Castaway Cay Private Cabanas

[kaseyC]

My personal Cabana experience on our 1/30/2011 cruise was awesome. We were in Cabana #3 which was perfect location for us... Close to the bathrooms and Cookies Too. Our great experience began the night before when the Concierge team delivered our Cabana bracelets, a paper 3D model of a Cabana and directions to the Cabana to our room. We arrived at the Pelican Bay tram stop at around 9:30 am, checked in and realized we left our bracelets on the ship. No problem, the Cabana concierge would bring some to our cabana. A young man directed us to a golf cart and drove us to #3, where Patrick (part of the Dream's Concierge team) met us with the bracelets. He then gave us a "tour" of the cabana and left us to our relaxing. My 2 DDs and I absolutely enjoyed hanging out in the cabana, the hammock and on the beach. We used the floats and sand toys. Quick walk to Cookies to pick up lunch, had trays picked up right after lunch to discourage the visiting birds. We stayed all day and got back to the ship at about 4:15.

For us it was a great experience and worth every penny ( to us) to have a place to ourselves. Not having to worry about leaving our stuff and the chair/hammock hogs. It may not be for everyone but the cabana experience fits the way my family vacations.

 

[FJS961]

Thanks for the encouraging report! That will be our cabana as well. Sounds like a nice day you had.

My personal Cabana experience on our 1/30/2011 cruise was awesome. We were in Cabana #3 which was perfect location for us... Close to the bathrooms and Cookies Too. Our great experience began the night before when the Concierge team delivered our Cabana bracelets, a paper 3D model of a Cabana and directions to the Cabana to our room. We arrived at the Pelican Bay tram stop at around 9:30 am, checked in and realized we left our bracelets on the ship. No problem, the Cabana concierge would bring some to our cabana. A young man directed us to a golf cart and drove us to #3, where Patrick (part of the Dream's Concierge team) met us with the bracelets. He then gave us a "tour" of the cabana and left us to our relaxing. My 2 DDs and I absolutely enjoyed hanging out in the cabana, the hammock and on the beach. We used the floats and sand toys. Quick walk to Cookies to pick up lunch, had trays picked up right after lunch to discourage the visiting birds. We stayed all day and got back to the ship at about 4:15.

For us it was a great experience and worth every penny ( to us) to have a place to ourselves. Not having to worry about leaving our stuff and the chair/hammock hogs. It may not be for everyone but the cabana experience fits the way my family vacations.

 

[MartDM]

It occurs to me that, if the golf carts are limited for whatever reason, perhaps they are encouraging those without children or adults needing assistance to walk so that the carts are available for those groups. Seems like those with kids aren't getting the encouragement to hoof it on their own.

Glad to hear the great reports about #3; we have it reserved for April. Also good to hear the negatives too so we can be watchful for the start of these situations and nip them in the bud early in the day if they occur.

 

[princssdisnygina]

It occurs to me that, if the golf carts are limited for whatever reason, perhaps they are encouraging those without children or adults needing assistance to walk so that the carts are available for those groups. Seems like those with kids aren't getting the encouragement to hoof it on their own.

I am not sure that is the case because we were an all adult party and got escorted everywhere. However... we were on Serenity Bay, not the family beach... but still.

 

[epcotrulz]

how many people are allowed in the cabanas, we a group of eight . . .

 

[princssdisnygina]

how many people are allowed in the cabanas, we a group of eight . . .

The cost includes 6 people but you can now have up to ten. It is an extra $50 per person for the extras.

 

[jnsma]

Just wanted to post of my experience in renting a cabana as some of the information was slightly different than was previously posted.

We were on the 2/3 3-night Dream and wanted to rent a HC accessible cabana for us and my in-laws. My MIL is in a wheelchair and sometimes requires oxygen. Side note: the cabana only has 1 outlet, but the concierge staff provided an extension cord so both the refridgerator and her machine could be plugged in. The cabana would also give her a place to get out of the sun to rest during the day.

We were not concierge, so would have to wait until we boarded the ship. I had read previously that you could book the cabanas upon arrival on the ship either at guest services or at port adventures, but that was not my experience.

We boarded around 1pm and I went right to guest services. While approaching the line there was someone that was triaging the questions and directing people where to go if it was an easy question. I explained that I wanted to reserve a handicap cabana. I was told that they were controlled by the concierge staff and if there were any available to check back between 5-6.

Given that I thought that Port Adventures was open, I went up there and tried again there. I was again told that they were controlled by the concierge staff but they could put my name on a list and they would call us if we got one. I’m not sure if they said when I would hear. I was happy to be on the list at this point.

On the way to dinner, the person that took my name stopped me in the hall and asked if I had been contacted as she thought they were about to. I said that I had not, and joked if it was good news. Later after dinner, I still hadn’t heard so I stopped by Port Adventures again to see if there was any word. The person checked with his supervisor and was told that it was up to the concierge and they would let us know.

Finally around 4pm the next day, we got a knock on a door at our door and there were 2 people delivering a small paper cabana and instructions. We had gotten it!!!

My impression on the process is that the cabanas are totally controlled by the concierge staff and they want to give every opportunity for those at the concierge level. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with them getting first priority, if you pay for that level, you deserve the perks. I think it would have been nice to have a better idea what the timeframe for when we’d hear so we could make backup plans if need be.

I think the description of the cabana itself and what is included has been well documented and I don’t feel the need to reiterate everything that has been discussed before. It was really nice to have the fridge, shower and shade of the cabana directly off the beach. It was also great to have plenty of free space for playing in the sand. There was also plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for everyone on the private beach. That said, it did seem kind of awkward with the segregation of the private beach to the main beach (maybe I'm just not used to being on that side of the fence ). The main beach was crowded while the private beach had lots of open space.

 

[weluvMM]

When we sailed in November on the WOnder, we were able to book at the excursion desk right after boarding. Very strange new process

 

[Disney's Fan]

Just wanted to post of my experience in renting a cabana as some of the information was slightly different than was previously posted.

We were not concierge, so would have to wait until we boarded the ship. I had read previously that you could book the cabanas upon arrival on the ship either at guest services or at port adventures, but that was not my experience.

We boarded around 1pm and I went right to guest services. While approaching the line there was someone that was triaging the questions and directing people where to go if it was an easy question. I explained that I wanted to reserve a handicap cabana. I was told that they were controlled by the concierge staff and if there were any available to check back between 5-6.

Given that I thought that Port Adventures was open, I went up there and tried again there. I was again told that they were controlled by the concierge staff but they could put my name on a list and they would call us if we got one. I’m not sure if they said when I would hear. I was happy to be on the list at this point.

Anybody else who has tried to rent one recently had this same experience?

 

[Kaitysmom]

Also curious if there is a difference if you're on the Magic vs Dream? Maybe they're a little freer with allowing reservations on the smaller ships with fewer concierge guests onboard? I'm hoping we can reserve one in a couple of weeks but I'm not sure how easy the process will go as we're not concierge...

 

[kyla]

Anybody else who has tried to rent one recently had this same experience?

Yes, I was on the 1/30 Disney Dream. I tried to book at guest services. they told me they didn't know if cabanas were available but to check back at 5pm. Nothing was mentioned about the concierge staff handling the bookings. I asked guest services to at least put me on a list which they did. I continued to check back late into the evening was no answer. But I did get a note the next day saying we were booked. I went back to guest services to find out more information and couldn't get any. So at that point, I decided not to take the cabana. We were having other problems with guest services, and my hunch told me not to take the booking. I was afraid that the lack of service/mishaps would continue with the cabanas. Fortunately, the 1/30 cruise was around 2000 passengers (compared to the 2/3 cruise at 3800 passengers), so Castaway Cay was emptier than I'm use to. Lots of empty chairs. No crowds. Lots of space for everyone.

 

[Disney's Fan]

Yes, I was on the 1/30 Disney Dream. I tried to book at guest services. they told me they didn't know if cabanas were available but to check back at 5pm. Nothing was mentioned about the concierge staff handling the bookings. I asked guest services to at least put me on a list which they did. I continued to check back late into the evening was no answer. But I did get a note the next day saying we were booked. I went back to guest services to find out more information and couldn't get any. So at that point, I decided not to take the cabana. We were having other problems with guest services, and my hunch told me not to take the booking. I was afraid that the lack of service/mishaps would continue with the cabanas. Fortunately, the 1/30 cruise was around 2000 passengers (compared to the 2/3 cruise at 3800 passengers), so Castaway Cay was emptier than I'm use to. Lots of empty chairs. No crowds. Lots of space for everyone.

Good to know! I'll be going when the DREAM is full, so I really hope to take advantage of a cabana.

 

[lauriegs]

interesting thread - Hope people continue to post their cabana experiences here...I'll be sailing in august and am considering booking one!

 

[Brandis]

Do the cabanas on serenity bay have direct beach access? I saw some pictures and it looked as if the cabanas were located behind the shrubs that line the adult beach.

 

[kyla]

The cabanas on Serenity beach is very close to the beach and water but there is this line of shrub right in front that separate the cabanas from the beach. There might even have been some light fencing there as well. I would think there are some paths leading to the water but I didn't notice any. Sorry not much help but there definitely is that line of shrubs.

 

[Bullseyebaby]

Sounds like maybe they changed the way guests can book the cabanas? I'd like to think that maybe our experience (or lack of an experience) got their attention to change the cabana booking process.

 

[I_am_bob]

We were on the Feb. 3 2011 cruise and reserved a cabana during our stay at Castaway Cay. All I can say is it was well worth the $499. I had my elderly parents and my 3 years old with us. The beach area in front of the cabanas were pretty empty; however, the family beach was crowded and it seems people were on top of each other.

I'm a pretty laid back guy so we didn't expect too much from the attendant. Our attendant was a young kid from the states. He made sure we were comfortable and pretty much checked in on us from time to time. Clearing out the used dishes and replenishing the fridge.

Besides the cabanas are only a short walking distance to Cookie Too and the restrooms. If you really need the golf cart to take you then you would need a motorized scooter wherever you go. It was refreshing to take our lunch back to the cabana and enjoy it without the hustle and bustle of the lunch line.

My parents more or less relaxed on the loungers inside the cabana and didn't even leave except for lunch and to stretch their legs. The enjoyed it. We were able to watch the kid play in front of the beach without having to worry about bigger kids knocking her over into the water.

The other plus of having the cabana is that you don't need to bring the beach towels with you off the boat.

So overall, is the $499 worth it. In my honest opinion given my situation, I'm glad we did it. I booked it last minute, actually that very morning and was able to secure one without trouble. Would I do it again, you bet. Had I known there were beach toys for the kid, I wouldn't have lugged all her beach toys. Never mind the fact that you had floats that you could use without having to rent it.

bob

 

[Bullseyebaby]

We were on the Feb. 3 2011 cruise and reserved a cabana during our stay at Castaway Cay. All I can say is it was well worth the $499. I had my elderly parents and my 3 years old with us. The beach area in front of the cabanas were pretty empty; however, the family beach was crowded and it seems people were on top of each other.

I'm a pretty laid back guy so we didn't expect too much from the attendant. Our attendant was a young kid from the states. He made sure we were comfortable and pretty much checked in on us from time to time. Clearing out the used dishes and replenishing the fridge.

Besides the cabanas are only a short walking distance to Cookie Too and the restrooms. If you really need the golf cart to take you then you would need a motorized scooter wherever you go. It was refreshing to take our lunch back to the cabana and enjoy it without the hustle and bustle of the lunch line.

My parents more or less relaxed on the loungers inside the cabana and didn't even leave except for lunch and to stretch their legs. The enjoyed it. We were able to watch the kid play in front of the beach without having to worry about bigger kids knocking her over into the water.

The other plus of having the cabana is that you don't need to bring the beach towels with you off the boat.

So overall, is the $499 worth it. In my honest opinion given my situation, I'm glad we did it. I booked it last minute, actually that very morning and was able to secure one without trouble. Would I do it again, you bet. Had I known there were beach toys for the kid, I wouldn't have lugged all her beach toys. Never mind the fact that you had floats that you could use without having to rent it.

bob

How did you book it? Were you on Concierge level? Glad it worked out for you.

 

[tsouth]

Can anyone confirm if the cabanas provide sand toys for the kids?

Thanks .

 

[jnsma]

Can anyone confirm if the cabanas provide sand toys for the kids?
.

Yes they do. There are a few buckets and shovels.