First CC visit, what should we not miss…?

[Scottishdisneyfan]

Hello! Going on our second cruise, first was the Alaska one on Wonder last year (was actually on board exactly a year ago today), so this will be our first cruise in warm climate etc. With this being our first visit to Castaway Cay, im interested, what do people consider their ‘must do’s’. Im travelling with the boss and our 5 year old son, cabanas are booked out (wouldnt pay that anyway), hes not a confident cyclist so wont be hiring bikes, ive got snorkel gear booked, but what else should we check out? Do you have any wee quirks or things that dont get covered by the vloggers that you like to do?

 

[MomOTwins]

Hello! Going on our second cruise, first was the Alaska one on Wonder last year (was actually on board exactly a year ago today), so this will be our first cruise in warm climate etc. With this being our first visit to Castaway Cay, im interested, what do people consider their ‘must do’s’. Im travelling with the boss and our 5 year old son, cabanas are booked out (wouldnt pay that anyway), hes not a confident cyclist so wont be hiring bikes, ive got snorkel gear booked, but what else should we check out? Do you have any wee quirks or things that dont get covered by the vloggers that you like to do?

I wouldn’t overthink it. It is a beautiful beach, just go early in the morning to get a good lounger and enjoy. The “Pelican Plunge” slides at the second tram stop are fun. If your little one hasn’t been snorkeling before or is not a very strong swimmer I would cancel the snorkel booking and wait to decide on the day if you want to attempt it. The snorkel lagoon is quite far from the shore and if the water is choppy it can be too much for a 5 year old. And they don’t sell out of snorkel equipment so no need to book in advance.

 

[pearljammer]

So I’m uncertain if you have snorkeling booked or merely the masks/fins booked to use on the island? Apologies. This would be a GREAT place to snorkel. The snorkel area is A U shape. I would start at the point closest to the boat as your statues, etc. are on that side. That way, if you get tired, you may see more but can get back to shore. You can likely purchase a snorkel set for what you pay to rent. We bring our own masks and don’t use fins. They provide the vest. They have lifeguards as well in the snorkel area.

There’s almost a jungle gym area in the center of the U that your child may enjoy. I don’t know if there’s really anything you will miss per se. Grab a lounger and relax and enjoy the day. You may find getting a lounger next to an umbrella is helpful; especially if your child decides to nap.

Enjoy, it’s the highlight of the cruises!!

 

[auntlynne]

This is the opportunity to plan nothing - just have a beach day.

There are characters; the timing might be limited. If you are into those photos, grab them while available. I vaguely remember it’s a morning thing, while everyone is dry and fresh.

There is a kids splash zone of some sort. And kids club activities if your family opts that way.

As an adult-only family, I just spend the day at Serenity Bay.

Any interest in seeing the Stingrays? They have a package that includes snorkeling. I hear the snorkeling in the Family Beach can be challenging, but perhaps in the Stingray area it’s easier? You may want to follow up on that if interested.

Snorkeling: There are very few fish in the Family Beach - you are looking at sunken Disney items - a seat from the Dumbo ride, a Captain Mickey…

Pay attention to dining time for lunch. There are no other options on island afterwards.

I would think a pail and shovel in their lovely sand would be great.

 

[MomOTwins]

So I’m uncertain if you have snorkeling booked or merely the masks/fins booked to use on the island? Apologies. This would be a GREAT place to snorkel. The snorkel area is A U shape. I would start at the point closest to the boat as your statues, etc. are on that side. That way, if you get tired, you may see more but can get back to shore. You can likely purchase a snorkel set for what you pay to rent. We bring our own masks and don’t use fins. They provide the vest. They have lifeguards as well in the snorkel area.

There’s almost a jungle gym area in the center of the U that your child may enjoy. I don’t know if there’s really anything you will miss per se. Grab a lounger and relax and enjoy the day. You may find getting a lounger next to an umbrella is helpful; especially if your child decides to nap.

Enjoy, it’s the highlight of the cruises!!

I’m not sure when you last visited the island but I don’t believe this is accurate currently (we went less than a month ago). The snorkel area is fenced in with buoys away from the shore—you have to backtrack all the way to where you started at the snorkel rental hut to exit. Also the platform/jungle gym structure is not within of the snorkel area—it is part of the family beach.

 

[djpflug23]

This is the opportunity to plan nothing - just have a beach day.

I agree with this. We like to get off the ship as early as possible to get some good space on the beach with shade.

The only other thing that we do every time is the 5K. We enjoy running it, but plenty of people walk it as well. It's a nice little workout to start the day, and then we get to relax on the beach. What could be better?

 

[pearljammer]

I’m not sure when you last visited the island but I don’t believe this is accurate currently (we went less than a month ago). The snorkel area is fenced in with buoys away from the shore—you have to backtrack all the way to where you started at the snorkel rental hut to exit. Also the platform/jungle gym structure is not within of the snorkel area—it is part of the family beach.

We were just there last month. Apologies if I mistyped but the jungle gym is inside the U. Not PART of the U as in…not part of the snorkel area. There were 2 areas to enter the “snorkel” area. One on each end of the “family” beach. You can literally swim/snorkel in a U. In the center/middle of the U (if you will) is the ””jungle gym” area which does indeed have a rope separating it from the snorkel area. I did notice the pick up area was different than it was prior to Covid (perhaps due to hurricane damage) but we never rented them anyway.

Simply put, the ”jungle gym” area is INSIDE and the Snorkel U area surrounds this inner swim area. You can’t “swim“ or take floats in the snorkel area. Hope that helps/clarifies.

 

[MomOTwins]

We were just there last month. Apologies if I mityped but the jungle gym is inside the U. Not PART of the U as in…not part of the snorkel area. There were 2 areas to enter the “snorkel” area. One on each end of the “family” beach. You can literally swim/snorkel in a U. In the center/middle of the U (if you will) is the ””jungle gym” area which does indeed have a rope separating it from the snorkel area. I did notice the pick up area was different than it was prior to Covid (perhaps due to hurricane damage) but we never rented them anyway.

Simply put, the ”jungle gym” area is INSIDE and the Snorkel U area surrounds this inner swim area. You can’t “swim“ or take floats in the snorkel area. Hope that helps/clarifies.

Ah, I see what you mean! Yes that’s right. I was worried the OP would think there is easy access to the shore and playground structure from inside the snorkel lagoon if their 5 year old gets tired.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Hello! Going on our second cruise, first was the Alaska one on Wonder last year (was actually on board exactly a year ago today), so this will be our first cruise in warm climate etc. With this being our first visit to Castaway Cay, im interested, what do people consider their ‘must do’s’. Im travelling with the boss and our 5 year old son, cabanas are booked out (wouldnt pay that anyway), hes not a confident cyclist so wont be hiring bikes, ive got snorkel gear booked, but what else should we check out? Do you have any wee quirks or things that dont get covered by the vloggers that you like to do?

CC is the one place I just relax. Rent a floaty, find a chair with umbrella and enjoy the day.

 

[NAB]

There are few small shops on the island one at the beginning of the walk one that has the t shirts etc. Sand toys if you didn’t bring any.

Then there is local gift shop with Bahamian stuff.

Another smaller shop that sells some of the stuff at other shop with more towels ,coverups etc.

Just know that this stuff isn’t sold on the ship so if you want something buy it. You use your key to the world card at them . Not sure about the local shop.

My kids actually like going to the kids club on the island you can drop them off at anytime. It’s just before the first shop. They do treasure digs, and other things with the kids. I believe the activities are listed on the app just like the ship.

Really it’s a great beach day …grab a drink , play in the sand. Go to the buffet at Cookies for lunch or just grab some ice cream, fruit and big chocolate chip cookies.

 

[CamColt]

Just enjoy the beauty of the beach and relax. In 27 visits there I've only parasailed twice and did the stingray adventure once. We also enjoy the BBQ lunch very much.

 

[pearljammer]

There are few small shops on the island one at the beginning of the walk one that has the t shirts etc. Sand toys if you didn’t bring any.

Then there is local gift shop with Bahamian stuff.

Another smaller shop that sells some of the stuff at other shop with more towels ,coverups etc.

Just know that this stuff isn’t sold on the ship so if you want something buy it. You use your key to the world card at them . Not sure about the local shop.

My kids actually like going to the kids club on the island you can drop them off at anytime. It’s just before the first shop. They do treasure digs, and other things with the kids. I believe the activities are listed on the app just like the ship.

Really it’s a great beach day …grab a drink , play in the sand. Go to the buffet at Cookies for lunch or just grab some ice cream, fruit and big chocolate chip cookies.

Agree, the Disney gift shops to us are one we never miss. We usually visit both (one by family beach and one at Pelican Point) just to make sure we aren’t missing anything. Also agree that if you find something you like, get it. Merch changes often (some doesn’t). One fav of mine are the CC Tervis tumblers. Those never get old. Others in the family like the t-shirts. Great fun all around.

Another thing, they do have the soft serve ice cream machines there so you can still get your fill of ice cream on a hot day! Also, you can take your own floats (especially those really cheap ones) and blow them up there instead of renting one. We’ve done this too! If you take the tram from the boat to the beach area, make sure you get to the buouys that are painted with the character faces. Those make GREAT pics!!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

The best thing to do on Castaway is nothing... Such a beautiful place to just relax. Take a stroll. Our littles, when they were little, would build sandcastles. Swim, float (you can rent them), snorkel. Read, nap, have a cold beverage (maybe an adult one). Lazy is our word there. Island time-nothing to do and no place to be. Hope you enjoy!

 

[Scottishdisneyfan]

Some amazing shouts, i think we will be chilling mostly but there are some ideas there that i didnt even know about like the splash pad. We are doing a stingray swim and nurse shark swim in Grand Cayman so not doing it on CC but very excited about those. We may put the wee man into the club whilst the boss and I do the 5k, im building up to some cancer fundraisers to celebrate my dad’s tumour markers going down to 0 so need to keep training, might as well keep it up there too!haha.
My son’s a decent swimmer but if hes not into the snorkelling the wife and i can have a wee turn each of going in the U area and seeing it. We’re not drinkers so not spending much on board the ship so dont grudge the snorkel hire prices too much.
So many great ideas to get us started, i worry one visit to CC we’ll get hooked and want to keep returning.

 

[Mags2002]

Scuttle’s Cove is the kids space on CC and is lots of fun! There will be different games and programs through the day for him to participate in

 

[tink1970]

Some amazing shouts, i think we will be chilling mostly but there are some ideas there that i didnt even know about like the splash pad. We are doing a stingray swim and nurse shark swim in Grand Cayman so not doing it on CC but very excited about those. We may put the wee man into the club whilst the boss and I do the 5k, im building up to some cancer fundraisers to celebrate my dad’s tumour markers going down to 0 so need to keep training, might as well keep it up there too!haha.
My son’s a decent swimmer but if hes not into the snorkelling the wife and i can have a wee turn each of going in the U area and seeing it. We’re not drinkers so not spending much on board the ship so dont grudge the snorkel hire prices too much.
So many great ideas to get us started, i worry one visit to CC we’ll get hooked and want to keep returning.

So happy to hear about your father's good news! As for the Castaway Cay 5K...remember it was be hot and humid-I'm from Florida and don't even bother, lol.

If you have a sweet tooth,I love to grab the lovely large chocolate chip cookies and then sandwich the soft serve ice cream between them...so decadent and I only do this at CC...it's a once every year to 18 months treat.

Relaxing and enjoying your time on the beach with the family is priceless-so not over planning is good. Sitting by the water, floating on a float, watching your little one paddle around are all wonderful and relaxing. Warning-if you enjoy it enough, Castaway can become habit forming!

 

[Scottishdisneyfan]

So happy to hear about your father's good news! As for the Castaway Cay 5K...remember it was be hot and humid-I'm from Florida and don't even bother, lol.

If you have a sweet tooth,I love to grab the lovely large chocolate chip cookies and then sandwich the soft serve ice cream between them...so decadent and I only do this at CC...it's a once every year to 18 months treat.

Relaxing and enjoying your time on the beach with the family is priceless-so not over planning is good. Sitting by the water, floating on a float, watching your little one paddle around are all wonderful and relaxing. Warning-if you enjoy it enough, Castaway can become habit forming!

You know it genuinely sounds like a habit id be ok with forming.

 

[auntlynne]

The 5K is a DIY activity now. Run on your own schedule. Collect medal at the bike rental kiosk, I believe.

Shops - I have seen them closed when I am headed back to the ship.

It’s fairly easy to go back to the ship midday for nap time in a/c comfort. The island can feel deserted the last hour, making it perfect for a nearly-private island experience.

If the little one is in the island club, consider a visit to Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach. The water and view is a different experience (honestly, it would be perfect for children - it’s shallow, clear, pale aquamarine. Little wave action. Like a giant swimming pool, but it has no protection (the giant rock wall) against the open ocean.

Serenity Bay



Family Beach, around 4 pm

 

[DisneyConvert]

I agree with this. We like to get off the ship as early as possible to get some good space on the beach with shade.

The only other thing that we do every time is the 5K. We enjoy running it, but plenty of people walk it as well. It's a nice little workout to start the day, and then we get to relax on the beach. What could be better?

Our in-laws introduced us to how one does "Rope Drop" at CC, but that's another story.

As far as the OP, it might depend if the wee one wants to be part of the Oceaneers Club, which they do hold at CC. Our little guy loved it, and we claimed him, all tuckered out, just before lunch. As he got older, yeah Pelican Plunge . . . and also, we loved renting the bicycles and riding wherever the paths allowed.

But as others have pointed out, it's a very nice place to simply enjoy the beach.

 

[Scottishdisneyfan]

Maybe the club in the morning for the little guy would let the wife and i explore the place, do the 5k and get a snorkel in then get him before lunch and chill in the afternoon. Will be checking out the shops, my wifes wants one of the CC tervis things. Thanks so much for the ideas everyone!!