before. I know that it is at the very end...we are not conceriege, so just wondering what others experiences have been in this one. How far to Cookies2...will they take you by golf cart? Also, how far to the rest rooms? What about the beach lounge chairs...can they brought down to that end? Any other info is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

 

[jetskigrl]

I just booked cabana #17 for our upcoming cruise. I am looking for a review from anyone who has rented this one before. I know that it is at the very end...we are not conceriege, so just wondering what others experiences have been in this one. How far to Cookies2...will they take you by golf cart? Also, how far to the rest rooms? What about the beach lounge chairs...can they brought down to that end? Any other info is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

We were in #16 for our cruise, so really close. For lunch, the pathway to Cookies Too is not very long. If you were to walk in front of the Cabanas, it is a long way, but the pathway follows the curve of the cabanas (behind them) so it is much shorter than in looks. It was very easy for us to get food and bring it back.

The area right in front of 16 and 17 is off limits for swimming. You will have a beach area but you can't go in the water. To get to the water you have to turn left outside the cabana and walk a ways down the beach. There you will find the extra lounge chairs, tubes and floats. As far as bringing the lounge chairs to the cabana..you probably could but it would be a pain. Plus there are two very nice lounge chairs at the cabana as well as 4 other chairs, a sofa and a hammack.

The positive thing to note about the end cabanas is that they are very private and very quiet. My Mom really liked being able to lay out in her swimsuit with no one else around. And we didn't mind the short walk along the sand to get to the swimming area.

We had them take us by golf cart from the tram stop to the cabana but this wasn't necessary to get to Cookies Too or the bathrooms (which are located right next to Cookies Too). Plus you would have to call them and wait for them to bring the golf cart to you.

 

[poohj80]

We will have number 5 for our upcoming cruise. How did you like the location? Was it close enough to the bathrooms and food?

Thanks!
Mary

2nd request for Cabana #5 review. We have it booked for next month.

 

[Princess Bette]

We were in #16 for our cruise, so really close. For lunch, the pathway to Cookies Too is not very long. If you were to walk in front of the Cabanas, it is a long way, but the pathway follows the curve of the cabanas (behind them) so it is much shorter than in looks. It was very easy for us to get food and bring it back.

The area right in front of 16 and 17 is off limits for swimming. You will have a beach area but you can't go in the water. To get to the water you have to turn left outside the cabana and walk a ways down the beach. There you will find the extra lounge chairs, tubes and floats. As far as bringing the lounge chairs to the cabana..you probably could but it would be a pain. Plus there are two very nice lounge chairs at the cabana as well as 4 other chairs, a sofa and a hammack.

The positive thing to note about the end cabanas is that they are very private and very quiet. My Mom really liked being able to lay out in her swimsuit with no one else around. And we didn't mind the short walk along the sand to get to the swimming area.

We had them take us by golf cart from the tram stop to the cabana but this wasn't necessary to get to Cookies Too or the bathrooms (which are located right next to Cookies Too). Plus you would have to call them and wait for them to bring the golf cart to you.

Thanks so much jetskigrl for the great info - sounds like a great cabana other than the no swimming in front of it part. Guess we will have to look at the pics and check out how far it really is to get to the swimming water. Still, so exciting to have scored one!!

 

[KristiMc]

2nd request for Cabana #5 review. We have it booked for next month.

All of the cabana's are exactly the same other than the color. #5 would be a great location. We were in #10 and it was a very short walk to restroooms, bike rental, Pelican Plunge, Cookies 2. You will be even closer in #5. Enjoy!

 

[Phototech11]

Thanks for all the feedback...we will stick with the cabana! Need to get our moneys worth out of that.

 

[Shebbieal]

I am interested in info on cabana # 1. Any pictures? Before anyone asks I know 1 is accessible, and yes I am in a wheelchair.

Thanks
Sherry

 

[HappyPeach]

Since two of you have asked, I really liked the location for cabana 5. The cabanas truly are all the same (other than colors ) so location is the only variable. We had one of the bins of floats and tubes right along our direct path to the water. We could use the beach loungers right in front of our cabana. It's a super short walk to the bathrooms and Cookies 2.

I'll also comment on cabana 16. I was there last week. It's the next-to-last cabana and the walk to C2 and bathrooms is still quite short. The area right in front of 16 and 17 is pretty much just a sand bar with tidal pools. At low tide, it was mostly sand with pools of water. DH found all sorts of tiny fish and the kids loved it. The lack of swim-able beach there actually made it tremendously private. The walk over to the area where you can swim is maybe 1 minute. When the tide came in, the area in front of us filled with water and looked totally different. My friend and I were able to sit in the shallow water and cool off while our kids played (our DHs were off snorkeling.) The area is marked with "no swimming" signs but no employees objected to us sitting there.

I would do either location again. If you want an ultra-private location, one of the "end" cabanas is good. DH and I preferred 5's location, but we were happy with both. Hope this helps.

 

[Princess Bette]

Since two of you have asked, I really liked the location for cabana 5. The cabanas truly are all the same (other than colors ) so location is the only variable. We had one of the bins of floats and tubes right along our direct path to the water. We could use the beach loungers right in front of our cabana. It's a super short walk to the bathrooms and Cookies 2.

I'll also comment on cabana 16. I was there last week. It's the next-to-last cabana and the walk to C2 and bathrooms is still quite short. The area right in front of 16 and 17 is pretty much just a sand bar with tidal pools. At low tide, it was mostly sand with pools of water. DH found all sorts of tiny fish and the kids loved it. The lack of swim-able beach there actually made it tremendously private. The walk over to the area where you can swim is maybe 1 minute. When the tide came in, the area in front of us filled with water and looked totally different. My friend and I were able to sit in the shallow water and cool off while our kids played (our DHs were off snorkeling.) The area is marked with "no swimming" signs but no employees objected to us sitting there.

I would do either location again. If you want an ultra-private location, one of the "end" cabanas is good. DH and I preferred 5's location, but we were happy with both. Hope this helps.

HappyPeach - thank you for great info - we will be staying in 17 and I was worried about the lack of swimable beach. Your comments put me at ease and I look forward to the pools of water - sounds fun! And a 1 minute walk to deeper waters in not much at all! Thanks again!

 

[Dizzyworld]

Since we reserved #6, it is good to hear all the positive things about #5.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

I've read that there are safes in the cabanas - can anyone tell me about how big they are? I'd like to bring my nice camera but would like a safe place to keep it while we're in the water. Would a medium-sized DSLR (Canon T2i) fit in the cabana safe? Any info would be appreciated!

 

[KristiMc]

I've read that there are safes in the cabanas - can anyone tell me about how big they are? I'd like to bring my nice camera but would like a safe place to keep it while we're in the water. Would a medium-sized DSLR (Canon T2i) fit in the cabana safe? Any info would be appreciated!

Yes, I was able to put my Canon T2i in the safe with lots of extra room.

 

[all5ofus]

I've read that there are safes in the cabanas - can anyone tell me about how big they are? I'd like to bring my nice camera but would like a safe place to keep it while we're in the water. Would a medium-sized DSLR (Canon T2i) fit in the cabana safe? Any info would be appreciated!

They are the same safe as in the staterooms.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Yes, I was able to put my Canon T2i in the safe with lots of extra room.

They are the same safe as in the staterooms.

That's great to know - thank you both for your quick responses!

 

[alayne]

I have read a lot of this thread and noticed people stating it wasn't worth the money to get the Cabana if you were going to see the Stingrays. I am a redhead who burns really easy (even in winter months) and I can't stay in the sun for long periods of time. I'm also not a big beach fan.

However, my DH and DS are. If we booked the first Stingray appointment and then headed over to the Cabana and spent the rest of the day would we still be able to enjoy it. I know my DS will want to do the slides and find the hidden mickey. How long do those things take?

I was just thinking it might be nice to spend the first part of the morning doing all the other stuff and then from lunch until boarding we could spend in the Cabana. I don't want to miss my DS doing things (I take the pictures) but I also don't want to spend all day in the sun.

If we didn't do the Cabana where would someone like me go to get out of the sun and still be able to spend time with my boys who could live in the sun?

 

[princssdisnygina]

I have read a lot of this thread and noticed people stating it wasn't worth the money to get the Cabana if you were going to see the Stingrays. I am a redhead who burns really easy (even in winter months) and I can't stay in the sun for long periods of time. I'm also not a big beach fan.

However, my DH and DS are. If we booked the first Stingray appointment and then headed over to the Cabana and spent the rest of the day would we still be able to enjoy it. I know my DS will want to do the slides and find the hidden mickey. How long do those things take?

I was just thinking it might be nice to spend the first part of the morning doing all the other stuff and then from lunch until boarding we could spend in the Cabana. I don't want to miss my DS doing things (I take the pictures) but I also don't want to spend all day in the sun.

If we didn't do the Cabana where would someone like me go to get out of the sun and still be able to spend time with my boys who could live in the sun?

If you think approx 4 hours in a cabana is worth $500 then I say go for it. I personally wouldn't get a cabana if I couldn't enjoy it all day.

As far as getting out of the sun... they do have umbrellas and shaded areas on the beach but again... if you don't head over there until later you might find it hard to find any available.

I am not sure how long the stingray thing takes, I think 45 mins to an hour but if that is all you did then you would definitely have time to enjoy the cabana for the most of the day. I think the cabana is especially great for those who don't want to be in the sun or even in the sand. I don't think your kids will be bored.

 

[amyah12]

We are sailing this July on the Dream, but not concierge. I have been checking daily for available cabana's online and one became available today! I was so excited and booked it immediately! So don't give up yet...one may be available for your cruise as well...when you can begin online bookings, check daily for availability - you may be surprised like we were! Good luck! Now, if those ressies for brunch and high tea would open up, I would be set!!!

This was encouraging to read as everything right now for our upcoming cruise is unavailable. I guess I'll keep checking back daily, perhaps multiple times throughout the day.