Confused about Castaway Club Reception

[wombat_5606]

The best "return cruiser" event we've ever had was on HAL. They had a special brunch for us on a specified sea day in a closed off area in the MDR, gave us each our tile, a card and a pin, and presented a wonderful sit down lunch and then gave us a special dessert. I really felt special and it was so nice.

I would like this also. I don't remember this on my last HAL cruise, in 2012. Most likely, just didn't tune into it since we were traveling with my daughter and her boyfriend.

I do wish that instead of giving us a choice of three food items for Platinum to pick from, they would just let us pick something from a larger selection, including something from the store. I just feel that the "free" food items are kinda redundant since we can get fruit and all at any meal. JMO

I totally agree with this. The bubbly is nice, but fruit....no thanks.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I would like this also. I don't remember this on my last HAL cruise, in 2012. Most likely, just didn't tune into it since we were traveling with my daughter and her boyfriend.



I totally agree with this. The bubbly is nice, but fruit....no thanks.

We always get the fruit bowl. We're not drinkers, and the truffles are just too sweet. I know you can get fruit onboard, but the fruit bowl has more than what's typically available (bananas, oranges, apples).

 

[RedSox68]

We always get the fruit bowl. We're not drinkers, and the truffles are just too sweet. I know you can get fruit onboard, but the fruit bowl has more than what's typically available (bananas, oranges, apples).

Thanks. If I can ever afford another Disney cruise, the next one will be my platinum LOL

 

[wombat_5606]

I know you can get fruit onboard, but the fruit bowl has more than what's typically available (bananas, oranges, apples).

Yes, I saw your picture in a previous post, but I get almost all of that fruit on my various desserts/treats during the cruise. It is definitely more special than you're likely to find in a bowl in the buffet line, but I just don't think it's special enough.

I understand why you choose the fruit bowl. I just don't think any of the offerings are special enough.

Honestly, the only thing I'm not going to encounter on the cruise, is the half of a coconut. I do like fresh coconut. What do they give you to make the coconut worth eating?

 

[gotomu212]

I would love the idea of a special lunch spot on embarkation day. They wouldn't even have to do much. Just have the same buffet options in one of the restaurants. Not having to tussle with hundreds of people at Cabanas when juggling your carry on would be heaven. Hand out the rice crispies as people leave and call it a day.

 

[Racer X]

^^^ EXACTLY!!! How hard would that be??! How do we get this up the food chain LOL

 

[Melissa S]

When the receptions are held in the theatre, do they still serve alcohol? Or do they only give out the Rice Krispie treats?

 

[Nala 84]

@ PrincessShmoo: Thank you so much for these pictures! That's the bag I'd love to get in November, I love the style of it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

When the receptions are held in the theatre, do they still serve alcohol? Or do they only give out the Rice Krispie treats?

They have servers with trays of champagne, mimosas, and OJ. As well as some servers with trays of little dessert tastings. Not the savory offerings, however, that we've gotten at the actual receptions in the past.

You get the Rice Krispie treats as you leave the theater.

 

[Bonnie1222]

I would love the idea of a special lunch spot on embarkation day. They wouldn't even have to do much. Just have the same buffet options in one of the restaurants. Not having to tussle with hundreds of people at Cabanas when juggling your carry on would be heaven. Hand out the rice crispies as people leave and call it a day.

You do have the option on the Fantasy to have your embarkation lunch at the Enchanted Garden. We discovered this on cruise #7 last year. It was quiet, you didn't have to fight hoards of people to find a seat. The selection is not quite as big but it was so much more relaxing.

Last November our CC reception on our 7 day WC was in the tube. They passed out drinks, finger food, cookies and we met several crew members. There was a meet and greet with Minnie for pictures and then the Rice Krispie bars on the way out. It was like that the 2 WC cruises tube two years previous as well.

And I liked the burlap bag, I don't use it during the cruise, I keep it in the room to hold all my stuff I buy.

It may upset some, but I wish Disney would reward for days sailed not cruises. I have done 7 seven day cruises and have the same perks as someone who did 7 three day cruises. Keep the current program but bump it up a level with days at sea rewards or something in addition to the current.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You do have the option on the Fantasy to have your embarkation lunch at the Enchanted Garden. We discovered this on cruise #7 last year. It was quiet, you didn't have to fight hoards of people to find a seat. The selection is not quite as big but it was so much more relaxing.

Time was one of the MDRs onboard (Enchanted Garden on the Dream class, Parrot Cay on the Magic class) also served a buffet lunch. This was recently changed (with the elimination of the buffet possibility on the Wonder Parrot Cay to Tiana's renovation). Not everyone wants to "waste" time on embarkation day with a sit down service. I'm sad that the quieter buffet option is no longer available.

 

[Bonnie1222]

@PrincessShmoo that is so disappointing to hear. I really liked it. Although I have to admit it was not very busy, probably because Disney never told you about it, they pushed you to Cabanas.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Rumor? I just heard they were giving the backpacks on the Dream?

 

[gotomu212]

You do have the option on the Fantasy to have your embarkation lunch at the Enchanted Garden. We discovered this on cruise #7 last year. It was quiet, you didn't have to fight hoards of people to find a seat. The selection is not quite as big but it was so much more relaxing.

Last November our CC reception on our 7 day WC was in the tube. They passed out drinks, finger food, cookies and we met several crew members. There was a meet and greet with Minnie for pictures and then the Rice Krispie bars on the way out. It was like that the 2 WC cruises tube two years previous as well.

And I liked the burlap bag, I don't use it during the cruise, I keep it in the room to hold all my stuff I buy.

It may upset some, but I wish Disney would reward for days sailed not cruises. I have done 7 seven day cruises and have the same perks as someone who did 7 three day cruises. Keep the current program but bump it up a level with days at sea rewards or something in addition to the current.

Yep we used to do the sit down too (although sometimes it was a lot more crowded than others). I wish they'd bring it back as a perk and maybe have a few "fun" things on the buffet.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Time was one of the MDRs onboard (Enchanted Garden on the Dream class, Parrot Cay on the Magic class) also served a buffet lunch. This was recently changed (with the elimination of the buffet possibility on the Wonder Parrot Cay to Tiana's renovation). Not everyone wants to "waste" time on embarkation day with a sit down service. I'm sad that the quieter buffet option is no longer available.

Bummer. The embarkation lunch up on deck is crowded enough without adding all the people who used to go to an MDR.

 

[Dug720]

Bummer. The embarkation lunch up on deck is crowded enough without adding all the people who used to go to an MDR.

There is still an embarkation day lunch in a sit-down. It's just not a buffet. Didn't stop people from totally filling Carioca's on the Magic in Feb. (granted, that's where they were trying to funnel everyone, so maybe there were a lot of newbies who didn't know there was another option...)

 

[Bonnie1222]

There is still an embarkation day lunch in a sit-down. It's just not a buffet. Didn't stop people from totally filling Carioca's on the Magic in Feb. (granted, that's where they were trying to funnel everyone, so maybe there were a lot of newbies who didn't know there was another option...)

Actually I prefer the sit down so that would be OK. I just hate the zoo Cabanas is with luggage all over and no place to sit

 

[Dug720]

Actually I prefer the sit down so that would be OK. I just hate the zoo Cabanas is with luggage all over and no place to sit

I guess I've been lucky so far in 4 cruises (2 Dream, 1 Fantasy, and 1 Magic) in that I haven't ever had a problem finding seating in Cabanas. Which is a good thing since there is nothing on the lunch menu that really appeals to gluten-free me for lunch.

 

[mmouse37]

Gotcha.

What other things do people want in their stateroom as a gift?

I'm fine with a bag of some kind, just wish it would change more often.

I will tell you that personally, I don't use the bag while I'm on the cruise. I don't think it is wise to take them on excursions, especially if you do those on your own, which is what I usually do. I don't think you should advertise that you are a cruise passenger on an expensive cruise.

I would be more happy with free laundry(or even just free pressing) or a discount on the wine package rather than a stateroom gift of any kind.

I would love a dedicated place to have embarkation lunch.

I also think Disney could still offer the reception even if the officers did not attend. They could even combine this with embarkation. Past cruisers could go to one of the clubs for cocktails and finger food when they get onboard, like concierge passengers do.

It's just disappointing that Disney is among one of the weakest recognition programs while being one of the most expensive cruises.

I would like to see them return to the lovely beach towels that they used to give as CC gifts. I use those ALL THE TIME. Here is a pic. They could so easily be updated to include the Dream and Fantasy in the other corners.

I also loved when they gave out this huge beach bag...the bottom had a zippered area to keep some things separate and less noticeable.



I would also like some free internet time or some free photos as Platinum perk.

MJ

 

[wombat_5606]

I would like to see them return to the lovely beach towels that they used to give as CC gifts

I love the beach towel! It wouldn't be a big deal to resurrect this. Very nice, especially, for the Caribbean cruises.

Although the bag is nice, I just don't need another one.

I would be much happier with the internet or the photos.