Castaway tips??

[AP77]

We are first time cruisers going on a 7 night Western Caribbean on Magic. Our kids are 7, 6, & 5. I was just wondering what to expect at Castaway? I heard that there is an area to snorkel there. If we bring our own snorkel gear can we just go in with it? Or is it mandatory to rent it?

Is there somewhere there for little girls to get their hair braided? Cost?

Is there anything else that we should remember to pack/ be sure not to miss out on?

Any tips would be really appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[jlynch924]

How wonderful! There are people who can braid hair on the boat and on Castaway. On the boat, they'll be located on the same deck as the pool. On the island, they'll be on the right side of the walkway (when you're headed away from the boat) just off the sidewalk by the Family Beach. I think it's $2 a braid with special pricing for half and whole head.

You can bring your own snorkel gear. The snorkeling is neat... there's some Disney magic hidden in those waters. Depending on the time of year you're going, it might be chilly in the water (I guess it depends where you're from, as well... for me, a Texan, the water is chilly in December and January). You might consider wearing neoprene suit.

The cookies at lunch on the island are yummy. Grab two and put some soft serve ice cream between them.

If you want a hammock, get off the boat early.

Renting bikes is a great way to see the island.

Enjoy!

 

[Quellman]

Hi, its me again!
It is not mandatory to rent their gear, but it is mandatory to pick up one of their life vests. These are provided for no cost at the rental area for snorkeling in the lagoon. The vests don't have to be inflated, but are bright colors so the life guards can keep an eye on folks.

Pack sunscreen, and lots of it. Also remember to put it on about 20 minutes before you go out in the sun first thing and also reapply. No one wants to be nursing a sunburn while on vacation!

 

[com_op_2000]

Even if you bring your own snorkel gear, you will have to wear the Disney supplied life vests - no charge.

 

[wilkeliza]

Just clarification if you have your own snorkel vest they don't make you take one of theirs. I know some people have the yellow snorkel vest because it came with their set.

 

[RedSox68]

Be prepared for paradise -- such a great place. Rent a bike and drive down the runway -- plus there is a viewing tower from which you can see the ship. Be sure to get a Konk Cooler! No one should leave Castaway Cay without trying one.

Cookie's BBQ is great fun and wonderful food. The first time we took our DD (9 at the time) she couldn't believe we were eating BBQ on an island. The shops have some great stuff. If you get the time right, buy some stamps from the post office. And don't miss getting your picture taken in front of the ship -- great souvenir.

If you are off early, keep an eye out for the characters -- all dressed in their beach gear, and Jack Sparrow. He can be elusive, but great fun to take a picture with.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

My #1 tip is sunblock. Nothing worse than getting a bad burn at Castaway Cay when you're not used to the sun. My wife forgot to reapply and burned badly one time.

 

[Trera]

Rent a cabana............its a great break away from the sun and masses if you need it. Plus you get a nice strip of more private beach to hang out on.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Rent a cabana............its a great break away from the sun and masses if you need it. Plus you get a nice strip of more private beach to hang out on.

Just a heads up though that renting a cabana is next to impossible to do, especially as this is your first cruise. We are Silver with DCL and cannot book anything for almost a month yet cabanas are already fully booked for our cruise.

 

[Trera]

keep checking back. We have gotten cabanas before inside of 30 days!

 

[wilkeliza]

Just a heads up though that renting a cabana is next to impossible to do, especially as this is your first cruise. We are Silver with DCL and cannot book anything for almost a month yet cabanas are already fully booked for our cruise.

Unless of course you are sealing concierge. Concierge puts you even above the platinum members.

 

[RedSox68]

Just my two cents, but since it is your first time I wouldn't waste the money on a cabana. Hanging at the beach and enjoying the water is all part of your first experience. We didn't rent a cabana until our 8th visit. Yes, it was awesome and we loved it -- but the water was freezing that day and it was overcast. So the cabana was a win-win.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

One certain thing to expect on Castaway - you won't have enough time to do everything you want

 

[MaryPatPA]

Castaway Cay is amazing! You and your family will love it. My advice is to stay on the tram until the second tram stop: Pelican Point. Most families hop off at the first tram stop: Scuttle's Cove. My girls had their hair braided and whimpered the whole time...sensitive heads. They loved the braids once they were done but it was painful for them.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

Make sure you rent a bicycle and ride all the way to the end of the road (past Serenity Bay, the adult beach). That is my favorite part of Castaway Cay. It is just so beautiful and serene.

 

[Dug720]

One certain thing to expect on Castaway - you won't have enough time to do everything you want

Just like on the ship!

 

[professorandmom]

Make sure you rent a bicycle and ride all the way to the end of the road (past Serenity Bay, the adult beach). That is my favorite part of Castaway Cay. It is just so beautiful and serene.

and a fun geocache box is at the end of the road past Serenity bay...beautiful spot, I agree!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

and a fun geocache box is at the end of the road past Serenity bay...beautiful spot, I agree!

I tried so hard to find that! Couldn't find it

 

[PurplePencil]

If your kids get their shoulders burnt easily, it wouldn't hurt to wear rash guards, also if they are planning on going swimming out to Pelican Point (The floating play area with slides), keep a careful eye, when a mass of kids are on it, it's hard to spot individual kids

 

[professorandmom]

I tried so hard to find that! Couldn't find it

proof - buried under foliage (note the nifty Disney nail designs)