Did they think the water was enough?

[laurelew]

Well that's great for you guys, but when can guests use it? Will it be open this weekend?

I will not be at LP until April but I have watched a lot of videos. Based on what I saw the nature trail is a very long narrow loop with two entrances at the top. The entrance that is closest to where you get off the trams has a sign it's closed. The entrance closest to the beach several vloggers found did not have a sign stating that half of it was closed and did walk down the lighthouse. (For something that features prominently in the name the lighthouse was not much to look at, certainly not like those in Northeast America!). I do think there were signs prohibiting them from doing the full loop but you should be able to explore at least some of the nature trail (hopefully).

Take that all with a grain of salt since I have no direct experience myself but it seems like it may be worth exploring quite a bit and seeing exactly what is or is not open for your trip.

 

[kathi]

I will not be at LP until April but I have watched a lot of videos. Based on what I saw the nature trail is a very long narrow loop with two entrances at the top. The entrance that is closest to where you get off the trams has a sign it's closed. The entrance closest to the beach several vloggers found did not have a sign stating that half of it was closed and did walk down the lighthouse. (For something that features prominently in the name the lighthouse was not much to look at, certainly not like those in Northeast America!). I do think there were signs prohibiting them from doing the full loop but you should be able to explore at least some of the nature trail (hopefully).

Take that all with a grain of salt since I have no direct experience myself but it seems like it may be worth exploring quite a bit and seeing exactly what is or is not open for your trip.

I appreciate the feedback and totally understand that it might not be our experience when we get there.

 

[DisneyAuntie12]

Regarding the floats - I thought the floating mats were supposed to be eco friendly? Looks like that's what Coco Cay has. They are way way more expensive, but if it's a deal breaker for people I imagine Disney will add them.

 

[SL6827]

I do believe that Disney will up thier game on this island in the future. DCL is a premium product and I don't think they will want this island to reflect otherwise.

 

[kathi]

WHOGAS?

Well clearly Pachy, many of us who have cruises booked to the Island really care, as is evidenced in the conversations we are having here on the DIS.

 

[CamColt]

You know, Disney just can't win. If there's too much Disney, all we see is whining that Disney is forcing its IP everywhere and that they should go back to the more subtle, light Disney touches. If they go with a more subtle theme, all we see is whining that there isn't enough Disney. You all are impossible.

I'll agree I am one "whining" about the forced IP, especially on the Wish. I want a cruise ship to feel like a cruise ship, not like the Magic Kingdom. However I am not complaining about not enough Disney on LP. From what I've seen that looks like a tropical island, exactly what I want it and expected it to be. While I wont be able to have a valid opinion until I visit in February, there's nothing that I'm complaining about in that regard. In fact, my first thought in seeing videos was I was surprised (relieved?) that there wasn't Disney in your face there. So, I don't think I'm being impossible.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I’m honestly curious then how do you get into a pool on the boat though? There’s no easy entry? That’s one of the things my mother wishes Cruise ships had. I think what they should do is build some type of a walking pier that goes a few feet to thigh height with easy entry stairs going into the water that would make things easy for so many people. My mom can’t get in and out the ocean anymore either though castaway cay was still possible for her.

We call Guest Services and arrange for the Chair that lifts me up from sitting on the deck, over the pool rim and into the pool. DH works the device. This is available on all ships in the adult pool except on the Wish. I have contacted DCL and have learned it will be available on the Treasure.

On the Wish, there are steps and railing that went into two smaller round pools. I was able to get into one of those on CC day. Other than that day, there were just too many kids in the pool for me to feel comfortable.

This is what I was told about the Treasure

Dear Barbara,

Thank you for your email to Disney Cruise Line.

I would be happy to assist you!

We are happy to hear that you had a wonderful cruise on the Disney Magic!

On the Disney Treasure, the pool lift is available at the Quiet Cove Pool. If you need this assistance, please reply back to this email and we can note the reservation.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I'll agree I am one "whining" about the forced IP, especially on the Wish. I want a cruise ship to feel like a cruise ship, not like the Magic Kingdom. However I am not complaining about not enough Disney on LP. From what I've seen that looks like a tropical island, exactly what I want it and expected it to be. While I wont be able to have a valid opinion until I visit in February, there's nothing that I'm complaining about in that regard. In fact, my first thought in seeing videos was I was surprised (relieved?) that there wasn't Disney in your face there. So, I don't think I'm being impossible.

Keep this mindset as they are most definitely going to be changing things up. People don’t pay a premium Disney price to have CLEAR WATER when you can get that on other cruises for a fraction of the price.

 

[DCLMP]

I think that beach is enough. What else do people want?????

 

[Henlady]

It might be enough for me too with a drink and a float but that float part? Not happening. DCL isn't renting them (plastic- environmentalism) and they are on the prohibited list of items to bring with you on the ship so you can't even bring your own.

I can understand the “no floating device” issue. The beach is along “open ocean”. On a floaty you could easily float to far away from the shore. Lifeguards would need to send someone out to retrieve you.

 

[lilmc]

It’s enough for me. Easy, low hassle beach day. I’m good.

 

[Cheburashka]

Perfect.

The water isn’t enough for people. They can literally book any other cruise for that people book Disney for…Disney.

My goodness. The island is so ugly. This is worse than I thought after just reading about it.

 

[Mags2002]

My goodness. The island is so ugly. This is worse than I thought after just reading about it.

It most definitely is not ugly. It is a gorgeous place and I am not saying that because I am a CM. I would chose to visit for a vacation

 

[WB1971]

DCL has their reasons for doing absolutely everything. Most CMs and Guests will never know the reasons. But you do have a choice and if you feel this is not the destination for you, you can choose a different one. Ruminating on the things you do not like probably isn’t a good thing

It’s a discussion board, and this is week one, now seems like an extremely normal time to state how they feel about things. That’s rude to just tell us to not comment and pick another destination.

 

[Cfabar1]

I like the nature focus.

The flies are a problem. The fact that DCL couldn't get a private island and so they have this is also a problem. The pier is quite seemingly unfriendly and a bizarre choice.

That said, if they can fix the flies, I think I am willing to look past the other two things. To me it is all about old fashioned family fun and relaxation and I am so glad they didn't create some kind of Perfect Day at Coco Cay (TM) monstrosity... If the weather isn't too hot, and we feel comfortable with infants doing the walk, might get off the ship and see it on our next Magic cruise. Otherwise, we will stay on the ship and love having fewer people on board.... I mean, who sails Disney for the itinerary??? Isn't it all about being on the big red white and blue boat?

 

[dreamer17555]

It’s a discussion board, and this is week one, now seems like an extremely normal time to state how they feel about things. That’s rude to just tell us to not comment and pick another destination.

And some of us are already locked into vacation plans to the new island and are feeling understandably anxious and for myself, a bit let down. DCL sailings are not cheap. Being told "don't worry about it" doesn't fix the reality of the situation. Of course, we will "make the best of it" but I can still be worried, especially when there is so little for my teen son to do.

I will admit right now I am feeling really foolish for committing to a trip (non refundable airfare, hotels, trip insurance, etc on top of fully paid DCL fare) before waiting for more info...

 

[Mags2002]

It’s a discussion board, and this is week one, now seems like an extremely normal time to state how they feel about things. That’s rude to just tell us to not comment and pick another destination.

I was not being rude and never said don’t comment. I hope people will give it a chance

 

[dreamer17555]

I was not being rude and never said don’t comment. If people think that this will not work for them they absolutely have the choice to choose not to go

Umm... Some of us have non refundable trips booked...

 

[Mags2002]

Umm... Some of us have non refundable trips booked...

When is your cruise?

 

[auntlynne]

Did they think water is enough? I think they read my mind.

At CC, I walk from the ship to the tram stop to go to Serenity Bay. I eat a simple meal there - steak, chips, and a Coke.

Then I put my beach bag down and go into the clear water. I can’t use a lounger, as I can’t get up from it. If I want to take break away out of the water, I sit at the bar overlooking the bay (after they close off the BBQ area with its picnic tables), as it has higher seating.

Ninety minutes of water and sun is enough for me. Any more may be too much.

(For my lifetime, a trip to the beach meant playing in the sand or time in the water - and then back to the car. There was no separation by age, and entertainment was the time at the beach. Even my favorite beach ship excursion is to visit St John’s Trunk Bay when at St Thomas. Ninety-minutes at the National Park.)

Then back to the ship. Again, walking from the transfer stop to the ship.

I would like to know there are some benches; if I stand without moving, I get faint. Please put some in.

I accept the rationale for the long pier. And understand blow-back from those with mobility issues or kids without their strollers.

I do not want authentic culture. I want a Disneyfied experience. Let’s not kid ourselves: Most Westerners don’t want authentic, unless it’s upper class authentic.

What we spend on a vacation would take care of a local family for a long time. Tourists are shown the pretty aspects, carefully selected to show us the music and dance of an area. When is the last time one of us wanted goat meat and some sort of tuber slow simmered to soften tough meat, heavily spiced to cover the gaminess?

And, yes, it’s okay to want a water park. And they are available. Perhaps you can’t have your Disney cruise and Perfect Day at Coco Cay at the same time. It is possible to enjoy both cruise lines. Mix it up and don’t pick a cruise that goes to LC@LP if it’s not for you.

Sorry for those who had hoped for something other than what this beach delivers at present.

Now, about the flies…. that needs a fix.